Loving these comments! Also...any punishment suggestions appreciated...though doing on stage will have logistical requirements so not every good idea will be possible :-)
A free-style rap, with topic suggestions from the audience. (I dunno, I'm currently obsessed with Hamilton, although that's been for a while at this point...)
Hey people in the comments. I'd like to ask a favor. Just above this comment, there's a little button that lets you sort comments by "newest" or by "top." Click on "newest" and read a few comments. I've really been enjoying the longer, more thoughtful comments that we're getting on this video.
Zarsla yes it is! There is a little icon with three little lines on the top right side just above the comments and under recommended ^^ click on it and it will let you choose ;)
You know what I like about vlogbrothers? I don't have a favorite brother. There are other channels run by two people that I watch, and I have a clear favorite and will even skip videos by my not-favorite. I don't do that with this channel. I like you and john equally. I didn't even skip videos when you were on paternity leave! Who makes these videos isn't important. I know that no matter what I watch on here, it's going to leave me better than I was before. I'll either have learned something about the world or about myself, or I'll just be in a better mood, or feel hopeful or proud. I never come away thinking I've wasted some time or feeling badly. The content here is consistently good, whether it's thought provoking and deep, or just four minutes of dad jokes and absurdity.
In 300 years students will be studying this channel and videos like this the same way we study historic documents now. I'm glad I can be a (very small) part of something very great.
Actually, probably yes. There are people who study various aspects of human history, and much of it was stuff that the people who were doing it probably didn't realize the significance of. In my theatre history class, we learned that certain ancient Greek plays that we study now weren't necessarily the greatest, but are the only that survived. And there's a Spanish nun, I believe, whose work from hundreds of years ago, even before Shakespeare, only recently became considered historically significant. I have also studied the work of small avant-garde theatre companies who probably have no idea a theatre student in NC is studying them. That said, UA-cam will become an important part of performance history, and the vlogbrothers are a significant channel on UA-cam already, and they created VidCon. Yes, I can tell you with certainty, anthropology and performance studies students in the future will be studying UA-cam and likely this channel.
SunyiSideUp "and if you turn to page 375 class, you'll see Hank Green, THEE creator of VidCon, the most important event that took place in the 21st century. They, along with several 10s of thousands of other creators, made content on a platform called "UA-cam". This will be on your final, so be sure to take notes on both Pewdiepie and the vlogbrothers" God help the future generation if that's what they go to school to learn lmao
I'm not sure exactly when I became a Nerdfighter but somewhere around sophomore year of high school (I'm now a freshman in college) I came across a Vlogbrothers video and I went down the rabbit hole, so to speak. Several hours later I had watched almost all your videos and I realized something that I had never noticed on UA-cam before - I was watching your life. I felt a connectedness akin to friendship with both you and John, as well as the rest of the community. This has only strengthened over the years of regular viewership on this channel, Sci Show, Crash Course, and the many other channels that celebrate learning on UA-cam. It has been a completely transformative experience and I 100% consider this community part of who I am. I totally understand what you mean with the lack of established community in today’s society. I live pretty deep in the woods, so I don’t have any neighbors my age. I understand the community within the church I was raised in, but I’m agnostic so I never felt like I fit in. And boy did I not fit in in high school. I was (and still am) a shy, kinda awkward kid who never had that group of friends one would consider their community. Despite the one sidedness of the relationship, I feel as if you and the other content creators on UA-cam I watch are better friends to me than anyone from my high school. We share the same values and like the same things - something I can’t say about many of the kids from my school. You pulled me through loneliness, anxiety, depression (so on and so forth) that crushed me as an upperclassman. I’m sure I’m not the only person to say that but I can assure you “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Nerdfighteria” resonates deep within my soul with a passionate, reflective, excited appreciation I could never put into words. When I was alone and felt like I had nothing, Nerdfighteria was there to pick me up. I’ve never been much of a commenter but I know that I am still a part of this community. I know if I say “look at this cool thing I did” people in this community would support me. As one of those kids who believed in the diehard individualism of today’s society, this knowledge is so powerful. Not only do I no longer believe that I have to do everything myself, but the support of Nerdfighteria has also returned my trust in others during my day to day life. It has done away with many of my cynical views of the world and shown me evidence of the many, many great things going on today and every day. While it’s interesting to see how you see yourself as another follow of Nerdfighteria there is now denying that you lead us on a communal and individual level. Your music makes me laugh. Your videos make me feel connected to something bigger. Your podcasts accompany me on solo car rides. Crash Course gets me interested in subjects I had never even thought about before. Sci Show continuous astonishes me and my love for science. Sexplanations gives me a sex-ed lightyears better than what I received in high school. The things you do are so much more than mindless entertainment, and I’m beginning to show my parents that. As the structures of community they’re familiar with continually dissolve, you are building new ones. You are literally redefining what a community is. I hope you think that’s as cool as I do. Nerdfighteria is not some lesser subcommunity that I happen to belong to. It’s not a replacement for something I used to be a part of. As a freshman in college I’ve done some honest thinking about this idea, even before this video came out. I grew up in Nerdfighteria and the various other internet communities I associate with. Just like everyone else, my view of society and culture, my personality, and my values are shaped by how I grew up. Nerdfighteria IS a part of me. Nerdfighteria IS my community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for building it.
This comment resonates so much with me! I discovered Vlogbrothers when I was a freshman in high school, and it's played such a big role in making me who I am today. Imagining others complexly is one of my core values, and I no longer believe that cynicism and realism are the same thing. For so long I felt odd that two people I have never met have played such a huge role in shaping who I am, but I think that just demonstrates the power this new form of community can have. All of these wonderful comments were making me sentimental lol so thank you to this community for being awesome.
I used to watch vlogbrothers here and there as I was growing up, but I've gotten very interested in the channel over the past few weeks. It makes me feel attached to people through the loneliness of college during covid. It makes me feel like I'm constantly learning and growing. You both inspire me and give me comfort. I really appreciate how caring you both are with your privilege and power that you have. I hope to be as kind and thoughtful and knowledge-seeking as you both are as I get older. Thank you for everything you do.
Somewhere John says that with this project he was looking to give people "encouragements that aren't hollow", where he defines an encouragement to be the kind of mantra has the sort of excessive positivity that ignores reality in favour of some kind of rose-tinted view of the world - "every child who dies goes to join god in heaven" or somesuch. In other words, they wanted to give hope and a sense of faith in humanity to those who watch their videos. In other words, it feels like those searching for hope during trying times found an archive of the Green brothers' attempts to give that sense of hope over the last 10 or 15 years.
Thank you, Hank and John. I don't necessarily tend to participate strongly in this community, but I feel you have shifted my worldview for the better, in favour of faith in others and hope, over the last few years. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
This video came out when I was 5 and it's weird to think that a community that I'm a part of and feel so connected to didn't *exist* within my memory, or that it was growing and developing at the same time I was. This is such an amazing community, especially since its kept up its awesomeness while growing so large
Just happened to check the newest comments per Hank's advice, and saw this. Loved your video during Hank's paternity leave, and was so glad I checked out your music! :D
"Imagine others complexly" is probably the most important piece of advice needed in the time period we're living in. Thank you for all your incredible contribution to making humanity a better place anyway you can, and using your influence for causes that coincide with your own values. Most of all thank you for being genuine and humble throughout the entire process; That aspect from you, being the de facto leader of the community, really sets a solid model for the rest of the community to act upon. It has influenced me in all my actions and my thinking, from meeting a stranger on the streets to encountering someone who in the past I never thought I'd be able to have any sort of connection with. Don't forget to be awesome :)
This is going to sound sappy and awful but back when I was 25 I had my first child. After a year that marriage had self-destructed and I was a single father. When my son was almost two, I found this channel. I didn't know what to make of it, the creators are talking to each other but also talking to the audience? I thought it was pretty unique but I stayed because the channel had this habit of making me feel better. At a time when everything was wrong and life was hard, I could come here and for some reason I could smile. My son will be 10 in April and I'm glad I found this community.
Gosh, I don't want to be sappy but here is my sappy bit. I love you guys so much. I started watching on a frequent basis back in 2010, after my brother passed away of a drug overdose. It was heartbreaking, and I searched desperately for things that made me happy. Eventually, I came up with a few things that did create a smile, one of those being you guys. So thank you John Green and Hank Green for being one of the things making me smile in my darkest of times. I told this to John when I meant him in Cincinnati for the TFIOS book tour, but you deserve to know too, Hank. I know you most likely won't see this as there are now 1,801 comments, but it is still good to discuss how much impact you have made on me, and I am sure so many others. So thanks, I am glad that you guys are around, and I hope you stick around for years to come.
harrypotterboycrazy I'm so sorry for your loss, but vlogbrothers did the same thing for me once my mom past away. Distractions were always needed and this became a place to learn, smile, and forget some of bad things of the day. Twice a week, I knew I could load UA-cam, and Hank and John would be there. And it's been amazing.
I'm not sure if this was part of the point of this video but can I just say it's incredibly refreshing to hear someone I admire and consider successful admit they have no idea what they're doing. I'm about to graduate in June (with my second Bachelors degree no less because I'm indecisive and confused) and still have no idea what I'm going to "do" with my life. But, I know community is important to me, and I know I'll continue to be a Nerdfighter, and stay passionate about fandoms, and so many other things. So maybe it's okay if that's all I know. The rest will come in due time. Maybe what I seek doesn't exist yet, just like you and John couldn't have predicted 10 years later on vlogbrothers. I'm excited to see what unknown goals we accomplish in the next 10 years. dftba, friends.
thewinterizzy totally unrelated but I saw this comment and I realized I recognized your icon from Tumblr and I've been following you for a while! so hello! fancy running into you here !
I'm going into my second semester with a similar "problem"; I have a million interests, I can't possibly nail down a single one! I like to look at it as an adventure, though. No matter what, I want to learn about everything, explore everything; eventually I'm certain that the right path will present itself, but in the meantime (and probably even once I've found my path) I intend to have fun and simply absorb whatever life has to offer me in terms of knowledge and know-how. In my opinion, the experience, the understanding, and the skills are what matter, not the end-goal, for I intend to build a better, smarter me who can take on anything, not just a girl who gets in and out and works herself to death.
It's hard. I've been trying to focus more on the positive things going on in the world. They might be a little hard to find but when they come I try to pay more attention as of late.
The first comment I ever made on a vlogbrothers video (less than a year ago, which was really my first comment on UA-cam) was asking how many vlogbrothers videos there are in total. I got one response, from John, saying about 1500. Not another viewer, but the creator of the video. It's a system that I feel most audience-viewer relations on this website lack nowadays, and I'm so glad that you two still maintain it. (You've responded to my comments as well, Hank.) It's a small portion of what makes this community brilliant, but an integral one. I've been a nerdfighter for two years now, (even though I did watch a vlogbrothers video when I was eight) and of about nine years of watching stuff on YT, this was the group of internet people that made me want to interact, and that made me feel like a part of something. Hopefully this oversimplified comment reaches someone. Happy New Year Hank. Have a 2017.
Just had a fight with my brother in which he told me I'm immature for getting excited about so many things. Came out of it feeling like crap. Then I opened up UA-cam and watched this and Hank reminded me why that trait is so important and so good to have in life. This is the amazing effect that the community has! Thank you, Hank :)
Thank you for the brilliant video, Hank, and thank you and John, as well as the rest of Nerfighteria, for giving me a home on the internet. At a time when I'm finding deep human connection irl to be difficult, this community has given me so much to connect with. Your videos have taught me hope, wonder, curiosity, and empathy, and made me a better, more thoughtful person overall. The kindness and generosity of Nerfighteria has nourished me when little else could. 5 years after this video was posted, I am here. And so are many awesome, beautiful people. Never change, y'all. DFTBA
I set out to watch every vlogbrothers video in order, and I've now watched a decade worth (over the course of several months). It's been a trip y'all, and I'm on the home stretch. I'm just incredibly grateful that this channel exists, and for all of the wonderful things that have happened as a result.
I was 9 when Vlogbrothers became a thing. I didn't start watching until this year. Before this year, the only thing John Green was to me was, "that guy who wrote all those sappy romance books that all the girls read in high school." Hank Green, well, to him I would have said "Who the eff is Hank?" Now I've read all of John Green's books and loved every page of them. I have a poster with a quote from John on my wall (and may order another soon), am a watcher of Sci-show, a religious listener of Dear Hank and John and I went back and watched all the brotherhood 2.0 videos, first to understand the wonderful place we called Nerdfighteria better, but then just because lets be real, John and Hank are awesome. In a year that was extremely rough for us all, my discovery of Nerdfighteria was on of the brightest spots for me. The fact that a community like this exists and has existed and grown for so long, is something that frankly I didn't think the internet was capable of creating on such a large scale. It really does give me hope for the future of the internet and the world. It also served as a reminder of the fact that humans are still capable of tremendous good. I participated in the P4A this year and it was easily one of the best things I have ever been a part of. So to Nerdfighteria and Nerdfighters around the world, even though we likely will never meet. I love you for what you've made, what you are, what you've done and what we will continue to do long into the future.
The collapse of traditional community structures is something I also have been interested in and worried about. I have a BA in Economics and a Masters in Public Administration/Public Finance and I've been working in local government politics and government for a few years now and I can say the absence of something that ties a city or region together is noticeable. There isn't a place for people to interact on a level playing field. Everyone is so isolated from the rest. Religion used to be the glue but that ship has sailed (as an atheists that did 13 years in Catholic school I'm OK with that) but its absence has not been filled. I'm still trying to find a way for a city to artificially create a community feel but with the distrust in government at such a high it is a struggle. p.s. Why do people confused local government with their hate for state and federal? We are trying our best!... well some of us are.
I wish we could find a way to bring our local communities together better. As another Catholic-school-student-turned-atheist, sometimes our society outside of work places and small circles of local friends feels so disjointed, especially outside of the religious sphere. Much of the struggle of finding an outside group of people who want to build something new together comes from the fear of reaching out, something that technology has helped us dodge that bullet with and lessened the social skills of the vast majority of people. I've noticed this within Millennials my own age who don't know how to socialize and would rather hide behind a screen than interact with one another in the open. There needs to be a bridge, something that brings that lack of fear when sitting in your room behind a screen and pulls you into the real world. Pokemon Go did a decent job of that when it first launched, pulling people out of their homes and to parks and public places to interact in a real and meaningful way with strangers. I, sadly, am not creative enough to figure out how to do that on my own. Maybe other Nerdfighters have some ideas for how to drag us away from the internet?
I started watching vlogbrothers videos in January or February 2012 and I kind of felt that I was late to the party and there were so many inside jokes I was missing. And now, nearly five years later, nerdfighteria seems like something that's always been there
Allison H I feel you. I started watching youtubers as a way to boost my English listening abilities around 2011 and I felt like I was excluded from everyone's jokes but now it's like I've always been watching them. It's a weird sentiment.
+Allison H I felt that way for a long time (and kinda still do a little sometimes). I started watching somewhere between mid to late 2014, and kind of without noticing (until I saw your comment), I think I've finally gotten to a point where I feel like I've always been here and can actually call myself a nerdfighter, just in the last 6 months to a year.
I feel exactly the same way! I started watching in early 2015 and I considered myself a viewer but not a part of Nerdfighteria until recently. Such a great feeling.
Allison H I joined in late 2008 and felt late to the party! I missed all the 365 daily vlogs of brotherhood 2.0 and had to go back! I was jealous of the people who got to jump in on that first year.
I haven't been here all ten years. I didn't read any of John's books until I saw a signed 1st edition of The Fault in Our Stars at Kroger and decided "What the hell, why not?" Started reading it that night, and by sunrise, I closed the book with tears still in my eyes and an urge to find out more about this John Green dude. Discovered Vlogbrothers. Binge-watched that. Read Looking for Alaska, which immediately became my favorite book, ever. That book taught me how to accept a lack of closure that had been a huge obstacle in my ability to move on in life. Read Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines. More importantly, I joined a community, in Nerdfighteria as a whole, but especially in the Adult Nerdfighters Facebook group. Those people are my people, more than any other community I'm a part of. I started the Nerdfighters Who Love the Mountain Goats Facebook group. I started reading Looking for Alaska every January (starting my fourth read-through on the 10th). This community, and this worldview of imagining others complexly, remembering to be awesome, and reducing worldsuck has made me try to be a better person, and it's made me understand that other people are trying to be better people too. So thank you, Hank and John. You guys have changed my life, and you've started something that's made me want to change myself and the world for the better. DFTBA in the next ten years. Love, Gwyn
SAP ALERT: I started watching vlogbrothers right before my freshman year of high school. I was going through a pretty hard time then and struggled with my sense of self a lot. You guys helped me realize that it's okay to be "unironically enthusiastic" about things I really like, even if those things weren't "cool" or "popular." I'm now a sophomore in college and that lesson you taught me helped me make some of the best friends I will ever have, and chase crazy dreams that are looking less and less crazy every day. It's kind of hard to explain in one UA-cam comment everything you've done for me, so I'll just say this: thank you for helping this weirdo out by letting her know how important it is to be herself.
Guys, you all and this community gave me a place when I had lost mine, and a sense of direction where I had none. I've built so much of my adult self around this community and your values. Thank you
Thank you both for everything you've done for all of the Nerdfighters over the last ten years, and for reminding us that if you want to be a good person, you are
I found you guys in July 2007 and there hasn't been a turning back. I'm incredibly proud of everything you've accomplished since then but I've also enjoyed how you guys haven't forgotten or taken the community for granted. I found you at a time when I really needed it and I know my life wouldn't have been the same without it. It gave me a permission I didn't realize I was looking for to be nerdy, weird and completely embrace all of those things high school usually shames you for. You're awesome and I thank you for these amazing ten years. Thank you for all that you do and everything you will do, but mostly, thank you for being yourselves and allowing us to see you grow as people as well. DFTBA!!!!
Finding this community almost 3 years ago was such a random thing. My friend showing me a single Mental Floss video one time literally changed my entire life. Wow that's crazy. I don't know who I'd be if I had never found Nerdfighteria and come to identify as a Nerdfighter. I discovered who I am when I found this community. The first time I ever heard the word "Nerdfighter" spoken in one of the first vlogbrothers videos I ever watched, I remember thinking "I don't know what that is but that's me. I am that," and I have had such a wild ride as I continue to define what being a Nerdfighter means to me. I am so thankful for John and Hank and everyone who has been a part of this community and helped to make it what it is. I can't even begin to describe what Nerdfighteria means to me. I wouldn't know where to start.... Just... Thank you. So here's to 10 more years of doing awesome things with awesome people. DFTBA and Best Wishes to all
Autumn Riley It's interesting to me because I have almost the exact same story as you and feel the same way toward the community. Not only am I thankful for Hank and John, but for also all of the Nerdfighters who make the community what it is and help me remember who I am and how to be that. So thank you to YOU! DFTBA!
I love this video, and I love how positive Nerdfighteria is. Even though I don't spent a lot of time involved in this community other than watching vlogbrothers videos, it makes me happy to know that NErdfighteria brings people so much joy and comfort and meaning.
This video says exactly the things I've been trying to explain and understand for the last few years. I'm a young person, and I've only become a Nerdfighter (still so proud to say that) in the last year. Being able to become part of this little community has given me a slight remedy for the unnameable problem I've been facing - and the problem I believe many people are facing, without realizing it. I'm an individualist, for sure, but working by yourself can only take you so far. There's a certain kind of loneliness and purposelessness that comes from trying to work towards great things all by yourself, without people who love what you love, people who have other perspectives on your work, people to help and inspire and uplift you, and people to do that for. I want to do so much in this world, but trying to tackle the whole world of opportunity by myself is daunting, to say the least. I want to write books and inspire people, to help turn the tide that's causing wonderful, brilliant people to live in poverty, and to change methods of education, and to discover and help work on problems I don't even know about yet. To do that all on my own, I'd have to be immortal, probably, and tireless, and the source of my own inspiration. Facing this - the hopes and aspirations, and the inevitable improbability of it all - is awful. Many of the people I know just decide to become satisfied with not having dreams, but I could never do that. It's being stuck between infinity and impossibility. Being able to be part of this community has begun to help me see one version of a solution. It's helped me be a little more hopeful for the future. This is one of the first youtube comments I've ever posted. I tend to stay quiet. But the vlogbrothers videos have given me a reason and a hope for speaking up. So thank you!
wow! As another young person who also watches a lot of these videos, but is unable to show up to these events, and tends to stay mostly quiet 🤐 . . . . . Well put! and also thank you for being inspirational yourself! 👏👍🐼
I kind of want to cry, the way you put that was really beautiful. It’s motivating to hear someone so blatantly stubbornly hopeful in the face all the problems our generation has to fix. Thank you, I think I needed to hear what you wrote.
I think what you wrote about being “stuck between infinity and impossibility” will stick with me for a long time. Thank you for articulating what you feel and sharing it. I feel it too.
I am coming to NerdCon Nerdfighteria in Boston. I have a lovely severe social anxiety disorder. Traveling to California by myself for VidCon was a huge step and now I get to go to Boston (I'm from Florida). I don't even have a proper coat! But I'm going to do it because this community is important to me. I'm going to do it because philanthropy is important to me. I'm going to do it because you and John and the other Nerdfighters help me to remember that there are still people in the world who care about others; that there is, indeed, still hope; and that even a person with social anxiety can find comfort being anonymous in a crowd of kind, caring people. I am scared to come. I am already afraid. But I'm going to do it. I'm going to go through TSA, talk to the airline attendant, risk saying hello to the person sitting next to me, arrange for a cab, check into the hotel...all those social things that make me cry. I'm going to do it and I'll be stronger for it because I know the community will be there for me. Hank, I met you in VidCon this last year. It was wearing a purple badge (I bought community and creator badges because I wanted the chance to meet you). And I did! And you yawned and I said, "Oh, you're so tired!" and you said, "It's just a yawn, it's thing people do". And I felt like...Yeah. We are all just people. It inspired me. It helped me. So thank you for that. Earlier this year, I also traveled, 6 hours by car, to meet and watch Dan and Phil in Jacksonville, Florida. Again, community helped me to work through my social anxiety. And the hugs I got from Phil and Dan made it all worthwhile. So thank you for Nerdfighteria. And thank you for inspiring Dan and Phil and their community as well. Between these two communities, I have grown so much this past year. I look forward to waving at you and everyone else in Boston. Or maybe even saying Hi. We'll see how brave I'm feeling :) --- Jenny
I actually started watching Vlogbrother videos in late 2008 when I was 17. I'm about to turn 26, so obviously, a lot of things have changed in my life. One thing has been constant and that's the Nerdfighter community. I love the people here and of course, I love Hank and John. As much as I've wanted to it's never been financially possible for me to go to one on the big gatherings. I'm hoping sometime in the near future I will be able to do. Thanks for everything you guys do and DFTBA.
Okay, taking a break two minutes into this longer-than-usual video to say one thing: Hank Green (and John, because yeah), I freaking love you and everything you've done. Thank you both.
Vlogbrothers was the first channel I remember watching on a regular basis on UA-cam. I remember being 10 and moving halfway across the country and being nervous and scared in a new school. I'd come home to Hank and John and all of the community and feel like I had friends. A lot has changed in 10 years, but one thing stays the same, when I want evidence of the good of humanity or just to know that people can make a change, I come back to Vlogbrothers. This community of Nerdfighters has made me less alone in the world and has been a source of light in what can sometimes look like a very dark world. Thank you for that. I am deeply greatful. DFTBA
I've been watching you guys since I was 9 years old. This community has given me a home, even during times of intense bullying. I'm 19 now. Thank you, brothers Green.
I have only been part of this community for 2 years, but in those years you two have drastically changed my life. You guys have made me think, and changed my view of the world. I am now more considerate for other peoples believes, even though i am totally against them. Most of all I imagine others complexly, i used to look at groups, or at one thing of a person, now i look at that persons life. I am now, because of you, a more forgiving and understanding person, and it drastically changed my life, but also the lives of the people around me. I thank you for all of that and even more.
Dear John and Hank, I found your videos when I was about 11, and in 6th grade (I am now 18 in my senior year of Highschool) and I can very honestly say, though this is cheesy, that Vlogbrothers and the Nerdfighteria community around it helped me pull through a hard and dark time in my life. I think specifically the small sub-communities of nerdfighteria are what make it so special. The "Nerdfighter's fighting hard!" Facebook group (for Nerdfighter's with chronic illnesses) helped me through multiple chronic illness diagnosis's in my sophomore year of Highschool. They helped me when the doctors had no idea what was wrong with me, they helped learn how to stand up for myself and get the best patient care, they helped me through testing and shared their experiences so I wouldn't be so scared, and most importantly of all, they taught me how to live my life post-diagnosis. All of them showed me that my illnesses didn't have to define me, but I also shouldn't be ashamed of asking for help when I need it. The amazing people from a tiny corner of the Nerdfighter community taught me how to grieve the person I used to be so I could become happy with the person I am now. I go back and read those posts and I was just a sad, terrified 15 year old who thought her life was over, but they showed me that I wasn't alone. You two and the community you built gave me a home. So thank you, John and Hank, from the bottom of my heart, because I'm not scared anymore.
I have been watching your channel since I was 11, and yes hank I can now drink legally in just a few short months (what?!). I have followed a LOT of channels over the years. Most I have phased in and out of, and some of the people I used to watch simply moved on. As I have gotten older my tastes have changed and I have become a much different person then I was at 11. My first video I ever watch of yours was "Accio Deathly Hallows" after you guys talked on "Pottercast" that seems like a million years ago now, but I went back from there and watched all of your videos. You are the only channel that I think I can honestly say I currently watch and I have seen every single one of your videos. I don't say all of this to sound like I am a more devoted or true nerdfighter then those who started watching your videos yesterday, but it is so wonderful to have something like this that has been in my life for so long and is both nostalgic while still being present. Sometimes I still get comment replies from videos I posted on years ago and it makes me smile to think a new nerdfighter has gone into the archives. I wont be able to attend NerdCon, but I have gotten to attend nerdfighter events in the past and they have been absolutely amazing. Heres to 10 more amazing years!
I've only been part of this community for a couple of years but I've felt so welcome and so involved with this and I think its great. Thank you for this
I've been watching for 10 years. Vlogbrothers was the jumping point for so many amazing things I've done with my life, and I hope that even though it's not the same show it was 10 years ago and it's not the same audience as it was 10 years ago, people are still inspired to go out and be awesome
So, I'm gonna be honest, I don't know if I just haven't been apart of this long enough or if I just don't get attached to things that easily but I don't really feel like I'm apart of nerdfighteria or this little community, at least not in the enthusiastic way you explained in this video, and I'm not gonna say watching these videos has changed my life or made me a significantly better person BUT I will say that I very much enjoy the couple times a week I can sit down and laugh at you lovable brothers or listen to your podcasts while I clean. I have had some deep thoughts and have maybe changed or widen my perspective on a few things that I might not have before. So, for those few things that are probably extremely small in the grand scheme of my life but that I have very much enjoyed, I want to say thank you and congratulations on ten years and as long as you continue to make content I will continue to consume and be thankful for the Green brothers.
When you look right into the camera and said the words, "thank you for being my leader," it hit me so hard and affected me so much I almost started crying. I don't know why it's affected me so personally. I guess as a homeschooled teenage girl who no one thinks much of, I've always felt hidden even in this beautiful community full of intelligent people I've called my home. To think even in some small way I may have affected this community means the world and the universe to me because like everyone I've just wanted to know that I helped make something that can affect the world. I know it's so typical to the point where it probably sounds cliche coming from me, but it's true and I'd rather be typical and cliche but real than lie and be unusual. I just love this community so much. You guys make me feel in my heart and soul like I mean something and you challenge me to look at the world in different ways and to explore different aspects of life. You teach me to be creative when approaching the world and encourage me to open my mind. Nerdfighteria is everything to me because it's what keeps me growing.
I just want to say that I'm really appreciating your guys' videos and philosophy regarding community. I first heard you guys talking about it on John's video about AFC Wimbledon, and i've probably come across others that touched on the topic since then too... But I'm glad I found this one because it really lays out community as a guiding focus for you two. I think that's super duper cool! The value of community / the pitfalls of individualism have been on my mind recently, but I hadn't quite put the name to the problem I was seeing. I am very interested in where we are all going to go from here, and I just wish more people would attempt to engage with the world as thoughtfully as you two do! I studied climate physics in college. Something about how the movement of a particle is subject entirely to external forces and what’s going on around it, reminds me of individual people trying to live as part of a society that they have very little direct control over. I'm starting my masters now, and hoping to focus on learning about, and alongside, people. No more governing equations, just people. Community --and working for each other rather than for ourselves-- is our way forward.
I've been watching for nine years- in that time finished middle school, went to high school, and now I'm getting ready to graduate from college. At times I've been a rabid vlogbrothers and at others I've gone months without watching a video. I want to say thank you. Your positive videos promoting creativity have helped me in many ways through this year. I love this community and I can't wait to see what 2017 holds for us.
I'm more of an observer of this community than an active participant. The only action I'm involved in is advertising your channel to every english speaker I know. But boy do I feel like a nerdfighter! My experiences generally led me to believe that I can only trust in myself, but this community makes me believe in people over and over again. When I forget how to be awesome you're always here to remind me. All the love to you, Hank and John! And to you, Nerdfighteria
I have been watching since 2007 - and it really does astound me that you guys are technically part of my childhood. I cannot thank you enough for how much you have shaped my mind, at a time when I was very young I had very very busy thoughts and lots of imagination but stuck disabled in the countryside with very limited friends I was always bored, and a lot of the time frustrated, bitter and angry as a result but you guys allowed me to express myself and learn to critically think about the world around me in new ways. It gave me a routine, something to look forward to grow and learn, to reflect on. I've loved every moment. I have pretty much always been a lurker, I was never part of the conversations or projects or meetups, I participated in the p4a, I filled out the census, I listened to music and read books, one time on a livestream I got John to say 'NO I'M NOT SHOWING YOU MY SURGERY SCAR' and I watched side projects but I don't want to punish myself for not being active enough. Because I cannot tell you the profound effect on me you've had growing up, I am 21 now and I would not be the same without you guys. Thank you, sincerely from england. dftba.
I discovered this channel when I was in my final year of college (the UK version of college, not the American one), and in two days, I'm going to start my final semester of medical school. Though I have dropped in and out of watching your videos, I will always remember this channel as being my gateway into UA-cam, as well as my go-to when all the other aspects of this website make me nauseous lmao. You guys promote such important values that are often forgotten in the online world today, and I appreciate them more now than I did four years ago when I first started watching. So yeah, I don't normally comment on videos but I thought I would on this one. Thanks, Hank and John. You've made a Malaysian nerd very happy for a while now. I'll see you two in 2017.
I've been watching this channel since I was nine years old and since March 2007, I don't think I've missed one since. I'm a lot older now (we all are) but I think growing with this community was a good thing-not the best thing or an extremely impactful part of my teenage years-but a good thing nonetheless. Saying that though, now that I can move around freely and say with some certainty that my life is now my own, who knows what Nerdfighteria might end up doing to me. People have gotten married over this thing, had children who have grown ten years old in a community that, for the most part, believes in the complexity of people and people's right to that complexity. I don't know what the future holds for any of us but I would like to think that, just as the last ten years have been good for me and humanity in general, so too can the next decade. If we try hard and if we work for it. And maybe with a great deal of luck, despite all that the world might throw at us. I don't often comment on the videos anymore but re-watching this one makes me feel very much connected to what sometimes feels like a very large and unwieldy community (it used to be a lot smaller and weirder. Also I think there used to be video responses to things and I really miss those. I hope I didn't dream them). You were both lucky, which we all have seen multiple times, to be in the positions you were in 2007 to make this series. We are also lucky to both be watching and, for the most part, to have time to enjoy ourselves by expanding our minds a little. Here's to the next decade everyone, D.F.T.B.A. T.B.C.
This video is beautiful, and it really helped me get into the Chanukah spirit, which has been a little elusive to me this year because my work schedule. Despite that, it's actually been a really, really good Chanukah since the first day was on Christmas eve, and the last will be on New Years day, so we actually get the important days off! This is one of the few communities that I can fully be myself in, and I'm thankful for it. I've always loved being part of it, my only wish is that I had joined it sooner. I can't believe it's been 8 years since I started watching these videos. Congratulations on this milestone, Hank and John, and HAPPY CHANUKAH EVERYONE!!!!!
Didn't start watching until I was 14, but I can now get drunk this year :) Vlogbros means so much to me. When I found that first video, I went back and watched 3 straight years of videos and have never missed a video since (to my knowledge). Even though I've changed and now don't really identify with the fandom communities that nerdfighters are associated with, I like being a nerdfighter. I like that this community engages people of all different interests and walks of life.
I first came to vlogbrothers from "Accio Harry Potter" and the general HP fandom in 2007. I was 13. There were some years in this past decade when I only intermittently kept up with Nerdfighteria, but for a long while now it's been an important part of my life. Your community took me through middle school, high school, college, and now into graduate school. It's been so much for me: inspiration, encouragement, challenge, education, amusement, solace. When I was alone in a foreign city on Easter, I found the irl Nerdfighters there and had brunch with them. When I was worried about my final exam grades, Project for Awesome antics like Butfarman kept me laughing. When I thought I was inconsolable after Trump's election, I came to John's video and was, somehow, consoled. Thanks Hank and John. And thanks also to everybody in this community. Nerdfighteria has truly enriched my life.
I love the nerdfighteria community so much. I’ve been a nerdfighter for over four years now. I met my best friend because of it. I’ve learned so much from you and John and all of the wonderful people in this community. MUCH LOVE ❤️
This is truly one of my favourite videos because I'm pretty new to nerdfighteria but this community is so strong and amazing and its really cool to think that two brothers who wanted to keep in touch made such a vibrant community filled with people who strive to understand the world around them to the fullest of their abilities its awesome
hey, it's been five years. i have no idea when or where people of this community will gather together again, but i'll work my butt off to be able to have an option to go. it's really hard, believe u me. but i wanna. also. hopefully i'll feel myself to be a part of u lovely folks soon enough. warm hugs and nice things, hedgy
thank you hank. not sure about other young people, but this hit me pretty hard. not till you pointed it out did i realise that i've always sort of been thinking as an individualist. it's always been really hard to find anywhere i think i belong, and i don't think i'll ever find that - and a lack of trust in community structures and social structures in general (religion, societal priorities) makes it really hard to trust people. mostly what hit me was that a realisation you're right, and one of the reasons i've been feeling down for a while now is that individualism leaves you pretty destitute and alone when you don't like yourself very much at all. i just wanted to say that hearing your rational and passionate voice, and your take on things has always been one of the things that brightens my day. you remind me that there are people who i can trust, who are caring, passionate, and more intelligent than i could ever aspire to be. it's pretty easy to get caught up in hubris a lot of the time. anyway, would love to hear about what you think gives life meaning when people (often with good reason) forsake traditional social structures - or, even better, how i might go about finding that meaning for myself. loved the video as usual, happy new year hank. you've build something truly incredible, and i hope you and your (newly enlarged) family have an incredible year ahead.
Wow. I never thought... I never thought that finding myself in order to be happy was framing the problem wrong all along. Thank you so much for this comment.
First off, in the last 3 years of being a nerdfighter (oh god it feels good to say that! Wow! I've been here 3 years!) the single most communal moment I had over that time period was also the only time I went to an event IRL. I went to see you guys play music in San Francisco last year, and I felt something very special, singing along with so many other people who had found goodness via the internet. But, second, that single night in San Francisco *PALES* in comparison to the slower accumulation that has happened over the last three years of watching your videos (and listening to pods, and reading books, and reading twitters, and watching snaps, etc). Over the last three years, nerdfighteria at large has shaped my actual way of thinking and questioning the world....... I make a mental note of it every time that i use the word "complexly", which is a lot these days, probably a few times a day. That's the actual way that I've been effected most by this community--and it happened over *years*. I hope that eases a little of your fear, hank, about this channel being about two internet celebrities. Was I so excited to meet you in San Francisco that I had to practice my words? Yes. But that still can't touch the slow accumulation. Cheers.
I think I have a story similar to many nerd fighters. I found you guys 6 or 7 years ago and I was only in middle school. This was a really vulnerable time in my life and I can say your philosophy helped me get through bullying, grief, stress and depression. More importantly, your philosophy has deeply influenced my view of the world. Viewing others complexly seems to me a solution for many of the problems we have today. It helped me form some life goals of working in human rights, and has helped to increase my passion of service to others. by this point I'm babbling but I really just want to say thank you. You guys rock - all of you.
Thank you for this - This community has given me the most amazing feeling of being so very grounded, yet always inspired to fly. From my 12 year old self 10 years ago to my 22 year old self now - Nerdfighteria always feels like home.
I really enjoy being apart of the Nerdfighter community. I've learned so much whether it's education from Crash Course and Sci-Show to wisdom that I've learned from your vlogbrother videos. It's nice to be around people who are nerdy like me. I really do appreciate everyone in this community because I really do love it here. Thank you for all that you two do! 💙Love you guys!! 💙
The nerdfighter community means so much to me, it's hard to explain. I've met so many wonderful people, both on and offline, thanks to Nerdfighteria. I'm so grateful to have found a bookmark in the back of my used copy of An Abundance of Katherine's suggesting that I check out this channel. (So, I guess thanks to my cousin for not returning my original copy.) I met Hank at a concert in 2014, a few months after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Hank has been someone with IBD that I look up to, but at that time I was really not accepting of my diagnosis. It was such an awkward moment, and it was weird seeing someone that didn't know me look so sad about the way I briefly addressed my disease, but I sort of understand it now. I don't know, it's just been so wonderful to have two fantastic people to come to when the world seems a little bit too dark. That's what I get from Nerdfighteria, and what I think Hank and John inspire in all of us. To be more of a light. Okay I'm done rambling I guess. DFTBA
I really do love and appreciate you making this video, Hank. A big reason why I joined the community back in...oh god, 2007??? was because of how frank and open you and John were about the community - about it being a dynamic experience between the community members and you both as the voices of the community. Because I sort of feel as thought that's more of what it is? You don't need to have everything down or set in place. I'm frankly happy that you don't - you don't let this community exist as a dead dogma or an idea running solely on inertia. You keep figuring out what works and what doesn't and I and obviously a whole community of individuals are appreciative. You and John help guide a lot of thought processes, but you do what proper "leaders" should - you integrate feedback, you engage in open dialogue, and you're fairly transparent about so much involved in nerdfighteria. And I value that. I respect that. And I'm grateful for that. So again, thank you. For everything you do and for opening these discussions.
I just think if we all realised a little more about this in our lives, how our fandoms and on tumblr or just friends can actually be a building block for us to have a community, to join together and do something, and that alone is something important to change the world for the better. And more often than not, it just starts with listening to one other person and having one other person listening to you.
You two have become the role models that I needed in my life. It's because of you two that I've been able to grow as a person and not stagnate because I lacked the courage to go out there and do something. Ever since I've started watching your videos, you've been there when I needed advice or distraction in one form or another online. I can't imagine being who I am without being a nerdfighter. You've given a lot to me and I hope that I can give to other people in return. You guys are awesome for admitting your mistakes, trying to better yourselves from your biases, and are very accepting of all sorts of people. Thank you so much for being you and I hope you will continue to make videos and not change except from personal growth for many more years to come.
I have been watching your videos for ten years! I was an ardent reader of Sarah Dessens blog and she mentioned you soon after you started. I watched those first few and have never stopped. I must say, in all that time I've never taken on the identity of a 'nerdfighter', I rarely comment and I don't consider myself part of the community you have here. Despite that, I really appreciate your thoughtful and intelligent content. Thanks for continuing to produce it for this long. It enriches lives in many different ways.
prior to finding nerdfighteria, i was an anti-social weirdo who had a really hard time in school because of my inability to socially connect with my peers. i first found the vlogbrothers three and a half years ago and i am incredibly grateful for this community. i like many others grew up on the internet and you are right in that it has played a significant part in our growth and development as human beings. nerdfighteria by way of the internet has provided me with a safe haven to be my weird self and figure out a lot of things in my life. i created the first and only Nerdfighter Poets group on Facebook and it's absolutely amazing that i get to share my words and read others' brilliance in an environment that feels safe. i realised it was okay to not do things the normal way. i made many good friends and had many interactions that have changed my life for the better. your guys' videos and the nerdfighter community has helped me become more okay with who i am. there are few words to effectively express my gratitude but no matter. thank you thank you thank you. for ten years of awesomeness and for giving me a safe place to be myself.
I'm watching your videos (and Crashcourse, the Scishows and listening to the podcast) for two years now and I regularly find myself unable to express how important you are to me. You guys support me in my nerdiness with your bad jokes videos, with Scishow and Crashcourse, you give me more security and confidence through your kind nature and thoughtful encouragements and you often shift my opinions to the more open and complex points of view, making me work on myself and wanting to improve. Both of you gave me a thing I never had because I never had a lot of perspective in my life: You became a kind of role models to me, people I look up to and that I don't want to copy but to be inspired by. And for all of this, those minor changes in my attitude and for giving me stuff to think and talk about, I just wanted to say thank you. Have nice New Year's eve and don't you ever forget to be awesome. Pumpkins and Penguins!
I have gained so much, in knowledge and ways of thinking , from your videos...may it continue for as long as conceivably possible. I want to be there for your 50th aniversary!
I am proud to have been a part of this community for the better part of eight years, and I'm not sure who I would have been without it. Looking forward to seeing you and a bunch of lovely people (some who I have known for most of those eight years but never had an opportunity to meet before) in February!
I stepped away from Nerdfighteria and other communities around the time this video came out. I realize now it is at least in part because I took a job that I didn't like because I needed the work and it sort of infiltrated the rest of my life. Now? I don't make money but my husband and I make it work. And we are both the better for it. So now again? I'm back :)
Hey Hank, I'm Taven. I started watching your guys's material about 4 years ago, mostly starting with crash course history with John. In that time my attention to your content has grown exponentially and you and John have become part of my life. I was always a creative kid, very outgoing and kind to strangers, but for a long time that side of me seemed closed off by the anxiety that came with my adulthood. I was always a lover of learning and hearing John speak about people as he did in his world history courses and hearing you talk about the mind and what we can call a soul in your psychology and philosophy courses opened my mind to a deeper level of empathy and understanding. I discovered vlog brothers much later and that too brought me closer to feeling accepted in the world and accepting of myself. of course our lives are nowhere near the same , but hearing your stories and feelings made me feel more connected than ever before not only with the community of nerdfighters, but also with myself. we have so many of the same thoughts fears and feelings and then I realized it's not just us it's the millions around the world who just want a better world . I find in particular these days that hearing your thoughts gives me hope. you both are so hopeful and giving and you provide this community with so much security of feeling. the channels that I found through you have helped me in so many ways such as sexplanations, healthcare triage and now John's hundred days Channel. I have been stagnant in my job for a while now too afraid to venture out but now I see there is a way to live a better life. I want to live my life like you are not knowing what I'm doing and taking it one day at a time creating a better world. ever since I was a teenager I thought I wanted to start a UA-cam channel now I think I will I don't know what it will be about maybe it'll just be me talking but at least for once it won't be a thought it will be an action. you have inspired me to take the next step and just express myself like I did when I was a child... Honestly. I always hoped that one day I could meet you or John or both though I doubt that will never come to pass but I want you both to know that although we have never met I consider you both good friends and mentors. this will be a year of change and a year of promise and I hope it is the same for you. you have a wonderful day and happy New Year... Thank you
God, I love this community. Nerdfighteria saved my life. You guys and all the Nerdfighters have shaped my worldview and me for the better in so many ways, even though I've only been here two short years. As we roll into 2017, I'm excited for us to do even more amazing things. I needed this video, Hank, especially right now. I think that people would agree with me--I almost hate to punish you for it. ...almost :)
I mean it when I say you two have been important to my mental well-being. There are things I've been able to accomplish that I can trace straight to you and this community. Thank you, vlogbrothers and Nerdfighteria!
I discovered Nerdfighteria in 2012 after watching Hank in Crash Course for A-level biology, I was so intrigued and inspired by this that I had to find more. Vlogbrothers was the first channel I subscribed to, I watched every episode of Vlogbrothers 2.0 and have felt a part of this amazing community every since, before that I just thought UA-cam was somewhere for one-off viral videos. I now realise that it can is so much more, so thank you, Hank, John, and to all the people who have worked with and supported you as we have seen all the highest and lowest of the past ten years.
This community is also something I'm very proud of despite not participating in very often. It's amazing to see how far you've come and what you've accomplished, and I'm so incredibly awed to be even the smallest part of a contributing factor in it. Yes, it's evolved and changed over the years, but always for the better, I feel. So I'm very happy to know that I will be joining you in Boston for Nerdcon: Nerdfighteria! My first official nerdfighter gathering!
I am proud to be a part of this community. I am grateful for all of the amazing content you all provide FOR FREE! I am grateful for the honesty you guys share with your audience, too. You all have helped shaped my life, especially my adolescence and young adulthood, in such great ways. I genuinely feel that you guys have greatly influenced my life in ways that have helped me become the person I am today. I found you all when I was 16, and was going through some real weird and not fun stuff. I am now 22. My life would absolutely not be the same if I would have never found you guys.
You can't even begin to understand how important this community is to so many people around the world. I myself am from a small city in Argentina, I study English at university and as soon as I turned 18, I moved out of my mom's house after years of living in a really toxic environment. when I left home I also left my family, my friends, even the places I was used to go to. I was absolutely alone. And then Hank and John happened... I watched every vlogbrothers video and for the last two years, twice a week I sat down to eat watching one of these videos. I was still alone and confused and so sad... but for four minutes I got this warm feeling, something I had never felt in my life,and I thought: this is what having dinner with your family must feel like. I invited you two and all this amazing group of people into my small house when I was at my most vulnerable. and you. showed me. LOVE. you inspired me and you were there for every step of the way while I experienced a very difficult period of my life. I got so much better with my English after being constantly exposed to you rich and beautiful way of putting your thoughts into words, I learned tons of new things here and with scishow and crash course. I grew as a future professional but most importantly, I grew as a human. Hank, John, nerdfighteria... YOU showed me that healthy empowering and unselfish love is really a thing. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you, but particularly to Hank and John, for coming into my home and talking to me, for keeping me company when I was so alone and broken, for making me laugh and cry and for surprising me. for challenging me to think and rethink about my beliefs and values and even change my view of this world and myself in it. thank you for creating this beautiful content that's always full of caring and love. you are AWESOME...
I want a special like button for this video. Thank you to the Vlogbrothers for creating this. Nerdfighteria is a community I am both exuberantly happy that it exists and exceptionally happy to feel a part of. Happy new year, and happy next ten years!
I started watching these videos when I was 15 and though I am only 18 now (and can drink legally) these videos have made a profound difference on me. Its taught me to think deeply, to be unapologetically passionate about the things I enjoy, and they've taught me to stay true to myself. Thank you John and Hank for making 10 years of videos and creating a community that always tries to do good for this world!
I have recently become a Nerd Fighter. I started watching the Crash Course videos a few months ago (I love the history videos and have just started working my way through the other ones) and then found this channel. I have been very impressed by what I have seen - I particularly liked the Project for Awesome. The videos (and realising there is a community out there) continue to help me through a complicated time.
Thank you so much for everything you do, Hank and John. I am so thankful for this community and the countless ways I have grown as a result of being a part of it. My worldview has been expanded time and time again, I've experienced joy and happiness in ways I never had before, and I've learned so much. This community has inspired me to be a more thoughtful and open person on several different levels, and I look up to you as role models. I am so grateful to have something as wonderful as this in my life. I just want to say thank you over and over for your compassion and understanding and selflessness. You've changed my life for the better, and I look forward to the years come.
Hank, you speak the truth here. I have been very worried about the increasing individualism and how people seem to distance themselves from people who don't 100% agree with them. Please, continue fighting for the strength of community, everyone!
I love that you said "I don't know what I'm doing". I feel like people don't say that enough. I frequently have to remind myself that most people don't know what their doing. It's not just me. Everyone is just doing the best they can with what they have.
You guys and the rest of Nerdfighteria are the friends I never had the opportunity to make in the transition between high school and university. You've kept me motivated to be my best self to better help others, and at the same time encouraged me to imagine people complexly. I am now a "professional" but the two most important and incredible life lessons I learned in my formative years were yours, and for that I am deeply grateful.
HANK, THIS IS TOTALLY PUNISHABLE. -JOhn
Watch out Hank 😂
vlogbrothers oh my god yes things I've missed: punishments (and challenges!!!)
i was told to click newest and this is on the first screen. RIP HANK GREEN
Punish him! Punish him!
vlogbrothers YES THIS WOULD BE THE FIRST PUNISHMENT I WILL WITNESS PLEASE YES
Loving these comments! Also...any punishment suggestions appreciated...though doing on stage will have logistical requirements so not every good idea will be possible :-)
vlogbrothers spontaneous song creation.
A free-style rap, with topic suggestions from the audience.
(I dunno, I'm currently obsessed with Hamilton, although that's been for a while at this point...)
Performing a song but every time you say a certain word you have to speed up. Or maybe some sort of 10th anniversary throwback punishment?
As I said in the comments, Reenact a old brotherhood 2.0 video of our choosing.
Somehow incorporate an unreasonably large amount of vegemite.
Hey people in the comments. I'd like to ask a favor. Just above this comment, there's a little button that lets you sort comments by "newest" or by "top." Click on "newest" and read a few comments. I've really been enjoying the longer, more thoughtful comments that we're getting on this video.
vlogbrothers Is this available on mobile, cuz I don't see it.
Zarsla yes it is! There is a little icon with three little lines on the top right side just above the comments and under recommended ^^ click on it and it will let you choose ;)
Yatsukino Thank you show much.
What an excellent suggestion. I followed this and continued to cry more than I had already. Thank you.
HI LILY!!!
You know what I like about vlogbrothers? I don't have a favorite brother. There are other channels run by two people that I watch, and I have a clear favorite and will even skip videos by my not-favorite. I don't do that with this channel. I like you and john equally. I didn't even skip videos when you were on paternity leave! Who makes these videos isn't important. I know that no matter what I watch on here, it's going to leave me better than I was before. I'll either have learned something about the world or about myself, or I'll just be in a better mood, or feel hopeful or proud. I never come away thinking I've wasted some time or feeling badly. The content here is consistently good, whether it's thought provoking and deep, or just four minutes of dad jokes and absurdity.
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Amy G +
Those 11 year olds that could get drunk when this video posted could now be lawyers and taxi drivers.
Wait, does one need to be 26 in order to drive cab?
@@evanw1368 more precisely people don't start thinking it's a real job before they're 26
In 300 years students will be studying this channel and videos like this the same way we study historic documents now. I'm glad I can be a (very small) part of something very great.
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Not Gray Brendon yeah probably not
Actually, probably yes. There are people who study various aspects of human history, and much of it was stuff that the people who were doing it probably didn't realize the significance of. In my theatre history class, we learned that certain ancient Greek plays that we study now weren't necessarily the greatest, but are the only that survived. And there's a Spanish nun, I believe, whose work from hundreds of years ago, even before Shakespeare, only recently became considered historically significant. I have also studied the work of small avant-garde theatre companies who probably have no idea a theatre student in NC is studying them. That said, UA-cam will become an important part of performance history, and the vlogbrothers are a significant channel on UA-cam already, and they created VidCon. Yes, I can tell you with certainty, anthropology and performance studies students in the future will be studying UA-cam and likely this channel.
SunyiSideUp "and if you turn to page 375 class, you'll see Hank Green, THEE creator of VidCon, the most important event that took place in the 21st century. They, along with several 10s of thousands of other creators, made content on a platform called "UA-cam". This will be on your final, so be sure to take notes on both Pewdiepie and the vlogbrothers" God help the future generation if that's what they go to school to learn lmao
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It's good to see that comments are still being made on this video. It shows that this is still relevant and that the community is still relevant.
agreed!!
I completely agree, these past 6 years were so quick.
I'm not sure exactly when I became a Nerdfighter but somewhere around sophomore year of high school (I'm now a freshman in college) I came across a Vlogbrothers video and I went down the rabbit hole, so to speak. Several hours later I had watched almost all your videos and I realized something that I had never noticed on UA-cam before - I was watching your life. I felt a connectedness akin to friendship with both you and John, as well as the rest of the community. This has only strengthened over the years of regular viewership on this channel, Sci Show, Crash Course, and the many other channels that celebrate learning on UA-cam. It has been a completely transformative experience and I 100% consider this community part of who I am.
I totally understand what you mean with the lack of established community in today’s society. I live pretty deep in the woods, so I don’t have any neighbors my age. I understand the community within the church I was raised in, but I’m agnostic so I never felt like I fit in. And boy did I not fit in in high school. I was (and still am) a shy, kinda awkward kid who never had that group of friends one would consider their community. Despite the one sidedness of the relationship, I feel as if you and the other content creators on UA-cam I watch are better friends to me than anyone from my high school. We share the same values and like the same things - something I can’t say about many of the kids from my school.
You pulled me through loneliness, anxiety, depression (so on and so forth) that crushed me as an upperclassman. I’m sure I’m not the only person to say that but I can assure you “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Nerdfighteria” resonates deep within my soul with a passionate, reflective, excited appreciation I could never put into words. When I was alone and felt like I had nothing, Nerdfighteria was there to pick me up. I’ve never been much of a commenter but I know that I am still a part of this community. I know if I say “look at this cool thing I did” people in this community would support me. As one of those kids who believed in the diehard individualism of today’s society, this knowledge is so powerful. Not only do I no longer believe that I have to do everything myself, but the support of Nerdfighteria has also returned my trust in others during my day to day life. It has done away with many of my cynical views of the world and shown me evidence of the many, many great things going on today and every day. While it’s interesting to see how you see yourself as another follow of Nerdfighteria there is now denying that you lead us on a communal and individual level.
Your music makes me laugh. Your videos make me feel connected to something bigger. Your podcasts accompany me on solo car rides. Crash Course gets me interested in subjects I had never even thought about before. Sci Show continuous astonishes me and my love for science. Sexplanations gives me a sex-ed lightyears better than what I received in high school. The things you do are so much more than mindless entertainment, and I’m beginning to show my parents that. As the structures of community they’re familiar with continually dissolve, you are building new ones. You are literally redefining what a community is. I hope you think that’s as cool as I do.
Nerdfighteria is not some lesser subcommunity that I happen to belong to. It’s not a replacement for something I used to be a part of. As a freshman in college I’ve done some honest thinking about this idea, even before this video came out. I grew up in Nerdfighteria and the various other internet communities I associate with. Just like everyone else, my view of society and culture, my personality, and my values are shaped by how I grew up. Nerdfighteria IS a part of me. Nerdfighteria IS my community. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for building it.
Robert Gemma this was so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts and kind words of comfort.
Robert Gemma +
This comment resonates so much with me! I discovered Vlogbrothers when I was a freshman in high school, and it's played such a big role in making me who I am today. Imagining others complexly is one of my core values, and I no longer believe that cynicism and realism are the same thing. For so long I felt odd that two people I have never met have played such a huge role in shaping who I am, but I think that just demonstrates the power this new form of community can have. All of these wonderful comments were making me sentimental lol so thank you to this community for being awesome.
Allison Rangel Why thank you! It means a lot
Olivia Brownfield Exactly! Two guys just talking into a camera changed who we are as people, and built this community we love to be a part of
I used to watch vlogbrothers here and there as I was growing up, but I've gotten very interested in the channel over the past few weeks. It makes me feel attached to people through the loneliness of college during covid. It makes me feel like I'm constantly learning and growing. You both inspire me and give me comfort. I really appreciate how caring you both are with your privilege and power that you have. I hope to be as kind and thoughtful and knowledge-seeking as you both are as I get older. Thank you for everything you do.
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I have never watched them before a couple of months ago and I agree. They have given me a lot of hope through this time.
Somewhere John says that with this project he was looking to give people "encouragements that aren't hollow", where he defines an encouragement to be the kind of mantra has the sort of excessive positivity that ignores reality in favour of some kind of rose-tinted view of the world - "every child who dies goes to join god in heaven" or somesuch. In other words, they wanted to give hope and a sense of faith in humanity to those who watch their videos. In other words, it feels like those searching for hope during trying times found an archive of the Green brothers' attempts to give that sense of hope over the last 10 or 15 years.
Thank you, Hank and John. I don't necessarily tend to participate strongly in this community, but I feel you have shifted my worldview for the better, in favour of faith in others and hope, over the last few years. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
This video came out when I was 5 and it's weird to think that a community that I'm a part of and feel so connected to didn't *exist* within my memory, or that it was growing and developing at the same time I was. This is such an amazing community, especially since its kept up its awesomeness while growing so large
lovely. Congratulations on ten years!
Just happened to check the newest comments per Hank's advice, and saw this. Loved your video during Hank's paternity leave, and was so glad I checked out your music! :D
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"Imagine others complexly" is probably the most important piece of advice needed in the time period we're living in. Thank you for all your incredible contribution to making humanity a better place anyway you can, and using your influence for causes that coincide with your own values.
Most of all thank you for being genuine and humble throughout the entire process; That aspect from you, being the de facto leader of the community, really sets a solid model for the rest of the community to act upon. It has influenced me in all my actions and my thinking, from meeting a stranger on the streets to encountering someone who in the past I never thought I'd be able to have any sort of connection with.
Don't forget to be awesome :)
This is going to sound sappy and awful but back when I was 25 I had my first child. After a year that marriage had self-destructed and I was a single father. When my son was almost two, I found this channel.
I didn't know what to make of it, the creators are talking to each other but also talking to the audience? I thought it was pretty unique but I stayed because the channel had this habit of making me feel better. At a time when everything was wrong and life was hard, I could come here and for some reason I could smile.
My son will be 10 in April and I'm glad I found this community.
FT Productions What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing. I hope you and your son have a lovely new year.
Thank you. I hope you have a great new year as well. :)
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Wishing you & your son the best~
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Gosh, I don't want to be sappy but here is my sappy bit. I love you guys so much. I started watching on a frequent basis back in 2010, after my brother passed away of a drug overdose. It was heartbreaking, and I searched desperately for things that made me happy. Eventually, I came up with a few things that did create a smile, one of those being you guys. So thank you John Green and Hank Green for being one of the things making me smile in my darkest of times.
I told this to John when I meant him in Cincinnati for the TFIOS book tour, but you deserve to know too, Hank. I know you most likely won't see this as there are now 1,801 comments, but it is still good to discuss how much impact you have made on me, and I am sure so many others. So thanks, I am glad that you guys are around, and I hope you stick around for years to come.
harrypotterboycrazy I'm so sorry for your loss, but vlogbrothers did the same thing for me once my mom past away. Distractions were always needed and this became a place to learn, smile, and forget some of bad things of the day. Twice a week, I knew I could load UA-cam, and Hank and John would be there. And it's been amazing.
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harrypotterboycrazy thanks for sharing this! I hope they see your comment!
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"I don't know what I'm doing!"
-Hank Green, and all of humanity, 2016
Also, you passed four minutes and must be PUNISHED!
I'm not sure if this was part of the point of this video but can I just say it's incredibly refreshing to hear someone I admire and consider successful admit they have no idea what they're doing. I'm about to graduate in June (with my second Bachelors degree no less because I'm indecisive and confused) and still have no idea what I'm going to "do" with my life. But, I know community is important to me, and I know I'll continue to be a Nerdfighter, and stay passionate about fandoms, and so many other things. So maybe it's okay if that's all I know. The rest will come in due time. Maybe what I seek doesn't exist yet, just like you and John couldn't have predicted 10 years later on vlogbrothers. I'm excited to see what unknown goals we accomplish in the next 10 years. dftba, friends.
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thewinterizzy +!
thewinterizzy totally unrelated but I saw this comment and I realized I recognized your icon from Tumblr and I've been following you for a while! so hello! fancy running into you here !
yes!
I'm going into my second semester with a similar "problem"; I have a million interests, I can't possibly nail down a single one! I like to look at it as an adventure, though. No matter what, I want to learn about everything, explore everything; eventually I'm certain that the right path will present itself, but in the meantime (and probably even once I've found my path) I intend to have fun and simply absorb whatever life has to offer me in terms of knowledge and know-how. In my opinion, the experience, the understanding, and the skills are what matter, not the end-goal, for I intend to build a better, smarter me who can take on anything, not just a girl who gets in and out and works herself to death.
This is still so releavant today. I frequently mourn the lack of community in my life
Hank and John made me feel more “in a group” than I have felt in years
It's hard. I've been trying to focus more on the positive things going on in the world. They might be a little hard to find but when they come I try to pay more attention as of late.
Loneliness is the new smoking. It's the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. May we all find a way to break the habit.
I was that 11 year old who can now get drunk 😂 been here for the whole ride. Thank you for an amazing 10 years.
The first comment I ever made on a vlogbrothers video (less than a year ago, which was really my first comment on UA-cam) was asking how many vlogbrothers videos there are in total. I got one response, from John, saying about 1500. Not another viewer, but the creator of the video. It's a system that I feel most audience-viewer relations on this website lack nowadays, and I'm so glad that you two still maintain it. (You've responded to my comments as well, Hank.)
It's a small portion of what makes this community brilliant, but an integral one. I've been a nerdfighter for two years now, (even though I did watch a vlogbrothers video when I was eight) and of about nine years of watching stuff on YT, this was the group of internet people that made me want to interact, and that made me feel like a part of something.
Hopefully this oversimplified comment reaches someone. Happy New Year Hank. Have a 2017.
Just had a fight with my brother in which he told me I'm immature for getting excited about so many things. Came out of it feeling like crap. Then I opened up UA-cam and watched this and Hank reminded me why that trait is so important and so good to have in life. This is the amazing effect that the community has! Thank you, Hank :)
I'm sorry about that...that's rough.
Here's why I love nerdfighteria: Hank made a wonderful, entertaining and insightful video...and we get to punish him for it. :D
seems fair
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exactly my friend 😈
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Thank you for the brilliant video, Hank, and thank you and John, as well as the rest of Nerfighteria, for giving me a home on the internet.
At a time when I'm finding deep human connection irl to be difficult, this community has given me so much to connect with. Your videos have taught me hope, wonder, curiosity, and empathy, and made me a better, more thoughtful person overall. The kindness and generosity of Nerfighteria has nourished me when little else could.
5 years after this video was posted, I am here. And so are many awesome, beautiful people. Never change, y'all.
DFTBA
I set out to watch every vlogbrothers video in order, and I've now watched a decade worth (over the course of several months). It's been a trip y'all, and I'm on the home stretch. I'm just incredibly grateful that this channel exists, and for all of the wonderful things that have happened as a result.
YES! WE MADE IT TO THE DECADE MARK!
happy watching, friend.
am on the same jouney right now
@@a12i9 me too!
I was 9 when Vlogbrothers became a thing. I didn't start watching until this year. Before this year, the only thing John Green was to me was, "that guy who wrote all those sappy romance books that all the girls read in high school." Hank Green, well, to him I would have said "Who the eff is Hank?" Now I've read all of John Green's books and loved every page of them. I have a poster with a quote from John on my wall (and may order another soon), am a watcher of Sci-show, a religious listener of Dear Hank and John and I went back and watched all the brotherhood 2.0 videos, first to understand the wonderful place we called Nerdfighteria better, but then just because lets be real, John and Hank are awesome. In a year that was extremely rough for us all, my discovery of Nerdfighteria was on of the brightest spots for me. The fact that a community like this exists and has existed and grown for so long, is something that frankly I didn't think the internet was capable of creating on such a large scale. It really does give me hope for the future of the internet and the world. It also served as a reminder of the fact that humans are still capable of tremendous good. I participated in the P4A this year and it was easily one of the best things I have ever been a part of. So to Nerdfighteria and Nerdfighters around the world, even though we likely will never meet. I love you for what you've made, what you are, what you've done and what we will continue to do long into the future.
The collapse of traditional community structures is something I also have been interested in and worried about. I have a BA in Economics and a Masters in Public Administration/Public Finance and I've been working in local government politics and government for a few years now and I can say the absence of something that ties a city or region together is noticeable. There isn't a place for people to interact on a level playing field. Everyone is so isolated from the rest. Religion used to be the glue but that ship has sailed (as an atheists that did 13 years in Catholic school I'm OK with that) but its absence has not been filled. I'm still trying to find a way for a city to artificially create a community feel but with the distrust in government at such a high it is a struggle.
p.s. Why do people confused local government with their hate for state and federal? We are trying our best!... well some of us are.
Zack W so you want a tool for communities to come together? or are you saying it should be mandated by the county. I'm confused
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I wish we could find a way to bring our local communities together better. As another Catholic-school-student-turned-atheist, sometimes our society outside of work places and small circles of local friends feels so disjointed, especially outside of the religious sphere. Much of the struggle of finding an outside group of people who want to build something new together comes from the fear of reaching out, something that technology has helped us dodge that bullet with and lessened the social skills of the vast majority of people.
I've noticed this within Millennials my own age who don't know how to socialize and would rather hide behind a screen than interact with one another in the open. There needs to be a bridge, something that brings that lack of fear when sitting in your room behind a screen and pulls you into the real world. Pokemon Go did a decent job of that when it first launched, pulling people out of their homes and to parks and public places to interact in a real and meaningful way with strangers. I, sadly, am not creative enough to figure out how to do that on my own. Maybe other Nerdfighters have some ideas for how to drag us away from the internet?
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Zack W +
I started watching vlogbrothers videos in January or February 2012 and I kind of felt that I was late to the party and there were so many inside jokes I was missing. And now, nearly five years later, nerdfighteria seems like something that's always been there
Allison H I feel you. I started watching youtubers as a way to boost my English listening abilities around 2011 and I felt like I was excluded from everyone's jokes but now it's like I've always been watching them. It's a weird sentiment.
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+Allison H I felt that way for a long time (and kinda still do a little sometimes). I started watching somewhere between mid to late 2014, and kind of without noticing (until I saw your comment), I think I've finally gotten to a point where I feel like I've always been here and can actually call myself a nerdfighter, just in the last 6 months to a year.
I feel exactly the same way! I started watching in early 2015 and I considered myself a viewer but not a part of Nerdfighteria until recently. Such a great feeling.
Allison H
I joined in late 2008 and felt late to the party! I missed all the 365 daily vlogs of brotherhood 2.0 and had to go back! I was jealous of the people who got to jump in on that first year.
I haven't been here all ten years. I didn't read any of John's books until I saw a signed 1st edition of The Fault in Our Stars at Kroger and decided "What the hell, why not?" Started reading it that night, and by sunrise, I closed the book with tears still in my eyes and an urge to find out more about this John Green dude. Discovered Vlogbrothers. Binge-watched that. Read Looking for Alaska, which immediately became my favorite book, ever. That book taught me how to accept a lack of closure that had been a huge obstacle in my ability to move on in life. Read Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines. More importantly, I joined a community, in Nerdfighteria as a whole, but especially in the Adult Nerdfighters Facebook group. Those people are my people, more than any other community I'm a part of. I started the Nerdfighters Who Love the Mountain Goats Facebook group. I started reading Looking for Alaska every January (starting my fourth read-through on the 10th). This community, and this worldview of imagining others complexly, remembering to be awesome, and reducing worldsuck has made me try to be a better person, and it's made me understand that other people are trying to be better people too.
So thank you, Hank and John. You guys have changed my life, and you've started something that's made me want to change myself and the world for the better. DFTBA in the next ten years.
Love, Gwyn
SAP ALERT: I started watching vlogbrothers right before my freshman year of high school. I was going through a pretty hard time then and struggled with my sense of self a lot. You guys helped me realize that it's okay to be "unironically enthusiastic" about things I really like, even if those things weren't "cool" or "popular." I'm now a sophomore in college and that lesson you taught me helped me make some of the best friends I will ever have, and chase crazy dreams that are looking less and less crazy every day. It's kind of hard to explain in one UA-cam comment everything you've done for me, so I'll just say this: thank you for helping this weirdo out by letting her know how important it is to be herself.
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Guys, you all and this community gave me a place when I had lost mine, and a sense of direction where I had none. I've built so much of my adult self around this community and your values. Thank you
Thank you both for everything you've done for all of the Nerdfighters over the last ten years, and for reminding us that if you want to be a good person, you are
Congratulations on 10 years! And NERDCON WOOOOO.
I had no idea you were also a nerdfighter but that makes my day
This hits so much harder 6 years later.
I found you guys in July 2007 and there hasn't been a turning back. I'm incredibly proud of everything you've accomplished since then but I've also enjoyed how you guys haven't forgotten or taken the community for granted. I found you at a time when I really needed it and I know my life wouldn't have been the same without it. It gave me a permission I didn't realize I was looking for to be nerdy, weird and completely embrace all of those things high school usually shames you for. You're awesome and I thank you for these amazing ten years. Thank you for all that you do and everything you will do, but mostly, thank you for being yourselves and allowing us to see you grow as people as well. DFTBA!!!!
I'm watching everything I missed since I stopped watching everything about 7 years ago. It's been a long year! And I have many more years still to go.
Finding this community almost 3 years ago was such a random thing. My friend showing me a single Mental Floss video one time literally changed my entire life. Wow that's crazy. I don't know who I'd be if I had never found Nerdfighteria and come to identify as a Nerdfighter. I discovered who I am when I found this community. The first time I ever heard the word "Nerdfighter" spoken in one of the first vlogbrothers videos I ever watched, I remember thinking "I don't know what that is but that's me. I am that," and I have had such a wild ride as I continue to define what being a Nerdfighter means to me.
I am so thankful for John and Hank and everyone who has been a part of this community and helped to make it what it is. I can't even begin to describe what Nerdfighteria means to me. I wouldn't know where to start.... Just... Thank you.
So here's to 10 more years of doing awesome things with awesome people.
DFTBA and Best Wishes to all
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Autumn Riley It's interesting to me because I have almost the exact same story as you and feel the same way toward the community. Not only am I thankful for Hank and John, but for also all of the Nerdfighters who make the community what it is and help me remember who I am and how to be that. So thank you to YOU! DFTBA!
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Autumn Riley h
I love this video, and I love how positive Nerdfighteria is. Even though I don't spent a lot of time involved in this community other than watching vlogbrothers videos, it makes me happy to know that NErdfighteria brings people so much joy and comfort and meaning.
This video says exactly the things I've been trying to explain and understand for the last few years.
I'm a young person, and I've only become a Nerdfighter (still so proud to say that) in the last year. Being able to become part of this little community has given me a slight remedy for the unnameable problem I've been facing - and the problem I believe many people are facing, without realizing it. I'm an individualist, for sure, but working by yourself can only take you so far. There's a certain kind of loneliness and purposelessness that comes from trying to work towards great things all by yourself, without people who love what you love, people who have other perspectives on your work, people to help and inspire and uplift you, and people to do that for. I want to do so much in this world, but trying to tackle the whole world of opportunity by myself is daunting, to say the least. I want to write books and inspire people, to help turn the tide that's causing wonderful, brilliant people to live in poverty, and to change methods of education, and to discover and help work on problems I don't even know about yet. To do that all on my own, I'd have to be immortal, probably, and tireless, and the source of my own inspiration. Facing this - the hopes and aspirations, and the inevitable improbability of it all - is awful. Many of the people I know just decide to become satisfied with not having dreams, but I could never do that. It's being stuck between infinity and impossibility. Being able to be part of this community has begun to help me see one version of a solution. It's helped me be a little more hopeful for the future.
This is one of the first youtube comments I've ever posted. I tend to stay quiet. But the vlogbrothers videos have given me a reason and a hope for speaking up. So thank you!
wow! As another young person who also watches a lot of these videos, but is unable to show up to these events, and tends to stay mostly quiet 🤐
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Well put! and also thank you for being inspirational yourself! 👏👍🐼
I kind of want to cry, the way you put that was really beautiful. It’s motivating to hear someone so blatantly stubbornly hopeful in the face all the problems our generation has to fix. Thank you, I think I needed to hear what you wrote.
I think what you wrote about being “stuck between infinity and impossibility” will stick with me for a long time. Thank you for articulating what you feel and sharing it. I feel it too.
I am coming to NerdCon Nerdfighteria in Boston. I have a lovely severe social anxiety disorder. Traveling to California by myself for VidCon was a huge step and now I get to go to Boston (I'm from Florida). I don't even have a proper coat! But I'm going to do it because this community is important to me. I'm going to do it because philanthropy is important to me. I'm going to do it because you and John and the other Nerdfighters help me to remember that there are still people in the world who care about others; that there is, indeed, still hope; and that even a person with social anxiety can find comfort being anonymous in a crowd of kind, caring people.
I am scared to come. I am already afraid. But I'm going to do it. I'm going to go through TSA, talk to the airline attendant, risk saying hello to the person sitting next to me, arrange for a cab, check into the hotel...all those social things that make me cry. I'm going to do it and I'll be stronger for it because I know the community will be there for me.
Hank, I met you in VidCon this last year. It was wearing a purple badge (I bought community and creator badges because I wanted the chance to meet you). And I did! And you yawned and I said, "Oh, you're so tired!" and you said, "It's just a yawn, it's thing people do". And I felt like...Yeah. We are all just people. It inspired me. It helped me. So thank you for that.
Earlier this year, I also traveled, 6 hours by car, to meet and watch Dan and Phil in Jacksonville, Florida. Again, community helped me to work through my social anxiety. And the hugs I got from Phil and Dan made it all worthwhile.
So thank you for Nerdfighteria. And thank you for inspiring Dan and Phil and their community as well. Between these two communities, I have grown so much this past year. I look forward to waving at you and everyone else in Boston. Or maybe even saying Hi. We'll see how brave I'm feeling :) --- Jenny
this is so inspiring! I wish you the greatest of time in Boston with all the fellow nerdfighters
sarty +
I actually started watching Vlogbrother videos in late 2008 when I was 17. I'm about to turn 26, so obviously, a lot of things have changed in my life. One thing has been constant and that's the Nerdfighter community. I love the people here and of course, I love Hank and John. As much as I've wanted to it's never been financially possible for me to go to one on the big gatherings. I'm hoping sometime in the near future I will be able to do. Thanks for everything you guys do and DFTBA.
Okay, taking a break two minutes into this longer-than-usual video to say one thing:
Hank Green (and John, because yeah), I freaking love you and everything you've done. Thank you both.
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Vlogbrothers was the first channel I remember watching on a regular basis on UA-cam. I remember being 10 and moving halfway across the country and being nervous and scared in a new school. I'd come home to Hank and John and all of the community and feel like I had friends. A lot has changed in 10 years, but one thing stays the same, when I want evidence of the good of humanity or just to know that people can make a change, I come back to Vlogbrothers. This community of Nerdfighters has made me less alone in the world and has been a source of light in what can sometimes look like a very dark world. Thank you for that. I am deeply greatful. DFTBA
I've been watching you guys since I was 9 years old. This community has given me a home, even during times of intense bullying. I'm 19 now. Thank you, brothers Green.
Community. "This is no longer just a study group, it's a Community."
I have only been part of this community for 2 years, but in those years you two have drastically changed my life. You guys have made me think, and changed my view of the world. I am now more considerate for other peoples believes, even though i am totally against them. Most of all I imagine others complexly, i used to look at groups, or at one thing of a person, now i look at that persons life. I am now, because of you, a more forgiving and understanding person, and it drastically changed my life, but also the lives of the people around me. I thank you for all of that and even more.
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Dear John and Hank,
I found your videos when I was about 11, and in 6th grade (I am now 18 in my senior year of Highschool) and I can very honestly say, though this is cheesy, that Vlogbrothers and the Nerdfighteria community around it helped me pull through a hard and dark time in my life. I think specifically the small sub-communities of nerdfighteria are what make it so special.
The "Nerdfighter's fighting hard!" Facebook group (for Nerdfighter's with chronic illnesses) helped me through multiple chronic illness diagnosis's in my sophomore year of Highschool. They helped me when the doctors had no idea what was wrong with me, they helped learn how to stand up for myself and get the best patient care, they helped me through testing and shared their experiences so I wouldn't be so scared, and most importantly of all, they taught me how to live my life post-diagnosis. All of them showed me that my illnesses didn't have to define me, but I also shouldn't be ashamed of asking for help when I need it. The amazing people from a tiny corner of the Nerdfighter community taught me how to grieve the person I used to be so I could become happy with the person I am now. I go back and read those posts and I was just a sad, terrified 15 year old who thought her life was over, but they showed me that I wasn't alone. You two and the community you built gave me a home.
So thank you, John and Hank, from the bottom of my heart, because I'm not scared anymore.
I have been watching your channel since I was 11, and yes hank I can now drink legally in just a few short months (what?!). I have followed a LOT of channels over the years. Most I have phased in and out of, and some of the people I used to watch simply moved on. As I have gotten older my tastes have changed and I have become a much different person then I was at 11. My first video I ever watch of yours was "Accio Deathly Hallows" after you guys talked on "Pottercast" that seems like a million years ago now, but I went back from there and watched all of your videos. You are the only channel that I think I can honestly say I currently watch and I have seen every single one of your videos. I don't say all of this to sound like I am a more devoted or true nerdfighter then those who started watching your videos yesterday, but it is so wonderful to have something like this that has been in my life for so long and is both nostalgic while still being present. Sometimes I still get comment replies from videos I posted on years ago and it makes me smile to think a new nerdfighter has gone into the archives. I wont be able to attend NerdCon, but I have gotten to attend nerdfighter events in the past and they have been absolutely amazing. Heres to 10 more amazing years!
Happy drinking now!
I've only been part of this community for a couple of years but I've felt so welcome and so involved with this and I think its great. Thank you for this
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I've been watching for 10 years. Vlogbrothers was the jumping point for so many amazing things I've done with my life, and I hope that even though it's not the same show it was 10 years ago and it's not the same audience as it was 10 years ago, people are still inspired to go out and be awesome
So, I'm gonna be honest, I don't know if I just haven't been apart of this long enough or if I just don't get attached to things that easily but I don't really feel like I'm apart of nerdfighteria or this little community, at least not in the enthusiastic way you explained in this video, and I'm not gonna say watching these videos has changed my life or made me a significantly better person BUT I will say that I very much enjoy the couple times a week I can sit down and laugh at you lovable brothers or listen to your podcasts while I clean. I have had some deep thoughts and have maybe changed or widen my perspective on a few things that I might not have before. So, for those few things that are probably extremely small in the grand scheme of my life but that I have very much enjoyed, I want to say thank you and congratulations on ten years and as long as you continue to make content I will continue to consume and be thankful for the Green brothers.
New Year's resolution: Begin more sentences with "Now that's a big statement based on not a lot of research, BUT..."
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When you look right into the camera and said the words, "thank you for being my leader," it hit me so hard and affected me so much I almost started crying. I don't know why it's affected me so personally. I guess as a homeschooled teenage girl who no one thinks much of, I've always felt hidden even in this beautiful community full of intelligent people I've called my home. To think even in some small way I may have affected this community means the world and the universe to me because like everyone I've just wanted to know that I helped make something that can affect the world. I know it's so typical to the point where it probably sounds cliche coming from me, but it's true and I'd rather be typical and cliche but real than lie and be unusual. I just love this community so much. You guys make me feel in my heart and soul like I mean something and you challenge me to look at the world in different ways and to explore different aspects of life. You teach me to be creative when approaching the world and encourage me to open my mind. Nerdfighteria is everything to me because it's what keeps me growing.
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I just want to say that I'm really appreciating your guys' videos and philosophy regarding community.
I first heard you guys talking about it on John's video about AFC Wimbledon, and i've probably come across others that touched on the topic since then too... But I'm glad I found this one because it really lays out community as a guiding focus for you two. I think that's super duper cool! The value of community / the pitfalls of individualism have been on my mind recently, but I hadn't quite put the name to the problem I was seeing. I am very interested in where we are all going to go from here, and I just wish more people would attempt to engage with the world as thoughtfully as you two do!
I studied climate physics in college. Something about how the movement of a particle is subject entirely to external forces and what’s going on around it, reminds me of individual people trying to live as part of a society that they have very little direct control over.
I'm starting my masters now, and hoping to focus on learning about, and alongside, people. No more governing equations, just people. Community --and working for each other rather than for ourselves-- is our way forward.
I've been watching for nine years- in that time finished middle school, went to high school, and now I'm getting ready to graduate from college. At times I've been a rabid vlogbrothers and at others I've gone months without watching a video. I want to say thank you. Your positive videos promoting creativity have helped me in many ways through this year. I love this community and I can't wait to see what 2017 holds for us.
I am one of those 11 year olds who can now get drunk
That's amazing!!
I'm more of an observer of this community than an active participant. The only action I'm involved in is advertising your channel to every english speaker I know. But boy do I feel like a nerdfighter! My experiences generally led me to believe that I can only trust in myself, but this community makes me believe in people over and over again. When I forget how to be awesome you're always here to remind me. All the love to you, Hank and John! And to you, Nerdfighteria
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I have been watching since 2007 - and it really does astound me that you guys are technically part of my childhood. I cannot thank you enough for how much you have shaped my mind, at a time when I was very young I had very very busy thoughts and lots of imagination but stuck disabled in the countryside with very limited friends I was always bored, and a lot of the time frustrated, bitter and angry as a result but you guys allowed me to express myself and learn to critically think about the world around me in new ways. It gave me a routine, something to look forward to grow and learn, to reflect on. I've loved every moment.
I have pretty much always been a lurker, I was never part of the conversations or projects or meetups, I participated in the p4a, I filled out the census, I listened to music and read books, one time on a livestream I got John to say 'NO I'M NOT SHOWING YOU MY SURGERY SCAR' and I watched side projects but I don't want to punish myself for not being active enough. Because I cannot tell you the profound effect on me you've had growing up, I am 21 now and I would not be the same without you guys. Thank you, sincerely from england. dftba.
I discovered this channel when I was in my final year of college (the UK version of college, not the American one), and in two days, I'm going to start my final semester of medical school. Though I have dropped in and out of watching your videos, I will always remember this channel as being my gateway into UA-cam, as well as my go-to when all the other aspects of this website make me nauseous lmao. You guys promote such important values that are often forgotten in the online world today, and I appreciate them more now than I did four years ago when I first started watching.
So yeah, I don't normally comment on videos but I thought I would on this one. Thanks, Hank and John. You've made a Malaysian nerd very happy for a while now. I'll see you two in 2017.
I've been watching this channel since I was nine years old and since March 2007, I don't think I've missed one since. I'm a lot older now (we all are) but I think growing with this community was a good thing-not the best thing or an extremely impactful part of my teenage years-but a good thing nonetheless.
Saying that though, now that I can move around freely and say with some certainty that my life is now my own, who knows what Nerdfighteria might end up doing to me. People have gotten married over this thing, had children who have grown ten years old in a community that, for the most part, believes in the complexity of people and people's right to that complexity.
I don't know what the future holds for any of us but I would like to think that, just as the last ten years have been good for me and humanity in general, so too can the next decade. If we try hard and if we work for it. And maybe with a great deal of luck, despite all that the world might throw at us.
I don't often comment on the videos anymore but re-watching this one makes me feel very much connected to what sometimes feels like a very large and unwieldy community (it used to be a lot smaller and weirder. Also I think there used to be video responses to things and I really miss those. I hope I didn't dream them).
You were both lucky, which we all have seen multiple times, to be in the positions you were in 2007 to make this series. We are also lucky to both be watching and, for the most part, to have time to enjoy ourselves by expanding our minds a little.
Here's to the next decade everyone,
D.F.T.B.A.
T.B.C.
This video is beautiful, and it really helped me get into the Chanukah spirit, which has been a little elusive to me this year because my work schedule. Despite that, it's actually been a really, really good Chanukah since the first day was on Christmas eve, and the last will be on New Years day, so we actually get the important days off!
This is one of the few communities that I can fully be myself in, and I'm thankful for it. I've always loved being part of it, my only wish is that I had joined it sooner. I can't believe it's been 8 years since I started watching these videos. Congratulations on this milestone, Hank and John, and HAPPY CHANUKAH EVERYONE!!!!!
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recycleonwednesdays shalom!!
Didn't start watching until I was 14, but I can now get drunk this year :) Vlogbros means so much to me. When I found that first video, I went back and watched 3 straight years of videos and have never missed a video since (to my knowledge). Even though I've changed and now don't really identify with the fandom communities that nerdfighters are associated with, I like being a nerdfighter. I like that this community engages people of all different interests and walks of life.
Corinne Marie hey same age stuff! :) being a nerdfighter is the one thing that has lasted through my teen years and into adulthood.
I'll be able to drink in 6 years!
If I go to Ireland.
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I first came to vlogbrothers from "Accio Harry Potter" and the general HP fandom in 2007. I was 13. There were some years in this past decade when I only intermittently kept up with Nerdfighteria, but for a long while now it's been an important part of my life. Your community took me through middle school, high school, college, and now into graduate school. It's been so much for me: inspiration, encouragement, challenge, education, amusement, solace. When I was alone in a foreign city on Easter, I found the irl Nerdfighters there and had brunch with them. When I was worried about my final exam grades, Project for Awesome antics like Butfarman kept me laughing. When I thought I was inconsolable after Trump's election, I came to John's video and was, somehow, consoled. Thanks Hank and John. And thanks also to everybody in this community. Nerdfighteria has truly enriched my life.
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I also came to their videos through Accio Deathly Hallows :) Glad to see someone else growing up with John and Hank
I love the nerdfighteria community so much. I’ve been a nerdfighter for over four years now. I met my best friend because of it. I’ve learned so much from you and John and all of the wonderful people in this community. MUCH LOVE ❤️
This is truly one of my favourite videos because I'm pretty new to nerdfighteria but this community is so strong and amazing and its really cool to think that two brothers who wanted to keep in touch made such a vibrant community filled with people who strive to understand the world around them to the fullest of their abilities its awesome
hey, it's been five years.
i have no idea when or where people of this community will gather together again, but i'll work my butt off to be able to have an option to go.
it's really hard, believe u me. but i wanna.
also. hopefully i'll feel myself to be a part of u lovely folks soon enough.
warm hugs and nice things,
hedgy
The domain in the link isn't registered anymore🤔 sadly that's all I know
Haven't comment this before but your videos (including this one) really help me, welcome back Hank.
Thanks
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thank you hank. not sure about other young people, but this hit me pretty hard. not till you pointed it out did i realise that i've always sort of been thinking as an individualist. it's always been really hard to find anywhere i think i belong, and i don't think i'll ever find that - and a lack of trust in community structures and social structures in general (religion, societal priorities) makes it really hard to trust people. mostly what hit me was that a realisation you're right, and one of the reasons i've been feeling down for a while now is that individualism leaves you pretty destitute and alone when you don't like yourself very much at all.
i just wanted to say that hearing your rational and passionate voice, and your take on things has always been one of the things that brightens my day. you remind me that there are people who i can trust, who are caring, passionate, and more intelligent than i could ever aspire to be. it's pretty easy to get caught up in hubris a lot of the time. anyway, would love to hear about what you think gives life meaning when people (often with good reason) forsake traditional social structures - or, even better, how i might go about finding that meaning for myself.
loved the video as usual, happy new year hank. you've build something truly incredible, and i hope you and your (newly enlarged) family have an incredible year ahead.
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Thank you for that comment.
+Kelly Yu Very well put. I'd been thinking of how to put those thoughts on individualism into words, and you did it.
Wow. I never thought... I never thought that finding myself in order to be happy was framing the problem wrong all along. Thank you so much for this comment.
First off, in the last 3 years of being a nerdfighter (oh god it feels good to say that! Wow! I've been here 3 years!) the single most communal moment I had over that time period was also the only time I went to an event IRL. I went to see you guys play music in San Francisco last year, and I felt something very special, singing along with so many other people who had found goodness via the internet.
But, second, that single night in San Francisco *PALES* in comparison to the slower accumulation that has happened over the last three years of watching your videos (and listening to pods, and reading books, and reading twitters, and watching snaps, etc). Over the last three years, nerdfighteria at large has shaped my actual way of thinking and questioning the world....... I make a mental note of it every time that i use the word "complexly", which is a lot these days, probably a few times a day. That's the actual way that I've been effected most by this community--and it happened over *years*.
I hope that eases a little of your fear, hank, about this channel being about two internet celebrities. Was I so excited to meet you in San Francisco that I had to practice my words? Yes. But that still can't touch the slow accumulation. Cheers.
I think I have a story similar to many nerd fighters. I found you guys 6 or 7 years ago and I was only in middle school. This was a really vulnerable time in my life and I can say your philosophy helped me get through bullying, grief, stress and depression. More importantly, your philosophy has deeply influenced my view of the world. Viewing others complexly seems to me a solution for many of the problems we have today. It helped me form some life goals of working in human rights, and has helped to increase my passion of service to others. by this point I'm babbling but I really just want to say thank you. You guys rock - all of you.
Thank you for this - This community has given me the most amazing feeling of being so very grounded, yet always inspired to fly. From my 12 year old self 10 years ago to my 22 year old self now - Nerdfighteria always feels like home.
I really enjoy being apart of the Nerdfighter community. I've learned so much whether it's education from Crash Course and Sci-Show to wisdom that I've learned from your vlogbrother videos. It's nice to be around people who are nerdy like me. I really do appreciate everyone in this community because I really do love it here. Thank you for all that you two do! 💙Love you guys!! 💙
maybe the next video, the one that happens in 2017 should start with the original brotherhood 2.0 intro
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The nerdfighter community means so much to me, it's hard to explain. I've met so many wonderful people, both on and offline, thanks to Nerdfighteria. I'm so grateful to have found a bookmark in the back of my used copy of An Abundance of Katherine's suggesting that I check out this channel. (So, I guess thanks to my cousin for not returning my original copy.)
I met Hank at a concert in 2014, a few months after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Hank has been someone with IBD that I look up to, but at that time I was really not accepting of my diagnosis. It was such an awkward moment, and it was weird seeing someone that didn't know me look so sad about the way I briefly addressed my disease, but I sort of understand it now. I don't know, it's just been so wonderful to have two fantastic people to come to when the world seems a little bit too dark. That's what I get from Nerdfighteria, and what I think Hank and John inspire in all of us. To be more of a light.
Okay I'm done rambling I guess. DFTBA
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I really do love and appreciate you making this video, Hank. A big reason why I joined the community back in...oh god, 2007??? was because of how frank and open you and John were about the community - about it being a dynamic experience between the community members and you both as the voices of the community. Because I sort of feel as thought that's more of what it is? You don't need to have everything down or set in place. I'm frankly happy that you don't - you don't let this community exist as a dead dogma or an idea running solely on inertia. You keep figuring out what works and what doesn't and I and obviously a whole community of individuals are appreciative.
You and John help guide a lot of thought processes, but you do what proper "leaders" should - you integrate feedback, you engage in open dialogue, and you're fairly transparent about so much involved in nerdfighteria. And I value that. I respect that. And I'm grateful for that. So again, thank you. For everything you do and for opening these discussions.
If you say so, pinned comment
I did it too!
@@BobJoeman Me too?
I just think if we all realised a little more about this in our lives, how our fandoms and on tumblr or just friends can actually be a building block for us to have a community, to join together and do something, and that alone is something important to change the world for the better. And more often than not, it just starts with listening to one other person and having one other person listening to you.
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You two have become the role models that I needed in my life. It's because of you two that I've been able to grow as a person and not stagnate because I lacked the courage to go out there and do something. Ever since I've started watching your videos, you've been there when I needed advice or distraction in one form or another online. I can't imagine being who I am without being a nerdfighter. You've given a lot to me and I hope that I can give to other people in return. You guys are awesome for admitting your mistakes, trying to better yourselves from your biases, and are very accepting of all sorts of people. Thank you so much for being you and I hope you will continue to make videos and not change except from personal growth for many more years to come.
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I have been watching your videos for ten years! I was an ardent reader of Sarah Dessens blog and she mentioned you soon after you started. I watched those first few and have never stopped. I must say, in all that time I've never taken on the identity of a 'nerdfighter', I rarely comment and I don't consider myself part of the community you have here. Despite that, I really appreciate your thoughtful and intelligent content. Thanks for continuing to produce it for this long. It enriches lives in many different ways.
prior to finding nerdfighteria, i was an anti-social weirdo who had a really hard time in school because of my inability to socially connect with my peers. i first found the vlogbrothers three and a half years ago and i am incredibly grateful for this community. i like many others grew up on the internet and you are right in that it has played a significant part in our growth and development as human beings. nerdfighteria by way of the internet has provided me with a safe haven to be my weird self and figure out a lot of things in my life. i created the first and only Nerdfighter Poets group on Facebook and it's absolutely amazing that i get to share my words and read others' brilliance in an environment that feels safe. i realised it was okay to not do things the normal way. i made many good friends and had many interactions that have changed my life for the better. your guys' videos and the nerdfighter community has helped me become more okay with who i am. there are few words to effectively express my gratitude but no matter. thank you thank you thank you. for ten years of awesomeness and for giving me a safe place to be myself.
I'm watching your videos (and Crashcourse, the Scishows and listening to the podcast) for two years now and I regularly find myself unable to express how important you are to me.
You guys support me in my nerdiness with your bad jokes videos, with Scishow and Crashcourse, you give me more security and confidence through your kind nature and thoughtful encouragements and you often shift my opinions to the more open and complex points of view, making me work on myself and wanting to improve.
Both of you gave me a thing I never had because I never had a lot of perspective in my life: You became a kind of role models to me, people I look up to and that I don't want to copy but to be inspired by.
And for all of this, those minor changes in my attitude and for giving me stuff to think and talk about, I just wanted to say thank you.
Have nice New Year's eve and don't you ever forget to be awesome.
Pumpkins and Penguins!
I have gained so much, in knowledge and ways of thinking , from your videos...may it continue for as long as conceivably possible. I want to be there for your 50th aniversary!
I am proud to have been a part of this community for the better part of eight years, and I'm not sure who I would have been without it.
Looking forward to seeing you and a bunch of lovely people (some who I have known for most of those eight years but never had an opportunity to meet before) in February!
Always a good to come back to this video.
strange to see that this video is getting a new comment per month now.
I stepped away from Nerdfighteria and other communities around the time this video came out. I realize now it is at least in part because I took a job that I didn't like because I needed the work and it sort of infiltrated the rest of my life. Now? I don't make money but my husband and I make it work. And we are both the better for it. So now again? I'm back :)
Hey Hank, I'm Taven. I started watching your guys's material about 4 years ago, mostly starting with crash course history with John. In that time my attention to your content has grown exponentially and you and John have become part of my life. I was always a creative kid, very outgoing and kind to strangers, but for a long time that side of me seemed closed off by the anxiety that came with my adulthood. I was always a lover of learning and hearing John speak about people as he did in his world history courses and hearing you talk about the mind and what we can call a soul in your psychology and philosophy courses opened my mind to a deeper level of empathy and understanding. I discovered vlog brothers much later and that too brought me closer to feeling accepted in the world and accepting of myself. of course our lives are nowhere near the same , but hearing your stories and feelings made me feel more connected than ever before not only with the community of nerdfighters, but also with myself. we have so many of the same thoughts fears and feelings and then I realized it's not just us it's the millions around the world who just want a better world . I find in particular these days that hearing your thoughts gives me hope. you both are so hopeful and giving and you provide this community with so much security of feeling. the channels that I found through you have helped me in so many ways such as sexplanations, healthcare triage and now John's hundred days Channel. I have been stagnant in my job for a while now too afraid to venture out but now I see there is a way to live a better life. I want to live my life like you are not knowing what I'm doing and taking it one day at a time creating a better world. ever since I was a teenager I thought I wanted to start a UA-cam channel now I think I will I don't know what it will be about maybe it'll just be me talking but at least for once it won't be a thought it will be an action. you have inspired me to take the next step and just express myself like I did when I was a child... Honestly. I always hoped that one day I could meet you or John or both though I doubt that will never come to pass but I want you both to know that although we have never met I consider you both good friends and mentors. this will be a year of change and a year of promise and I hope it is the same for you. you have a wonderful day and happy New Year... Thank you
God, I love this community. Nerdfighteria saved my life. You guys and all the Nerdfighters have shaped my worldview and me for the better in so many ways, even though I've only been here two short years. As we roll into 2017, I'm excited for us to do even more amazing things.
I needed this video, Hank, especially right now. I think that people would agree with me--I almost hate to punish you for it.
...almost :)
I mean it when I say you two have been important to my mental well-being. There are things I've been able to accomplish that I can trace straight to you and this community. Thank you, vlogbrothers and Nerdfighteria!
I discovered Nerdfighteria in 2012 after watching Hank in Crash Course for A-level biology, I was so intrigued and inspired by this that I had to find more. Vlogbrothers was the first channel I subscribed to, I watched every episode of Vlogbrothers 2.0 and have felt a part of this amazing community every since, before that I just thought UA-cam was somewhere for one-off viral videos. I now realise that it can is so much more, so thank you, Hank, John, and to all the people who have worked with and supported you as we have seen all the highest and lowest of the past ten years.
This community is also something I'm very proud of despite not participating in very often. It's amazing to see how far you've come and what you've accomplished, and I'm so incredibly awed to be even the smallest part of a contributing factor in it. Yes, it's evolved and changed over the years, but always for the better, I feel. So I'm very happy to know that I will be joining you in Boston for Nerdcon: Nerdfighteria! My first official nerdfighter gathering!
I am proud to be a part of this community. I am grateful for all of the amazing content you all provide FOR FREE! I am grateful for the honesty you guys share with your audience, too. You all have helped shaped my life, especially my adolescence and young adulthood, in such great ways. I genuinely feel that you guys have greatly influenced my life in ways that have helped me become the person I am today. I found you all when I was 16, and was going through some real weird and not fun stuff. I am now 22. My life would absolutely not be the same if I would have never found you guys.
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You can't even begin to understand how important this community is to so many people around the world.
I myself am from a small city in Argentina, I study English at university and as soon as I turned 18, I moved out of my mom's house after years of living in a really toxic environment. when I left home I also left my family, my friends, even the places I was used to go to. I was absolutely alone. And then Hank and John happened... I watched every vlogbrothers video and for the last two years, twice a week I sat down to eat watching one of these videos. I was still alone and confused and so sad... but for four minutes I got this warm feeling, something I had never felt in my life,and I thought: this is what having dinner with your family must feel like. I invited you two and all this amazing group of people into my small house when I was at my most vulnerable. and you. showed
me. LOVE.
you inspired me and you were there for every step of the way while I experienced a very difficult period of my life. I got so much better with my English after being constantly exposed to you rich and beautiful way of putting your thoughts into words, I learned tons of new things here and with scishow and crash course. I grew as a future professional but most importantly, I grew as a human.
Hank, John, nerdfighteria... YOU showed me that healthy empowering and unselfish love is really a thing.
I just wanted to say thank you to all of you, but particularly to Hank and John, for coming into my home and talking to me, for keeping me company when I was so alone and broken, for making me laugh and cry and for surprising me. for challenging me to think and rethink about my beliefs and values and even change my view of this world and myself in it. thank you for creating this beautiful content that's always full of caring and love. you are AWESOME...
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This still stands 6 years later
I want a special like button for this video.
Thank you to the Vlogbrothers for creating this. Nerdfighteria is a community I am both exuberantly happy that it exists and exceptionally happy to feel a part of. Happy new year, and happy next ten years!
I started watching these videos when I was 15 and though I am only 18 now (and can drink legally) these videos have made a profound difference on me. Its taught me to think deeply, to be unapologetically passionate about the things I enjoy, and they've taught me to stay true to myself. Thank you John and Hank for making 10 years of videos and creating a community that always tries to do good for this world!
I have recently become a Nerd Fighter. I started watching the Crash Course videos a few months ago (I love the history videos and have just started working my way through the other ones) and then found this channel. I have been very impressed by what I have seen - I particularly liked the Project for Awesome. The videos (and realising there is a community out there) continue to help me through a complicated time.
Welcome to Nerdfighteria!
Jennifer Balboa - Thanks!
Thank you so much for everything you do, Hank and John. I am so thankful for this community and the countless ways I have grown as a result of being a part of it. My worldview has been expanded time and time again, I've experienced joy and happiness in ways I never had before, and I've learned so much. This community has inspired me to be a more thoughtful and open person on several different levels, and I look up to you as role models. I am so grateful to have something as wonderful as this in my life. I just want to say thank you over and over for your compassion and understanding and selflessness. You've changed my life for the better, and I look forward to the years come.
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Hank, you speak the truth here. I have been very worried about the increasing individualism and how people seem to distance themselves from people who don't 100% agree with them. Please, continue fighting for the strength of community, everyone!
I love that you said "I don't know what I'm doing". I feel like people don't say that enough. I frequently have to remind myself that most people don't know what their doing. It's not just me. Everyone is just doing the best they can with what they have.
You guys and the rest of Nerdfighteria are the friends I never had the opportunity to make in the transition between high school and university. You've kept me motivated to be my best self to better help others, and at the same time encouraged me to imagine people complexly. I am now a "professional" but the two most important and incredible life lessons I learned in my formative years were yours, and for that I am deeply grateful.