I can agree with the point of never forcing writers to change their work against their own will. At the end of the day, it's their story and they have decided to tell it that way. Even if I dislike a certain piece of media, I'll at least respect the artist for not changing something that they think is needed in the story and the show as a whole. Some of these creators, have been working on these stories for years before they are actually made (Phineas and Ferb was actually trying to get picked up since the 90's and the creator of Star Vs the Forces of Evil began the basis of the story and characters when she was in High School) and if they care that much about it, they have a right to make it how they see fit. For example, at the start of season 4 of Steven Universe fans started complaining that the voice of Steven was getting too old to play the character so they should replace him with Tara Strong. Then that evolved into them wanting Steven out the show entirely. Steven's character is based of Rebecca Sugar's brother and he is everything in the show and I don't think she would've ever even considered getting rid of him. Fan input is beneficial and helps build a relationship between the crew and creators. But it should never come at the cost of what the artist wanted the show to be.
Great video as always! The creator/fan relationship is definitely dynamic and sometimes odd on UA-cam, where fans typically have a lot more connection and influence on creators.
Hey PIEGUYRULZ, sorry for cutting in like this, but I was wondering what effect did you use for the audio thing here in this video? I'm just wondering, is all.
PieGuyRulz I want to do a series like your Every Episode Reviewed series (just with The Simpsons instead of SpongeBob), just I don't want to feel like I'm ripping you off, but I do want to ask your permission.
In my opinion, yes. They should. However, they shouldn't rely on them, or make them too powerful when it comes to their work. It's your work and you have an infinite spectrum to work with---YOU can do anything YOU want. (geez I wish Nickelodeon listened during Season 6 of Scumbob)
Aguest Personally, I believe SOME pandering is okay. Like, say some fans drew fan art of the main character in a different outfit, and the creators decided to put a cameo of the main character in an outfit similar. That’s more of just giving fans a nod of appreciation. But if the fans demand “this ship MUST happen” and the creators drop the whole script for that one ship, then that’s not okay.
The one issue with taking fan criticism is when creators take criticism from those who aren't fans and are instead complaining about minor details. I'm mostly referring to people such as Anita Sarkeesian or those parents who complain if a show has a disabled or gay character present. You know, people who don't even care how the topic is handled and are mad that it exists in the show at all. The creators should be allowed their own vision. Granted if something is a major issue even to people outside of the major complaining group, then yes it should be addressed. Sometimes there really are unfortunate implications that the creator's didn't intend and should be fixed. But if it's just a bunch of people who only care about the one detail and don't even watch your show, then you shouldn't take it too seriously. It's the show's fans you should be listening to - not the people only going around to nitpick.
I totally agree with all your points. It's sad that some creators that actually listen to their fans are sometimes punished for it. A Steven Universe crew member had to step down because her fans were attacking her for supporting certain aspects of the show that can be quite controversial.
Your videos (especially your audio essays) are so easy to listen to. I can just listen to them while drawing without worrying about missing too much- except your Every Episode of SpongeBob Reviewed. I don't want to miss those easter eggs!
I agree PieGuyz. The creators should listen to fans because not only they could improve on their work, they can also accept ideas that we have to make the shows good.
@EB this is good point. However, like pieguyrulz also mentioned, the creator may view things differently and the example of a character being annoying (pie guys example) the creator may not agree with EVEN if it's a popular thought among fans.
I think they should in some situations. If there is a large group of people who want / are angry with something to the point where it's almost a majority, it's probably a good idea to do something.
Good point. But like pieguyrulz said, the creator may not always share the fans views. Even if it's majority, if it subjective (and not factual) there's a lower chance the creator will change it because they don't agree.
Creators should listen to their fans but have no obligations to use their ideas. Like you said about season 20 of South Park splitting fans over the story arc that lasted for the entire season - the fact that a lot of things go unanswered and that it was written with Clinton winning in mind only worsened things, and I hope that Trey and Matt don't try to answer every little thing in the season finale and solve it a couple of episodes later. Another interesting topic of conversation is - Can one moment ruin a show? Unless you've done something similar before then I think it's an interesting topic to discuss.
+Ben_ToaofFire They're not. I believe IHE featured the one comment requesting it in one of his videos as a bad suggestion, and because his fanbase likes annoying him everyone started requesting it. I don't think a lot of people actually dislike Mars bars.
It really depends for me. In all cases, a creator does have the right to do what they want within their medium, but at the same time, there should always be some need for improvement. You should always strive to give the best quality to your fans for whatever you do. However, then the question arises of how much to listen to your fans and how much you should take from them. After all some fans understand the problems in the medium you work with because it's from a fresh perspective. Other fans just want the work to be "their" way. What's important is that, you, as a creator, understand what people like most about your medium and try to expand upon it and make it better. In a way, it's kind of a skill to know how and what to take away from feedback. After all, their is a difference from ignoring total criticism and be way too empty-headed and letting fans dictate everything causing the medium to fall off track.
This topic reminds me of the policy of Supply and Demand. We, the viewers demand that the creators give us good quality programming. To have their characters be flushed out appropriately, for the story arcs to be properly explored/concluded. But most of all, to understand what WE find tasteful programming and what we think is trash. For example; when we say Titans Go is garbage, they should listen and pull the plug. If the network ignores our demands, we'll ignore them and the network will lose ratings. Once that happens, they won't make a profit
sadlobster1 What about those rare few who like the show? If anything, that other episode (I kinda forgot what it was called) sort of screwed over those few fans.
Skeeter Mania I still question what they could find appealing about the series. I mean; the "comedy" (if you can call it that) is terrible, the animation is horrid and the cast acts like sell outs with every episode
This is a complicated question. Speaking very broadly, listening to fans can help you get a grasp of what people like or don't like about your show and give you some ideas of where to take things, but catering too heavily to your fans' demands can and frequently does undermine the artistic integrity of the work. Whether you think a creator should listen to a particular set of fans is gonna be dependent on whether you think those fans have a point, and just as often I find people who I think have points as well as those who simply don't. Many people often suggest stupid things based on their primal desires or personal preferences over stupid bullshit like shipping, while completely disregarding the effect that would have on the vision the show has created for itself. Being able to sort through criticism and be able to recognize what is actually valid and what isn't is one of the hardest parts of being a creator I imagine. Ultimately if a creator I see is doing stuff to a work that I don't like, obviously I would enjoy it if they took it in a direction that I personally find more interesting or satisfying but they should absolutely stick to their own vision at the end and not just do stuff because I said so. So basically, I'm 100% in agreement with Pieguy.
You can't know if it's good if you don't listen to it. Like Pieguy, using listening in the literal sense of the word. After you've listened, you can decide if you agree and if you're going to change anything or not.
This is why I'm anxious about the Prometheus sequels, that they'll appeal to all the haters of the first movie and suffer the same fate as the Halloween series post-Season of The Witch, that they'll shove in Xenomorphs, even at inappropriate times (ala Michael Myers in Halloween 5 and Resurrection), Alien: Covenant will be a blatant rehash of the first movie with other elements thrown in, and/or that the Engineers will be glossed over, or worse, be ignored entirely and instead focus on the Xenomorphs to please the haters (don't get me wrong, I love the Xenomorphs, but an origin story for them can be saved for it's own movie, Prometheus was supposed to be about the Space Jockeys and I've always wanted to know their story since I was a kid, especially since the AVP movies, my introductions to both franchises, ignored them entirely).
I really like these Audio Essays, PieGuy. They're very enlightening and relaxing to listen to. Plus, I really like how you handle things when you talk about a broad topic like this, or the trust video (not that I don't like your other content too, of course!). Keep up the great, thoughtful work!
You can always tell when a creator isolates themselves from fans. I have been thinking a bit about how fan and creator teamwork is important in the music industry. Honestly seems to matter less but still seems important even there. Kinda interesting.
Most time fans are unreasonable. It's a difficult question. There is a vocal minority and silent majority. And sometimes the vocal fans don't represent the opinion of the silent majority.
I think they could take the fans' opinions into mind, but they shouldn't just blindly follow their opinions. An example is Jasper's arc in Steven Universe, where Jasper did less bad things than other redeemed villains but because she was labeled as a rapist and abuser by tumblr, she got corrupted and is now basically dead unless Steven finds a random cure for it. However, Lapis and Peridot, who did WAY worse, was called cute innocent angels by tumblr so they got redemption arcs.
Toxicghosts22 They'll handle Jasper yet. I think they're just saving her for after the current arc. In all honesty though, Tumblr will attack whoever they can vehemently. They used to cal Pearl a rapist after sardonyx week and in then they addressed it by her simply explaining herself. I personally think that from how Jasper was portrayed in the last episode featuring her that they wanted us to feel sympathy for her and that they've got something in mind... now if that doesn't happen, I'll be seriously confused, but I'll get why (not every character can be redeemed.)
I am really enjoying your audio essays. I hope you have plans on continuing them, specially for topics like these in which you probably don't feel like putting that much production on and lets you concentrate in the topic itself. Opinion pieces, I like those. On the topic itself, I think you expressed exactly what I think about it. Listen and keep in mind? Yes. The rest is up to the creator, really. Extremes are always bad, one way or another. There is a reason why fanfiction exists and it's good that it exists, in my opinion. But as a creator of the original work, each artist should know that is up to them and them alone. I sadly see sometimes a demand from the fans, as if the product was solely made to fulfill their wishes. I remember seeing in a video that was about a certain anime series (I can't remember which one), a comment that said "I abandoned it because it didn't go the way I wanted" or something like that, and I think the person was missing the point. I am sure the people involved in production had reasons for the story to evolve the way it did, and if not, is not their job to satisfy every single viewer, but to carry the story to an ending that satisfies the majority, if possible. Their job is doing their best, not what *you* think it's best. What I believe people critisize in shows like Spongebob (in which the quality wasn't always exactly consistent) is not the decisions that the producers made themselves, but the fact that it didn't appear as if they did their best. When it is half-assed, people notice. And they will make you know they noticed.
I think that you've got a great point here. It makes me think of Fairly Odd Parents, a show that I think wouldn't have suffer nearly as much if the writers would've noticed that their tactics to continue the show weren't helping.
As a career path, i really want to be a writer/creator of my own series and shows. I've watched so many shows and movies i can easily say i have lots of ideas to put on paper and hopefully one of them works out in the end. Great video pieguy, it gave me some confidence
Do I think that creators should listen? Yes. But at the same time, while listening to criticism is great, sometimes you listen a bit too much to the negativity (however much of a minority it is, but the negative voices are always louder) and then try to please everyone which is impossible because fandoms are unpleasable and will never be 100% satisfied with what you put out. Case in point: the King's Quest reboot that ended last year. I really enjoyed that game overall, and I love telling people about it and am hoping to share the game with a friend soon. However, during the first episode/chapter, there were people complaining about the fact that there were action sequences in the game (you know, pressing a button to do something under a time limit) and because it got such negative reception from people who didn't even like the game to begin with (as far as I know anyone who liked it didn't seem to care), because again naysayers are always louder even if they are fewer, that the designers took out all future sequences like that that were planned for future chapters... meaning that you never get a conclusion to a certain plot point that's just left hanging and, of course, the naysayers blame everyone but themselves for it and continue to harp on how the game is just so awful. The game never achieves quite the perfect balance between story and puzzles, at least in the eyes of the fandom, and it's all because of the constant complaining about everything. And that's just one example from the game.
As someone who's created things for the internet before, I totally agree. I do my best with what I have, but I also take into account the little fan feedback I get. Some things I like, some things I hate. But I get so little fan feedback, that what I do get is generally from huge fans of my work who really care about it. I don't typically have to weed through all the crap out there.
Creators need to have their own creative liberties, while listening to the fans so they know whether what they're doing is resonating with them or not. Forced work is never good.
This also applies to both TV networks and other big companies in general,because I believe that a company should take the time to listen and respond to feedback to fans of their own and not just ignore the fans because the company thinks there doing fine,cause fans might have a few ideas to make things a little better and its just a shame that most big corporations don't respect fans at all.
It helps to hear what your audience has to say. I would say Transformers: Beast Wars is a good example of a show that paid a lot of attention to it's audience. I think the creators even kept in contact with certain fans.
That really depends on the situation. Are fans rightfully saying something is offensive? Are they whining about nothing? Do they want some form of fan service that makes sense? Or is their suggestion actively going against your vision? I think fan made suggestions can either be quite useful or downright the worst ideas imaginable. (ex: Smash Bros. Suggesting Cloud as a playable character was certainly a good idea, even if HAL might have moved heaven and earth to make it happen. But then there's the people that won't shut up about adding Goku to the game. Not realizing why HAL would never do that!)
U do make a good point and it holds true for the show the Big Bang theory can Sheldon has been holding the show back since season one and the only character to this day hasn't really developed any other than him having sex with Amy and living with her for a very few episodes
Skeeter Mania More and more of the songs they covered became flashes-in-the-pan, virtually every OTP became official, and Darren Criss, who led the show's fastest-selling single, started getting more and more focus.
If you have any friends PieGuy, you should do a podcast. The best way to do so is using a discord. speaking of discord, get one! that's be a great way to interact with us!
I do think with big productions while it is important to give feedback a lot of the time it is just reaffirming what the creator already knows and that they had to do something they didn't necessarily like because of budget constraints, executive meddling, editorial changes, production issues, and lack of time. I mean take a game like Final Fantasy XV, the creators obviously know that game is incomplete. Same with an anime like angel Beats which got the amount of episodes cut in half. I don't think the feedback is for the next season unless it's for live action TV, it's usually for the creators next project or to set a precedent for other shows to not do what they did.
Creators: Looking at YOU entirety of Nickelodeon. Overall though, yeah, I think they should but it really all depends on what it is. Not everyone will always agree on one particular subject. However, if so many people do agree on one particular subject, than they probably do know what's best. Plus, as long as it's really accurate to a show, than I think it's highly accurate for critics to AT LEAST listen to advice. Not always do it but at least listen and give feedbacks. Also, by the way, nice layout, though it's kinda odd, but still, nice layout .
Well... It depends really on the situation from the way I look at it. Yes, feedback is very important but sometimes I feel like fans in themselves may not always have the best judgment of what makes a piece of media as good as it is. For an example, I feel like if MGS 2 just pleased what the fans wanted (A.K.A have Snake as the main character) then the message of how sequels are in themselves would be lost in translation. And yeah, you can't please everybody which is why I believe you shouldn't. Because ultimately if you try to please everybody you end up pleasing nobody in the end if that any sense. I think what's more important is at least pleasing the majority of people. I believe it should be a 50/50 thing. If you just listen to what everybody said's about your piece of media then there's no creative freedom for the crew. Though, if you don't listen you might make terrible decisions with your piece of media. And in the case of UA-cam comments asking for feedback is like seeing how far you can go down the rabbit hole. Believe me, it gets pretty unpleasant quickly and insane.
I think you didn't make it clear enough that creators should not shut their ears to criticism completely under ANY circumstance,which,sadly,most creators do.
Good point. Though, some fans can be a bit unreasonable with the changes they want. Like for example, changing someone's vision of what that piece of media is suppose to represent at least to the creator. In some cases, listening to the fans has been the detriment of that piece of media. Take for instance Fuze/Overstrike. It was suppose to be a drastically different game but due to feedback from the "test audience" the game became less appealing because of that. Stripping away any sense of unique charm it might have had. And for what? Pleasing kids that really should not have been the target audience considering the rating?! Fuck that honestly. I'm sorry, but a lot of my favorite piece of medias were things that I didn't even know I wanted. Hell, MGS 2 (a game once controversial) is now as beloved as MGS 1 or 3. Again, you got a good point but i'm just saying it's not as clear cut as some people say.
I feel like the creators, writers, producers, etc. "should" listen to their fans "sometimes". It would be nice. However, the writers, producers, etc. are "not" allowed to accept unsolicited ideas from just anyone. Probably because of copyright and other various reasons. I tweeted to Al Jean a couple of times on Twitter. He was very nice and pleasant to me. But he told me that he and the production crew are not allowed to read or take any unsolicited fan material from just any fan of the show. (Unless it's a couch gag submission.)
I find it ironic that you made a video talking about this topic when in your previous video about trust, I made a comment talking about how when I start making videos on my channel, I would probably make a video(s) about the good and bad of creators listening to feedback and giving people what they want, in particular with my anxious thoughts of what the Prometheus sequels will be like judging from the trailer for Alien: Covenant, the Wikipedia page, a few articles and a video, that they'll appeal to all the haters of the first movie, by completely ignoring the Engineers (or glossing over them), and instead focusing on the origins of the Xenomorphs (don't get me wrong, I love the Xenomorphs, but an origin story for them can be saved for it's own movie, these movies were supposed to be about the Space Jockeys and I've always wanted to know their story since I was a kid, sure, one of the original plans for Prometheus was to reveal the origins of the Xenomorphs, but still), that Alien: Covenant will be a blatant rehash of Alien with some different elements thrown in, or that they'll still focus on the Engineers as planned, but to make the haters happy, they'll shove in Xenomorphs when it's the least appropriate to, like almost all of the Halloween sequels post-Season of The Witch.
One example I would like to put forward: I liked the new Series of Unfortunate Events show on Netflix. It has all the charm and suspense of the books, and in some instances, is better than the books. However, my one criticism is that most of the meta humor comes off as forced and annoying if it is done by a character who is not Lemony Snicket, the show's narrator. That is one thing the creators should take away from the fans if they are going to make a second season. I'm not representing all fans of the series by saying this, but I have faith that Sonnenfeld Productions would listen to what the fans have to say.
I think it depends on the situation. If a fandom wants some characters to be a couple or something, that's petty. But if it's something somewhat more controversial, like an ending or plot twist, then maybe the creator should at least explain their reasoning if they're not willing to change something. It's their thing, after all.
hey the hate mainly comes from the fact they antagonize the former fanbase, keep in mind there is a difference between bowing to the critics and intentionally antagonizing them. hell its seriously immature, there show is the most rated on the network so why bother giving fucks what the critics even think, half of them would have let it go if those 2 brain dead morons stopped. what the executive sees in there show is beyond me...
"Fans are clingy complaining dipshits who will never ever be grateful for any concession you make. The moment you shut out their shrill, tremulous voices the happier you will be for it." - Ben Yahtzee Croshaw
This is like Zootopia. Nick and Judy's relationship is very split among fans. Some say they're more than friends, while others say they're just that. But a good amount of them want them to end up together in the probable sequel. In fact, it's gotten so big, (even bigger than the writers thought) that the creators said they'd probably have to address it in the sequel.
Should the creators listen? It depends. I would say YES if the show is all around BAD. But if it's just built in a way some fans may dislike, that doesn't make the show bad. The creator may have different personal taste. If I were a creator in the situation, I wouldn't selfishly ignore fan suggestions BUT I would still expect them to remember i can have my freedom on my own show.
I think in Frozen 2 the creators should consider redeeming Hans. I think he deserves it and it could be good for teaching children forgiveness. Some fans, however, started a petition to have it happen. There are also the fans who started the GiveElsaAGirlfriend thing. There is no need to start a petition, just let the creators figure it out and tell them to think about doing it at least.
I'm not sure where I stand on this issue since I've been both harmed and benefited by listening to my "fans". I write fanfics and usually the feedback is nice and sometimes even helpful. But then I wrote a parody fanfic that poked at popular stories that brought out the outrage crowd who ranted at fanfiction(dot)net into canning my account. And what's sad is all the complaints about this parody fic were that it existed instead of different ways to handle/improve it. I guess it depends on the fans.
Nakia11798 After I lost my account, I started as asking around. Apparently it was a group going around "purging" FFN of stories they deemed dirty and offensive. They apparently got a lot of writers in the Harry Potter section banned and me when they moved onto the Danny Phantom section.
Great video. However, I will comment on something that seems to be happen too much these days... Yes, I think that show creators and companies should listen to the fans. Because a lot of times, companies and creators just make the shows, but don't get engaged in it like the fans do. And that right there is a big problem. Creators and companies these days seem to just act like all they care about is making money just to continue making shows and not pleasing their fans. I understand that creators and companies need to make money to make shows, but there is a difference between not listening to fans, making money and continuing to make boatloads of garbage shows, and actually listening to fans, making money, and making the show continue but in a way that pleases both fans and the creators. I don't understand why companies of TV shows seem to go in the direction of the boatloads of garbage rather than the supposed "better" alternative. So they want to continue making bad shows that don't please fans, just to make more money, just for the sake of making money, then spending that money to make more bad shows...? Does anyone else see how stupid this is, or am I the only one? That's like working at a job but you are not doing very good at performance in your job, you make money, not listening to your boss or co-workers who are trying to help you out with your job, then you go home and flush the money down the drain, and the cycle repeats. Why? Why would you not want to better yourself and do better at your job, use the money wisely, and possible get more money for your good job performance? It's like companies of TV have gone the M. Night Shammeleon pathway, but with TV shows instead of movies. Either way, it make NO SENSE! Not from a business prospective, not from an entertaining prospective, not from an educational prospective, not from a fan prospective, and not from a common sense prospective. It's... just... so... absurd...
1:20 Pieguy thats not true at all every cartoon gets notes form the network asking them to change stuff also they have to follow FCC regulations also the show that makes it on tv is always different from the original vision for example in Spongebob Nick asked the creators to put Spongebob in a school so kids can relate more to him they said sure ok and they made Mrs. Puffs driving school
The short answer, yes, the long answer, it all depends based on the reception of the show/book/movie.
m
+Brendan Greene You can't really fix animation because of negative criticism. Animation is entirely dependent on budget.
+Brendan Greene My mistake. I misinterpreted what you said.
Giovanni Orellana I feel the same way
I can agree with the point of never forcing writers to change their work against their own will. At the end of the day, it's their story and they have decided to tell it that way. Even if I dislike a certain piece of media, I'll at least respect the artist for not changing something that they think is needed in the story and the show as a whole.
Some of these creators, have been working on these stories for years before they are actually made (Phineas and Ferb was actually trying to get picked up since the 90's and the creator of Star Vs the Forces of Evil began the basis of the story and characters when she was in High School) and if they care that much about it, they have a right to make it how they see fit.
For example, at the start of season 4 of Steven Universe fans started complaining that the voice of Steven was getting too old to play the character so they should replace him with Tara Strong. Then that evolved into them wanting Steven out the show entirely. Steven's character is based of Rebecca Sugar's brother and he is everything in the show and I don't think she would've ever even considered getting rid of him.
Fan input is beneficial and helps build a relationship between the crew and creators. But it should never come at the cost of what the artist wanted the show to be.
Jake Pulley Wow! I didn't know that even happen. People can be so retarded sometimes!
Great video as always! The creator/fan relationship is definitely dynamic and sometimes odd on UA-cam, where fans typically have a lot more connection and influence on creators.
I hope you enjoy the plug at the end!
I just noticed! Thanks! I didn't notice it at first because I watched this on my chromecast XD
Hey PIEGUYRULZ, sorry for cutting in like this, but I was wondering what effect did you use for the audio thing here in this video? I'm just wondering, is all.
Oh hey MonstersReviews didn't except to see you here! Cool!
PieGuyRulz I want to do a series like your Every Episode Reviewed series (just with The Simpsons instead of SpongeBob), just I don't want to feel like I'm ripping you off, but I do want to ask your permission.
In my opinion, yes. They should. However, they shouldn't rely on them, or make them too powerful when it comes to their work. It's your work and you have an infinite spectrum to work with---YOU can do anything YOU want.
(geez I wish Nickelodeon listened during Season 6 of Scumbob)
THANKYOU!! It's not the fans show..it belongs to the creator.
Ikr
Listen to fans? Yes. Capitulate to every demand? No.
ValeTheCrossboy this though. It hurts me deeply when shows use fans as a way to pander
Aguest Personally, I believe SOME pandering is okay. Like, say some fans drew fan art of the main character in a different outfit, and the creators decided to put a cameo of the main character in an outfit similar. That’s more of just giving fans a nod of appreciation. But if the fans demand “this ship MUST happen” and the creators drop the whole script for that one ship, then that’s not okay.
I agree with you. In regards to your screen saver visual for this video, I think its beaten by the previous one.
I think it's very important for creators to be able to distinguish silent majority and vocal minority.
Triple Catnip I agree
THIS. I was saying the same.
The one issue with taking fan criticism is when creators take criticism from those who aren't fans and are instead complaining about minor details. I'm mostly referring to people such as Anita Sarkeesian or those parents who complain if a show has a disabled or gay character present. You know, people who don't even care how the topic is handled and are mad that it exists in the show at all. The creators should be allowed their own vision. Granted if something is a major issue even to people outside of the major complaining group, then yes it should be addressed. Sometimes there really are unfortunate implications that the creator's didn't intend and should be fixed. But if it's just a bunch of people who only care about the one detail and don't even watch your show, then you shouldn't take it too seriously. It's the show's fans you should be listening to - not the people only going around to nitpick.
Of course they should, the question is how much of that feedback to actually act on and who you lend your ear to.
Probably your best audio essay
I totally agree with all your points. It's sad that some creators that actually listen to their fans are sometimes punished for it.
A Steven Universe crew member had to step down because her fans were attacking her for supporting certain aspects of the show that can be quite controversial.
my brain just got smarter listening to this thank you pieguy the wise
I completely agree with this.
Honestly I have nothing to add.
Same! The only thing I might add is it could also be applied to someone who's writing an ongoing book series since it's.... you know ongoing XD
Your videos (especially your audio essays) are so easy to listen to. I can just listen to them while drawing without worrying about missing too much- except your Every Episode of SpongeBob Reviewed. I don't want to miss those easter eggs!
I agree PieGuyz. The creators should listen to fans because not only they could improve on their work, they can also accept ideas that we have to make the shows good.
***** IKR
@EB this is good point. However, like pieguyrulz also mentioned, the creator may view things differently and the example of a character being annoying (pie guys example) the creator may not agree with EVEN if it's a popular thought among fans.
I think they should in some situations. If there is a large group of people who want / are angry with something to the point where it's almost a majority, it's probably a good idea to do something.
Naming yourself after a Pokemon that doesn't exist yet takes balls
Good point. But like pieguyrulz said, the creator may not always share the fans views. Even if it's majority, if it subjective (and not factual) there's a lower chance the creator will change it because they don't agree.
Creators should listen to their fans but have no obligations to use their ideas. Like you said about season 20 of South Park splitting fans over the story arc that lasted for the entire season - the fact that a lot of things go unanswered and that it was written with Clinton winning in mind only worsened things, and I hope that Trey and Matt don't try to answer every little thing in the season finale and solve it a couple of episodes later.
Another interesting topic of conversation is - Can one moment ruin a show? Unless you've done something similar before then I think it's an interesting topic to discuss.
Do I hate Mars Bars
Sorry. Wrong channel.
Everytime I see a comment like that, I want to try a Mars Bars just to see what the fuss is all about.
It's a running joke on I Hate Everything's videos.
A Troll I know that, I just want to know why they're so hated.
+Ben_ToaofFire They're not. I believe IHE featured the one comment requesting it in one of his videos as a bad suggestion, and because his fanbase likes annoying him everyone started requesting it. I don't think a lot of people actually dislike Mars bars.
Vogel100 "Fuck mars!"
It really depends for me. In all cases, a creator does have the right to do what they want within their medium, but at the same time, there should always be some need for improvement. You should always strive to give the best quality to your fans for whatever you do. However, then the question arises of how much to listen to your fans and how much you should take from them. After all some fans understand the problems in the medium you work with because it's from a fresh perspective. Other fans just want the work to be "their" way. What's important is that, you, as a creator, understand what people like most about your medium and try to expand upon it and make it better. In a way, it's kind of a skill to know how and what to take away from feedback. After all, their is a difference from ignoring total criticism and be way too empty-headed and letting fans dictate everything causing the medium to fall off track.
This topic reminds me of the policy of Supply and Demand.
We, the viewers demand that the creators give us good quality programming. To have their characters be flushed out appropriately, for the story arcs to be properly explored/concluded.
But most of all, to understand what WE find tasteful programming and what we think is trash. For example; when we say Titans Go is garbage, they should listen and pull the plug.
If the network ignores our demands, we'll ignore them and the network will lose ratings. Once that happens, they won't make a profit
sadlobster1 Didn't basically the opposite happen with TTG?
Skeeter Mania
If you're referring to the Let's Get Serious episode. That felt more like a middle finger to the viewers
sadlobster1 What about those rare few who like the show? If anything, that other episode (I kinda forgot what it was called) sort of screwed over those few fans.
Skeeter Mania
I still question what they could find appealing about the series.
I mean; the "comedy" (if you can call it that) is terrible, the animation is horrid and the cast acts like sell outs with every episode
sadlobster1 You're kinda being disrespectful of those select few.
This is a complicated question.
Speaking very broadly, listening to fans can help you get a grasp of what people like or don't like about your show and give you some ideas of where to take things, but catering too heavily to your fans' demands can and frequently does undermine the artistic integrity of the work.
Whether you think a creator should listen to a particular set of fans is gonna be dependent on whether you think those fans have a point, and just as often I find people who I think have points as well as those who simply don't. Many people often suggest stupid things based on their primal desires or personal preferences over stupid bullshit like shipping, while completely disregarding the effect that would have on the vision the show has created for itself.
Being able to sort through criticism and be able to recognize what is actually valid and what isn't is one of the hardest parts of being a creator I imagine.
Ultimately if a creator I see is doing stuff to a work that I don't like, obviously I would enjoy it if they took it in a direction that I personally find more interesting or satisfying but they should absolutely stick to their own vision at the end and not just do stuff because I said so.
So basically, I'm 100% in agreement with Pieguy.
A creator should listen to their fans, unless their fans are the Tumblr crowd.
Either creators should listen to their fans or they shouldn't. You can't say they should listen to some fans while others should be ignored.
As long as the Tumblr people come up with something good, then yes, however, if it's something generic and predictable then no.
Poor old Homestuck, Hussie listened to the Tumblr fans and ruined the comic.
You can't know if it's good if you don't listen to it. Like Pieguy, using listening in the literal sense of the word. After you've listened, you can decide if you agree and if you're going to change anything or not.
This is why I'm anxious about the Prometheus sequels, that they'll appeal to all the haters of the first movie and suffer the same fate as the Halloween series post-Season of The Witch, that they'll shove in Xenomorphs, even at inappropriate times (ala Michael Myers in Halloween 5 and Resurrection), Alien: Covenant will be a blatant rehash of the first movie with other elements thrown in, and/or that the Engineers will be glossed over, or worse, be ignored entirely and instead focus on the Xenomorphs to please the haters (don't get me wrong, I love the Xenomorphs, but an origin story for them can be saved for it's own movie, Prometheus was supposed to be about the Space Jockeys and I've always wanted to know their story since I was a kid, especially since the AVP movies, my introductions to both franchises, ignored them entirely).
I really like these Audio Essays, PieGuy. They're very enlightening and relaxing to listen to. Plus, I really like how you handle things when you talk about a broad topic like this, or the trust video (not that I don't like your other content too, of course!).
Keep up the great, thoughtful work!
You can always tell when a creator isolates themselves from fans. I have been thinking a bit about how fan and creator teamwork is important in the music industry. Honestly seems to matter less but still seems important even there. Kinda interesting.
Most time fans are unreasonable. It's a difficult question. There is a vocal minority and silent majority. And sometimes the vocal fans don't represent the opinion of the silent majority.
I totally I agree cause listening to your fans won't always work like look at the sonic franchise and it's fractured fanbase
I think they could take the fans' opinions into mind, but they shouldn't just blindly follow their opinions. An example is Jasper's arc in Steven Universe, where Jasper did less bad things than other redeemed villains but because she was labeled as a rapist and abuser by tumblr, she got corrupted and is now basically dead unless Steven finds a random cure for it. However, Lapis and Peridot, who did WAY worse, was called cute innocent angels by tumblr so they got redemption arcs.
Toxicghosts22 They'll handle Jasper yet. I think they're just saving her for after the current arc. In all honesty though, Tumblr will attack whoever they can vehemently. They used to cal Pearl a rapist after sardonyx week and in then they addressed it by her simply explaining herself. I personally think that from how Jasper was portrayed in the last episode featuring her that they wanted us to feel sympathy for her and that they've got something in mind... now if that doesn't happen, I'll be seriously confused, but I'll get why (not every character can be redeemed.)
I'm loving the audio essays. I like being able to just tab over and listen to you.
I am really enjoying your audio essays. I hope you have plans on continuing them, specially for topics like these in which you probably don't feel like putting that much production on and lets you concentrate in the topic itself. Opinion pieces, I like those.
On the topic itself, I think you expressed exactly what I think about it. Listen and keep in mind? Yes. The rest is up to the creator, really. Extremes are always bad, one way or another. There is a reason why fanfiction exists and it's good that it exists, in my opinion. But as a creator of the original work, each artist should know that is up to them and them alone. I sadly see sometimes a demand from the fans, as if the product was solely made to fulfill their wishes. I remember seeing in a video that was about a certain anime series (I can't remember which one), a comment that said "I abandoned it because it didn't go the way I wanted" or something like that, and I think the person was missing the point. I am sure the people involved in production had reasons for the story to evolve the way it did, and if not, is not their job to satisfy every single viewer, but to carry the story to an ending that satisfies the majority, if possible. Their job is doing their best, not what *you* think it's best. What I believe people critisize in shows like Spongebob (in which the quality wasn't always exactly consistent) is not the decisions that the producers made themselves, but the fact that it didn't appear as if they did their best. When it is half-assed, people notice. And they will make you know they noticed.
I think that you've got a great point here. It makes me think of Fairly Odd Parents, a show that I think wouldn't have suffer nearly as much if the writers would've noticed that their tactics to continue the show weren't helping.
But the chart says...
As a career path, i really want to be a writer/creator of my own series and shows. I've watched so many shows and movies i can easily say i have lots of ideas to put on paper and hopefully one of them works out in the end. Great video pieguy, it gave me some confidence
Do I think that creators should listen? Yes. But at the same time, while listening to criticism is great, sometimes you listen a bit too much to the negativity (however much of a minority it is, but the negative voices are always louder) and then try to please everyone which is impossible because fandoms are unpleasable and will never be 100% satisfied with what you put out.
Case in point: the King's Quest reboot that ended last year. I really enjoyed that game overall, and I love telling people about it and am hoping to share the game with a friend soon. However, during the first episode/chapter, there were people complaining about the fact that there were action sequences in the game (you know, pressing a button to do something under a time limit) and because it got such negative reception from people who didn't even like the game to begin with (as far as I know anyone who liked it didn't seem to care), because again naysayers are always louder even if they are fewer, that the designers took out all future sequences like that that were planned for future chapters... meaning that you never get a conclusion to a certain plot point that's just left hanging and, of course, the naysayers blame everyone but themselves for it and continue to harp on how the game is just so awful. The game never achieves quite the perfect balance between story and puzzles, at least in the eyes of the fandom, and it's all because of the constant complaining about everything. And that's just one example from the game.
I'm loving the new presentation. Pretty original
As someone who's created things for the internet before, I totally agree. I do my best with what I have, but I also take into account the little fan feedback I get. Some things I like, some things I hate. But I get so little fan feedback, that what I do get is generally from huge fans of my work who really care about it. I don't typically have to weed through all the crap out there.
Creators need to have their own creative liberties, while listening to the fans so they know whether what they're doing is resonating with them or not. Forced work is never good.
This also applies to both TV networks and other big companies in general,because I believe that a company should take the time to listen and respond to feedback to fans of their own and not just ignore the fans because the company thinks there doing fine,cause fans might have a few ideas to make things a little better and its just a shame that most big corporations don't respect fans at all.
It helps to hear what your audience has to say. I would say Transformers: Beast Wars is a good example of a show that paid a lot of attention to it's audience. I think the creators even kept in contact with certain fans.
i love you pieguy
The audio waveform thing doesn't look good imo
You make a good point.
The second head's eyes aren't as perfectly aligned as the others, and it's bothering me.
That really depends on the situation. Are fans rightfully saying something is offensive? Are they whining about nothing? Do they want some form of fan service that makes sense? Or is their suggestion actively going against your vision?
I think fan made suggestions can either be quite useful or downright the worst ideas imaginable. (ex: Smash Bros. Suggesting Cloud as a playable character was certainly a good idea, even if HAL might have moved heaven and earth to make it happen. But then there's the people that won't shut up about adding Goku to the game. Not realizing why HAL would never do that!)
yes
these audio essays are ery interesting
U do make a good point and it holds true for the show the Big Bang theory can Sheldon has been holding the show back since season one and the only character to this day hasn't really developed any other than him having sex with Amy and living with her for a very few episodes
One good example is MLP Friendship is Magic episode 100 Slice of Life.
I wouldn´t say so. That episode wasn´t really good. At least that´s what I think.
blaa6 as an example of why creators shouldn't pander? yes, I totally agree.
For an example of listening to the fans gone horribly wrong, look no further than Glee.
Heroshii15 What happened?
Skeeter Mania More and more of the songs they covered became flashes-in-the-pan, virtually every OTP became official, and Darren Criss, who led the show's fastest-selling single, started getting more and more focus.
Heroshii15 Not sure how this is necessarily a bad thing...
How did you do the audio wave form things
If you have any friends PieGuy, you should do a podcast. The best way to do so is using a discord. speaking of discord, get one! that's be a great way to interact with us!
YESSS! A Pieguyrulz Discord server would be great!
I do think with big productions while it is important to give feedback a lot of the time it is just reaffirming what the creator already knows and that they had to do something they didn't necessarily like because of budget constraints, executive meddling, editorial changes, production issues, and lack of time.
I mean take a game like Final Fantasy XV, the creators obviously know that game is incomplete. Same with an anime like angel Beats which got the amount of episodes cut in half. I don't think the feedback is for the next season unless it's for live action TV, it's usually for the creators next project or to set a precedent for other shows to not do what they did.
Can you please do a voting video for this year's KCAs?
Adventure time had this problem
Exactly
Anyway "Goodbye See You Later" does that sound familiar
Creators: Looking at YOU entirety of Nickelodeon.
Overall though, yeah, I think they should but it really all depends on what it is. Not everyone will always agree on one particular subject. However, if so many people do agree on one particular subject, than they probably do know what's best. Plus, as long as it's really accurate to a show, than I think it's highly accurate for critics to AT LEAST listen to advice. Not always do it but at least listen and give feedbacks.
Also, by the way, nice layout, though it's kinda odd, but still, nice layout .
that waveform is cool as fuck
Hey wait a second.... their are some good and well written fanfics out there
I think it depends if the fans have genuine criticism.
Why do I get the feeling with that soundfeed drawing this takes longer to make than regular videos?
put the audio essays on soundcloud.
It would make a good podcast
2:07-2:22 *cough* Gumball x Carrie *cough*
Well... It depends really on the situation from the way I look at it. Yes, feedback is very important but sometimes I feel like fans in themselves may not always have the best judgment of what makes a piece of media as good as it is. For an example, I feel like if MGS 2 just pleased what the fans wanted (A.K.A have Snake as the main character) then the message of how sequels are in themselves would be lost in translation.
And yeah, you can't please everybody which is why I believe you shouldn't. Because ultimately if you try to please everybody you end up pleasing nobody in the end if that any sense. I think what's more important is at least pleasing the majority of people. I believe it should be a 50/50 thing. If you just listen to what everybody said's about your piece of media then there's no creative freedom for the crew. Though, if you don't listen you might make terrible decisions with your piece of media.
And in the case of UA-cam comments asking for feedback is like seeing how far you can go down the rabbit hole. Believe me, it gets pretty unpleasant quickly and insane.
I think you didn't make it clear enough that creators should not shut their ears to criticism completely under ANY circumstance,which,sadly,most creators do.
Good point. Though, some fans can be a bit unreasonable with the changes they want. Like for example, changing someone's vision of what that piece of media is suppose to represent at least to the creator. In some cases, listening to the fans has been the detriment of that piece of media.
Take for instance Fuze/Overstrike. It was suppose to be a drastically different game but due to feedback from the "test audience" the game became less appealing because of that. Stripping away any sense of unique charm it might have had. And for what? Pleasing kids that really should not have been the target audience considering the rating?!
Fuck that honestly. I'm sorry, but a lot of my favorite piece of medias were things that I didn't even know I wanted. Hell, MGS 2 (a game once controversial) is now as beloved as MGS 1 or 3. Again, you got a good point but i'm just saying it's not as clear cut as some people say.
This is what Nintendo should do for the Paper Mario series.
I feel like the creators, writers, producers, etc. "should" listen to their fans "sometimes". It would be nice.
However, the writers, producers, etc. are "not" allowed to accept unsolicited ideas from just anyone. Probably because of copyright and other various reasons.
I tweeted to Al Jean a couple of times on Twitter. He was very nice and pleasant to me. But he told me that he and the production crew are not allowed to read or take any unsolicited fan material from just any fan of the show. (Unless it's a couch gag submission.)
PieGuy do you plan on reviewing any Netflix original TV shows (*cough* Trollhunters *cough*)
well it depends on what they are asking for
Answer: yes. Yes they should.
I find it ironic that you made a video talking about this topic when in your previous video about trust, I made a comment talking about how when I start making videos on my channel, I would probably make a video(s) about the good and bad of creators listening to feedback and giving people what they want, in particular with my anxious thoughts of what the Prometheus sequels will be like judging from the trailer for Alien: Covenant, the Wikipedia page, a few articles and a video, that they'll appeal to all the haters of the first movie, by completely ignoring the Engineers (or glossing over them), and instead focusing on the origins of the Xenomorphs (don't get me wrong, I love the Xenomorphs, but an origin story for them can be saved for it's own movie, these movies were supposed to be about the Space Jockeys and I've always wanted to know their story since I was a kid, sure, one of the original plans for Prometheus was to reveal the origins of the Xenomorphs, but still), that Alien: Covenant will be a blatant rehash of Alien with some different elements thrown in, or that they'll still focus on the Engineers as planned, but to make the haters happy, they'll shove in Xenomorphs when it's the least appropriate to, like almost all of the Halloween sequels post-Season of The Witch.
Good vid!!
One example I would like to put forward: I liked the new Series of Unfortunate Events show on Netflix. It has all the charm and suspense of the books, and in some instances, is better than the books. However, my one criticism is that most of the meta humor comes off as forced and annoying if it is done by a character who is not Lemony Snicket, the show's narrator. That is one thing the creators should take away from the fans if they are going to make a second season. I'm not representing all fans of the series by saying this, but I have faith that Sonnenfeld Productions would listen to what the fans have to say.
I think it depends on the situation. If a fandom wants some characters to be a couple or something, that's petty. But if it's something somewhat more controversial, like an ending or plot twist, then maybe the creator should at least explain their reasoning if they're not willing to change something. It's their thing, after all.
The waveform thing would work if it was all one color. But it isn't, so it doesn't.
someone mash up all the frames so we can see the picture
In my opinion
Yes and No.
Why
Because the fans are all over the place. Hate and like.
In Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath's case, the fuckers who made Teen Titans GO!, it would be impossible.
yeah 2 douchebags who have no idea what they are doing.
They do listen to fans. They just don't give a shit what they think.
they should cause at this point they are pretty much the reason cartoon network is going down the drain.
cosmoman.EXE they still have their viewers and their money, and that's all they need to keep going.
hey the hate mainly comes from the fact they antagonize the former fanbase, keep in mind there is a difference between bowing to the critics and intentionally antagonizing them. hell its seriously immature, there show is the most rated on the network so why bother giving fucks what the critics even think, half of them would have let it go if those 2 brain dead morons stopped. what the executive sees in there show is beyond me...
creators should look at some feed back
The video looks strange. The audio waves and static piecons, I mean.
Do creators listen to fans? Yes and no.
You should make a podcast or something
"Fans are clingy complaining dipshits who will never ever be grateful for any concession you make. The moment you shut out their shrill, tremulous voices the happier you will be for it." - Ben Yahtzee Croshaw
This is like Zootopia. Nick and Judy's relationship is very split among fans. Some say they're more than friends, while others say they're just that. But a good amount of them want them to end up together in the probable sequel. In fact, it's gotten so big, (even bigger than the writers thought) that the creators said they'd probably have to address it in the sequel.
I wish networks would listen to their fans instead of constantly airing their LAWL RANDUMB show of their choice.
Should the creators listen? It depends. I would say YES if the show is all around BAD. But if it's just built in a way some fans may dislike, that doesn't make the show bad. The creator may have different personal taste. If I were a creator in the situation, I wouldn't selfishly ignore fan suggestions BUT I would still expect them to remember i can have my freedom on my own show.
I think in Frozen 2 the creators should consider redeeming Hans. I think he deserves it and it could be good for teaching children forgiveness. Some fans, however, started a petition to have it happen. There are also the fans who started the GiveElsaAGirlfriend thing. There is no need to start a petition, just let the creators figure it out and tell them to think about doing it at least.
I'm not sure where I stand on this issue since I've been both harmed and benefited by listening to my "fans". I write fanfics and usually the feedback is nice and sometimes even helpful. But then I wrote a parody fanfic that poked at popular stories that brought out the outrage crowd who ranted at fanfiction(dot)net into canning my account. And what's sad is all the complaints about this parody fic were that it existed instead of different ways to handle/improve it. I guess it depends on the fans.
wdcain1 Butthurt fans got insulted. Damn. I always laugh at a good parody.
Nakia11798
After I lost my account, I started as asking around. Apparently it was a group going around "purging" FFN of stories they deemed dirty and offensive. They apparently got a lot of writers in the Harry Potter section banned and me when they moved onto the Danny Phantom section.
wdcain1 oh damn I remember that! That was a dark time. It was after I stopped using the site, but I was still super mad about it.
review the regular show finale
Great video.
However, I will comment on something that seems to be happen too much these days... Yes, I think that show creators and companies should listen to the fans. Because a lot of times, companies and creators just make the shows, but don't get engaged in it like the fans do. And that right there is a big problem.
Creators and companies these days seem to just act like all they care about is making money just to continue making shows and not pleasing their fans. I understand that creators and companies need to make money to make shows, but there is a difference between not listening to fans, making money and continuing to make boatloads of garbage shows, and actually listening to fans, making money, and making the show continue but in a way that pleases both fans and the creators.
I don't understand why companies of TV shows seem to go in the direction of the boatloads of garbage rather than the supposed "better" alternative. So they want to continue making bad shows that don't please fans, just to make more money, just for the sake of making money, then spending that money to make more bad shows...? Does anyone else see how stupid this is, or am I the only one? That's like working at a job but you are not doing very good at performance in your job, you make money, not listening to your boss or co-workers who are trying to help you out with your job, then you go home and flush the money down the drain, and the cycle repeats. Why? Why would you not want to better yourself and do better at your job, use the money wisely, and possible get more money for your good job performance?
It's like companies of TV have gone the M. Night Shammeleon pathway, but with TV shows instead of movies. Either way, it make NO SENSE! Not from a business prospective, not from an entertaining prospective, not from an educational prospective, not from a fan prospective, and not from a common sense prospective.
It's... just... so... absurd...
Can you review adventure time islands?
Yes
1:20 Pieguy thats not true at all every cartoon gets notes form the network asking them to change stuff also they have to follow FCC regulations also the show that makes it on tv is always different from the original vision for example in Spongebob Nick asked the creators to put Spongebob in a school so kids can relate more to him they said sure ok and they made Mrs. Puffs driving school
Am I the only one who thought south park season 20 was amazing, and wouldn't mind seeing more serialized seasons?
50/50. If you ignore the obsessed shippers and toxic fans 😅
Review Bunsen is a Beast!
there's also the whole situation with the developers of Rust
Bob and Sally?
PieGuy, did you see the ending to Regular Show?
Angel C. Which one
Odynn MoonFox, Oh
Bradley P, which one what?
Bradley P the very last episode
+Odynn MoonFox Why not?
Speaking of creators not listening to their fans. Roman Reigns. Just, Roman Reigns.
Did you watch Butch Hartman's latest video about the Ghost Zone? It has some information on the aborted arcs.
PIEGUYRULZ what are you're thoughts on my little pony friendship is magic littlest pet shop and Dan vs????
He did a MLP FIM review _years_ ago, he thought it was okay.