![]() May 28th, 2012 - PewDiePie uploads a video that lasts 5:42, titled "FREAKY SH'T! - Paranormal - Part 1". This video was my introduction to PewDiePie, and to the world of Let's Plays, YouTube gaming videos, and Indie Horror Games (it also led to me and my sister running around yelling JER-O-MII to my younger brother and playing pranks on each other by hiding our vast collection of sketch models in each other's rooms and bathrooms when the other was sleeping). I was going through a really rough patch (like both parents died, I moved, I was being forced to go to college, new family, life falling apart, it was lovely) and this five minute, forty two second long video changed my life. It was a new experience, I never realized how much I loved the jumpscares and being swept away into another world. After that I discovered the love of my life, Markiplier (he just doesn't know it yet) and my world became immersed in the world of YouTube Gaming (before that was even a thing). Flash forward four years - Felix Kjellberg is now the most subscribed person on YouTube, he has uploaded thousands of videos, almost 95% of which are all creations from his own mind (the remaining being fan made videos using VOs from his uploads). He has made a fairly popular mobile game, published a novel about motivational quotes and an abundance of pictures of ducks, has an army of bros spanning across the globe, and has become a household name in the matter of a few short years. And yet, everybody seems to hate the guy. People complain about his face, his voice, his attitude, "he's a sell-out". People like the infamous MatPat have even made videos trying to justify his success. Now I'll admit it, as the years have gone on the content and quality fluctuates. But a moment of honesty? PewDiePie is a genius and deserves every bit of recognition and every subscription, he earned it and has stayed one of the most humble human beings in the Social Media empire. And let me explain to you why.... It's easy for the newcomers to see a loud, obnoxious twenty something yelling through your computer screen in an unintelligible fashion, looking at boobs, and screaming Swedish obscenities. Why on earth is this guy the most subscribed person on one of the biggest media outlets of all time? PewDiePie played it smart, he's a Swedish born YouTuber, dating Marzia who is Italian, and he lives in London - so in that regard he has a majority of European viewers already covered just by nationality and location. Add the fact his best friends are from both coasts of America and Ireland, his obsession for Japanese culture, and the universal language of a good scare, and you have coverage in some of the most major parts of the world. His intense personality makes for wonderful commentary, and it's easy to see his heart of gold and intense appreciation for his "bros" through videos like Fridays With PewDiePie and constant interactions on Twitter. 1: He's a sell-out: If you've been a long-time bro, you've witness the evolution of Poods. The game genres, the video lengths, the amount of uploads, styles of content, and heaven help us all the beard. So what changed in recent years that "sell-out" is a term constantly related to PewDiePie? If you take a step back and look at it, he hasn't changed much at all, so calling him a sell-out is an empty complaint. If you know anything about the YouTube business, the amount of uploads on a day-to-day basis is how most professional YouTubers get paid. (This is why when Markiplier took a break to grieve his roommate, fans and fellow Let's Players like JackSepticEye came to his aid by helping keep the video traffic flowing.) It's like clocking in for a job, you don't clock in you don't get paid. When you take a step back and realize the immense amount of content he puts out, it's hard not to be impressed. He uploads 2-3 videos a day, ranging anywhere from eight to forty minutes each. Take into consideration the amount of editing, Photoshop, and thumbnail creations, it's incredible how he manages to put out quality content every time. 2: He's annoying: He's also playing into a role and persona that has evolved over years of being on the internet. The large majority of your favorite internet celebrities are most likely playing a role - if you want a perfect example go watch an hour of Shane Dawson videos then sit down and read "I Hate Myselfie" - I promise your views will change, mine sure did. Some people claim he is immature and are jealous and mad that he's successful sitting around playing video games while they can barely pay rent. People love causing drama when they feel undeserving people are successful. But I promise you, this man has a genuine heart of gold (go watch him do any interview video with anybody, it'll be like a completely different person). 3: His fans are crazy: Aren't they all? Ask me about Markiplier sometime, you'll probably think I'm insane. Think of any celebrity you adore, there's always a part of you that gets excited whenever a celeb of any sort posts a new picture on Instagram or tweets you back. When you realize that a fanbase of over 42 million followers is a very real thing, it's easy to see where the passion arises. YouTube is an age-restriction free website that millions upon millions of people use on a day-to-day basis, and young people flock to the most popular thing to fit in. So this large army of fans consists of people of all ages, races, and maturity levels, so the insanity and passion has a range, so don't fret too much over the twelve year old who is a little bit too into PewDiePie videos. There are tons of reasons to love PewDiePie (the fact he's adorable, the fact he's a gentleman, the fact he is a goofball with a heart of gold), there are tons of reasons to hate him as well. But, before you go on a rampage of hate toward him, take a step back and remember he's human too and he's just doing his job (exceptionally well) and appreciates you watching his videos so much it makes his day. So bro-fist a friend, load up some YouTube, and click on that link and enjoy Paranormal Part One, it'll be the best five minutes and forty two seconds of your day. ![]()
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AuthorJust your average geek chic gamer chick into all things ghostly and geeky (and vice versa) Archives
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