The YouTube Police

[JoeJustice]

Remember the term Fashion Police? You know the type; folks that would just randomly tell you that your cloths are outdated or your shirt doesn't match your shoes, as if you actually cared about they're opinion. It always seemed like the Fashion Police expected you to say, "Oh thank you, thank you! I'm going to go throw out my wardrobe right now! You're my hero!"

I think the modern equivalent of this phenomenon has to be the YouTube Police. Spend any amount of time on YouTube looking up exercise advice or fitness videos and you'll see no end of comments saying, "You're doing it wrong, fag!!" Every now and then you'll read actual constructive criticism but it seems like 9 times out of 10 anything it's just blatant insults or (my favorite) pontificating about how much more of a baddass the commenter is and how he can do the exercise better.

One thing that strikes me is that the most critical, hateful sons of bitches out there almost never have their own videos posted :rotfl:

I can't for the life of me understand this type of individual. What in their psyche makes them see a video of someone else trying to do something and feeling compelled to criticize it? I just can't picture myself clicking around YouTube and posting random criticism. If I saw a video of someone doing 4 very poor pull-ups, I'd either post nothing or post something like, "Good job, keep at it!" rather than "You SUCK! My granny can do better!"

Now, everyone feel free to visit my YouTube page and tell me what kind of a weak, pathetic loser I am :tongue:

-Joe

P.S. Cue Tom's, "This is why I turn of comments" rant.

[gs300tx]

Joe, its called not having a life, these people are also known as "haters", I'm sure you have heard of them.

Don't feel bad Joe, having haters is a good thing.If you have people hating on you ,It means that you are doing something right!!! It means that you can do something that they cant.

[JoeJustice]

Hahahaha,. Haters. Oh yeah, I got haters.

What brought this up was a comment I got yesterday from some dude who didn't believe my rope climb was really 20 feet off the ground. "Hey, I was just passing through and thought I'd let you know, I think you're a liar. Thanks and have a nice day." :rotfl: I didn't know what to tell the guy. I shot the video, there it is for everyone to take a look at. You know, if you don't believe me, I don't know how to help you. It just cracked me up that this guy thought he needed to let me know that he didn't believe me.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g6-HnHqfhyE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g6-HnHqfhyE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Technically speaking it is closer to 18 feet off the ground, not 20. I even mentioned that when I posted the video on here. Sorry I couldn't find a tree limb EXACTLY 20 feet off the ground. :tongue:

But beyond that, it's not just me by a long shot. I've seen some people do some REALLY, REALLY impressive stuff on YouTube and you can invariably find some comment trying to diminish them. If someone were saying, "I'm the best, look at this!" then maybe they were asking for it. But this whole thing of surfing around for people to criticize, it's amazing to me. I'd rather spend my time either working on myself or encouraging others.

-Joe

[tom]

Thanks for the cue.

Why bother turning on the comments? Why open up an opportunity for negativity when there is no benefit? Who cares? Reacting with this thread, even with un-named examples, is the same as the hatin' you're getting. Let it go, grasshopper. Letting go means don't even mention it. Don't even think about it. Not one bit. At all.

Hey, why am I posting here, too? I'm going to go have a talk with me.

And do consider seriously my comments on outdated gym shorts . . . even if you have to throw out your whole wardrobe. The slimmer, better-looking you deserves better.

Tom

[JoeJustice]

We've been through this before, Tom. I DO like feedback. I don't want to be an island, separated from everyone. Separate yourself too much and you eventually become an elitist. Feedback is good, keeps you grounded. It's the kind of random bashing that isn't constructive.

See, you think I get too worked up over this stuff, but I don't. I am curious about them, I do wonder at the psychology of haters but they don't get under my skin.

Now all of this talk about my workout cloths?! That's made me cry a few times. :sad:

-Joe

[Greg Newton]

Hey Joe,

It is easy to criticize and be something you aren't when you are sitting behind a computer screen or are on the other side of a phone. I've told this story before, but years ago when I started a personal training business and had run an ad in the paper, I had a person call me up in a roaring voice, who told me he was a strength coach for one of the local high schools and demanded to know what right I had starting a personal training business. He then promised to pay me a visit.

I pictured a barrell chested football bully. I also pictured the scenario where this guy came to my business to cause trouble, I would lose my temper, throw him through a window, go to jail for assault, and then get sued. But, truth is stranger than fiction. The guy turned out to be crippled with coke bottle glasses and was a custodian at a high school who helped with the football team. He also had a high pitched, squeaky voice. I'll never figure out how he roared over the telephone. But anyway, he also turned out to be a super nice guy whose passion was Olympic weightlifting. I got the feeling the phone call was initiated by jealousy because I was doing something he had a sincere desire to do.

[tom]

I DO like feedback.
Yes, you do, and it's something I admire about you. It goes with your positive outlook and willingness to try cool stuff unabashed and enthusiastically.

See, you think I get too worked up over this stuff, but I don't.

Yes, I do think so, and yes, you do, too. That's why you make the negative effort to write;
critical, hateful sons of bitches

It's complicated in a very simple way. Or simple in a complicated way. Or simple but not easy but worth it. Yeah, the last one, that's it.

I'll just have to start a new thread on it, with quotes from the good book, the book of John to be specific, and 'splain myself. If I get around to it.

And, by the way, as far as your rope climbing youtube goes, yeah, I can whup your granny in rope climbing.




probably


a fine lady, I'm sure



Tom

[gruntbrain]

I guess we agree feedback is good & there are many big teases on the NET; they may even be super fit(or not) & they may be super unfit mentally( or not)

[VRT Man]

Well, let me tell you about feedback. And I'm still gettin' it.

The peculiarities of VRT and the way I initially presented it to the public caused some people to think that I was flipped out on imaginary things.

Then there's the opposite school, of those who tried it, do it, and just love doing it. The difference between the two schools, is one school just laughs at the name, and thinks someone (namely, me) has an overactive imagination, and imagines rather than does, and the other school has tried it, practiced it, and made practical gains from it that are meaningful to them.

Feedback? Don't bother. Ignore it.

Greg Mangan

[tom]

Follow the VRT way - flip out on imaginary things, so you won't harm anything real.

SNAKES! There are snakes under my chair! And chicken hearts! Where's the jello?!!

Tom

[VRT Man]

See what I mean? Shame on you, Tom!! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[JoeJustice]

I'm going to imagine Tom makes sense.

-Joe
:tongue:

[tom]

Now that's plain crazy talk.

Unfortunately, you youngsters often miss the important things in life that help you grow. These are things which every single person in this country should be required to hear:

Part one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhwF2d8QyvU

Part two:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vPimtcK3-A&feature=related

Tom

[Giant Soldier]

Joe - way I see it there's a lot of people who've got a lot of rage built up in themselves for whatever reason and they get some kind of charge from spreading their rage around to others. They would never, ever have the guts to say anything to your face. They're simply jealous.

I think you can tell when someone's criticism is valid. They don't really go for low blows. They ask questions. Their preconceptions come through in their statements - and then it's just from where they're coming from. You can't do anything about that.

You keep posting them videos. They helped me validate what I've been doing with the program. When my 17-year-old son was busting on me for not doing weights, I was able to say, "Well, look what we have here. It's not just me and John Peterson. There's this guy too." Thank you for that.

[JoeJustice]

Oh, I'm going to keep posting videos, don't worry about that. I'm also going to take Tom's advice and disreguard other's comments by continuing to accept comment despite all of his comments about not accepting comments. And that's my last comment on the matter.

Actually I didn't expect this topic to be all about me, I expected it to be pretty general. Youtube Police: whatcha gonna do when they come for you??

-Joe

[tom]

Jeesh. And now this has to turn into a Joe-admiration thread?

Well, ok. I give up. Here goes.

Hello, I am Tom (or whatever other name I've made up online). I am here to appreciate Joe (Ian? Phil? Brett?)

A couple of years ago when Joe posted his beached whale picture I had finally hit a bottom and was ready to do something about my own weight. Since we were the same height and our goal was the same weight and he had the nerve to put up the pictures and videos, I decided to join in, ride on his enthusiasm. It was part of a successful combination of strategies for me. A year later I was down 35-40 lbs to my goal of 183. Still there, over a year later.

And that's why I appreciate Joe and am glad to be his role model for the last years.

He is never right when he disagrees with me, but you have to keep in mind that he is only 29. I was opinionated and wrong even more at that age. Give it time. There is a lot of potential there.

Next, when I feel bottomed out and Grunt puts up some video, I plan to join him down in the low 170's range. Then we can have a Grunt appreciation day (GAD).

Tom

[ben alexander]

There's a difference between an opinion and an informed opinion. Unfortunately, most people don't know that difference.

When I get a little stressed I remember what my dad told me -

"Son, opinions are like butts. Everyone's got one, and most of them stink!"

Crude, but makes a point.

Ben

[gruntbrain]

If I ever did the YouTube thingy, I'm sure my homeless man secondhand attire would be a distraction; folks are either easily distracted by aesthetics or they're just throwing out good natured barbs

[tom]

Oh, come on, don't be so hung up on looks, you handsome dog you.

I'm sure there is a pleasant and pleasing lady of no-worry age who can help with the filming. They often have nice little digital camcorders for their grand-kids' soccer games and recitals.

Make your own Martha call. (a TW reference I bet you'll get)

Tom

[MikeNY]

Joe and Greg, those that can't take cheap shots at guys like you two; those that know understand what is real.

[gruntbrain]

Tom
You probably know I'm vain about not being vain or at least you know I'm hyperfrugal

classmates.com is one way to reunite with "Marthas"

[william273]

hey joe, youtube is FILLED with people like that. i run across them all the time but usually hurl it right back at them and it makes for some INTERESTING dialog. don't take them seriously!

william