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This is gonna be one of those long, pretentious, self-absorbed entries. Just like the others I suppose.
I’m on a break from YouTube. Not because its ‘too-stressful’ or because I’ve got ‘personal problems’; as are the common claims to absence on YouTube; I just haven’t been bothered. Months will fly by with YouTube being an exciting, exhilarating, major influence in my life; all thoughts video ideas; my life dictated by copyright. But then, ultimately, as with most over things in my life, I’ll go through periods of total apathy towards my ‘internet-life’, becoming entirely despondent to practices that once thrilled me. I’m in one of these ‘troughs’ right now.
YouTube is total self-absorption, and I, personally, easily get bogged down by this. It’s important just to take a step back from time-to-time. Ground-myself. I’m not famous. Even the biggest YouTubers aren’t famous, and it’s the definite hierarchy on YouTube, amplified by ego and pretentiousness, that infuriates me. People thinking what they’ve done on YouTube is exceptional, but wearing that grin of insincere modesty, “You can be like me too!”, and although this blog is entireley self-centered, that irritates the fuck out of me.
It’s a website, and however big a part it plays in peoples lives, and however much people deny it; it is separate to reality. Most people wouldn’t have a clue who Smosh or LisaNova are, or even what a vlog is; which is why I think its important not to get wrapped up in YouTube, and to take a step back.
YouTube ‘fame’ therefore, stands for very little, people, me included at one point, think that if they’re big on YouTube they’ll have media jobs thrown at them; when thats not the case. The Media see YouTube as a novelty, something they dont really understand, but still something they want to compete with. Upstaged is a prime example. The BBC saw YouTube and its success, and thought they could match that by engineering they’re own community on their own website. However what they failed to realise is the obvious, that, the majority of people who use YouTube are vloggers, and vlogging as a medium doesn’t work on a stage for 6 hours. Don’t get me wrong, I thought YouStage did well, and any contention regarding fairness and talent, was entirely the fault of the BBC, but it shows that YouTube is only YouTube when its on YouTube.
*sighs* Im having difficulty expressing myself here; I suppose what I want to say is, YouTube wont make you famous. It might help you, and it certainly helped me see my potential talents, but it wont get you a job alone. Which is where I come in; lately I’ve been hanging on for opportunities to arise from YouTube, opportunities that may or may never come. And I need to decide whether to step-back and get on with my life; or to dedicate myself 100% to getting a media job, whoring myself out to every production company I can find, de-moralisation and disappointment lurking round every corner.
However, what I need to do is just see YouTube for what it is, continue to do what I do, maybe start a bit of stand-up comedy and student radio, and see what happens…
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I almost hate to say it, but you really are right.
If only the comments, ratings and subscriber levels weren’t so addictive =|
Comment by dooogiee April 8, 2008 @ 12:39 pmGood on you. I know, it’s so easy to get absorbed in the whole thing. I don’t even post videos, yet I’m online a lot and know most of the youtube “goss”, and it actually bothers me that I know intricate details about the lives of people who don’t even know my name. Like you said, it’s not real life.
As far as jobs go, you shouldn’t be discouraged, because you’re so young. I’d put money on you getting snapped up for a media job, honestly, you’re way more entertaining than the people I hear on the radio. I’m not just saying it.
Comment by shona April 8, 2008 @ 12:56 pmSo yeah, I’ll keep on missing your videos haha, but I think you’ve got the right idea.
YouTube shouldn’t be about creating a cult of personality, making videos to get more subscribers so you can feel good about yourself, kind of like Big Brother. It should be about making and watching interesting and funny videos now and again (which you, and a few other gooduns do).
Comment by emily April 8, 2008 @ 7:26 pmI am going to go and delete my account. I know that’s not what you were really talking about but it made me see how ridiculous my addiction is. ahhh, thanks jimmy.
That really is true. Eventually, everyone will realize that, but it will always kind of be a self-promoting and company promoting advert mechanism. If people need to talk into a cam about their lives to make themselves feel important, you just let them, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Sooner or later, they’ll realize they don’t need Youtube to be important- they can really do it on their own.
Comment by pnogal32 April 8, 2008 @ 10:54 pmI love your blogs, and I do suggest you go into comedy/radio, because you’re very relatable and are funny to listen to. But keep writing blogs, no matter where you go!
You are right. As genial as the process of producing videos for youtube is, sometimes it is taken almost with sobriety….and thats when people get a bit too enthralled with virtual ‘fame’. Thats from an onlooker’s perspective mind- I don’t have a youtube account and only recently discovered the youtube vlogging ‘community’. It must be annoying for you though..I mean, your videos have reached a success for which people are expecting regular videos to be posted. I know I would find it somewhat of an encumbrance to please the masses…
P.S I really do like your blogs! They have a very different quality to your videos.
Comment by E April 8, 2008 @ 11:27 pmHave a nice holiday from YouTube, Jimmy0010
Comment by Hazel April 9, 2008 @ 12:31 amhey jimmy, Zara here , why am i even posting a comment.. i am an unknown to you, all i am to u is text on a screen.. yet i feel i need to type… jimmy your videos are highly amusing and hysterical so dont stop making them, sure have a break .. have a kitkat.. but keep on doing what you do best which is making people smile, i think its the most strangest thing that cant be explained:-just last week i was feeling down and i just knew just by watching one of your vids’ that would instantly cheer me up .. and it did! .. Dont you think this is a nice quality to have? to make people smile!?. or maybe all this rambling is freaking u out .. so i will stop.
Comment by Zara April 9, 2008 @ 12:37 amyes. It is a definite hobby. fun hobby. one that doesn’t take over my life though…or hasn’t yet.
Comment by Micah Maniac April 9, 2008 @ 5:59 pmJimmy, I completely understand where you are coming from, and I completely agree.
If you want to take a step back, I suggest doing so. Because what we consider fame, and what the real world considers fame are two completely different things.
Youtube has been a great experience because without it i wouldn’t have made what I consider as friends.
I can see where you are coming from so well because I feel the exact same way. I want to get in to the media industry too, and if that means simply using youtube as a stepping stone, to showcase what I can do at the moment then drop it “if” I get where I want, then so be it.
Sorry If this comment sounds like its revolving round me, haha. I’m just saying I agree with you 100% percent.
Maybe there is more in common with us than just what people think are the “looks”
Take it easy mate and I’ll see you saturday!
p.s my dad is working in brummy all week :O
Comment by Pj April 9, 2008 @ 9:43 pmThis was a fantastic blog. Its exactly how I feel. i love how the big Youtubers really do think they are famous when they aren’t.
I study journalism at university, surrounded by top media people and they really don’t regard youtube as anything more than a novelty. The only online success stories that I have heard of here in the media are those that have had successful blogs and have been employed by newspapers and stuff (a boy on my course now writes for the guardian and hes a first year too).
Youtube is fun, you just need to have your priorities in order.
Comment by Wayne April 10, 2008 @ 11:44 pm” … but it shows that YouTube is only YouTube when its on YouTube.”
couldn’t have said it any better.
Comment by Leila April 12, 2008 @ 5:55 pmYou speak the truth. And I like it =]]
Comment by Stephanie April 13, 2008 @ 9:12 pmI don’t think you sound pretentious or self-absorbed. Through this blog, you have taken on an honest quality. You write about your personal opinion, but it is still a mindset that is shared by many. Anyway, you make a very good point. In my opinion, human beings (anything in nature, really) don’t believe in doing things unless it benefits them. YouTube is generally seen as a hobby to be enjoyed, but, recently, it has become an instrument in advancing one’s non-existent career. After seeing what’s happened with Brookers, who wouldn’t want to try it out? You shouldn’t be so discouraged, Jimmy. I think you have great potential, but there are definitely other methods in gaining fame without doing it through YouTube.
Comment by Nancy April 14, 2008 @ 2:10 amI’ll be looking forward to the day you post a new video
Your extremely talented, intelligent & very funny. I don’t think you will have too much trouble finding a niche for yourself in the “real” world; and don’t apologise you seem to have a fairly good perspective on Youtube.
Comment by jkslouth April 14, 2008 @ 4:05 pmI completely agree with everything you said.
But I still totally miss you and your videos.
Comment by tes April 16, 2008 @ 7:51 amYou would be great at stand-up comedy.
Comment by kendall April 17, 2008 @ 9:13 pmI love you for this Jim.
Comment by River Basil April 20, 2008 @ 2:33 pmI’m sick of trying to explain this sort of stuff, instead I’ll just tell people to read your blog when they ask why I’m having a break too.
Hope you’re smashing mate!
fair play jimmy, hope to see you back soon!
Comment by whateverdotcom April 21, 2008 @ 10:31 pmHey Jimmy!
A friend told me about your channel today and I haven’t seen them all yet…
Comment by Mandy April 29, 2008 @ 10:59 pmYou said you had difficulty expressing yourself, but actually, I think you couldn’t have expressed yurself better!
I’ve been thinking about “YouTube addiction”, and.. you’re right. Sometimes you have to realize what’s going on and make a desition. Well… having a break from YouTube is certainly a smart decision.
I think Charlieissocoollike has lost some of his creativity nowadays because he has to be doing videos every week with that ‘fiveawesomeguys’ thing.. don’t you think?
I’ll finish watching your videos
See you around I guess! =)
Au revoir!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Jimmy.
Comment by Kim May 4, 2008 @ 2:35 amI think you deserve the break anyways and it’s completely understandable as to why you’d feel that way. Especially being a youtube partner now, it’s important not to let things get to your head and I’m glad to see that’s not the case at all.
We love you Jimmy and I’m sure the rest of youtube can hold themselves together until you get yourself settled and comfortable. Good to still see you posting blogs to keep us up to date, too!
awww, Jimmy.
I’ll miss you, but I totally get what you’re saying.
Come back at some point, though!
Comment by laura stickel May 8, 2008 @ 9:41 pmif you don’t feel like doing videos just don’t do it. you don’t hav to do it for your subscribers. just be honest as always (btw you’re one of the rare honest youtubers). i’ve read some other blogs of youtube and i always end up very disappointed. stay as you are
Comment by anna May 18, 2008 @ 6:59 pmYou have really good points and express yourself very well.
It would be fantastic to see you doing stand-up =)
Famous or not, I’m a big fan!
Comment by caitlin June 8, 2008 @ 5:30 amhonestly i always used to watch ur videos when i was bored or sad or whatever just because you always cheered me up and i never thought about anything else, and then i started watching vlr and reading ur blogs and it really made me realize something. usually when you watch videos like on youtube its obvious that it helps when the person your watching is atractive which you obviously are. and im not trying to say that for any other reason than to make my point. but i cant see u durring vlr and i sure as hell caant see you now., but yet i am still entertained. because james you are talented and have an entertaining mind. and i cherish it. and yes i really do wish you would make more videos. but simply for the fact that its easier for me too see you humor if your saying it. and i miss them. but on a different note a met this guy named james who looks, acts and talks so much like you i honestly was taken back. and someone else said “have u ever heard of jimmy 0010″ and i started laughing cause i knew she was thinkin g the same thing as me. and even though you dont want to feel full of your self from you tube i thought u should know you are recognized and you are great.
Comment by brianna July 3, 2008 @ 6:32 amlove brianna