Change the Channel

....So...

This controversy has been happening.

I wasn't exactly following Channel Awesome. However, I do know about it since I actually visited the TGWTG original website. Yes, I remember visiting that website and seeing Blistered Thumbs there too. That is how far I remember Channel Awesome in my life since I was in eight grade perhaps. I haven't heard of Linkara but I heard of James Rolfe though. I heard of the Brawl too so... Yeah. I never visited cons so I never saw them either. Just yeah...

I won't call myself a huge fan of Channel Awesome. I certainly followed producers like Todd in the Shadows and Kyle Kallgren and Linkara from time to time. While I haven't followed Nostalgia Critic and I did enjoy his anniversary videos and certain reviews, I didn't get too much into it. For the record, people can still watch NC episodes because I am not going to deny enjoyment of others. I haven't watched NC for awhile now and uninterested which is why I'm surprised to hear about this fiasco.

For a website that promotes free will and speech, feminism, people of color, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups and loathes bad stuff like abuse and racism, the behind the scenes show a lack of respect towards women and human beings. Where things could have been easily solved by healthy communication.

Seriously, you guys gave a shit about the ongoing behind the scenes but you can't even give your own.

All of you content creators, former or current, on this fucking website are adults. Adults that are capable of themselves. Adults who should have been paid for their work and drew in more viewers, regardless of popularity.

Look I get you are having a breakdown of your making of a masterpiece. But you don't have the right to treat your so-called friends and colleagues like shit, forcing them to make a sexual assault scene, albeit offscreen, which they say are uncomfortable. Ignoring friendly advice and support when it's staring right there in the face. These people were your friends and treating them like shit is not going to do any favors. Linkara's movie actually did things that you should have done, Doug and Rob.

There is a difference between a Family Guy episode where consequences are ignored and devalued and real-life consequences. What they say in Family Guy or American Dad is not going to do it.

I seriously learned about the mismanagement and ongoings behind the scenes after To Boldly Flee movie.

I should've known that there was more to it when I heard about the Allison Pregler vs CA. Or even the Spoony incident. Or the complaints up at Suburban Knights...or Kickassia.

The glory days of TGWTG and Channel Awesome are long gone. While video reviews are still popular and yes, NC is still a major influence on such things, the fact the Walkers' reputations are colored now should be a deciding factor.

I never actually followed Channel Awesome yet I am gleeful watching the numbers drop.

I don't want Channel Awesome to be completely finished and these guys' livelihood destroyed. It might be karma due to their treatment of Allison and Marzgurl's daily life. Or not even telling the rest of the producers for killing off the flagship and expecting them to kill/retire theirs despite they are using those as revenue for bills and such.

I just want Channel Awesome to admit wrongdoings toward the people they supposedly hired and mistreated. I just want them to change.

Not to burn to the ground.

Just to change their management.

That is the main source of grievances for many producers. They went as far as putting together a list and went to a Skype meeting.

I had hoped that given these personal accounts, the higher-ups gotta do something to improve the air. I mean this is the site where the reviewers are vocal about owning up to mistakes.

They are friends. They were supposedly so closely knitted.

Now into the Me Too era, sexual misconduct/harassment/misogyny would not be tolerated. Looking at you, Mike Ellis and Mike Michaud. Sexual harassment towards your employees when they clearly don't appreciate the advances should be notable. To not even stopping it was awful because you have the power to change.

There was a reason why the movie industry, the animation industry (Dreamworks, Pixar, Disney, including John Lasseter for Godoka's sake! Not to mention Clarence and the workers at the smaller animation studios like Nick and Cartoon Network. Just look at Steven Universe's creator, Rebecca Sugar!), and so much more are going on such a massive change in the Me Too movement. This was part of the reason for Whedon's departure from Batgirl.

Now bridges burned like wildfire. Now the unprofessionalism and lack of trust were evident.

I don't think these producers have the need to lie. They even have saved screenshots of their lack of professionalism and distrust. They won't gain anything out of it since they already left the channel they used to be a part of. In fact, they are doing fine or finding something in their life. Even, Holly Brown, someone whom Michaud and the Walker Brothers fucked over, a person who worked her ass off and actually made contact with the fellow contributors on the site, not just Nostalgia Critic. She was the reason why we even got Suburban Knights in the first place! The people already left might not want the whole channel to be shut down and destroyed into oblivion.

They want it to be revamped and the superiors to own up to their mistakes. Instead of making themselves look good and blaming the victims. These former contributors want them to amend their mistakes for a better future. If not, then they can at least make aware of a cautionary tale.

Not broken promises left and right. Problems could have been easily solved had these guys actually tell their so-called friends and fellow creators to do more. Active communication instead of needless hurting feelings. Seriously, learning about what happened to Phelous and Welshy about the animation in TBF makes it unnecessary to go through that.

Seriously, I think these producers, in the light of the Me Too movement, have the right to speak out about the company's ineptitude and misconduct.

From what I gathered, Mike Michaud was the source of blame for mismanagement and lack of concern for people. Not that the Walker Brothers are doing much better, enabling their CEO's behavior or not doing much about their own behavior. At best, Doug was oblivious and careless. At worst, he's actively cruel when common sense such as having a lady who works day and night even on her days of sickness and need of a vacation and taking care of med bills.

Losing producers and creators would be the least of their problems at the rate they are going. Losing fans' support with their non-apology gotta hurt.

From what I see, these guys aren't bad people entirely. They certainly have some privilege given they are the owners of a company. However, they may act as good entertainers or have certain talent but at businessmen, they are awful. However, they got to stop treating their friends and fellow contributors, people who drew in more viewers, like shit.

These guys are supposedly friends with their former contributors yet they are complete asses towards them. I would understand poor communication but not listen to their friends' concerns and input just makes them look inept. Why destroy others who have the expertise and capability to run a business?

Now I never met the Walkers nor Michaud. Though I wish to never meet Michaud due to the stories I heard from other women. Holy Godoka, you don't have to mistreat Marzgurl or Allison or PushingupRoses like that! What gives you the right to that maltreatment?

However, just because a 20+ people have bad experiences does not negate others' good experience. I think Malcolm and Tamara have good experiences and part of the Chicago group allowed them to be shielded from the most terrible experiences Phelan and Allison received. Chris Stuckmann has no stakes so he left anyways, partly of solidarity.

I will still support the individual content creators like Angry Joe and Maven; don't forget that certain contributors chose to stay with CA for their own livelihood. They might have their own reasons for staying or potentially thinking about leaving. Linkara stayed until he couldn't stay anymore in his good conscience. Please support the other contributors barring the Walker Brothers. They aren't the issue. The issue is with Mike Michaud and the Walker Brothers.

The issue is with management and management ONLY. Criticisms should only be lobbed at Mike Michaud and the Walker Brothers for their business practices. Those contributors are not the target. Do not pressure them to leave. They have a choice in all of this. In fact, Chris Stuckmann, Tony Goldmark, and Malcolm actually reached out and talked to the former contributors.

Their 'apology' is actually a non-apology. They didn't deny the allegations but they didn't say yes either. Yet after this so-called 'apology', they blocked anyone who asked about Change The Channel movement, earnest or otherwise. Just why?

Unless you do something about management and Mike Michaud, people should be able to resubscribe back.

Do you guys really need to have a major hit on your popularity and revenue in order for you to actually get a proper apology? Karma had been hitting you for a while now but do you really want to experience the same thing that you put Allison, Marzgurl, and so many more through?

And now I heard the tenth-anniversary movie was canceled...

I should have expected that due to the controversy.

Just remember that the goal of Change the Channel movement was for the change of management and to admit wrongdoings.

Not to burn Channel Awesome to the ground and leave the Walkers destitute.

All they have to do was to admit their wrongdoings and make the first step in making a better community.

That's all they have to do.

This is not about the quality of Doug Walker's works and other shows under their umbrella (Sibling Rivalry, Awesome Comics, NC episodes, etc).

The point is management and owning up to mistakes. That is all.

Not backtracking and pointing out bad quality in effects or lack of effort in set design. That is not the point of the movement. Miss Pregler didn't do much to offer in this one either because she is quite petty about here. Some of her tweets can be pretty petty and mean-spirited. I know she left CA with bad blood but even she should be aware there is a difference between quality and managing a company, the latter of which is the point of the movement she and other former CA contributors spearheaded.

Again, management. Not opinions on quality. That is different from the goal of Change the Channel.

Not to drive off contributors which they had done with Tony Goldmark, The Dom, Calluna, Nash, and The Last Angry Geek.

Don't harass the producers still on the site. They have a choice and a reason to stay on the site. Some people might be disillusioned like Phelous. No trolling and a malicious intent to drive Channel Awesome into oblivion. Harassment and maltreatment are unacceptable for the movement going forward.

Not So Awesome For the document, either you believe or you don't. Yes, there are screenshots of Skype conversations. Does email have to count too or Sean's horrifying experience with Mike Ellis has to be on there too? Does video recordings or sound bites have been there too?

I don't hate Channel Awesome. Want to make that clear. It's just...they should know better than this...

I thought they would have done better than the people they criticized including Tommy Wiseau. I thought that these guys would actually be standup citizens to do the right thing as they always say they were and capable of and made sure they treat LGBTQ+, POC, and the disabled and the sick.

Like I actually expect them to straight-up apologize. To be the good people they always paint themselves as. To make a change that they always seemed to value.

I know that the content creators are still friends and have a flawed experience. They may have made friends and became friends for life. Some even went on to date and marry and have a child together.

For all Doug Walker and his brother criticized Tommy Wiseau, they aren't much better. I thought they would provide basic needs and allow creative input from other producers.

It's pretty hilarious that he was no better than the man he criticized. You would think he would actually listen to those who attend film school or photography. Who are professionals and studied the actual art.

I don't go to film school due to my major but common sense should be listening to those who can and will make your finished product the best you can ever make.

Walkers, please get your head out of your ass.

And Mike Michaud...

Go away.

I did not think it would get this worse. I didn't think it would be. At first, it was a movement that clearly wants the management to apologize and be the stuff these former producers actively wanted to be, professional and sincere to producers.

Give the new revelations, the Channel Awesome situation is now far darker and less amicable. It's just depressing... After these recent events, I just wanted to grab my cousin's rose wine. 

Channel Awesome posted a 'rebuttal' that tackled the issues...

Holy Woman of the Beginning! They outright called the accusers liars! That's not good at all! Don't presume malice on your accusers!

They didn't tackle the issues at all. They confirmed (Mike Ellis' departure, the harasser of so many women and one man & the sexual groomer & the contracts), force speculation (the anonymous fan's sexual groomer was revealed when that anon wanted to keep it private. I never actually watched his videos...but still...wow... the confirmation....), and did not apologize for every action, victim-blaming again. The document gave a timeline too so whoever wrote and approve of this...you gotta be ashamed of yourself that you didn't even allow privacy of the anons who wanted to keep her and her aggressor's identity private. Well so much for that wish. Channel Awesome, how stupid are you? Did you read it all the way through? Or cherry-pick whatever you deem good enough to rebut? Even if it's the flimsiest rebuttal in all known internet rebuttals to date. 

Also, the new information on JewWario is now used to smear Lindsay Ellis and Dan Olson? Get out of your asses, stupid people! It is not the point of the movement to smear both sides of the party! Or even a dead man! I know that the people in Change the Channel movement, the leaders, are flawed people and JewWario is revealed to be a rapist in all accounts but it was not the point of the movement. We are supposed to change. Unfortunately, we have to understand our new worldview on JewWario. After that narrative that was sold to us, this revelation changes everything and well... 

Certainly, JewWario's reputation is now ruined with the confirmations of so many people (Marzgurl, Holly, JesuOtaku, Count Jackula, the management...) and his friends shocked to the core. I never watched his videos but I have seen him in crossovers and the specials. Now I don't think I can stomach it, knowing the truth. 

Also, for anybody who said that the people in the document knew about JewWario's actual reasons for leaving the site, do not think of saying that these guys were lying! Just don't. Again, I know they're flawed people and there are some genuinely nice people on there too like Linkara (given how much I heard about him from Count Jackula and Erod and Marzgurl, he's respectable). Don't out the victims because that is the last thing this fiasco needs. However, saying EVERYONE in Channel Awesome knew about JewWario's misconduct is ludicrous. Cferra did not know. Linkara likely did not know. Joe likely did not know. Gonzo likely did not know, given in his testimony he wanted an online wake for the guy. I don't know if Allison knew but she clearly apologized to one of JewWario's victims for not reaching back to her for support. Count Jackula did not know either because of how long he defended the guy. If everyone were to know about JewWario's actions, it's by rumors and the people who are friends with the guy would clearly defend the guy. That former contributor who was friends with JewWario was also shocked. So get your head out of your ass because it is crazy to think that everyone in CA knew about this. 

I don't want to place JewWario on some pedestal because I don't. I don't worship actors nor creators I like. Do you see me worshipping the heck out of Oda Eichirou or CLAMP? Never. I may love them but I never hero-worship them because I know they can make mistakes and really what is the point of hero-worship? 

They attacked the women and ignored the men's complaints. Linkara was nowhere mentioned even though both he and Lindsay protested against the rape sequence. They didn't even mention Sean either. 

They failed to address and apologize for their wrongdoings. 

I don't know who wrote it or have an input on this response.

They weren't even polite. It's petty and arrogant. 

All they have to do is apologize. That's all. 

Speaking of the Chicago crew, I don't know anymore. The tweets from them seemed fishy when they were so reasonable before. Don't harass them either. Just don't. If it looks like they took a side, use your brain and logic and question what the heck is going in there. 

Angry Joe and MasakoX left, making it clear that Angry Joe could no longer support the Walkers. He's one of the biggest names and was there during CA's heyday with Brad and Sage. The senior members left are Brad and Sage.

What will finally get these guys to make an actual apology rather than avoiding the issue altogether? To make themselves look good?

These people they are calling liars have been doing just fine and didn't need the publicity. 

The loss of subscribers was dying down and people were moving forward if slightly. The movement would still be going. The fiasco was dying down.

Now CA just rekindled the fire. 

This 'rebuttal' is nothing more than an arrogant farce to save face. It's stupid too because they did not address and apologize.

On that note, please don't hurt the Chicago crew. They are good people who are being paid in comparison to Marzgurl and others who weren't paid despite fulfilling the quota and requirement. 

Remember that our goal is to make the Walkers and Michaud own up to their mistakes. Not the fact of the sexual predator's identity. With the confirmation of the chatlogs... 

Walkers, Mike Michaud...

Go keep digging up in that hole of yours. I'm sure it'll be a hard time climbing up. 

And during this storm, we got Guru Larry with the trademark Channel Awesome wackiness for levity. I am grateful for his levity in this situation because he did not blame nor hurt CA or Justin's victims or try to make light by making rape jokes. He's playing off the ridiculousness of the situation and the management. He's laughing and eating chicken, watching the heads run around as CA burned. 

Edit: All but three are left. At this rate, let the Chicago crew remain. Larry is only staying, not out of loyalty but out of sheer trolling. I'm pretty even the management knew that because Larry did not keep it a secret. Brad is still deciding apparently and ERod is nowhere. He confirmed in his last video he's staying so...I might as well see it go down tomorrow. 

Edit: Ya'know, looking at other Youtube productions who have connections to industries like JK Films made Channel Awesome look even worse by comparison. JK Films has a closely knitted team with very few people and welcoming of everyone who wants to join in. They are very professional and savvy about business. Just look at Bart and Geo's gym, Barbell Brigade for example. When they mean business, they do mean business. Look at the difference between JK's films and CA's anniversaries. While there is little storyboarding in CA's anniversaries, JK made a point to have those with experience on board. Casey went to film school! While he didn't go to the best schools like Lindsay and Kyle, he still has experience! 

Having connections and actual knowledge of how to run a business, even when money is tight, can do great things. Geo may leave JK but she is still a friend and an affiliate anyway. While Doug appeared on PBS and met stars like Mara and Greg, his business model and ethics are dissimilar from JK.