I think a wider discussion needs to happen about how YouTube incentivizes this sort of abusive behaviour. I'm not saying this in any way to absolve Andre, as he is completely responsible for the way he treats his staff and runs the channel, but YouTube as a platform is an unregulated, opaque dystopian hellhole that uses the algorithm as a way to reward this sort of exploitative, abusive behaviour.
I can't think of another media platform that is so reluctant to support it's own creators, provide transparency on how content is marketed and recommended, and is outright hostile to any sort of support programmes or QoL initiatives. Cable TV was hugely exploitative in it's time, but at least networks recognised unions and provided residuals.
It's a race to the bottom, and everyone comes in last place.
This could be an entirely seperate discussion, but honestly YouTube is complete shit now. It rewards low-effort quick content and “shorts” while keeping long-form thoughtful content hidden in the back.
There are now numerous channels using some form of AI to dish out various clips of streamers saying or doing something “interesting” or “funny” at a factory level pace, and getting tons of money for it in the process. This is because it is what YouTube wants now.
YouTube essentially wants to be TikTok.
Let’s not forget how TIRESOME certain content has become, like popular streamers reacting to a controversy, regurgitating the opinion that almost everyone already has, and the sheep in the comments section praising it as original, thoughtful analyses. MoistCritical, Asmondgold, SomeOrdinaryGamers, etc. it’s all the fucking same.
The truth is , for people who want to find value in the internet, you’re going to have to regress to the way it was before search was invented; stay in your own little focused groups and communities. The wider internet has become a cesspool of lazy content, “cringe” and “based” opinion farming, and anything in between that appeals to low attention spans.
Like I said, easily an entire discussion that could be had on it’s own.
I would not be surprised if this is one of the reasons, perhaps even the main reason, why so many Tubers are quitting these days. It’s not sustainable anymore. Use AI to churn out a sludge of lazy streamer reactions or YouTube doesn’t like you anymore.
Pitiful and sad, capitalism is going absolutely rampant.