Dear YouTubers: It's time to stop whining about mean comments

[@UppsalaSal]

It was nice to hear you say “this is my job”. I’ve been watching for a while and it’s clear you take it seriously and have continued to invest time making the videos better.

[@reclaimwoodworking7538]

As someone who's day gig is retail, I appreciate you shouting us out. I'm an adult in a managerial position that gets paid well to put up with BS, but the things I've heard said to my literal child employees (we employ at age 16) by full grown adults are reprehensible. I've lost count of how many times I've had to comfort a crying teen girl because a grown ass adult "man" demeaned them in some way. These kids, especially, do not get paid enough to endure what they do, and even more so this time of year. "the most wonderful time of the year" my ass.

[@FabiansTinyWorkshop]

Very well spoken. You are 100% right! 👏👏👏

[@marcobucci]

Agreed. I actually enjoy the act of not dignifying a terrible comment with a response.

[@Wordsnwood]

I think you provided another tip without even realizing it when you talked about sharing the mean comment with Chad. Sharing with a friend or spouse lets you do a little venting WITHOUT actually engaging with the mean commenter. I've also heard of people who write out a full response to mean comments - so they get to go through the act -- and then delete it before clicking send/post/whatever. Thanks, Steve.

[@matthiaswandel]

I often reply to point out the stupidity, but that might be feeding trolls - if they are trolls. I suspect mostly they are just dumb comments. Mean ones I hit the "block user" button before I even get to the end of it, taking pleasure at the idea that probably not a single person fully read their comment!

[@NeilMcLinden]

I think the general idea of this video is made with good intentions, but is tone deaf to the point of the referenced video in the first place. Most of the stuff the other KZbinr talked about wasn’t “mean people hurt my feelings”, but “mean comments hurt more because they’re specifically about me and my life/family, not my content.” There were accusations of misappropriating funds because of a massive life event, not criticism of what the videos were. I feel like Steve also glossed over the testimony of a bunch of other well known KZbinrs (bother Makers and not) with their own opinions. Again, Steve makes a good point, but “just don’t worry about it” is a pretty blanket argument for something that involves someone’s career and livelihood.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I personally find this type of content very helpful. Thanks Steve!

[@KyleGetson]

I like the advice. But it’s not like cyber bullying stops at a specific age or when you get out of school. If William was only getting negative feedback on his content I’d fully agree your sentiment. But this was about his living situations, insults to his wife, people after him on Reddit and twitter.

[@JesperMakes]

I really like the ranting Steve! You should just call the channel Steve Ramsey Rants, do it regulary and this channel will superseed your main channel in no time.

[@robertmcevoy24]

I spent 46 years in retail I’ve experienced it all from F bombs and wanting to get physical all of it was petty. I’ve been retired for over 3 years do I miss it absolutely not. I do remember the hugs and Thank you’s those are the customers I would do back flips for. Thick skin goes along way in today’s society. You’re a good guy Steve thanks for all you do , I’m happy now in my shop because you showed me a path in my shop to do things I enjoy.

[@williambuckley1185]

Hi Steve, Bill From Australia here, I have been watching your show for about 5 years, I love wood work and have a work nshop too. I am not great at it yet but you are my main teacher. If someone complains at you, I think they are the ones with the problem. a bit of constructive criticisim can help but only if it is helpful though. I like to learn from you because you speak clearly and decisively and you make things look easy. They aren't always easy though but following your example often makes things easier. I think your personality and interest in wood working and enthusiasm helps greatly. thanks for your input into the hobby and business.

[@JonnyDIY]

Great video Steve! I always try and delete mean comments right away before I can even digest them. I find doing it that way it's just like water off a duck's back. If I were him I'd stop looking at comments or have someone else go through them and delete the rude ones 1st

[@DIYBuilds]

I know where you are coming from based on your situation. (Obviously lol) but I will say people in the diy community do not have the same kind of audience as the more main stream youtubers have. I guarantee the biggest diy youtubers get 99% less troll comments and that none of them have gotten people showing up at there house with weapons threatening them, or other vile things. It's easy to say suck it up or ignore it but it's not always that simple. I'm not sure what value my comment is other than I hope others see that things aren't always black and white.

[@SusanLoar]

I appreciate your advise. I have only been posting videos for 2 years and am a small operation. Still, that one negative comment did affect me until I realized I could delete them. Thank you.

[@owen8417]

Very well spoken. Question : What is your strategy for dealing with people trolling or being mean in the comments section? I have troubles dealing in general and would love some advice, if you're willing

[@jonmacdonald7140]

I think everyone in every job gets frustrated and I agree having someone to vent to is probably the best therapy. My emotionally toughest job was recruiting for the military, and when you’ve got all the stress of the job, you don’t particularly enjoy when you get a person on the line who wants to berate you, but when you hang up and laugh it off with your buddies, then you can get back to the task at hand. I saw a few careers end on recruiting, the stress gets to you. As with any job either learn to deal or find something new. Either way, the complaints aren’t going to change the job. Do what’s best for you and move on. I avoid the comments section usually as there is often little I gain from it but I do enjoy your work, and hope you are doing well Steve!

[@Duckowski]

Thank you for being Steve. Love your content.

[@bobd.]

I often comment on your main channel and those of other KZbinrs. I don't always agree with what I see in videos 100% or I have my own way of doing things or a suggestion on doing something another way that I often share. But I don't make them as mean or hateful comments and I certainly hope they are not taken in that manner because they are not intended to be mean. I often read others comments and I rarely see truly hateful ones, so I guess they are purged before I come across them which is fine with me. They don't add anything and I don't enjoy reading them. Knowing how much work goes into producing even 15 minutes of video I have a lot of respect for skill and creativity I see from most KZbinrs.

[@Avrohomperl]

There are many kinds of negative comments to be found on youtube, and as it relates to most of them, I certainly agree. However, somehow I don't feel like this video applies to comments such as accusations that someone is misappropriating funds that were donated to them after their house burned down, a terrible difficult moment in their lives. Some of the comments he's received go beyond the kind of mean things you're referring to here.

[@BobRoslandIndustries]

Yeah, the actual situation and kinds of hate William receives was kind of glossed over in this video for the sake of grouping all negative comments into one nice easily-ignorable "mean comment" pile.

[@MichaelBuilds]

I don’t know how your video knew how to find me at the time I needed it most… thank you so much for this video Steve! I really needed to hear that because the comments really have been getting to me lately more than usual. You gave me a new direction

[@jon1913]

Nice comment: I love your channel and content you create. I've learned a ton from this channel. Less nice comment: have some empathy man. Can you imagine being vulnerable and having a break down about something you're struggling with just to have someone with a huge KZbin presence bash you about it, call you a whiner and tell you to suck it up? I hope that's not how you intended it but that's what this video sounds like. Maybe reach out to Will instead of criticizing him on your second channel.

[@markastin001]

Mate. Your a legend. You got me into woodworking and I love it. Thank you for everything you've done. I really appreciate it. Mark from Australia

[@VaderViktor]

I think why meaner comments are more noticeable to creators is that they are more likely to be genuine. If i were a big creator and looked through my comments, I would see plenty of positive ones, but most of the ones written out with more genuine appreciation would seem to me as "maybe they are just looking for attention", as many people do comment for that reason, although not the majority. I think that thought doesnt occur to us as much with negative comments, although they are probably of the attention-seeking nature more so than the positive ones. It's a symptom of the insecurity the internet and social media platforms breed.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

I agree, Steve. You can't control what people say (the stimuli), but you can control your own response to it. Obviously, we would rather not have folks leaving mean comments, but obviously, there is little we can do about it. Mean comments come with the territory. I will say that overall the comments you receive are pretty nice, compared to some other channels. You have a great following and that is nice to see. As I read further on in the comment stream on this video, I see folks saying you are "tone deaf". You can't please everyone...no need to try. Speak the truth, sir!

[@ronkrebes2247]

Thank you Steve, well said and you are so right. Stay positive my friend )

[@handles438]

Good stuff. I've recently started making training videos over on Udemy and I'm getting ready to create a KZbin channel to go along with it but man, I've been dreading those comments. I know people just say dumb stuff and usually aren't the smartest, but what I worry about is firing back off at them and hurting myself in the long run. And like you said, doing so is just fuel for the fire. Sigh... In the words of one much wiser than I: "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

[@montuno1473]

I consume youtube a lot, as a parttime musician, as a hobby woodworker, or for fixing devices instead throwing them away. You and and many others create such awesome content, that a dry "thanks" does not suffices but be aware that there are a lot viewers out there who appreciate what you are doing instead of complaining. Thanks for your advice, for your positivity and energy to make this world a better place ❤️

[@thomasbrovarone7136]

During my Navy career, I used to share and practice this axiom with my junior officers. I believe it's origin is from a Mark Twain quote: "Arguing with a fool is like wrestling a pig. All you do is get dirty and the pig enjoys it." v/r ... tom

[@Toyotajunkie]

So fricken true! Everything you said. I'm sad I missed out on your inspiration and knowledge (WWMM) until a couple years ago, but I am even more happy I found you. Hope that makes sense. Keep up the great work at your JOB.

[@ChadStrawinski]

Just discovered this channel of yours, don't know how I missed it - I love these videos! Man, this should be a mandatory video to watch before starting a channel ;) There's a youtuber I used to watch regularly that I quit watching because he started making videos just to respond to the mean comments. Ugh... I am extremely hesitant to ever comment on a video that could be taken as mean or critical because I understand those comments can be taken the wrong way which is kind of sad because I just want to be constructive and help. I know the people watching these are a minority, but I still hope to see more videos like this, I always find them interesting.

[@robertelias3431]

Thank you Steve for your comments. I cannot understand these idiots with their negative comments, but you handle them professionally, and you are correct, all of us in our professions have to put up with these idiots. It's a waste of time to get upset and challenge them.

[@knottheory79220]

As a non You Tuber, I do think that people underestimate how much work some of these channels put in. Don't get me wrong, there's a handful of people making gobs of money for doing next to nothing, but that's not true for most of them.

[@A6Legit]

Just editing video alone seems like not an easy task, especially doing it well.

[@paulsylvester1394]

I guess I have never seen a reason to be mean, especially if the post is not mean. I love your videos and while I may have a suggestion or two now and then, I would make a positive suggestion over a negative comment. I enjoy the time I spend with you! Keep it up! Ignore the mean comments and thank you for sharing yourself with us, be it your job or your hobby!

[@ScottBaietti]

This is good advice for anyone looking for ways to stick it out and look past mean comments, but I do think quitting KZbin should be among the viable options you propose. No one forces anyone to have this job. If anyone decides to leave KZbin for any reason, that’s their decision, even if it’s because of mean comments. I think William Osman was trying to send a message to anyone who makes those types of comments to remember there is a human on the receiving end. The commenter he singled out was a perfectly normal dude, who wrote some atrocious stuff to William, stuff that person would likely not say to anyone in real life, and very likely never be on the receiving end. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on that and provide some tips for viewers looking to provide critical comments that might not hurt the content creators on the receiving end.

[@hey_virginia]

Interesting! You have such an experienced and unique perspective. What about online death threats and sexual harassment, unrelated to the content? By just existing as a woman online, I have encountered some genuinely scary stuff that has nothing to do with my actual work. Garden variety rudeness is very manageable, as you say, but I seriously limit what I do online out of legitimate fears for my safety. How can I make a living online if KZbin is a genuinely hostile work environment, for women like me or for any non-white-straight-male group? Genuine question. I am tired of hiding but don't know what are the acceptable levels of risk for online businesses.

[@SteveRamseyPlus]

Instead of me, you might want to ask one of the millions of women who earn a living on KZbin how they overcome their fears.

[@ScriptonicPipes]

Love your channel, however, I think you're missing the mark here. You mentioned that people have to "just take the abuse" from people in real life as a server or a retail worker. This should not be the case at all. No one should be put through any verbal abuse in the workplace at all. You wouldn't put up with a coworker verbally abusing you in the office would you? 99% of your co-workers are awesome, but there's that one guy that constantly harasses you while you're working. Why should someone have to deal with it just because it is over the internet? I think you should dive deeper into that video you're talking about and listen to some of the mean comments he was referring to. It's not like oh man he's crap at this. Poor guy was accused of fraud and misappropriation of donations. No one should just put up with verbal and mental abuse in the workplace. Having constructive criticism is different than being a complete asshole.

[@BobRoslandIndustries]

Yep. Love Steve and his content. He's always been a very relatable guy, but this video comes across as a little tone deaf.

[@unixgeek13]

I believe the last part of the sentence is most telling. "... for fear of losing their job ..." No! You shouldn't have to put up with it, but too many managers and owners won't back up their people for fear of losing their customers.

[@NeilMcLinden]

Agreed. And if we’re comparing jobs to jobs, why should a KZbinr have to deal with comments that are out of line any more than someone working retail should have to deal with customers out of line there? Both are workplace wellness related, just because content creators have found the opportunity to be creative for a living doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to find the most positive way of doing so.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

I think Steve is just being realistic. You can't control the stimuli...you can only control your response to it. Each person is responsible for their own response.

[@timsimpson1998]

Very well said! Ps; I’ve been enjoying your content for over a decade. Love your refreshing honesty.

[@MikeWaldt]

Absolutely 💯% agree with you Steve.

[@tiitsaul9036]

Good to see you again. I have unsubscribed your main channel some time ago, but maintained subscription in your personal channel just to see videos like this.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I needed this! Thanks, Steve!

[@JJMcCullough]

Very true.

[@surajbhagoban1014]

Dear bro, you are my teacher in terms of wood working... I've learnt so many techniques from you... Please ignore the negative people... Selfless action is the best... You have all our blessings... Suraj from Mauritius

[@I_T_T]

Just curios, the youtuber that you were talking of, is his name initials W. O.?

[@discgolftrainnut]

There have been a few idiot trolls that have pissed me off to the point of interaction. I have usually just gave up trying to talk sense into those with an IQ of a worm and then deleted the whole conversation.

[@Create2make]

Really like what you said, when you put a video for the public to view. Then you are open for both positive and negative comments. Some negative can be constructive and therefore helpful. But your right if its mean then it can be deleted.

[@JakeInMotion]

Thanks for this video, Steve. I've been a big fan of WWMM ever since I got into woodworking in 2017, and have since started teaching motion design on KZbin. More recently I've pursued turning KZbin into a main source of income and the occasional negative comment would always irk me. Your advice of "just delete the comment" and even to hide the user is something I always thought was crossing a line, but you're so right. This is my channel, it's my space, and I need to set boundaries. Thanks for all you do for the community!

[@maximflor]

Hi Steve, Just wanted you to know, how much you inspired me getting into this great hobby of woodworking. And you're right. What's the point of being upset because some idiots hide behind a keyboard and write some toxic reviews ? You should be proud that you inspire so much people around the world ! Thanks for everything you make .

[@ConnorHolland]

I use the filters to automatically block any words commonly used in 'mean' comments, especially swearwords, and hide any really insulting users immediately before I can memorize what they said!

[@Engineer9736]

Those filters are annoying when you’ve been typing for 5 minutes on something thoughtful and KZbin doesn’t like one word in it. That’s kinda demotivating to spend time on writing something longer than “nice video”.

[@ConnorHolland]

​@@Engineer9736 I usually approve nice comments that get caught quite quickly, and have found that removing negativity makes the comment section much friendlier, as bad comments generate even more if left unchecked

[@TheLunnyBear]

@@Engineer9736 5 minutes?

[@Engineer9736]

@@TheLunnyBear 6 minutes then?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you for your comments. Just hit the delete button and move on. You can’t let negative people affect all the good that you do when many creators are really educators

[@christopherlamoureux8617]

Love you paw paw!

[@epeiusgarage]

As new KZbinr thank you! I always love your content.

[@markgillett1472]

I've been watching your main channel for 6 or 7 years, and it was you that gave me the courage to get a table saw with no knowledge about them at all....now after 5 years with a saw table, I'm an 'expert', ha ha. I first heard of a cross cut sled from you, and made my own version. Many thanks Steve, your honest and down-to-earth advice is precious to many people. Long may you continue.

[@HostileHST]

I've told many people and still tell people, I was not born to entertain YOU! It really does help, I know exactly what Steve is saying, if you do read ur messages, respond ONLY to the positive ones, delete the negative ones and be at peace. This apply's to people you deal with face to face, if they are negative, turn away if at all possible! (I know there are situations you can't, but IF you can, run like ur ass was on fire!)

[@jayraysdiy852]

“mean comment here”. LOL just kidding! Thank you for this Steve! I really appreciate someone saying what shouldn’t have to be said.

[@davidrolfe9747]

Steve, great video. I love your outlook on what is real and what to focus your energy on. Keep up the good work

[@janwillemdegraaf3181]

Respect Steve! Thank you for sharing this. Kudos to you 👏👏👏

[@crs1012]

Was it John Heisz? He complains about negative comments a lot. One time I tried to encourage him and compliment him and he told me that I missed the point of his video… lol.

[@jakewitte1788]

One time he did a rant video about how socialist Canada is and whining about paying taxes. Boo hoo. I quit watching his channel immediately after that one.

[@MartinDeHill]

Can't be John Heisz, he doesn't have 2.2 million subscribers. He's got 1.0.

[@TheLunnyBear]

Not him, but he's a nightmare to have any kind of interaction with.

[@cmaden]

Who was it then?

[@karl_alan]

Seriously. I am curious who it was that Steve's referring to.

[@simonjarvis4957]

I started watching woodworking videos when I stumbled across a "Shop Nation" video and from there with a little help from KZbin's algorithm yourself, DIY Pete, bourbon woodworking and others, for me when Travis from shop nation announced he may quit KZbin (time constraints not comments) I was gutted but I get it. I have often thought of packing in the whole KZbin/Facebook/Instagram due to the cancel culture and the bias, infact it is possibly only due to the woodworking videos that I haven't. So keep up the good work 👏

[@eliranmauda]

Now THAT'S a service. Thx!

[@DannyDangerOz]

Good advice Steve, and as always I appreciate your perspective on this.

[@MilmoWood]

Excellent video. The logic is similar to my normal work environment. A saying I always say is only someone you respect can say something that hurts. And this will be for a good reason. However everyone else is just an idiot and should mean nothing.

[@ca_ged]

I appreciate KZbinrs who can take the mean comments and make them clear comedic relief on a video.

[@PatrickParson]

Totally agree, Steve.

[@davidlevally4141]

Thanks for the info on the dates did not know that. I love your posts about woodworking.

[@nathanlucas6465]

A somewhat off topic question - can you actually get your head round your subscriber or video view figures on your main channel? I'm chuffed if something I like gets viewing numbers into doble figures 🤣

[@barasra8847]

you got a new subject now! managing YT authoring and comments management! agree should not be so sensitive if you are in public!

[@mick882]

Brilliant video Steve. Great words of encouragement for other content makers. Well Done

[@vilmareynoso7343]

Very well said, thank you!

[@Nifty-Stuff]

Steve, I love that you posted this video! I 100% agree, and thought the same thing when I watched the video you mentioned! The creator job isn't easy, but it's also not the worst job in the world... and dealing with some negative comments: Nature of the beast! Simple solution to the "big guys" that can't handle the comments: Outsource (very cheaply) someone to read through all the comments and filter out junk (block!) and bubble-up ones that actually provide helpful feedback and/or warrant a reply that the creator can then quickly go through. Also: DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS: I run a community of 1/2 million forum members (BackYardChickens) and we tell everyone that the worst thing you can do is engage with the negative trolls. Avoid reading! Avoid engaging!

[@robertbamford8266]

“Building a community” I think means responding to as many well-meant (what a difference a “t” makes) comments as possible. Even if they appear to be critical. Mean comments - lacking any basis in the video (“you are a ….”) - are the ones to ignore. This video inspired me to take a quick, cursory look at some of my favorite channels. Thomas Johnson. Engel’s Coach. Scott Brown. Keith Rucker. Every video I sampled seems to garner 10 or 20 thumbs down to balance thousands of thumbs up. Very mysterious. Jealous of success? Reminds me of my …?

[@router5840]

Well said Steve I have watched you from day one and how dare someone give you a bad comment :) keep up the good work.

[@slotsize]

I think it’s because of the negative comments (I’ve read on YT) got me to realize, there’ll be haters everywhere. It’s just the way of life; you can’t please everyone 100% of time. I used to take any comments [towards me] personally. But then I realized no matter where I go, there will be haters. Just sign in, do my job, & sign out. It’s part of the job to deal with shenanigans. So I just focus on my job and get promoted… while the haters will keep hating as I climb up that ladder and sh*t on them daily cause they’re still at the bottom 🤣

[@therealandrewlund]

Very well put. Now I want to hear your thoughts on YT getting rid of visible downvotes....

[@andreaslekas5786]

Hey Steve. I spend a lot of my downtime consuming KZbin content. Many of the KZbinrs I follow have inspired me to do real things in my life and have impacted my life positively. But because of the tendency for KZbinrs to only focus on the negative, I almost never leave comments. All of my comments would be along the lines of expressing my thanks and gratitude for them spending the time and energy to make the content…but because of what you said in this video that 99% of comments are positive and KZbinrs tend to disregard them, I don’t waste my time anymore. Of the single digit comments I’ve ever posted, none of the creators ever responded. And some of those comments were intended to engage and ask questions, etc. and still nothing. Did it bother me? Meh, not really. I know I’m 1 of 240,000,000 views, so I get it… So I sit back and do the opposite of what you recommended for KZbinrs…I just don’t post comments anymore. Maybe you’ll see and read this (and if you do, hello! Thanks for all you do, I love all your content, even your rants!!!), maybe you won’t. But I agree with what you said mostly. I also see William’s perspective. And while the retail/hospitality analogy kind of works here, it mostly doesn’t…no one really wants to work in retail because of how crappy retail workers are treated and this is becoming more and more evident in post-COVID society. At the same time, nasty customers in retail are almost always pissed off at some experience they had at the retail establishment while negative youtube comments seem to be focused on personal assaults, so I understand why it might bother some KZbinrs more than others. William tends to do more “controversial” content and attracts a much different audience than say you, Matthias, or Derek. So, yeah, I get it. But I don’t necessarily take William’s video as more than a “please, mean anonymous viewers, stop being so mean” and there’s a fair amount of value on KZbinrs banding together to try to make a change. The internet is a terrible place when it comes to anonymous, faceless bullies and we should be trying to help change that… Anyway, if you’ve stuck through and read this, thank you. If not, no worries, I’ll still watch your content just the same!

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

I have a rule that I only subscribe to KZbin channels where the creator responds to viewers' comments and questions. Some creators never interact with their audience, but others respond to questions and comments promptly.

[@MattsTAW]

Good video, Steve. Perhaps it is overly simplistic, but I tend to go with the “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything” I learned as a child. In fact, I even seldom give a video a thumbs down, unless I find it particularly disappointing or click-baity after watching it. Nothing wrong with constructive criticism or dialog. Most of the vitriol is from folks who don’t have a lot going on in their own lives and feel better about themselves by trying to tear others down. BTW, love WWMM, especially enjoying the Talkshow. Good stuff, thanks.

[@vicf6509]

100% on point. On another note, clean your lens. There is dust on it.

[@EdwinDueck]

When I watch you, its BECAUSE I LIKE YOUR CONTENT. You have to have really bad comments before I would whine about them. Then I would probably tell you where to go. I think you have good content, keep up the good work.

[@craigallan4322]

Good advice Steve hopefully it will help people rationalise the situation. Missing your daily vlogs, but understand you like to mix it up.

[@ronanmc2112]

Wondered what happened to the home and garden channel, thanks for mentioning it 👍

[@lightdark00]

When a creator chooses to hide comments from a user, does that mean everyone else can still see them? When they ban you I know no one can see the comments left by the banned one.

[@Lord9Genesis]

This is a positive, nice comment. We love you Steve!

[@sebastianlaubach6862]

Everything said! Thank you, Mr. Ramsey!

[@adrienrenaux6211]

I think you are coming from a good place with that video, and I pretty much agree with all you are saying, but the "don't complain other have it worse" comment is I believe a little bit harmful. While technically you are right, saying this to someone who is dealing with something difficult won't do anything to help them, it'll only make them feel invalidated and they will feel guilt to struggle with this. I think all the rest of your video is great, but that comment can be a harmful one I believe

[@Aviator1182]

Very insightful and encouraging, Steve! As always…thank you!

[@kentishandy]

Wow, (please excuse the pun 😉) but you sir, have hit the nail on the head!! Well Done! I, as late forty something dad of two boys, I have never really got the KZbin ‘thing’ until recently. (Btw, a recent subscriber to your woodworking channel 👍) When I’ve asked my two boys what they want to be when they leave school, they both say , “I want to be a KZbinr!!” This fills me with dread because I’ve heard about all the cyber bullying and the effects it can have on our kids mental health. But I’m going to show them this video of yours because it puts it all in perspective. Yes, you will get negative, hurtful and really nasty comments from these keyboard warriors, but as long as you can rise above it, and treat them with the contempt they deserve, everything will be fine. Thanks for a great Woodworking Channel. I’m new to woodworking but I’ve got a great things lined up, thanks to your videos. Keep up the good work fella!!👍😎

[@jonp6798]

You’re right with what you’ve said but for those people who can’t do this and just move on, take a break, get some therapy to deal with the problems that are still unresolved and tackle the issue of can I do this with the new tools I’ve been given. If you can’t, you have to distance yourself from it. Maybe ignoring the comments like you said is enough but if not, a less public facing career change might be the way. Other people are my problem in life, it’s difficult to accept how they can be and how it doesn’t line up with my morals but that is the way it is.

[@wolflahti412]

I have to say that some (a lot of?) comments fully intended as constructive criticism are taken as vitriolic; it seems to be a matter of over-sensitivity. On the other hand, some people just like to be nasty because it gives them a sense of power, and the only sensible way to deal with them is to ignore them. "Do not feed the trolls" has been wise advice for decades.

[@pinkerbot]

I completely agree with you - and Steve. It bothers me immensely that what i write as constructive criticism often gets categorized as 'hate' or 'trolling' Are these youtubers really that thin-skinned? Maybe it is because i come from research, where everything you publish goes through some form of peer review (which btw rarely constitutes any form of positive feed-back), but i would think a content creator would like to know what he/she could do better, or to know if they made an actual mistake? Truth be told, the 'you are just a hater'-responses often come from fans who think that everything their idol does or says is wonderful, but i have also experienced being 'hidden' by a youtuber for pointing out errors. Now it sounds as if i only make critical comments, but this is not the case - i also leave comments like 'i love your content' :)

[@Bender1138]

If I was gonna leave a mean comment, I would say something about the sawdust on the camera lens. ;) But I won't, because I don't like mean comments, and I do like Steve's videos.

[@richardttu]

The best way to deal with trolls is to ignore them. Eventually they will go back to their bridge and terrorize goats...

[@billbyrnes9505]

REAL PEOPLE!!!! Go dig a ditch with a shovel for twenty years, THEN, you can come and criticize what you don't like. A ten year old with a smart phone does not qualify!!! Great video. Just to let you know, I am going to watch it again.😁😁👍👍👍👍👍👍👍. Thank you, sir!

[@DavidBishopinc]

Focus Focus Focus 👍🏼

[@franzv3172]

#respect This applies to a lot of careers !

[@curbshooter]

Good advice for not just youtube comments.

[@billbyrnes9505]

Truck drivers should be a four letter word the way they are treated. I just want people to realize how important they really are. FOX news just acknowledged drivers on the air. Thank you FOX! You want criticism, go drive a truck, the most thankless job on this planet. There is nothing you do in a day's work or play, that wasn't handled by a truck! NOTHING! Sorry to rant, but? We the people, the few, and the proud, don't need someone who has been on this planet for less than twenty five years, and have only attended school becoming, " book smart ", and never really experiencing life and heart ache, telling us what they don't like with the way we live and work! My thought, they tore down the wood shed. A lot of lesson's where learned behind the wood shed. Go ask your grandparent's, most parent's now a days, wouldn't understand? Keep smiling and make people wonder what on your mind.😁😁👍👍👍👍👍

[@fabricioqui]

Nicely said! Thanks for this! Now who was the KZbinr you referred to? It seems like everyone is “quitting KZbin” these days… at least on their latest click bait vid titles!

[@clbtoo]

Here is a mean comment...clean your lens buddy :) Seriously tho...love you and your channels. Keep doing you

[@jcomet01]

I don't understand why anyone would send you a mean comment. We love you, and that really burns my buttocks. If I see mean comments from someone, I won't let that stand. No Sir. I will tell my girlfriend and she will let them have it. Then the keyboard will be on the other foot I tell you...er...hmm ...what?

[@vaughnprecision]

Here Steve, have a positive comment.! There’s a troll in every mothers basement just typing nasty comments all day. I just ignore them and focus on the positive comments. I delete them if they are to nasty but most the time I just move on.

[@glenntaylor4844]

Very well said..

[@ironbanyanwoodworks9628]

OMG Steve...can't even clean your lens! What a joke! I'd dislike this video but nobody's going to see it. JK, love you man, keep up the positivity!

[@halsti99]

i agree with your tips on fighting comments, but i disagree with many of your other points. a lot of youtubers these days were the lonely kid in class, never had a "real" job and have actual mental issues. those just wont go away with a big chanel. the fact that multiple content creators have commited suicide over hate is all the proof you need for that. Sure, for most people, hate comments are just an annoyance, but if you are already struggeling mentally, hundreds of negative comments under all of your work wont help you. you are completely right that deleting them, not reading them, or even paying a moderation team will help a lot with it, but that wont solve the issue for everyone. i agree that there are good ways to fight it, but i think labeling everyone thats speaking out about it as whining and entiteled is crossing the line a little.

[@jon1913]

Agreed, Steve needs to have a bit of empathy here. There are millions of people having mental health crises right now and Steve just seems to be belittling them.