Doing This Makes Me Happy, but Maybe it Doesn't' Seem that Way?

Census is Here: www.surveymonk...
Vlogbrothers has always brought me joy. The only time it stresses me out is when I feel like other work is interfering with my ability to do it well, or to feel connected to it.
It is definitely true that we have more responsibilities now than we used to. It's also true that I /feel/ more responsibilities than I used to. Like, there is an obligation that comes along with having an audience, and also one that comes along with being a respected member of a community. It means that I'm going to be less forgiving of myself if I make mistakes, which means that I'm going to be more careful, which means I'm going to be less spontaneous and carefree. But I wouldn't do this if it wasn't bringing me joy.
I just want to be really clear about that!
----
Subscribe to our newsletter! nerdfighteria.c...
And join the community at nerdfighteria.com effyeahnerdfigh...
Help transcribe videos - nerdfighteria.info
John's twitter - / johngreen
Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands
Listen to The Anthropocene Reviewed at www.theanthropo...
Listen to Dear Hank and John at www.dearhankand...

[@KittyCatThang]

"More joy in 2019" is the actual best goal for the coming year.

[@MCAndyT]

+

[@sarar4901]

+

[@TheBamword15]

"More joy in 2020" was my goal. We'll try again in 2021

[@zofiabochenska1240]

Hank saying "more joy in 2019" with the-most-serious-voice-ever

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

MORE JOY IN 2019 ....... .........should be everyone’s New Years resolution.

[@MCAndyT]

+

[@eaterdrinker000]

Unfortunately, that might be setting people up for failure, as do many New Year's resolutions.

[@KaijaSchmauss]

Agreed. I've definitely had a rough year. I kinda need 2019 to be better.

[@charliespinoza1966]

Cuomotep the Reluctant Libertarian It doesn’t have to be big joy, it can be small, hard fought for and intentional joy. If you count the small steps as success, and setbacks as only that and not failures, I think it could be doable!

[@m.w.kaplan447]

can i get this on a shirt?

[@patblack781]

Yes! JOY! The whole point of living is to enjoy it! But why is this so difficult?! Why have we made everything so complex and fast and stressful?

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

Because life is suffering.... The pursuit of meaning despite this pain results in transcendent happinesses

[@BeinDraug]

There is a little quote that i've recently rediscovered that helps me put this in perspective. "Everyone has the right to live in happiness. The hard part is accepting it. Everyone has the right to live in happiness. The hard part is acting on it. Everyone has the right to live in happiness. The hard part is the compromise" The whole thing for me boils down to the fact that a lot of us believe that we are not "good" enough to be happy, that we havn't worked hard enough, that we arn't nice enough, that we havn't earned it. As a result we don't let our selves be happy we don't accept it we don't indulge in it and we believe we have to make sacrifices for it yet that whole way of thinking is what prevents us from accepting the happiness we already have. A person with a loving family dosn't need to pay to enjoy the happiness it offers they can just have it.

[@greensteve9307]

[@ellw7830]

I know... it seems that everything our society is structured around (work, money, school) does nothing to bring us anything that really matters in life (joy, community, freedom)

[@patblack781]

@@ellw7830 Exactly! You go to school to be able to work and then you work until you're allowed to stop and then you're old and tired...

[@Inucat]

Can't wait for the census analysis. Best part of being a nerdfighter in my opinion

[@evercuriousmichelle]

+

[@candycoatedcactus]

It's the #1 thing that makes me feel like a nerd fighter. I'm a notorious lurker, but not because I don't want to be part of discussion. I'm often busy and watch youtube on PS4 (where you can't see comments). But being counted as a data point in this community always makes me feel important.

[@NickGreyden]

+

[@iambodle]

Steady on!

[@katragaddaalekhya4811]

One of the best part

[@Nerdfighter21]

Yeah, I definitely have felt like you and John aren't enjoying the KZbin thing as much recently, but it's not just you two. I feel like a lot of my favorite, OG creators on this platform are...tired. KZbin isn't what it was when it started--it's shifted, at least a little, to catering to corporate interests and running more like TV used to. MatPat talks a lot about companies exploiting the platform's authenticity for money, and I think that does happen, and I think it exhausts and freezes out creators who are genuinely being authentic and trying to share themselves and their lives in what's becoming an ever more airbrushed, inauthentic space. I don't know. It's just sort of sad...and anxiety-provoking.

[@sundaesorceress]

I also think a lot of this is also kind of just like because of the time frame of things. Like the OG creators have now been at this one thing for 10 years and I imagine working so hard creatively and consistently doing it for 10 years is liable to lead to a point of feeling either burnt out or at the end of the rope, etc.

[@vlogbrothers]

@@sundaesorceress I don't feel at all like I'm burnt out or at the end of any ropes. There are definitely things that have changed on the platform, but I still love making stuff, and I hate that it doesn't feel that way to some people.

[@vlogbrothers]

Huh...I mean, I still love this. I'm definitely hearing this feedback. I think it might be a full-youtube structural thing, but the way I imagine this project hasn't changed, and I'm still 100% in. There are also lots of good oldschool things still happening on the platform, but I think in general it just feels less cool. Like, I look at my sidebar and I see a lot of...information. Vox videos, history videos, geography videos. But there are lots of personality driven channels out there, I'm just not seeing them as much because those high quality informaiton videos are so appealing to me. But The Valleyfolk is my new favorite thing...every video is astoundingly funny. And lots of my smaller creator friends are still making things that make me feel really connected with them.

[@MRuby-qb9bd]

@@vlogbrothers I think over the past couple years especially the Internet as a whole has been kind of a stressful place for everyone. People with large platforms probably feel it the most, but even I find it pretty exhausting sometimes just lurking in the comments as I do. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to "appear" happier either, that WILL burn you out.

[@Yukiame792]

yea.. i didn't even know who to put as my favorite youtuber other than them because i haven't followed anyone since 2010 and basically everyone i used to watch is either entirely different, deleted their channel, or haven't uploaded in years

[@thewinterizzy]

I feel like I need to put “More joy in 2019. Okay? Okay.” on an embroidery. I think there’s just generally this looming sense around KZbin right now where a lot of long-term creators are feeling burnt out or that their work is repetitive and therefore boring to both create and view. Speaking for myself but it kind of sounds like on the whole Nerdfighteria would agree: I don’t want you two to ever feel like this community is a burden or that you owe us a video. You’re allowed breaks if you need them. There’s something to be said for a concrete schedule but it shouldn’t come at the detriment to your health. All that said, I’m glad making videos is still enjoyable for you. 💛 (Even if you’re more stressed than you were ten years ago lol.)

[@snoopynwoodstock99]

+

[@e.n2290]

+

[@belindaweber7999]

+

[@aashi8316]

+

[@MCAndyT]

+

[@squeeerle]

Well, I recently discovered Vlog Brothers and you guys just seem like everyone else in this age range as far as stress goes. Developmentally appropriate. (Note, I am also in my 30s.) You also seem very thoughtful and I find you entertaining. :)

[@vlogbrothers]

Yes...developmentally appropriate stress. I work more because I can...and also because I have more stuff outside of myself that I care about.

[@EyeLean5280]

The world is more stressed and middle-age is quite a bit about stress.

[@Ru_bles]

THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE DISCOVERING THIS COMMUNITY??? That makes me so happy

[@youraveragefan45]

WELCOME TO NERDFIGHTERIA FRIEND! I love that people of all ages (not just internet noobs) are still finding vlog brothers for the first time :)

[@jorgec98]

@@Ru_bles I discovered it like 3 months ago. I'm 20, and have quite enjoyed this odd assortment of interesting people. I mean, I was aware of Hank and John being KZbinrs, and having a big platform. Might have even seen a handful of videos years back. But only recently did I start to really follow it, and it's great.

[@whatsinadeadname]

Oh, the nested "you"s in this video: Hank talking to John about talking to people about people talking to Hank about Hank and John.

[@vlogbrothers]

Yeah, I noticed that....it would not work in essay for,, but hopefully works in video form!

[@whatsinadeadname]

@@vlogbrothers It was interesting in an analytic way, like instantly knowing who someone was talking to, yet also being very aware they hadn't said enough for you to say you know. Just don't do it in your next book (or do, for the lols).

[@belindaweber7999]

😂 oh goodness so true! If you had some on outside of Nerdfighteria read this...

[@Lilybet1316]

You and John are lovely in whatever form you find yourselves. I prefer authentic honest stressed over anything disingenuous. I feel a kinship when you are concerned for the future and keep showing up anyway. You and John, even though you have public personas, do not belong to us. It is illogical and unkind for anyone to believe otherwise. You are nice men who chose to share parts of yourselves but never did you agree to turn over ownership. You are not responsible for anyone feeling good or supported or righteous. Please don’t litter or cause intentional harm, the rest is up to you. : )

[@evercuriousmichelle]

+

[@belindaweber7999]

+

[@shannovi4565]

+

[@jennymagana8521]

+

[@emilydahlquist9220]

+

[@karensamy6249]

It is super relieving to hear you say that this is not annoying or a burden on you, because these videos are so often bright spots during difficult weeks. So yes, more joy 2019 for both us and you guys.

[@rikwisselink-bijker]

I dig your glasses, to make a very superficial comment.

[@Fishiepwincess]

This makes me happy, because honestly have felt the same about you guys for a while. Everythings just been so serious! I honestly feel like its only in vlogbrothers though. Dear Hank and John I feel has taken on the vibe vlogbrothers once was.

[@vlogbrothers]

There's some truth there, and I'm really happy DHJ does so well and has such a great community. I also think that it's just more likely for people /of a certain age/ to have podcast-listening be a part of their day than youtube watching.

[@TwinkTwinkle]

agreed!

[@ivytarablair]

Okay, I am not a podcast person but you just made me stomp right on over to Dear Hank & John and START. Because I love all 10 years of their process equally, but that zany bother interaction is just so damn adorable, how can ya not have a special place in your heart for it??

[@MrGurero]

Can't agree with this more. DHJ has saved me from a cumulative 3 hours commute to and fro to a college that I love to a staying situation I'm not so happy about. A real lifesaver and one that imbibes the proper vlogbrothers spirit- whatever that is.

[@belindaweber7999]

@@vlogbrothers DHJ, DT,AR and now Scishow Tangents (the cool brother to HFS which I loved too, sigh RIP HFS) is a sanity saver for me, I listen while I do my mindnumbing, auto-pilot housework! Thank you for being a lean, mean, multi tasking machine!

[@metalheadjakob]

the point of life being joy and helping other people in finding joy. I so whole heartedly agree with that.

[@caprafan]

Hank, you don't strike me as wearing your responsibilities as a burden, but merely giving them the gravity they deserve. I feel like you've matured into an incredibly thoughtful, deliberate, kind and patient person in the last 10 years. It's been pretty cool to watch you make that journey.

[@ivytarablair]

About a thousand times YES on this comment :)

[@trace9021]

I know Hank said he/we don't want him to go back to his 20s, but I think the channel has been a lot weightier in the last few years. When I started watching you guys a few years back there were more videos of Hank telling X Jokes in Y Seconds, Hank playing music, John smearing peanut butter on his face for Question Tuesdays, punishment videos, it all felt like you guys were having silly fun making these videos more and weren't taking them too seriously. There were still Thoughts From Places and explanation videos and talking about Net Neutrality and societal issues and life stress and new projects and monologues on getting older and weightier stuff, but they felt more spaced out. You guys were less constrained by all of your responsibilities. There's just been less and less room for fun as you guys use your video each week to talk about something that feels like it's weighing on you, more talk about the problems of having a platform, mental illness, frustrations, a sense of resignation, so maybe the community feels that we might have some responsibility for making you guys feel like you have to perform for us when you're going through things. When John posted his "Taking A Year Off" video recently- when I saw the title I was honestly expecting he was stepping away from the channel for a while, and it didn't actually surprise me. I kind of expected something like that was coming. I was relieved when it was just him taking a step back from the internet. I also thought the same thing earlier this year when he posted "How Does This End?". But I also think a part of it IS this channel growing older and it reflecting the feelings I think a lot of us are going through. Politics are failing us, being a member of society is becoming more and more difficult, hatred is growing and spreading. I can understand the feeling of responsibility toward using your platform and your success toward addressing things that you have the power to inform or highlight. Sometimes though, I miss the days when the world wasn't (literally in some cases) on fire all of the time. Ever since 2015 my anxiety went from moderately-manageable college student stress to soul-crushingly constant as an adult. Everyone seems to be battling some sort of misery. Seeing you guys going through these things too DOES make me question if expecting you guys to do this to yourselves is asking too much. The Disney D and John GIFs episodes were some highlights this year that captured that old sense of silly fun.

[@DemureDelight8055]

I agree with this so much!

[@sofie4172]

+

[@thatjillgirl]

+

[@idaosbornfrandsen7162]

+

[@beemeistah]

+

[@rachelmiracle7110]

"I think the point of life is joy, and helping people find joy." You and John have certainly done that for me, and I work every day to do the same for others. Thanks for being such great example for me-grateful for you both.

[@hailbopthecomet]

I remember that peep video. Those were the days

[@ivytarablair]

....i was afeared.

[@loomhigh]

I remember that video in particular when I binged every vlogbrother video out there

[@MRuby-qb9bd]

Oh same. I have weirdly strong feelings about some of those early videos. I remember binging them in 2010 after a friend of mine passed away. Kind of became part of my coping process. I'd watch the videos before work. Gave me something to think about to keep me from sobbing into my steering wheel on the way into work.

[@PheOfTheFae]

I somehow missed the peep video, but was expecting a reference to humping inanimate objects.

[@BassetLuv4Life]

Box fans and extreme peep eating were the days. The serious, thought-provoking discussions are fun and all too, but really, the peep eating won’t come about again?

[@nikki9417]

I love this community. I’ve never been a part of or seen a community that is so caring, intelligent, and thoughtful with the people who created also just as caring, intelligent, and thoughtful. It also reminds me of the best parts of humanity

[@MiddleAgedNerd]

Perhaps those who are tired of John's face can start up a new holiday - "Piplesmas" - featuring Hank's face. (P.S. I forget if it's piples orf pipples but I think it's piples)

[@EcceJack]

It's definitely 'piples', because he misspelled 'pipes' when he was dead tired in Amsterdam :D

[@k1tkat-kate]

omg someone get me a shirt that says "viple the piples!"

[@roderigosan]

This community is awesome and does things in an awesome way !

[@fitzgerald4744]

More joy in 2019. Yes. Please. Thank you for making this, Hank. It's a relief (and yes, a joy) to know that we aren't burdens upon you and John.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

+

[@Sobit21]

Nerdfighteria has brought so much joy to my life over the past 6ish years! I really hope it continues to bring joy to Hank and John's lives.

[@Kikoia]

the Kurt Vonnegut quote just gave me an epiphany about this semester-ish long dilemma about my work vs. my design practice vs. everything else, THANK YOU!!!

[@Nofxthepirate]

"Out on the street putting peeps inside of weird punk rockers" What is this referring to??? I don't remember that video! Does that mean you fed punk rockers peeps? The phrasing of that sentence poses so many questions!

[@vlogbrothers]

Hahah...love this comment. It was a loooooong time ago.

[@archaeologydad3761]

He's referring to this old video of theirs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3i2YquIhcqVb8k

[@Nofxthepirate]

@@archaeologydad3761 Oh wow, thanks for finding it for me, that's from before I started watching. Still the same silly Hank!

[@GuilhermeHarrison]

@@vlogbrothers THIS. IS. A. PERFECT. PUNISHMENT!!!!

[@carlaafonso6194]

@@GuilhermeHarrison You are right. It's a great idea

[@AnaMariaJappe]

I really like that you are wearing a sweater that says “GOOD ENOUGH” while you deliver this message. 😊

[@rosiep3247]

Yes! That's exactly what I wrote in my census response! Super glad u interpreted it like that I was worried I would sound like one of those "I hate change why can't it be 2012 forever" kind of ppl

[@SK28th]

More joy in 2019? Maybe just more joy in your life now. We'll feel it come through in your videos. The past few months it feels like you're excited about your stuff, your new book for instance, but excited like a 30 something guy. The childlike excitement and happiness doesn't come through maybe because you've achieved so much that new things don't feel so monumental anymore. But they are. Everything you're doing is awesome. I'm just spitballing here. I love you guys anyway. And your maturer theme and perspective, presented in a funny yet well thought out way is appreciated and just as awesome as the silly stuff.

[@dsalazarm]

I dont know what youre talking about Hank. I ONE HUNDRED PERCENT want to see you *giving out* peeps to punk rockers. WHY NOT???

[@oddlyme9659]

I like that you are genuine whether you're stressed or silly. Real people are good to find.

[@veta0104]

I do like seeing that you are open about being stressed. It makes it real and helps to see the process. Not every video of course but to see that you go through it too helps

[@sherriecrawford4021]

I like you two. Overjoyed or stressed, keep being you. Your authenticity models productive ways for me to continue being me during my joyous times and in distress. Keep up the important work.

[@Satisfyedeyes]

This was a perfect way to interpret that feedback, a way I wish/hope I articulated it in the survey. I'm sure there is a 20 something youtuber out there giving peeps to punk rockers (and now I'm a little tempted to find them). But I think what people are really trying to say is, in fact, more joy. More joy for you two, for our community, and for people outside of it.

[@mrtphotog]

You nailed it with the purpose of having joy and helping others, Hank. Thank you.

[@lordshmee]

The most liberating discovery you can make is that life. has. no. point. If you can get over that hump without it breaking your ego then you are golden. I wish this for everyone.

[@rachelrachel4922]

"2018 internet is sort of a less carefree vibe than 2008 internet" is so true, man. I feel you. I think the world needs this kind of (and greatly benefits from your) awareness about itself. You always bring things to light in a way which resonates with people's understanding and feelings, even if they're things in this world that nobody wants to think about. Thank you. (also, that peeps video made me laugh so I'm gonna go watch it again)

[@rathtruong9172]

I’m really glad I watched this because I’ve been watching vlogbrothers videos less frequently for this exact reason. It wasn’t just the more serious tone of vlogbrothers taking greater hold as the world sort of shifted that way, but also because you guys just seemed tired and sparse throughout. This is good to hear, and I’m more than ready for my 2019 motto to be “more joy”.

[@thomasblyth7539]

It all sounds great Hank. I think we just want to make sure y'all are taking care of yourselves because we love y'all and everything y'all do for so many people. Thank you for being you, because you're super special and super important in a lot of people's lives. :) DFTBA

[@evercuriousmichelle]

+

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Yep, agreed. Take care of yourselves, Hank and John!

[@jennymagana8521]

[@Meiabell]

Mental gratitude lists help me have more joy. Helping others, you got that right!

[@rjmayo]

To me, enjoying the more fun videos is more similar to when you talked about weird musicals, or the Disney D. I like seeing that kind of discussion about and interest in an arguably trivial topic. It’s informative and engaging, and fun.

[@owllover2319]

You are the best Hank! Keep not forgetting to be awesome! ❤️

[@DianaMcManaman]

Thank you for making this video Hank. I really appreciate hearing your take on this, cuz it’s a sentiment that I think has been present in the community for a couple of years now. Also, the content I want to see is you putting more peeps in more punk rockers. Pls make it happen.

[@whitneylevis]

I want you to be less stressed for your health but I love the authenticity that you show about your stress and don't want you to pressure yourself to be anything in particular by your fans. I will say that I think that silliness should be because you feel it or because it serves a purpose. I have never really gotten into pizzamas before this year and I think the nature of 2018 has made it really valuable to me. I also feel like the distance between pizzamas and project for awesome has never felt so long. Y'all are still fun, but your authenticity is a bit part of what keeps me coming back over the years.

[@DaveyLuvGravy]

I feel you bro. The sense of impending doom is growing stronger in the last few years. Lack of public attention towards climate change, income inequality, the death of compassion and courtesy. It can get overwhelming. I want to say thank you for making these videos. They give me a little break from myself and a peek into someone else's head. Keep your chin up.

[@FutureNow]

Hank Green 2020: More Joy!

[@Beryllahawk]

You have certainly helped at least one person find a little more joy today

[@untappedinkwell]

"more joy in 2019" is a great goal. I'm here for it. Also can we maybe start early with the P4A?

[@ampz1466]

I just hated the idea of stressing someone out just for my amusement. I definitely phrased that badly, but I'm really super happy that you guys still enjoy making vlogbrothers. I hate seeing all these youtubers getting burnt out. I feel guilty cos I want them to make more content but I also know that the joy I feel watching their work is not worth them not enjoying their lives. It's kinda related to traditional media and their burn-outs too. Like when celebrities have mental breakdowns because the industry worked them too hard. I used to really enjoy Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan's movies but being in those movies definitely didn't help these woman's mental health. Now I don't know how much responsibility we have to take for what we watch?? Do we have to Google the personal lives of the actors, directors and producers to make sure that not helping a child's abusive parent exploit them? Or that we're not giving a Weinstein money?

[@ampz1466]

Sorry about the tangent. But I'm really curious about how people will answer.

[@lilyenpointe7448]

+

[@aashi8316]

+

[@MRuby-qb9bd]

Agree. Something I have been thinking about a lot lately. And especially with KZbin and "parasocial" experience of it. It makes you feel like you have more of a social relationship with the creator than you actually do. And then you have to step back and recognize, no, you're just some rando on the internet. Like rationally I'm aware of that, but it can be hard not to get drawn in emotionally, if that makes sense. I feel like I know people when I don't really know them, and the dissonance makes me feel like a creeper. It's not just I don't want to stress people out, I'm afraid of being a boundary-crossing, invasive lunatic. I think it may also be tied into the conversations about consent that have been cropping up everywhere as well. What exactly are creators or celebrities actually consenting to when they produce work for public consumption? How much am I entitled to even ask for as a consumer? What are the reasonable lines there? And to what extent am I more sympathetic to such personalities because living in the internet age also opens *me* up to issues about privacy and where to draw the public/private/professional boundaries in my own life? I think we're all kind of feeling it, to greater or lesser degrees.

[@Kris-lu1rs]

I just got a new idea for Crash Course but I already answered the survey so here it is: Chess. Chess tactics and strategies + the basics and some history. I would love to see this. Thoughts?

[@Im-Not-a-Dog]

Being a stoic or low energy person makes it very hard for people who aren’t to recognize when your happy or jubilant because it doesn’t look like most people’s “happy”.

[@0987undecided]

I recently started watching vlogbrothers again (I wasn’t watching KZbin in general for a bit) and it’s been so great! Just wanted to say these videos make me happy and give me hope for this future. :)

[@GandalftheWh1te]

I felt some joy clicking and watching this video. Thank you.

[@Lisallamaa]

I didn't understand the premier thing so I started the video as he said "John, I'll see you on Tuesday" and wondered if they were trying a new thing where they start the video with the ending thing... heh. Okay and about the actual content ... YES I needed to hear this, thank you! :) :) :) :) about joy, I mean. Living not to achieve and all that. Especially in the dead of Canadian winter, where depression lives.

[@isabelsong21]

More joy in 2019!! I'm graduating from college in spring 2019, and I've been so stressed out about finding a job and being able to afford life and being able to make payments on my student loans and ALL THE THINGS, but this video reminded me to also find joy in that. I am finishing my college education on time with a major and two minors that I love. After being in a major I hated for 2.5 years, I am finally taking classes that I actually enjoy, and I'm doing extremely well in them. I have so many opportunities before me, and if need be, I can live with my parents in Los Angeles while I look for a job, and being able to live with family or live in a large job market is not an option for a lot of people, nonetheless the intersection of the two. Yes, I have a ton of student loans, but those student loans financed a really high quality education that has made me a better, more well-rounded person. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, the reputation of that name gives me a lot of privileges that will help me in my job search. And I get to watch my baby brother graduate from high school and start college next year, which is all sorts of beautiful and amazing, and I am a proud big sister of the person he is becoming. I need to focus more on enjoying life and enjoying this final year in college rather than dreading the end. MORE JOY IN 2019!!!!

[@mikennaleabo1944]

If you ever feel the need to take a break I’m sure we will all support that, just as much as we support all of your weird new projects, John’s face on pizzamas merch and the “maintenance”. More joy in 2019 ❤️

[@WildHareTransport]

Middle-aged becoming grumpy old men, so to speak. From an elder. I've enjoyed you two for many years. We do, unfortunately, lose our youth. It's not all bad. We're just more serious and focused. Thank you, guys, for continuing. This old-fart does enjoy y'all.

[@seizedmeansofproduction4739]

“Other changes that...have occurred” we all know what our boy is talking about

[@ejmuskdrums]

Hank saying "I would also like to be less stressed" at 3:20 seems like a little bit of 2008 Hank coming out in the tone and delivery. I appreciate this video, Hank, it provides insight into something I've been thinking about for a while (the stress/enthusiasm level of you and John).

[@JosephLSelby]

Yes! That's a wonderful way to articulate the response I made in the census. Doubleplusgood!

[@brittanyalways7276]

As an almost 30-something, I feel like I am on the older end of your viewership (guess we'll know for sure when the survey results come in). I definitely agree that you guys don't seem as silly, but it also makes complete sense based on age and also how considerate and thoughtful you are as people. Glad to hear this channel isn't stressful, but hope there is something in your life- whether this channel or something not public/monetized at all- that is SOLELY fun. In the age of burnout, I think most Nerdfighters would rather have a smaller amount of you guys for a sustained amount of time rather than risk not having you at all.

[@MajaElise95]

YES! More joy 2019!! I am so gonna make that a thing in any way I can. And thank you for making this video! It's so much easier to enjoy stuff when you know the people making the stuff are also enjoying it

[@chocolateanders8572]

Watching Hank proclaim for more joy in 2019 while wearing a Nathan Zedd hoodies is going to be my source of inspiration for the rest of the year most likely #GoodEnough

[@ChelseaFrisbie]

"I hear you, I see you, and I support this vision with love."

[@avmtg3549]

Aw we just love you guys and want you to be okay. We're all feeling the stress too. Life man. Its just life. Thats whats most comforting about you guys. your're real.

[@1981agg]

I don't know if this could help the wonderful brothers or anyone else, but here is whatever anyway. Please never hide that you are stressed, but I could see how someone could think that they are less silly. They have never lost, and I hope (don't think), that they will ever lose their inner child. Which is one of my favorite things about them. Everyone should be reminded and never forget to keep as much of their childishness as is possible, as far as I can tell. It has the most positive impact, at a philosophical and tangible level, that I have experienced.

[@calvinball1]

The serious standard and goal around Joy has been established, we must now execute that vision. Lol. I see the muscle of planning everything in life is very well developed

[@coralee5628]

As someone who asked you to relax more in the survey, I just want to be clear: I was NOT commenting on any shift in the quality of Vlogbrothers videos. I love the way the channel's tone and subject matter have expanded and matured over the years: If anything, I think the content is getting better and better. I'm giving a self-care reminder for the same reason I give it to all of my busy friends: Your health and happiness is important.

[@ivytarablair]

.....PIZ..Z..ZAMA...S WITHOUT.... THE FACE.....? (clearly there needs to be a 'More Joy in 2019' shirt at DBTBA as of yesterday :D )

[@KParsley]

"You would like me to be less stressed, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO BE LESS STRESSED." Most appropriate 2018 quote ever.

[@gerardolopezkovich]

I love your work Hank. I love even more knowing that you enjoy being more proffessional

[@meggangrist2285]

I'm not sure if my census went through but I see you guys often almost straining to acknowledge your own bias and privelidge in a manner that appears that you're stressing about it a lot. I just wanted to let you guys know that you're doing great and we always appreciate being encouraged to look into other sources for diverse information and opinions. But I feel as though you guys aren't fully aware at just how good you are at fostering that culture within nerdfighteria. You're doing great so I just wanted to say don't worry so much because we love and appreciate you and people are allowed to make mistakes and don't have to be flawless (even so you guys are great at correcting misinformation or misinterpretations). Thanks for all you do, DFTBA!

[@xuxagirl87]

It's a hard thing, balancing the responsibility of steering this huge ship that is Nerdfightaria in the right direction (especially in these times), as well as not losing one's mind in the process. Thanks for all you do for us Hank (& John). And onward we go! :)

[@Caraxian]

Oh no a premiere video At least its less than an hour and not 18 hours like some I've seen

[@kassie5779]

Was that an ASMR video on loop or something? lol

[@emmajohnson1814]

Every time I read comments on vlogbrothers videos I'm reminded of how great nerdfighters are. I'm glad, that you still enjoy making videos, but definitely agree with everyone else that it is important to us that you take care of yourselves as well. Also, I did love the Peeps video, but really enjoy everything you're doing now.

[@TheMegaNachos]

“More joy in 2019! Okay?!” I’d like to vote for the guy with that as their campaign platform.

[@Neha71580]

"Okay? Okay." Yes Hank, yes.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

+

[@TheDanishGuyReviews]

Currently doing my best for more joy for myself, actually. I quit social media except KZbin, and l'm using that spare time to listen to albums that l've never made the time to give a chance, and reading comic books l've forgotten to read for years now. Not having these things on the backburner anymore is such a freeing feeling. ~ TDG

[@alexito4329]

Sent a direct email and completed the survey, hope you enjoy the read, thanks for everything you’ve done. Much appreciated

[@hermione25064]

Just to be clear, I don't want you to feel like you have to be happy-go-lucky on screen all the time. I don't want you to pretend. It's for to be transparent about your worries and struggles. We just want you to be having fun in between!

[@Izzy-Maurer]

Hank is wearing his Nathan Zed 'Good Enough' hoodie! I have one of those and it's really weird to me that I have clothes in common with Hank. But I love it!

[@ellieban]

FWIW, I am exactly the same age as Hank, I’ve been here since about year 2 and I’ve been back and watched every old episode. I know all the in-jokes and I’ve grown into near middle age watching Vlogbrothers. It still brings me comfort every week to see someone dealing with the same sort of life challenges that I’m going through. So sure, if it helps you, relax a bit, chill out more if you like, and please don’t go back to being in your 20s, I’m not.

[@dr.zoidberg8666]

More joy in 2019. You're right, I think that's exactly what we all need right now.

[@stenarospcc]

I was probably one of those census respondents that is worried about you not having fun. To put a finer point on it, I don't have a ton of fun in my life, (working on that) and the content you guys put out is one of my avenues of having fun. But while I don't want this avenue of fun to go away, I also don't want producing one of my avenues of fun to burn you out so you stop producing content altogether.

[@ShakespearesLanguage]

I want a pin that says 'More Joy in 2019' so I can wear it everyday next year- I think you just gave me my New Year's Resolution!

[@DanAnderson_TheMaddestShredder]

Mad Respect my friends. Thank you so much god bless you.

[@ftangdude]

Dear Hank, I have homework to do but I can't put down your book! It's such a fun read. Thank you thank you thank you! Sincerely, Silas

[@NinjaNerdOG]

Paused and completed the survey! Can't wait to see the results! Best hour+ long video I watch every year! lol

[@MminaMaclang]

Doesn't think that the point of life is achievement, but also somehow monetizes every passion and every whim 😅 Truly, goals.

[@_.Mack._]

As long as you are happy we are happy Hank!

[@1UpsForLife]

Personally I haven't been unsatisfied with the level of seriousness, but I tend to enjoy whatever you two do on the channel, so I'm excited to see a change no matter what it is 👍

[@skylerwitherspoon]

*"MORE JOY IN 2019"* I can get behind this 🖤

[@emilyk2424]

I haven't watched you're channel in awhile, but I'm glad I've come back to it. I very much enjoyed this video :)

[@elementarywatson5345]

Your dancing video during Pizzamas gave me joy. :) It had that silly spirit that I do kinda miss seeing in y'all. Not that we should be silly all the time. I also like your educational and introspective videos. It's just nice to let a little frivolity in.

[@josephhouk6703]

I like that Vonnegut quote. And yes, MOAR JOY IN 19!

[@KetieSaner]

Hank, I want you to be happy and do things you enjoy. I am happy for you to do Vlogbrothers as long as you are enjoying this. And if you feel like being more serious, please do that. And if you just end up being more serious that is fine. And being silly is also great. Basically we are just here to support you in whatever you feel is the thing you want to do.

[@Snowflake8147]

I almost missed the census this year because I'm a few days behind in my youtube subscriptions! Maybe you could put it in the title of a video next year? I love the census and don't ever want to miss it!

[@josuelservin2409]

I completely agree, more joy is a worthy goal.

[@jeremyahagan]

"other ... changes that have occurred" - Love it

[@szeth14]

It's a pretty steady theme. The community cares about you guys and we want you to do all the self-care and be happy and stress less

[@lilyenpointe7448]

+

[@FarahMasud]

I just wanted to let you know that I love you guys and appreciate what you're trying to do.❤