How Toy Companies Bribe YouTube Channels!

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#Valaverse #Action_Force #Desert_Rat

[@ACLProps]

I really like your stance of just buying the products you like. I think the fear of missing out puts a lot of pressure on people, and I've definitely had some channels convince me to buy a toy that I wasn't that into, for completionists sake. But I definitely have a lot more fun when I only buy whatever I think looks neat

[@mgshock]

The problem is there are so many neat looking things.

[@curtainjerker699]

This video has been really illuminating. Thank you for posting this, and for caring about your integrity!

[@Christolclear101]

I’m sorry, but after the stunt that Mattel pulled on two Jurassic Park toy channels last year, Mattel wouldn’t get anything from me. If they came up to me with an email like that, I personally would’ve told them to shove it where the sun don’t shine. But that’s just me. Edit: I’m glad to see one of the Jurassic Park channels was mentioned in the video. Awesome video, Tony! Give’em hell!

[@Plokman040]

They can't buy me either, especially after AEG!!

[@maproomgaming6886]

So, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this question: How is your relationship with Valaverse different than Pixel Dan's relationship with Mattel. It seems like both of you were fans of a specific brand (Action Force/Motu) and because of that you were each given a chance to be "part" of that brand (you as a figure and him writing a history of motu type book). Beyond that both of you are pretty open and honest about what access you get... exclusive reveals, livestreams with creators, stuff like that. I don't think either of you are being unethical... to me it just seems like two guys who love specific brands and have turned that love into careers and I'm just curious as to where you draw the distinction because based on the video I'm still not seeing one. Beyond that I agree with your "just try one figure" stance. I recently did that with McFarlane Super Powers and... well I just have Superman and lives on my desk at work. I don't feel the need to get anyone else.

[@AnalogToys]

The difference is simple, my relationship is with an actual person named Bobby Vala. Pixel Dan has a relationship with a corporation. You can trust a person who has proven what they are about, whereas a corporation can change their ethics and values at the first sign of monetary gain and can never be trusted.

[@maproomgaming6886]

@@AnalogToys OK that's fair.

[@mgshock]

@@AnalogToys You're still influenced by your relationship with Vala and involvement in the brand. There's still some bias at play. (Unless you're a robot or something.) Not that it really matters with the MOTU/Action Force brands as they are largely aimed at the smaller and less easily "influenced" adult collector audience. You know, the "Kidult" market. (LOL)

[@Tyresaurus]

@@AnalogToys Hello! I am from Australia too and will there be Indiana jones toys coming to Australian stores like target, big w, or Kmart. I had seen shops like eb games and goodies something selling pre orders online. I hope there will be Indiana jones stuff in Australia!

[@Plokman040]

If I made a review of Sonic the Hedgehog does that mean I am influenced?! No because I enjoy the game, Tony has a friend who literally surprised him by adding Tony into his actions figure like because he wasn't trying to get Tony to Shill, he designed a figure Tony didn't know of till Bobby showed him Dessert Rat. Bobby and Tony are a lot like my best friend and I, if I like to show gratitude for that friend I will ask to make a toy based off them, in context giving a friend's facial design to a character. He can always ask for royalties later and I will be glad to pay him back. Tony isn't an influencer, he is genuine in all he says.

[@tiavoteary5295]

I love the honesty in your channel and that’s why I continue to be a subscriber ❤

[@kevinolshefski8310]

Thank You for showing the wolves in sheep's clothing.

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

For the record no Toy Companies have ever offered me anything except the cold shoulder. Great video Tony and insight into this practice.

[@erictuxen]

This is nothing new to the business world, maybe just to the toy community as it is today. Corporations have always leveraged groups or individuals with influence to persuade the customer to buy “those” products. Today it’s social media and You Tube channels. Back in the day, it was record companies influencing radio stations with payola. It’s all about making a bigger noise for your product than the other guy. Toy companies aren’t stupid and are leveraging today’s influential voices. It’s just business and it’s nothing new.

[@AnalogToys]

Thanks for the input Captain Obvious

[@erictuxen]

@@AnalogToys love your channel, brother.

[@ekwon4764]

Finally someone is making a video on what we all suspected. Awesome video tony.

[@TroyPacelli]

Integrity - is such a lonely word ... and mostly what I need from KZbin channels I want to spend my time on. Thanks, Tony. You are an influencer ... you influence me to be a better KZbinr and internet denizen.

[@Solbrick]

This system of marketing is common in a lot of areas. Lego is very successful with their LEGO ambassador network (LAN) program where they have many content creators that gets news and sets early, and then releases videos at the same time when the embargo lifts. When it comes to movies and books reviewers get to see movies for free at screenings and sent books, so it’s not a new marketing concept, but a difference is that “influencers” are amateurs that don’t know how to do proper reviews, and not just calling showing a product a review.

[@tombaker6968]

I am a Lego collector and i don't watch those positive reviewers anymore, simply because they just don't give me an honest review. I don't care that they got all those sets for free, good for them, but keep it honest man. This is also why i watch anthonyscustoms, he gets free neca stuff but you won't see him kissing neca's butt and be all positive about it. Great video Tony !

[@dantooine4279]

This must be so embarrassing for Mattel :D Mucho respect to you for pulling the curtain back! Valaverse figures are amazing as well - I don't collect them because of space/economic reasons - but I would love to be able to own some.

[@randallguzik3764]

I will say one of the sites on your screen capture was not shill or an influencer…he was just watching the live streams and talking about it…I watched him as the toys were being revealed…he had no prior knowledge at all…he just watched it live.

[@madcaptoys]

Hey, just got time to watch the full video and I think it's very well done. Good Job! Honesty and true reviews are the way to go!

[@ProfessorEchoMedia]

I’m not a toy collector, but I love learning about and vicariously enjoying what others collect. So I watch a great variety of videos and read pieces about collectibles and collectors. Videos like this are the reason why. They transcend the ostensible subject and wind up revealing other ideas, ideals and capsule observations/deductions about people and things. The subject at hand here is truly fascinating stuff. I really despise principle selling and scruples whoring and every time I think I’ve figured out how to see right through it, I get ripped again. It makes me glad I’m not a collector, yet it still infuriates me that so many people sell out to become more of an a-hole than they ever imagined they would be. I love your channel for stuff like this, so please keep it all coming. KZbin followers, no matter what the subject, need to get this crap hammered into their perception. Corporations vomit on us each and every day and try to convince us it’s a wonderful privilege. Fight it.

[@Plasticmercenary]

Honest video from an honest guy. Which is no surprise since you are a down to earth respected veteran. Integrity, class, honesty . You get that when you are fearless. Thanks for the eye opening review Tony

[@gundamdragon]

I love the work you do and the passion you show toward the lines that you love and enjoy

[@zoydbond2]

“You’re a f**kin idiot”. Mate, your candor always cracks me up.

[@SQLJedi]

Great video Tony, thanks for sharing and keeping it real!

[@josephcolton2614]

Tony, for many years I have said that many of the toy youtubers are only singing praise of certain toy brands and their products, because they get this kind of "sponsorship" from them which grants them access to these perks and thus are gaining them financial advantages. You laid it out very nicely and that's the way it is. they do it at the cost of their independence and integrity and for any man worth his salt, that's a damn high price to pay. Some don't even keep it under covers when they show the special promo kits and other stuff they receive from toy companies. So if you watch these channels you know exactly that their reviews and whatnots are most likely worded to stay on their sponsors' good side. Thanks for being a straight-shooter. Airborne!

[@NinjaKnight]

This is a brilliant video. It's great to see you show such integrity and hit the nail on the head multiple times throughout this video. I would be of the same mind in that I'll say what I think genuinely rather than be beholden to a company by doing their job for them. The control aspect of monitoring socials and the channel is really telling too which is why a lot of the people pointed out that took the bait are so lacking in authentic personalities. Maybe it's just me being Irish but I can smell inauthenticity a mile away. Analog Toys has never come across as inauthentic and your support of the Valaverse line is noticeably genuine. Keep up the great work. 🇮🇪

[@Gunwitch666]

Great vid, Tony! I'm a new subscriber and love your videos! You keep things real and have a genuine passion and respect for the hobby! I've also since discovered Action Force/Valaverse through you! Keep up the good work!! 👏🏻👍🏻

[@metalneanderthal]

Thank so much for this. This isn’t just with toys it’s with so much other product as well. Which makes it so hard for us to find legitimate honest reviews on a items. So many people are bought off. It’s truly sad.

[@impossiblepie]

Thanks for providing this information Tony, very interesting how this works behind the scenes.

[@aram5127]

I don’t personally buy many of the lines you talk about, but I enjoy watching your channel because of the authenticity behind anything you say. Learning about other lines is just a bonus. Awesome video.

[@kenprime221]

Tony you are the best kind of "influencer" you are genuine, passionate, real and a true hero with a history to back that up! Love what you do love the person you are and what you embody, keep it up!

[@wilhelmtoyandhobby]

Very well done Tony! I now have a much better understanding of how this works. I could understand how as a huge MOTU fan you might be tempted to accept a deal like this without fully understanding what you are giving up by accepting the deal. Thanks for explaining it. Cheers 🍻

[@Transfixed]

Thank you for revealing what we suspected was going on. Thumbs up for integrity 👍

[@MikeJones-xd3qp]

Another great video. Keep up the great work.

[@josephk8506]

I genuinely thank you for this info you’ve shared about how evil free marketing and its mechanism normally works, and if the viewers are smart enough, they could measure up the channels’ integrities they follow or watch, and I can tell you, many of them are in it mainly for the junky clicks regardless of content they present to their audience…. Cheers Tony.

[@MatthewOfLondon]

Thank you Tony. It is always good to have insight through the murk. Similar patterns are repeated in other utterly unrelated interests, and our favourite video sharing platform is always lurking there ready to throw users under the bus.

[@carlross6852]

As a full grown tax paying adult collector I always suspected such practices existed. Nice to see someone step out into the light waving the proof for all to see. Well done Tony. You are a credit to the community.

[@CogSpartan]

I remember in the Toyfare and Wizard Magazine days people like Pixel Dan who always had the latest Matty Collector crap not matter how shifty the website was acting during sales a d pre-order periods. I wasn't jealous he had the latest greatest stuff, it was just sketchy as hell they didn't miss a damn thing yet claim they were just some guy collector. Now they old practice from like 20 years ago is alive and strong in the social media era.

[@jazzcrooner1177]

Well I just subscribed to your channel because of this video. I love your candor, honesty and transparency. I always figured some of the other channels I watch were “on the take” as it was but this gave more clarity on the situation. It makes me cringe when certain channels I won’t name constantly talk about their “sponsors” with every release or preorder they review. I get it’s a source of income for them, but to be a corporate puppet makes me sick. Thanks again for this as you gained a fan and a follower. Cheers.

[@RetroToyEscapades]

Hi, Tony - salutations from Malaysia. Your channel has some of the best no-holds barred takes on pop-culture. Much appreciated!

[@torelly]

Kudos, Tony! You always strike me as a real one, the kind of guy who wouldn't sell his soul for silver and gold. Cheers from Brazil!

[@theflyingninja1]

Interesting. As you say, none of those channels did anything massively wrong, but it's good to know these things. And knowing is half the battle.

[@Thehumblecollectoruk]

never truer word said .your channel is one best on youtube .your honest aproach is always infectious .take care from uk

[@TAKTAK_Toys]

Hahahaha the other thing I thought was April Fools jokes were meant to be funny hahaha! Great video Tony those Masterverse releases look good, I want deep cuts Ninjor and Rio Blast in Masterverse, great video!

[@stud_economy]

"You can't go out and buy half the shit I cover on this channel anyways" lol true these are historical documents

[@darkclaw7459]

Thanks, great video and much appreciated!

[@TheToyBoy1978]

I think everyone who watches your content knows every review or thought you have on a toy or toy line or anything really, is genuine. I'm 99% a vintage collector so i don't really watch any of these other channels but i have still watched a number of them over the years , and i think its pretty evident that many of them are certainly in the pockets of these toy manufacturers.

[@The_Rage_Kage]

A wise man once said "Contract or no, I will not bow to any sponsor."

[@deopersad2915]

Awesome for staying open to seeing what is worth getting or not , thanks Tony as I'm into Action man and the stuff I had when I was a kid and getting like to know what new stuff is worth buying as the old original are getting harder to find 👍🏽

[@wesleykeener]

I think this is a double-edged sword. If I were a toy "influencer" and was passionate about a specific line, I wouldn't hesitate in signing an NDA in exchange for early product info and/or early release figs. Not because I'd want to grow my channel, but because I love the product. When GIJ Classified was first announced, I was so excited. Had I been a toy reviewer, I would have been tempted to sign with them as I was so in love with GIJ. Once I saw how lazy and destructive they were; how their PR team craps on the fans, I would have terminated the contract. If Valaverse were to offer me a contract, I wouldn't hesitate as I believe in their product and have no reason to doubt what they release will be enjoyable. When a certain toy reviewer @1:00 pushed digital toys, I knew it was the end.

[@robertsinfiniterealms1308]

Tony that was fantastic, I was laughing and applauding the whole way through so thank you for posting this. I knew these things were occurring and I did my own search and was not at all surprised at what I saw or the names that popped up minus one that I will not mention. I discovered your channel because I have always had a fascination with Action Man and Action Force, this sort of side bar that coexisted with the GI Joe i knew as a child but was it's own entity. You eventually won me over on Valaverse as I was hesitant to give it a look for really stupid reasons (Mainly people whom I thought had integrity but I found out later was just repeating the pisstank drivil, I was very taken back by this reveal). As far as the "influencer" label, I will say you, RB, and Ninja have influenced me to try some new things with content and to think outside the box I thought my KZbin channel started out being. I'm still working on my own voice, but I started my channel as just a journey of regaining my old collection I was forced to sell off and adding a bit to it. You guys showed me there is a lot more I can do beyond words and pictures and hopefully I will re develop my own style soon. I actually plan to do a video on that soon with a shout out to you. So yeah, you've influenced me to think bigger. Thank you for this content and thank you for doing what you do, It always earns a like from me even when I stay silent.

[@gavinhammond1778]

The funny thing is, if toy companies were to have the like of you onside they'd probably have a lot more traction with their target market. I've never thought of you as an influencer, but you are a community leader, as this video illustrates. Thanks for the content.

[@stephengray8374]

Well done Tony. The big companies can keep their thirty pieces of silver. It's never worth as much as your integrity.

[@yesterlandtoys1138]

Very educational video Tony. Thank you for letting us see the backside to the operation. Good points and info.

[@davearquette3303]

Glad to see someone speak up about this.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

Good to see undeniable proof that the people we always knew were shills for the toy companies are exactly what we thought they were. This is a damning indictment of every channel that gave up their integrity for free product, and another example of why you and the Analog Toys channel are worthy of respect not just for your incredible video production quality, but for your personal ethics and passion. Thank you, Tony.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

This is how all industries are set up to function. Every company one can imagine does this stuff. Its usually easy enough to tell who is on the take imo but some people seem to have blind spots in this area.

[@penmanovicxxxxxx2694]

A very important video, thanks Tony. Explains a whole lot that's going on out there.

[@onyxcobra4617]

I got into Valaverse Action Force through your videos, and have found it to be a very good value for my money! I was more into the scale RC military truck, side of things but these figures go well with 12 scale vehicles. I even modified a P408 hummer with FPV cameras specifically to go with my Action Force operatives! Your honesty and integrity are appreciated and keep up the good work!!

[@autoneurotic]

Thank you for keeping the toy collecting space real. Some of those channels shown in that screen shot are not remotely surprising as being in on these agreements. Maybe it's my punk rock ethos, but I just have no tolerance for insincere or saccharin people/projects. Love what you do, never stop.

[@Its.Chad.]

Awesome video. Called it all out and quantified everything. I wonder how many ‘influencers’ Hasbro has its hands on(?). 😂

[@anthonybernero9720]

Too many to count

[@the13thprince]

Good job. Thank you for making this video.

[@davudandrews2665]

Awesome video and that is why I tune into your video as well

[@FernandoDelgadokalel]

I am a MOTU Fan from Costa Rica and I think that what you are doing is really good all my respects to you friend. It is interesting to know all this, and I have to tell you I am not surprised, these companies act this way all the time and it is good that you speak up and inform about this.

[@bryansalvagejr757]

You're one of the biggest influences on here.....for people who have a time machine and can go back over 40 years to buy the awesome toys you showcase!😉 Another great video mate.

[@WrenchNato]

Tony…you effing rock! I appreciate the video man and also the transparency. Like you said…all we have is our integrity. Much love man!

[@berkajr3685]

As for these perks... It is called having marketing strategy and trying to make money. And yes, I do think that most adult collectors are aware of this. I have no problem with this as some seemingly does.

[@mcagayat]

Thank you for your transparency, Tony! I agree with most of things you discussed, but I don't think it's wrong for other KZbinrs to push products in order to feed their families, more power to them. However, this video is super valuable for consumers like me to know those deals are going on behind the curtain. This video and your work is very much appreciated - at the end of the day it's still up to us whether to buy (or not buy) products. As for Valaverse and your relationship with Bobby, I do think it's fair to say you have a bias in favour of Valaverse. Naturally, you will have a special place in your heart for these figures no matter what they are, which is totally understandable. So I think this inherent bias also applies to you and Articulated Ninja and it's worth mentioning. I love all your work and I hope y'all don't take this the wrong way! It's just my two cents of this whole thing.

[@darrellwallace4182]

You go man!!! You've confirmed what I've know all along. BRAVO for have scruples and the integrity to not be a paid mouthpiece for any corporation, an especially Mattel. I watched this three time's. I love your channel!

[@88mphs]

Well said

[@EnigmaticPenguin]

I appreciate the insight in to marketing NDA's and love seeing a victory lap around a certain former brand manager. I will say though I still like a couple of the channels you highlighted in spite of them accepting the conditions of early access you oulined. It's when people aren't upfront about any potential conflicts of interest that can affect the framing of coverage that I decide to move on from them.

[@kennylong653]

Not the trolls EF you guys 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Well said Tony! Luv your channel and honesty. I appreciate your reviews of things I don't collect like Action Force but you do your videos honestly :-) Appreciate that!

[@sidekickfanboy2904]

Awesome video thanks for all the info

[@trainedbyuk]

Very interesting. I had a feeling about this. Great to see it confirmed.

[@fsco99]

Thank you for your effort and wonderfull reviews. Hello from Mexico

[@onepouchman]

This is quite interesting. I do love the Masters of the Universe Origins but, wow, that Mattel agreement is soul sucking.

[@troykingsland3483]

Thanks for keeping it 💯

[@johnlatella674]

Great video, you really put shit all out there, that's why we love you Mr. Roberts, huge set of balls, and honest opinions. Whether I agree or not you say what you mean , and more importantly MEAN WHAT YOU SAY. It's funny how these people think that nobody would find out, that their opinion is now biased and so is now untrustworthy

[@ryanbeer8949]

I have a question. Can some explain how this practice is different then say the tech community who also get access to product and events to be able to review products before they hit the market? I think I’m missing something.

[@robertsinfiniterealms1308]

Let’s see, they took down an entire channel 1 year ago because a guy bought a dinosaur legitimately from a retailer and released it early then in the email say point blank they can ask to alter or remove videos they don’t like. I mean you really think they won’t tell someone to take down a bad review after knowing that. But you probably should watch the video again and listen more closely if you’re not getting at least that.

[@markt1547]

Sound work, v informative - thank you! 👍

[@garethjames1300]

Good job I like you and you channel because of your integrity the passion has been diluted on KZbin due to marketing cough bribes lol but yours is solid keep it up cheers

[@Flassh81]

I get bribed every two weeks to come back to work. That's what it is. Work.

[@Vcansado]

Greetings from Brazil! although i don't collect toys (I collect comics) i've been following your work on KZbin for some time and i've always admired your dedication to toys and your research work, which is often more than a documentary, because it's done with care and love. Having said that sir,i can only say that my admiration and gratitude for your honesty and integrity only increases with time, thank you very much!

[@ericalfredable]

The "Not the Troll" comment got me. Thank you sir.

[@ActionFigureAtorium]

As soon as the current MOTU team moves on to another department or line, the new team will be contacting you. They do forget.

[@mlseries2553]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@honorguarddc9678]

Great video. Very insightful. I've had a really hard time with Mattel after what they pulled on the completely innocent Jurassic Park channels. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you while you shoved Mattel's offer back in their face.

[@gmb7mm]

Talk about integrity!!!!!!!! You sir are a awesome human!!!!!!! Can't wait to shake your hand at JoeFest. Thanks for the awesome video!!!!!!!

[@tobyjewell]

As transparent as always, thank you fella 👍

[@armlesswalrus]

Nice one Tony! I bet Mattel are thrilled by you showing their letter on here. 😁

[@michaelcantley9843]

Great video👏👏

[@darrenmckeown990]

Great video, well done 👍

[@rebelempire6822]

Nice video. Much respect.

[@CosmicGladiator]

Great video Tony. It was nice to get a little insight into what these companies ask for in return for early access. Personally I watch the reviews of figures so I can see what accessories they come with and more importantly, for me at least, the articulation and to see if it's hindered in any way by the sculpting so I don't fully agree with with your view of don't base a purchase on a review video but having said that I understand what you meant by your comment. Hope you recovered from the hangover of your Perth trip lol

[@danilanglois6785]

Apparently Mattel did not watch your Hasbro G.I.Joe unbox video last Summer. lol

[@TheSwishPOP]

Awesome video!

[@toodze]

Much respect Tony.

[@toysoldiernostalgia]

I think we have the same thought process when it comes to this. I didn´t start a KZbin channel to make money or have a career. I started it to share my passion for toys and toy soldiers. Meet other collectors and just have fun. I´m not big enough to get approached by toy companies and most stuff that I collect are not even in the companys product line anymore. So I don´t think I will ever run into this problem and that´s great.

[@thoranacostia5457]

Thank You Tony! For bringing Us the Truth!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@alexandros.yiannis]

Well said, sir!!! Thank you.

[@DavidPerez-nl5cs]

Great spill brother ✊🏾

[@MichaelWWoods]

I believe the event Mattel had last year where they first revealed the Origins Snake Mountain play set is what they mean by the exclusive events they mentioned.

[@curseoffenrir]

Well said Tony.

[@newcastle6666]

This video is why we love you Tony !

[@deskfulloftoys]

I'm not sure where the "bribe" is. Obviously if they're in a info sharing agreement, they will get early access to the assets. This is how marketing works. Nobody is hiding the fact that Mattel sent them the assets. If they do get "free" toys (which that email doesn't actually say), they would legally have to disclose that.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Its more than that. When folks watch film television and billboards,,they recognize ads and marketing. When they watch interactive new media,such as youtube where a variety of channels pretend to be friendly and encourage "community" values - but in reality are in it to make a living by marketing - it is quite different. Not everybody is that media savvy to know about the incestuous behind the scenes hand shakes and deals that can make or break a channel. KZbin is not place of merit, it also,does not follow traditional marketing rules or behavior, being somewhat of an unethical wild west owned by a company that happily focuses on search monopolies and penalizing or excluding those not in its favor. Plenty of channels over the years have not disclosed their true relationships with companies. The harm is shills recommending inferior products to un knowing comsumers who nievely trusted them and believed their words. Good marketing is about integrity and creating value and benefit, not lying through your teeth and burning customers.

[@raypaz2947]

It’s disingenuous. That’s the point. What’s the motivation to give an honest opinion. When you are potentially getting a figure free ahead of time. It says in the NDA you could possibly get free figures.

[@LeeEricsson]

I don’t see an issue with it either as long as reviewers giving honest criticism of the product. Super7 for example routinely gets negative reviews. It helps the company get accurate feedback so they can fine tune their products accordingly

[@raypaz2947]

@@jaws666 to be honest most are like that.

[@raypaz2947]

It was an extremely transparent video. Thanks.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

Always remember to be cautious when under the influence(er).

[@Mvargo97]

😂😂

[@AnalogToys]

lol