The Post Hiatus Video + Important Channel Update

My life is about to fundamentally change as I approach a new chapter of it. I just want to quickly explain what will be changing on this channel, why, and where it will go from here as I pursue higher education. I've also finally created a version of the video I promised to make about what I learned from my hiatus that I'm happy with, which I will link below.
Fair warning: It isn't a happy video. There were a few things I deliberately made as uncomfortable as possible with the narration and what I was describing because I think it is extremely important to get knocked out of that comfort zone and be able to look at our presence on the internet for what it really is. So, you know, viewer discretion is advised, I made it Age-Restricted to 18+ and I REALLY believe that to be necessary, I talk about some depressing psychological stuff. Please respect that choice if you are young, there IS a reason those ratings are thrown around.
Link to the video is here: • The Internet is a Lie

[@TheDukeofDorks]

Change is terrifying, ya know? I'm honestly shell-shocked with all the different directions my life has been going recently, I went from aimlessly wandering and looking for a purpose to juggling FAR MORE than I can handle as I've found an ambition to get more out of life that I didn't even know I had. I'm fucking exhausted, but it's the good kind! But I wanna tie up loose ends before I hit truly dive into this new path my life is on, and I think one of the biggest ones I've been shirking for so long is "I promised to make a video looking back at what I learned from my hiatus, and I haven't done that yet." Partially because it's been a difficult thing to put to words, talking about the psychological effects of the internet is a really complicated topic. But frankly, it's also not very happy memories, it's not fun to go look backwards and acknowledge that past you wasn't that great of person. HOWEVER! I also think that a fundamental part of growing and healing from those sorts of things is the ability to accept them, to stop hiding from them, and I do think I am good enough at articulating my life experiences to a point that, by sharing them and how they've effected me... maybe it's too much of a white knight, idealized dream, but maybe I could help a few other people who see some similar story beats with their lives and get them started on the path to moving past a terminally online life? At the very least, I do feel better finally having it off my chest. I'll put the link here as well as in the description, but I do want to stress that I age restricted it to 18+ for a reason, I talk about heavy psychological stuff and I am not very gentle with doing so, I purposefully made my narration uncomfortable from time-to-time to knock people out of their comfort zones, I think it's important to do that when considering the internet and realizing how much it traps us in those comfort zones. So, ya know, viewer discretion is advised. Link to the video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHysgIqHlKhpidU

[@OnMyWayToAsakura]

Good luck dukes😢 I always loves watching your stuff so seeing this happen is a little sad but hey, that's just life for ya

[@AkonuGaming]

Taking a big step like going back to college has got to be nerve wracking. I can't relate as my very first choice as a newly appointed adult was "Hell no, I'm not going to college, I'm a dumba**" lol. But I'm very excited for ya, not sure what jobs need a physics degree, but it does sound more interesting than my job at least! (I'm a Custodian, and yes, I deal with everything gross that your mind can think of) ... Aside from that, I'm not sure what else to say aside from "I'm glad for your big steps, here's hoping you get that A+".

[@sandwich_bubbles47]

I respect your honesty and transparency immensely!! I look forward to whatever you decide to upload, no matter how long it takes haha! I wish you the best in whatever your life takes you!! I’ll be praying everything goes well for you!

[@narson03]

As you just said, change can be scary and accepting it is never easy. But if it's for the better, then the hurdles that need to be taken are necessary for a healthier life. And as someone who's currently in their sophomore year of college, I 100% understand making education the highest priority. I'll continue to support as much as I can even as things changes, and I hope it's all for the better.

[@notthearmnhammer]

Congratulations dude, this is a HUGE new step and I wish you all the best in it! You have always come across as one of the most mature and well thought out people on this platform, and I have always loved retuning to your channel for that very reason. I'm happy to hear you're pursuing what you want to do and not letting yourself be trapped. Best of luck with college and thanks for many years of great videos and more to come!

[@redshell9205]

Good luck, didn’t know you did streams might actually watch em if the chat starts become chill.

[@xenonlopo8387]

Good luck in College, Duke

[@fazdude3118]

Good luck in college - Excited to see what comes out of this new approach to the channel!

[@jaredhebert942]

So glad to hear things are looking up for you - the good that came out of the video about The Internet, returning to college for a physics degree (not to mention all the developments with family, Design Dorks & Peasant's Perspective), the relisting of all the old videos to see how far you've come over the years since the hiatus - it's all great to see. Good luck back in school, looking forward to see what's in store, and whatever the case may be, Keep Up The Great Work! (:

[@solidsentinel1285]

Hell yeah bud I’m excited for your future

[@DyxoXinoro]

Hey man, real life comes first. What matters is that you're working to become the best version of yourself, and thats commendable. And, at this point, my interactions with SmashWorks as a mod shows that your core community isn't going anywhere. Well, unless you start streaming X-Com on Twitch. Then we will go to Twitch.

[@369destroyer]

Healthy choices should be encouraged and I hope for the best.

[@zachnewby4739]

Good luck man.

[@JosiahTheStickGuy]

I wish you the best of luck in college. I greatly respect your decision and enjoy your channel. 😇👑

[@yogscrashnsmash]

As somene who's already juggling making content and pursuing education, you have my utmost sympathy LOL I hope the best for you Duke!!!

[@Austar7]

Good luck, bro! You'll do great. 🙂

[@JimmyBobGandalf]

Hope all goes well in college, and you get that physics degree. Give a ping if/when you do go for that XCOM 2 stream series though - really miss those, they were great fun to watch (and kinda participate in)!

[@3XHS]

Good luck on the physics degree! Try not to drown in differential equations - i know i have been for the past year or so of college.

[@Jamester445]

As someone also trying to balance work and college full time, I wish you the best of luck.

[@Harrymation-productions]

Good luck in college, Duke. I hope you succeed in life👍

[@pinokio9951]

Wish you luck in college bud, and in your future in general

[@smashers6971]

Good luck in college man!

[@pottedplant7460]

All the best of luck with college!

[@StoryTeller796]

=)

[@jakeswierdfriend7204]

Good luck man, I really hope college goes well for you.