The Reality of "Ignore It" and Doing Nothing - UNPLUGGED

[@jeremysmith4620]

I, for one, am completely shocked this is something that occured over Twitter, the most reasonable and altruistic platform in existence.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Yes, that bastion of high morality, honesty and truth and integrity, Twitter that place of good reputation and good quality. Who would have thought!

[@smroussel]

Who is this video about?

[@MrOldskoolgamez]

Surely any uncouth Twitter users would be immediately banned!

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

@@MrOldskoolgamez twitter should cancel itself

[@joeriveracomedy]

@@JONNYSORENSEN_AU Deep

[@ericchung3177]

You can't fool me Michael, that's actually your Ninja crime-fighting gear.

[@planetschlock]

I dare say that the present lack of ninja-themed vigilantes who are not turtles is a pressing issue that should be addressed.

[@donmiles4581]

@@russellharrell2747 We're not ready! 😄 Remember, Michael is basically the NICE and DIPLOMATIC one! If there is one thing we know and love about Melinda: She doesn't suffer fools! So to ride off of Michael's sword analogy: Whatever Melinda's superhero motif, I have a feeling that the MOST VISCERAL of weapons will somehow be involved😄....for messing with her husband!

[@donmiles4581]

'You want ME to just let it go, then how come YOU didn't just let it go when you just made your comment? 👏👏👏👏🙌That line ALONE exposes the sheer hypocrisy of the so-called "neutral" parties! I may start using that line too in my regular dealings in life! Brilliant!(And I think I may make a good donation to the channel/Patreon now..... in case you get demonetized for the PG-13 sentiments and language! That way, it'll help OFFSET the fine!😅 Because I'm NO "swordsman", but I definitely got your back!👍)

[@smroussel]

Who is this about?

[@jameshowlett8521]

At a very stealthy 6'4"

[@martinrobert6709]

Never make a metaphor more complicated than the idea it is expressing.

[@tdegrddeehjgd]

It's an indictment of modern times that a guy who talks about collectable toys online can somehow generate so much online drama. Keep doing you dude and I'll keep supporting.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

@@sofaking5134 People making baseless attacks, fabrications and insults / bizarre behavior deserve to be shamed for their silly silly behavior. You don't blame firemen for creating the fire when they are there to put it out. Think again.

[@DustinBarlow8P]

@@sofaking5134 He is fighting with people who support multi Billion dollar Empires, who are nickel and diming people to make more money...... cause $100,000,000,000 ain't shit! He says "HEY HASBRO YOU'RE PRACTICES ARE BULLSHIT!" than some douche comes out of the forest to defend Hasbro for fucking people. Now you have the Drama!

[@tdegrddeehjgd]

@@CivilDefenceCanada did you even watch the video?

[@Sentinel_UK]

Supporting a friend and being a friend is so important. A friend is someone who is willing to jump into the hole with you when you’re up to your neck in crap, a friend is there to ensure you don’t drown in it. Now I don’t know the situation this video is about and maybe I never will. However, the points Michael is trying to get across aren’t just specific to this issue, they are valid in many situations in life. Best wishes Michael, love your work.

[@netwkgy]

I'm really glad that you posted this publicly. It was educational for me and others would benefit from seeing this. :)

[@georgelea4297]

Much respect Michael for saying this out loud, Lio and Tony are fortunate to have you as an ally

[@varevulf6523]

There are rules for life that can be taken from this video, not just social media. Good job Michael.

[@grimacemusically]

I left a comment on Junkman's most recent video. Someone asked him about calling someone a pedo, and he said it never happened. I replied to his comment asking him for his side of the story, and he nuked the comment chain rather than deal with it. Tells me everything I need to know about someone's character.

[@robkirkham1788]

As someone who doesn’t really have a social media presence and watches your videos because I’m interested in the subject mater of collecting, I always find these sorts of “beefs” wild!

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

@@Dale_The_Space_Wizard Some do, and RB has specifically called out some of those channels for doing exactly that. Like the dickhead that insists my home country of Australia simply doesn't exist. If if I meet that guy one day I will happily wrestle him into submission.

[@TorontoJon]

Sorry about those annoying trolls, Michael. I've had to joust with thousands of them too over the years on Twitter, Facebook, and KZbin and I don't even have a large public online presence like you do. Sadly, if I've learned one thing about social media, it's how it has allowed too many morons and losers to vomit out their worthless opinions online while one also discovers their alarming levels of illiteracy. It's depressing and infuriating at the same time. All the best and keep fighting the good fight.

[@superman0073256]

Thank you! I wish you didn't have to deal with this crap! My support is with you and the others! I can promise you this, those a--holes will not get a second more of my time! Again, thank you and the team for all you do!

[@J-T-A]

I'm sure if I ignore this knife in my chest it will eventually go away, right?

[@recnepsrc]

Oh hey, same icon.

[@admiralsnaccbar624]

"Oh no, there is a live grenade in my room, I better ignore it until it goes away"

[@BenDowdy]

@@recnepsrc That's a popular symbol.

[@flyingonblades]

You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the Frontier against Xur and the Kodan armada.

[@TitularHeroine]

Well, you will eventually stop feeling the pain anyways....

[@ForbinsColossus]

Now I want to know what the situation is/was. It sounds wild.

[@donmiles4581]

Long story short: The attacks and behavior by certain parties (yes plural!) are more than just immature trolling over toys and franchises. The attacks LITERALLY include allegations of pedophilia.....to straight up terrorists threats! Seriously! Even as Michael was mentioning, when I first heard what was going on from last week, even I was tempted to just "keep on walking" as a "neutral", since I'm not a toy collector. But the allegations, etc.... are so immature at best, and personally VILE at worst, that even I decided that I HAD to offer my support to Michael, Tony, and Lio! [Check out Michael's Facebook posts on Retroblasting to get links etc..for the full story.]

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

@@donmiles4581 Yeah when it comes to public allegations of crimes, people have been taken to court for less. If for no other reason than to put an end to their baseless BS. Over on the Jim Sterling channel he has his own lawyer and has endured many years of outright lies and fabrications, some of which were actioned when they were overly damaging to him.

[@smroussel]

@@donmiles4581 who’s attacking?

[@Rezikai]

@@smroussel The "attackers" iirc were Junkman (a Star Wars/Toy Reviewer) and the guy from 4-Chan he chummed up to i think was a guy on twitter named llg_1988,

[@stephens4175]

Trolls are just cowards hiding behind keyboards, fight the good fight Michael!

[@TheSunsetHero256]

I completely disagree with this take. As presented, the binary option is to ignore the trolls and let them tarnish your (or a friend's) reputation or to say something and have the troll or some random A-Hole say "How dare you use your platform to bully!" or something like that. The bit you're missing is that when you "deal" with that troll, you are offering his slander a level of credence. After all, why would you shine a spotlight on this D-Bag, and not the many other Trolls running around saying bad things about you? I quit at 12 minutes, so forgive me if you address this, but the Internet Wisdom is specifically "Don't feed the Trolls". The biggest reason they do what they do is because they are seeing attention and validation. So don't give them attention and validation. These guys are going to look at what happened to the censored Troll you mentioned, and this video you put out, and say "This guy is a target!" Remember: Their win state is attention. Be it attention from you, or attention from other people they're slandering you towards. You don't stanch the bleeding by going after this kid or putting out the bleeding. You're picking at the wound.

[@batangbatugan]

Just to add something to the discussion, many people also seem to fail to realize what a troll is. A person who gives constructive criticism is not a troll. A person who disagrees with your opinion is not a troll. A person who points out the facts and the truth is not a troll.

[@captainbeefcake5272]

The guy on the hill takes a deep breath and shouts MORTAL KOMBAT

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

It's a beat you can dance to - do do do do do do do do da do do

[@RainbowYawn]

*frantically searches comments section for clues*

[@sonic8005]

Am inclined to agree. The bullies do not mysteriously vanish when ignored. Not in school, not in a workplace, not in a public place....

[@xersys]

"ignore it and it will go away" is just the people telling you to stop sticking up with yourself. Never stop being your own advocate.

[@harveysmallwood729]

"He was getting all his opinions from a crazy person on 4chan" You've just described half of all political activists

[@disposablerat]

I appreciate and support your views. There is a point where ignoring items is not an option and confrontation is inevitable. Thank you for standing up for what you know it right.

[@NYCQuint]

Keep doing what you are doing Michael because what you do works.

[@DsG_1982]

Amazing. Simply amazing what content creators at your level are dealing with. Well, I’m a HUGE fan of RetroBlasting and your work Michael. Keep in brotha, I’m with you

[@a_world_made_of_cardboard]

As one who was bullied as a kid, I can honestly say the doing nothing does not work. The bully, or in this case, the troll wants nothing more than to get a sense of power out of controlling someone else, either through intimidation or force. However, I was never a strong, fit kid. So my response was to use my head. I would respond with, "Yeah, you may push me down, but I am a weak kid. That doesn't make you strong. It just makes you look pathetic." It took time, but after a while, the bullies didn't get their fun. BUT I HAD TO RESPOND. Keep up the good work, Michael. The fact that you are a target shows you are better than they are.

[@ToyTastic77]

Michael’s life lessons for a better world. Bravo sir, bravo.

[@baumer2504]

I feel like I just came in on season 4 of a TV series and have no F'n clue what's going on.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Sookie loves Pacey, but Pacey loves Jason Priestly, but he loves Buffy but Buffy loves tacos. In Season 1 at least.

[@starseed331]

What blows me away the most isn't the feuding between toy channels. We've seen that before when a larger channel punched down at Retroblasting. It's the way the "fans" and "supporters" have chosen to conduct themselves. I was in the live stream with Scott Neitlich from Spector Creative the other night on "The other guys" channel and I couldn't believe the amount of pitch fork wielding, burn him at the stake shit talking was going on. Fortunately Scott as the guest couldn't see the deluge of comments coming in because if he could I'm sure he would have been just as disgusted as I was. I hope you guys as content creators realize that in your relative celebrity you have the power to "incite". What you say matters because it's clear that some sycophantic "fans" have no boundaries. And while flooding a live stream may have seemed like it was defending or supporting someone, none of those "fans" gave any consideration towards the "guest" who was in no way deserving of that trash fire.

[@Lio_Convoy]

The guest has EVERY right to know that he's streaming with a dirtbag. Those comments accomplished that.

[@thunderrobots1980s]

ignoring works for what i like to call level 1 trolls , they being the ones who give up when they don't get a reaction , level 2 trolls are the ones that are stopped by a single response such as calling them out , level 3 trolls is when you have to call them out and block them , level 4 trolls are the ones who take it off the internet and involve legal action

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

For Level 4 Trolls, you need your BlameThrower +25, Invisibility Cloak +12 and your Ninjato +50 but the XP is totally worth it

[@bdr692]

I was hoping broken Vader would show up and chime in. :)

[@gnarkillguch]

Always love these unplugged videos.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

in my experience, the best way to shut trolls up is to laugh at them and make fun of them

[@LobeznoD]

I started watching you earlier this year with your Neca video. I liked what I saw, stuck around. Did the same thing for Lioconvoy. I'm sorry you're going through this. You shouldn't have to deal with this kind of garbage. Your candor here shows character. Keep up the good fight. Looking forward to more content.

[@diggingattycho7908]

Man, nothing ever changes. I learned my lessons back in the days of the message boards. People out there are crazy. The subject is irrelevant, drama must be generated.

[@MFPMapFilmProductions]

Seen it happen to a friend who has his own popular youtube channel. He was (and still trolled) by a clown who makes videos about him. It sucks when people can say what they want and not enough people step back and say "How can I make a judgment based on a one sided story when I don't know all the facts?" Yet they take what is fed to them from one person as total truth. I hope I never have to deal with this, though something tells me I will one day. But yeah, it sucks indeed.

[@ryansetzer694]

I'm not even a toy collector but it's videos like this that I watch. Michael always speaks frankly and from the heart. Oh and I listen to the retroblasting podcast when I can too.

[@ActionMan1979]

_Don't use Nunchucks in your imaginary fights._ - Shad, probably

[@blakeromo]

Michael called the majority of internet busybodies "sanctimonious a**holes" : Me... "Its gonna be a great day today!"

[@veedubmatt]

Michael, thank you for being YOU. You're authentic and sincere, which is exactly why I appreciate the content on your channel. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@aarontalks6812]

I don’t know you outside of KZbin and social media. That said I follow this stuff from afar. I was raised to stand up for myself and those I call friends and for that reason I respect what you’ve said here. I love your content and respect the magnitude of effort you put into your videos.

[@leadingauctions8440]

RetroBlasting you are a awesome Man for making this video. This meek, pushover, cowardly culture we have developed in the west has led to a situation where bullies win and do not stop for they do not fear consequences.

[@pollutance]

So perfectly well put friend!

[@DanyTV79]

It's insane how now there are trolls and really mean, inmature people are attacking you, and Midnight's Edge, and some others KZbinrs. I'd seen this over Toy Guru channel in the comments and some other channels I don't trust, follow or support anymore (if I have supported them before, that is). You have ALL RIGHT to say this and to face and battle those really mean people that has nothing better to do than destroy strangers on the internet. No one has to stand what you have endured. I'm in your side Michael (and all Retroblasting team).

[@planetschlock]

I don't follow or even look at social media but for curiosity's sake, who is this person who is going after Michael? Not trying to start shit, I'm just kinda confused over what this whole drama is about.

[@Lio_Convoy]

@@planetschlock ThatJunkman

[@planetschlock]

@@Lio_Convoy Ah, thank you. Watching your video now.

[@richardgerischer7353]

Micheal also just unintentionally explained US Politics. I love this dude

[@dannyd464]

Show no mercy. No Retreat No Surrender. FIGHT !

[@MichaelJShaffer]

I'm so glad you posted this publicly. This needed to been seen by everyone.🖖 Excellent

[@pollutance]

It’s always easier to be the “back seat driver” than to be the one behind the wheel. With that said we know where you and Melinda stand on certain topics and issues and that’s why we’re fans of Retroblasting. With that said F*#% the haters. 😀 oh and btw the Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins trailer is out.

[@iamthebiggs252]

If it doesn't apply to you, DON'T respond to it. The moment you do, it does. -The Biggs

[@aped3]

What ever happen to the Good Old Days of "Celebrity Death Match " ???

[@guilherme5094]

Those were the good times.

[@andrewgrant2990]

@@guilherme5094 I made that reference just the other day about another situation, That's a show I miss & it needs an update!

[@rickestricky1368]

Viewers focuses on entertainment and the 'escapism' your channel provides. Forgetting the 'real' people behind the content. I'm also guilty of this so thanks for being vulnerable and reminding what a 'good friend' entails.

[@mbowsher76]

This was the video to get me to finally join the Patreon so I could see more of Retroblasting!

[@ianm3913]

Always 100% behind you on action figures and collectables man. It got me in the feels when you said, 'it ain't 1985 anymore', Man I wish it was.

[@skidooshlayman12]

4chan accuses so many people of being chesters that I think they are secretly chesters themselves.

[@victorcastle5757]

I frigging LOVE these "Michael Unplugged" segments.

[@RandomDudeFromSomewhere]

People love to give advice. It's easy to give advice that you don't have to take yourself. Hang in there, Michael. Hey, remember when this used to be about toys?

[@WeirdFantasticToyAdventures]

Internet! Serious Business!

[@FADE_FROM_VIEW]

I feel it’s a pretty sad reflection of the times where you have to actually make a video like this in order to explain your position… Because it’s a position you’ve been put in because other people are shit. Extinguishing fires that other people have lit maliciously can only be consuming and frustrating, draining away from the energy that you would normally be putting into your excellent and genuinely heartfelt videos. I’m normally all for trying to ignore things, but I understand you can get to a point where you’ve just got to address these things. It’s the reality of the Internet… It gave us all voices, but not everyone should be heard. As always, keep doing what you’re doing, and continuing to provide the awesome experience you do to your fan base. A longtime fan here from New Zealand!

[@Boneman131]

Remember when this channel talked about toys and showed informative restoration tutorials......yeah,so do I. Enough with the God damn "he said, she said" complain fest FFS. It's gotten old and boring.

[@MrLulzbot]

Seriously, the take away from this should be that your life is better without twitter and facebook, don't give these assholes an opening and just live your life free from their negativity. Trust me get rid of social media will make your life lower stress and more enjoyable.

[@SunSwipePrime]

To me, this is kind of like bullying. From my experience, the bully doesn't stop if you try to ignore them. So sometimes, you have to turn around and pop them in the nose. You may end up battered and bleeding, and the bullying may still continue, but at least you did something. I don't know how smart that is, but I can definitely say it's satisfying. What good is high ground if you don't use it like Obi-Wan and try to turn all the a-holes charging at you with ill intent into a sea of charcoaled Anakins?

[@christopherquattromusic]

Dude... im so sorry... a lot of us are here for you thick and thin.

[@rektangular]

Bravo! Well said sir. I love how enraged people (who have no skin in the game) get when you turn off comments on a video or post, as if they are entitled to make you hear their opinions.

[@kidchuckle]

Sorry to hear the pain you're going through.

[@FullersFigures]

Good on ya Michael. Nothing wrong with sticking up for your friends and yourself.

[@zavod4410]

Love these guys

[@heartlandhobbyist7516]

Love these guys, too. Sadly I can relate. Every hobby has a troll with tons of followers.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

Are those *"assault weapons"* on your desk?! Seriously though, I've been accused of BS by trolls just for owning guns and hating high taxes. Trolls are leeches.

[@PitstainHobbies]

You had a sword-fight on the Windows XP default wallpaper?!? COOL!

[@jfturner73]

And this is why I just keep my toy collection to myself. There is always someone out to troll you over something. I enjoy your channel and the others you interact with. Is that a "Storm Shadow" or "Snake Eyes" starter kit on the table? ;-)

[@toybugcarl]

For someone who makes LEGO tutorials, I was surprised to get an unnecessarily negative comment on my tiny toy story Lenny video. At the same time I was flattered they took the time to say something because I always include in the video description “like/subscribe/comment... troll. Whatevs, I’m just glad you stopped by.” and someone actually did. Thanks for the watch troll. 🤣

[@myronaustin]

3:59 Troll 101 is now in session. Take notes, you will see this again and again and AGAIN, later. . . Some of you will see it sooner. . . 11:15 Footnotes on the "swirl". . .

[@AL-ws5yi]

I’m not on Twitter or on any social media except KZbin. And I see a lot of drama on the comment section already. It’s sad that this seems to happen so often. Be safe.

[@subzero9113]

Michael Keep Doing What You do! Thats Loyalty thats Honor. We only get so many GOOD Friends in this life to let them just Get Hammered by A holes.

[@michaelhackett8430]

Who is getting bleeped? .. who is "HE"?

[@Faben32]

Way back, many years ago, I used to be that sanctimonious asshole. Always butting in on others conversations or arguments esspecially, thinking that my opinion would help but it never did and I never learned my lesson until one day, a buddy of mine named Graham, from Scotland, came up to me, pulled me aside and told me to shut up and this has nothing to do with me at all and to keep walking. And ever since then, I've learned my lesson and stayed out of it. Today, my girlfriend, other friends, and I call it "Grahaming". To just "Graham it" or "Grahaming" is to shut up and keep walking if it has nothing to do with you.

[@jasonarringotn2501]

Dude.... Are you a crime fighting Ninja???? Awesome!!!

[@Geerladenlad]

I'm a little puzzled why this keeps happening to you and your channel.

[@tedmilich5507]

The paople that attack him know they cant compete with the quality of the videos retroblasting puts out.

[@mtrakker1985]

What you do is correct, some things are just more of a handful than others.

[@georgeaitken2719]

I support Michael when that idiot said he didn’t go to Australia with the sail barge the anti repo collectors and the poor quality of neca why because he showed the proof he also sticks up for his friends and stood by me when I got trolled by someone on one of his livestreams so like a true friend I’ll continue to support him and Tony at analog toys as well as the friends I made though this channel

[@mattleuty5285]

Quite right mate

[@kieronball8962]

You are a good friend to have, George.

[@kieronball8962]

Well said, Michael. Once these sort of people cross the line, you must never ignore them, but confront them. And before anyone takes my comment the wrong way, I'm not talking about any form of physical or violent response, but by the methods my friends are using on KZbin.

[@henry_crossley]

This reminds me of what my mom said when I was a kid, "If you just stand there and do nothing, the bully will just keep doing it until you make them stop"

[@brenthart211]

Came for the Star Wars. Stayed for the Jerry Springer.

[@tntsk868]

The largest mass of matter in the universe is air.

[@autobotstarscream765]

I thought it was rocks, some people even have them for brains.

[@Qbort.]

My man is so loyal to the 80s he uses Burger King in an analogy.

[@skyhighwayvintagetoys4286]

So weird that toy collecting is this toxic on KZbin, every in-person toy collecting experience I've had has been nothing but good. Hope everything works out, I hate seeing trolls get away with stuff like this.

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

It's a minority, but a NOISY false controversy creating minority who like ANY kind of attention. You see it in any fandom really. Most folks are pretty decent and don't indulge in the kind shenanigans we've seen this week on KZbin and socials with the Bizarre attacks and bullshit baseless lies that are easily disproven by anyone with 5 mins spare and a brain.

[@donmiles4581]

@@JONNYSORENSEN_AU Exactly! I'm a Trekker. And even in the Star Trek fandom (generally the most "enlightened" and accepting of DIVERSITY, fandom) definitely has its share of VISCIOUS trolls. Case in point: I have a friend of mine with a Trek instagram page, that was driven to full-blown Depression and was all but TRAUMATIZED, because of all the cyberbullying she had to endure. Mainly because......her favorite Trek couple is Seven and Chakotay! She was called everything from racist to homophobic! Again, ALL being twisted by a few trolls just because Seven and Chakotay were her favorite Trek couple. It felt surreal. We just try to support and remind her that the trolls are the EXCEPTION and minority in fandom. And that most fandoms actually are respectful and mutually supportive towards those who are in them.

[@schwaaard]

I understand where you’re coming from with a lot of this, and I agree with several of your points. However, as someone who grew up being bullied/mocked/ridiculed with relative frequency for much of my early life, I can say that legitimately ignoring people can and does work. Trolls want a reaction. They want to piss you off-they WANT a fight. They want conflict, they want to derail your day, get in your head, and make you miserable. If a troll can get you angry and compel a response, they win. It doesn’t matter if the response shuts them up or not; they got what they wanted. In fact, they are more likely to stop fighting because they already achieved their goal (riling you up, sucking your time, and stealing your joy) than they are because they’ve been bested in a keyboard joust that rarely has a clear, objective victor. When I don’t engage with trolls, it’s not so I can be the bigger person, or because I think the fight is wrong. It’s not a “turn the other cheek” mentality (a completely misunderstood scripture all-too-often taken out of context). It’s 100% because I want the win. If they want me to get cheesed off, take time out of my day and lash out at them, that’s exactly what I’m not going to do. It’s a power game, and ignoring them pulls the plug. I had to do it when kids made fun of me at the bus stop, had to do it when instigators tried to turn me and some kid I barely knew against each other, and even when a gal was spreading rumors that I was stalking her and tried to get some her friends to kick the crap out of me. Granted, there were a finite number of kids back then; if I ignored them long enough, eventually they tired and/or began to feel foolish as their attempts to get a rise out of me escalated to almost comical levels. Online there is a virtually endless supply of new trolls, so it can seem like a perpetual grind. But they aren’t in your face every day either. It’s a virtual world, so they can only be “in your face” if you put them there. New adversaries will always appear, but if they see that they can get into a fight with you if they poke hard enough, they’ll come in greater numbers with more tenacity because they know eventually they’ll succeed. I know there is great injury and injustice in being called something you are not-in the case you mentioned, a “homophobe”. It’s infuriating to be maligned, particularly if it’s counter to everything you know yourself to be. They have no right to assassinate your character like that-to make baseless accusations. But ultimately...so what? Just as you say you don’t care what the opinion is of people who aren’t involved in the fight-that their thoughts on the matter mean nothing and are of no consequence-so too are the opinions and accusations of complete strangers of no consequence. Why does it matter if someone calls you an astronaut, an ameba, a closet Sequel Fan, a transvestite, or a kumquat? They’re strangers, and, based on their accusations and animus, they are more like wild animals who have nothing to do but eat and defecate on anything clean. Why should you or I care what their opinion of us is, or what names they call us? Yes, they are spreading rumors that can poison other people’s opinions...but in that respect, there are three kinds of people: those who know you and your character, and will likewise ignore said rumors, those who don’t know you but are smart enough to know that the internet is full of lies and malice, and will investigate claims/rumors or sample your content before making a decision (if they even care enough or have a need to make a decision), and people who are completely ignorant and are willing to believe anything without skepticism or rational thought. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want to share company with the third group, and they are the only ones who will forsake your or your channel at the word of trolls. I know nothing about the situation you refer to, and I’m not gonna fault you for waging whatever war you see fit. But it has been said that every virtue, taken too far, can become a liability. You’re a fighter-someone who believes strongly in reason and justice, and are fully committed to making sure those qualities prevail. There’s a lot of passion there, and I’m sure it’s served you well in your work and other various pursuits-not the least of which is this channel. But being willing to leap into the fray without hesitation-quite a powerful virtue -also lends itself to being drawn into needless fights and arguments. There are definitely times when things can no longer be ignored. At one point, being unable to get under my skin with words, someone decided to escalate things to physical harassment (knocking food out of my hand, shoving me, etc..) I warned him twice to keep his hands to himself, and on the third time, I gave him a knee to the gut. It didn’t take him down, but it knocked the wind out of him, and apparently it worked because I was never harassed verbally or physically by him again. There’s a difference between tuning out direct verbal assaults/name-calling and shrugging off rumors, and allowing someone to push you around or assault you; one does not interfere with your health, safety, or productivity and the other does. Lastly, there’s a difference between legitimately ignoring someone and just keeping silent. The former takes some practice and discipline, but essentially wipes the person, their words, and everything about them from your plane of existence. Without crossing into physical altercation, there is no way they can make themselves a factor in your life. You don’t read or listen to what they say, you don’t acknowledge any rumors they start. They are a non-entity, undeserving of your time. You tell your friends you don’t care what rumors or falsities are being spread, and request that they don’t relay them to you. Let the turd-muffins fling feces at each other and throw your name into the mix. You will be reviled unnecessarily by detestable trolls and the gullible morons who listen to them. ...I don’t see a big problem with that. If, however, you are taking in everything they say and are merely forcing yourself to be silent...it’s a testament to your self-control, but yeah, you’re gonna be miserable. I think you definitely have a point about people chiming in about a specific fight without knowing the details, or virtue signaling by espousing a pacifist mentality so that we can all just get along and be happy. I also know how grating it is to be falsely accused, slandered, or misunderstood, and I can understand the urge to take them to task for it. But there is an old adage I heard echoed in my first karate class: no one wins a fight. The other guy might be down and bleeding, having been put in his place and regretting picking a fight with you. But you’ve got broken bones in your hands, some pretty bad wounds on your face, and one of your favorite shirts is ruined. You’ve got a few doctor visits in your future, medical bills, possibly some issues you’ll need to sort out with local law enforcement, and there’s no telling what long-term damage has been done. And yeah, the guy’s hurt, but he’s not dead. There’s nothing saying he won’t come at you again-this time with a knife, gun, or a group of friends who don’t care about a fair fight. Fortunately, the consequences of internet entanglements isn’t nearly as dire, but there is still a cost. Whether it’s time, energy, enthusiasm, trust, or just peace of mind, you are going to lose something in that fight. And most of the time, there will not be a clear winner or achievement. It is for those reasons, and the fact that I appreciate your content, enthusiasm, and love of making these videos, that I’d encourage you to add as many antagonistic comments, slanders and rumors to the list of content you don’t pay attention to. Homophobe, racist, misogynist-these words and many like them have virtually lost all their meaning at this point, and your growing audience will merely give an annoyed eye-roll if they are attached to your name or channel-if they hear about them at all. People who will avoid your content because of trolls are the same kind of people who will unsubscribe (and let you know they’re doing it, doggone it!) simply because you say something less than flattering about an IP they’ve foolishly attached their identity to. All that said, I appreciate your take on internet conflict and the controlled manner in which you are able to discuss such emotionally-charged situations. It appears the only thing capable of truly rattling you in any significantly visual way are those totally amazing and awesome Pops! ;)

[@Portal2099]

An opinion is like an asshole. Everyone's got one, and they usually stink!

[@MarcelosToyRoom]

I thought was going to be about the snake eyes trailer. But man, this was much more important, we with you Mike.

[@keegobricks9734]

Could you make the Beep* sound even louder for your next video?

[@theweaponx8497]

I understand the situation at hand, its messed up that some adults act like children right out of High School.

[@Bt3615]

I think that the "don't feed the trolls" works only in systems were people just use user id or are anonymous. When someone attacks you and it's a KZbinr or in general use his identity and the weight it carries, then you have to defend yourself, otherwise things may end up worse. The lack of defense is seen as an advantage for them, so they are not going to stop, inflicting progressively more damages with even fake allegations thrown out. After all, if the targets are going to "let go", who is going to disprove whatever is said ? Before someone say "who cares-just toys" etc, consider that people has been "cancelled" for way less, losing jobs etc. May i also remind the type of allegations that were made days ago against Lio Convoy? Those are straight in defamation territory.

[@ToonamiT0M]

There are some people who just want attention and ignoring them will cause them to go elsewhere for that attention. Trolls are in the game to be cruel and to harass their target. This behavior can not stand. Keep fighting the good fight, Michael.

[@ToonamiT0M]

@@Dale_The_Space_Wizard That is very fair. From what I've been able to find out in my limited ability, what Michael is claiming here is accurate and is very serious slander.

[@ericlewis217]

You and Melinda run the best toy channel on YT, Thank you for fighting the good fight for us and yourselves.

[@LMUstacker]

not as the guy yelling from up the hill, but as someone who had quite a few sword fights in the first decade of the 2000, I do suggest that nobody should go mental about trolls, haters and flame wars. However, Michael talks about waiting for a week. That's nothing, these things get "digested-absorbed-nullified" by the web in months, or up to a couple of years. For the first weeks or months, it's very hard to swallow your pride when you read lies about you. But the less you reply, the less importance is given to those lies. If you manage to resist 1-2 years, then you see the effects of your effort, the nullification of the lies, and when it happens again it's easier. Also, you can collect the lies for a few months, then just make a video of 5 minutes where you specify - laughing - that "no, I'm not homofobic, I'm not racist, I'm not this or that", and of course people (idiots apart, those will always exist, but you can't do anything about those) will understand that there are trolls/lies involved and you just wanted to make a couple of points clear. That's all, people will understand. Imagine if celebrities were constantly replying to trolls/haters' accusations! The lies would become gigantic and would amplify, moving from the web to tv and newspapers!

[@jaypeterman9721]

Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t. Guess it depends on the situation on how to act. How Lio handles bouts is pretty top tier, and the sycophants bowing to plastic pettelers and acting unhinged is hilarious to see them spurg

[@blueberrywine69]

Why did this not show up in my subscription box? I even "ring that bell for notifications"? Anyways keep on fighting the good fight for us Michael.

[@JackieWohlenhaus]

The personalities of Mike & REDACTED are like oil & water. It’s unfortunate that things went awry but not unexpected. Especially since REDACTED loves negative attention.

[@mattleuty5285]

Hello Michael, I hate all toxicity but I do agree that you can only take so much before you blow. Anyway you and I are long long time friends and I think you know where I come from. All the best my friend.oh one more thing, if you have a fall out with anyone, then please make it someone from England and buy a ticket like you did to Australia and use it as an excuse to come visit me!!!

[@KurticeYZreacts]

I dont know what happened... but im *NOT TAKING SIDES* ... in fact... *YOU SHOULD IGNORE ALL OF THIS* ... my comment i mean... considering i dont know what happened, but i hope you win! 👍

[@darthwizzywizard]

The other thing is if you are making allegations about someone like that, it’s very serious. That smells like a lawsuits to me. Defamation is a serious problem. Junkman should have kept his mouth shut on that. Dumb move. With out real proof.

[@Underworlddream]

Not only that but who ever Defaming Retro apparently has a big enough following so his word will have more weight then some random person. It different if a guy will only a 10 follower defaming someone vs a guy with thousands of followers defaming. Like how fare will a allegations spread if it a no body with almost no followers vs a person with thousands of followers. Once you star having lots of people following or you have a big platform then you always have to be careful what you say or do, if not you can be sued for what you say.

[@darthwizzywizard]

@@Underworlddream Exactly. The other thing is Junkman should be acting more professional, you don’t have to agree with Retro but you can disagree in an amicable manner.

[@crushingalldeceivers]

It is in my good opinion that he is not a very intelligent guy, so one should not expect anything from him other than a "dumb move".

[@darthwizzywizard]

@@crushingalldeceivers he has a lisps I believe. But he is more intelligent than you are giving him credit for. That being said these guys can duke it out. I think him and retro have conflicting personalities. As for Retro’s buddy there I found some of his reasons off a little. These guys need to meet and bury the BS. Or duke it out.

[@heartlandhobbyist7516]

Love this!

[@bobahicks]

Can you do a video on the best ninja weapons for defending our collections against home invaders?

[@JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Block of wood gets my vote. Just slap a ninja label on it.

[@autobotstarscream765]

@@JONNYSORENSEN_AU Even better: stick of wood. Scientifically proven to work by Shadiversity!