Keeping it EVEN REALER

[@carlbabohme]

The comment section of vlogbrothers is one of the few that are actually filled with 97% of nice people that respect others.. I am so happy to be a part of this

[@N3rdfightermom]

I agree. It is one of the few channels I actually read comments from. DFTBA!!!

[@dannytran2134]

*Insert Hate Speech* Muhahahaha >:D

[@untappedinkwell]

Danny Tran *five rebuttals about how you forgot to be awesome* =P

[@cameronmacdonald8394]

Unfortunately, my experience with the Nerdfighteria group on Facebook wasn't as respectful as the KZbin comment section :-/

[@alannar.8701]

You should see the religion videos. Due to a well-stocked suppl;y of fire extinguishers, we actually keep flame-wars to a minimum!

[@sarahnicole32]

What I would like to see you do less of? Worry, John. I want you to worry less. Because whatever path you're on, no matter how much you doubt yourself, is the right one. We're proof of that.

[@isa45783]

This

[@Geeksdanz]

My response exactly. You do you, John. We all started watching because we love who you are, and nothing you do or don't do will ever really change that. Just keep being weird and awesome and making nerdy cool.

[@dob1997]

***** YES.exactly!

[@colleenryan8862]

i love that reply. listen to that john andhank. LISTEN. TO . THAT.

[@HaleyMauryJones]

Yes john that!!!!

[@HankGreen]

The puff is strong in this one..

[@VibronxGirl]

You're so right ;-D DFTBA! But wait - who the eff is Hank??

[@SuperWarningShot]

Hi there, what is going to be on Crash Course after Crash Course Psychology?

[@minergmaingx2000]

Hank is four legged animal. The sound a hank makes is NEIGH!

[@josho1805]

Hey, you share the last name of John, Cool.

[@dannytran2134]

Is John starting to get white hair?

[@TobyKidMajor]

Nerdfighters, it seems like in every video for the past month or so, John and Hank (mostly John. Hank is a never-diminishing force of energy, John is but less so, we of course love him anyways) have been thanking us profusely for our contributions to these incredible charities. That's all well and good, but John is a father. Look at the bags under his eyes! This father of Nerdfighteria needs a break. I propose a sabbatical for him to focus on his book and his family. How many of you guys are writers? I am. Focusing on too many projects that distract from a novel feels good at first, but when you get used to it, the nourishment you get from writing seems harder and harder to come by. I don't want us to take that from John. With the community he's helped create, we'd be OK without him for a few weeks. He needs a real vacation. Guys, what do you think? Am I reading too much into it? And if I'm right, how do we tell him?

[@deenaeldaour5886]

I am with you 100%, we can't just do this to him. He needs a vacation ASAP!

[@alliebrown4790]

Deena Eldaour I'd be okay with it as long as he comes back sometime! maybe like a two week vacation? most jobs give vacation time

[@roxannevanvelzen1171]

100% agree

[@abnormalxxanna95]

i whole heartedly agree. john and hank have an insane amount of projects and ive always wondered how they handle it all. its really relatable to hear that they get overwhelmed too. soo if they need to take a break or whatever, i think they can. or if they hand off sic-show or crash course off to others completely, that would be understandable.

[@lilywendt9432]

Agree 100%

[@EditsByLyra]

Totally agree with some of the comments below: less worry, less work, less forcing yourself to do stuff and a couple of stream of consciousness videos here and there, that's all. You should get some rest, you're doing so much.

[@jennahj_]

Yes! Take a break, you guys deserve it.

[@HowToBasic]

Your voice is much sexier in this one

[@tzheihoh]

Are you everywhere?

[@JeremyPezmanTaylor]

Never thought to see you here.

[@Giftoftruth]

You might even call it seggsy.

[@Teakeh]

You didn't even mention eggs. What.

[@brookereutinger5063]

True

[@MrPixelMonster]

For some reason this video hit me hard. Knowing one of your greatest insparations and idols is quite troubles and stressed is quite strange. Even tho John is very open and personal in most of his videos he's almost always very cheerful. Seeing John talking about these things that trouble him and stuff is quite intriguing.

[@perfectupper90]

Yes, quite.

[@lt80355]

I actually love seeing the vulnerable side of the people I tend to idolize because it really reminds me that they still live life just like I do and that they're human too. I even wrote about John for a state writing test in which the prompt was who would you put on a dollar bill (basically who has made an impact on America to that extent). It felt odd to write about him in such a way that he felt like a celebrity or politician. So these types of videos really make me empathetic of him and Hank and anyone in the public eye. But when John gets really caught up in the negative things people say about him like what Aaron W. Herd said, I get super duper sad.

[@anthropomorphisis]

I think the majority of nerdifghteria realizes that you guys are human beings and have human needs (although sometimes I even forget this myself because what you have accomplished is just astonishing). As much as I look forward to all of the projects you two work on, your well-being is more important to me personally. Both you and Hank should focus on doing what makes you happy and what feels right. I got a little teared up during the survey during that question too--and selected it--because it opened my eyes to just how much time you put into this. Even if you went on a hiatus from everything KZbin I'd still subscribe and wait patiently for content.

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

I feel the same way, you can be gone for a year and I would be happy to see you return fully rested and with renewed enthusiasm, and I think most nerdfighters would stick with you and welcome you back whenever you feel like it.

[@fateluckandtime]

I completely agree with anthro. You guys have done so much for the world and the community. You DESERVE happiness in your lives, and I find it important to me that you guys are happy and have time to do the things you want, the things that make YOU happy. Its so reassuring to see a community such as this, where people care about each other so much, and the best part is that nerdfighters don't just care about our group but also everyone outside the group. There is no "us and them" there is only "us and not-yet-subscribed us". You guys are so great, and this community is just so great. Keep being yourself. DFTBA

[@vlogbrothers]

In which John Green discusses his overwhelmedness, his confusion, his health, and the priorities of the nerdfighter community. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey helping us to understand what you guys want us to make, and thanks again to all who helped raise so much money to bring clean water to people in Ethiopia: water.org/johngreen

[@Atomic_Steel]

Awesome you did not forget to be.

[@SD-tj5dh]

Looking forward to watching this in my coffee break. You guys are inspirational

[@bryonymason3104]

I think what you do I'd awesome, and I understand that you feel under pressure to do all these things for nerdfighteria, but if you need a break then please take a break. We won't start hating you, us real nerdfighters will respect your decision. Everyone feels stressed, but you have all these people looking up to you so there is a lit more pressure, self made and nerdfighteria made. But in the end we think your awesome and we don't want you to jeopardise yourself or what you stand for by overloading yourself. DTFBA and good morning from England :)

[@beardjuice]

you guys shouldn't be doing less, but rather delegating more. I'm sure there are nerdfighters out there who'd jump at the chance to take on some new projects, or handle others. ~crowd source dude!

[@cjwoderstruck425]

I don't know why... I am so distracted by the book behind you, John. The rock & roll one. AND PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON HONG KONG!!!!! PLEASE!!!! I REALLY HOPE THE WORLD WILL UNDERSTAND THE POLITICAL SYSTEM!!! IT'S COMPLICATED BUT PLEASE DO IT!!!!!!!!! :)))) I know I have posted this comment already. But I really want to get your attention. Please let the world to know more about Hong Kong! This amazing city that I have lived in for most of my life, and now I am not there any more (I am cureently studying/living in Canada). And the only way I can show my support is to spread the news to the world. So John or Hank, or even both of you together, PLEASE make a video on explaining Hong Kong!!! Sincerely, one of the many Nerdfighters

[@rachelshomali7288]

Hello Mr. John Green! Speaking to you from halfway across the world in a small area in the Middle East is me: an 18 year old Palestinian female high school graduate. I live in Palestine and go to one of the very few English-speaking schools in the West Bank. I came across your books a few years ago, and since then have been spreading the word to my fellow Arabs. We now have a small community of your fans who proudly identify as nerdfighters. As you know, we live under occupation, which seldom gives us any opportunity for economical, emotional, physical, educational, and mental growth. We are limited. We are denied basic human rights. Despite this, someone opened the first legit movie theater in Palestine less than a month ago. Just in time for TFiOS. I was ecstatic, and I loved the movie (although I liked the book more and was pissed off that some little things were left out like the fact that we didn’t hear Augustus’ parents fighting with him, or the fact that Augustus and Hazel had their date by a stream not a restaurant! .. although the restaurant was very beautiful I must say). John, a lot of violence has been happening in this part of the world. Innocent children are being murdered, and no one is being held responsible. Hundreds of Palestinians, young and old, are in Israeli prisons under “administrative detention”. The Israeli soldiers came into my town just the other week and burst into a house and basically flipped it upside down and left. Yesterday morning a 15 year old boy was taken by an Israeli settler and was beaten and burned to death. Yesterday night, a young girl was a victim of an intended hit and run and is currently being hospitalized. There is rumor of 3 Jewish boys being kidnapped and murdered by Palestinians in Hebron, but we haven’t seen pictures of their identified bodies. All of the stories that I mentioned earlier can be backed up with pictures all found on the internet. I know you are an advocate of helping people with cancer, but I was hoping you could also be an advocate of social justice. I don’t want you to feel burdened with all of this, but I was just wondering if you could make a vlog about this situation and mention Palestinians. If you could even do a little shout out to your Palestinian nerdfighters that would be amazing. We really love you John, and Hank too! Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I guess I’ll end with this: In a seemingly hopeless situation, they fashioned within their souls a creative optimism that strengthened them. Their bottomless vitality transformed the darkness of frustration into the light of hope. That was from Martin Luther King’s “Strength to Love” which I’m currently reading. And again John, thanks for being a little light of hope. I really hope I don’t sound cheesy, Fellow nerdfighter, Rachel I commented that message in early July on one of your websites, and I guess you don't check that website. When I saw this vlog, it reminded me of the message and I decided to find it and post it again. Hoping to hear from you this time.

[@lordgreyIII]

Rachel Shomali I hope that you wake to a free Palestine some day soon, Rachel. Stay strong. Much love from North Carolina in the U.S..

[@TheVulcanBard]

I hope you are ok ❤ from a Palestinian nerdfighter in Canada

[@justmalins]

I want you to stress less and take care of yourself. That is seriously the no. 1 priority. Your time is yours and we have no right to claim it.

[@MattiHeartsHP]

I want you to worry less about whether or not we as viewers are happy all the time. We are all individuals and as such it is pretty much impossible to make us all happy all the time, and personally I feel like really sad when you guys seem stressed because you feel like you're not working hard enough/trying hard enough/doing enough for us, I would rather see content you are happy/passionate about and proud of, that means something to you because then it's gonna get my attention and mean something to me. You guys are awesome, and you put in so much effort and the community is great...chill!

[@brittanyssp5550]

^^That too.

[@thepursuitofmagic]

I see a lot of people in the comments suggesting you guys should take a break. What if you did something like John's paternity leave and ask other people to sub for you guys for a certain period of time? It was really cool to see all those new faces, and I think it would be really fun to do that again, especially if you guys are wanting a break from making vlogbrother videos.

[@jennahj_]

I'm replying to all the comments that suggest this so John'll be more likely to see them :)

[@Kratoctavi0]

That's a wonderful idea. I met two of my favourite vlog channels through that.

[@hazel0bite]

We could brainstorm a really catchy name for it too! (except not from me I'm bad at naming things...)

[@aSongScout]

TheThirdPew should definitely be one of the guest Johns.

[@jenniferleeland8315]

Also an amazing idea!!!!!!!! I really think this makes sense. Planned vacation for John and Hank in which they are not required to record their lives/projects etc.

[@DarthLoompa]

Things I want to do less of: be stressed out. Things I want you to do more of: whatever energizes you while you work on it.

[@DarthLoompa]

Continuing: you don't exist to make us happy.

[@wearblackclothes]

Make it so that your books and words and tumblr post make me cry less

[@wearblackclothes]

Then again i love your books and words and tumblr post so i guess you are doing it right

[@ieuanhunt552]

I will not say do not weep. For not all tears are evil.

[@epschwartzmusic]

John and Hank, I am a little older than both of you (42... the Douglas Adams age) and I struggle all the time with the question of what to do with my life. The only wisdom that I have gleaned and that I feel I can pass on is that the question is actually "What should I do with my life RIGHT NOW?" As the eleventh Doctor pointed out, "We are all different people throughout our lives." The things that I wanted to do with my 18 year-old life weren't right for me at 25 or 37 or now. Things change. We try a little of this and a little of that as we go. Some things hang around for a long time, others don't. I have never looked at my job, which I have held for almost 18 years, as my life. Outside of that job I have been an actor, written short films, poetry, plays, serial fiction. I've directed theater, taught sketch comedy classes, toured around with a sketch comedy group for 15 years... I've dabbled in lots of things. All with varying degrees of success and personal satisfaction. Four years ago my life told me to start doing KZbin. Last year my life told me to scale back on the YT and focus on my music. Since then I have been gigging all over the Chicago area. All successes. All new adventures at one time. I suppose the over arching theme of my life is "Entertainer" but that covers a lot of ground. So... listen to your lives. We are all different people throughout our lives and find the things that make you happy RIGHT NOW. Those are the things you should do with your life... until new things (or returning to old things) pop up. Love everything you guys do. DFTBA

[@IWearARasberryBeret]

Wow. Thank you for these words. I'm 18, a freshman in college, and I've been struggling a lot recently with what I'm doing with my life. It's been going on since 7th grade when I was told to chose a "career path," while my aptitude tests were evenly distributed across all of them. With the few "real life" jobs that I've held, I've come to realize that whatever job I end up having might just be something that is tolerable and pays the bills, while I fill my life passion with things outside of it. I know you were talking to John and Hank, but your words are so applicable to everyone.

[@epschwartzmusic]

IWearARasberryBeret Thanks! All the happiest people I know live that way. :) Of course turning your passions into income would always be something wonderful (and perfectly acceptable to strive for), it isn't required for a full, happy life. (Plus it's nice to dream). :)

[@garrettrandall8468]

This is wisdom. Wow, incredible words, Eric. I've just started university and people keep asking me what I want to do afterward. You're absolutely right; I shouldn't be preoccupied only with the future. We all need to be sure our present selves are happy. We can spend forever preparing for a future that never comes, otherwise. Thanks a lot. It sounds like you've had a helluva life :) DFTBA

[@lichtkang]

Thank you for sharing this wisdom, you may think it's not much but truly it is! It takes time to figure out even the simplest things sometimes. Living like you say you have, that doesn't sound as complex and insurmountable as looking at the future thinking what you ought to be doing in ten years :)

[@speedstacker51]

Some much needed advice! Thank you :)

[@spottytongue]

I know video responses have been scrapped, but I would totally love for it to sort of become a thing with this channel, particularly when you talk about issues that are debatable. Nerdfighters are lovely, but I feel like it's mostly a community of written voices and not spoken ones.

[@spottytongue]

And I know you asked us to comment what we wanted _less_ of, but everything you do is pretty cool, in my opinion. Not that that's very helpful.

[@colemacliver7826]

Video responses were a huge part of nerdfighteria until they were scrapped

[@ConnorOKeefe]

Agreed! I'd love to have a new way to communicate with other nerdfighters beyond text. I feel like it would make the community seem a lot larger and yet a lot more inclusive and tight knit as well.

[@EpsilonDelta12]

Yes!! I know this is mostly KZbin's problem, but is there any waybthat nerdfighters could circumvent the existing structure to create de facto video responses?

[@ConnorOKeefe]

Possibly google + hangouts or maybe using certain tags and sharing videos through twitter and tumblr?

[@catherinesvideos156]

When I saw "spend more time with family and friends" I had a hunch nerdfighteria would rank it highly... very glad I was right, and that it was well-received from your end. Thank you for taking our input seriously. And thank you for being willing to risk being "real" with us. I love unscripted 2008-style videos :) (though I also love the videos from Ethiopia) If you need to delegate or scale back, do so! One of the harder things to do (I'm still working on learning) - let it go to others who can do the work. I think there's a lot that dedicated nerdfighter volunteers or employees could do - crowdsourcing for more than just fundraising would be a great way to engage the community. In general, I was somewhat disappointed that the survey didn't have anything about community building (forums, live shows, resources for local nerdfighter groups). That's something that I would really like to see prioritized, because I think that will help make us stronger and facilitate our other priorities. I am very glad and thankful to be in a community that thinks deeply and carefully about these things with the guidance and encouragement of its leaders. DFTBA

[@PEEJ012]

Honestly, I just don't want you two to spread yourselves too thin. I mean, everything you do is awesome and beneficial, and I'm sure there are even more creative and world-bettering ideas to come from you two, but don't personally take on so much that it stops being enjoyable and rewarding. Take time for yourselves, make silly stream of consciousness videos every now and then, and delegate. You have a huge community and a lovely staff that wants to help increase the awesome. Just tell us what to do, and we'll do it.

[@PEEJ012]

I'm seeing a lot of "don't do video game videos" going around. I personally don't watch many of the video game videos (except for Hank's new channel, which is pretty damn funny), but here's my opinion: if they are relaxing and fun for you, do them. If they are a burden to edit, or if they feel more like a chore, stop doing them. Only make the video game videos if they are fun for you.

[@coreywisler7219]

PEEJ012 I agree, isn't this whole thing about doing good AND having fun? I'm new to nerdfighting, but I've watched all the videos and what I love about them is the balance between silly and serious.

[@PEEJ012]

Corey Wisler Exactly! (also, welcome to Nerdfighteria :) ) That video of Hank's that you're referencing encapsulates the vlogbrothers' theme very well. Fun is also really important. We have to decrease the suck AND increase the awesome :) and that means having fun!

[@Kornqueen1]

PEEJ012 I could not have said it better myself. You are so right.

[@PEEJ012]

Kornqueen1 :) thanks. I'm glad we're on the same page as a community, and that we all care for these guys.

[@jarduino8908]

What you need, John, is a clear set of priorities, ranked so as to know what to cut back on when something has to give. My take on ranking is: 1. You and your family have to come first, plain and simple. 2. The vlogbrothers main channel is the medium through which you keep the community connected, so it is integral to Nerdfighteria. 3. Your philanthropic efforts do a world of good, especially when compounded so many times over by your sizeable following. 4. Your writing is a large part of your creative prowess, and ought not be left to languish. 5. The educational channels that stem from your work (Crash Course, SciShow, Mental Floss, etc.) are important in that they spread knowledge, but your involvement becomes increasingly optional as experienced specialists come into their own on these channels. 6. Your game videos are a keen insight into your mind and way of thinking, but they ought only be pursued further if they relieve you of stress, as opposed to heaping yet more stress upon you. 7. You worry a lot. I can't tell you to stop worrying, but I can tell you that Nerdfighteria is not judging you. We love you. We want the best for you. We're here to help in any way we can.

[@emilypickup6927]

Honestly John the only thing that came to mind through this entire video every time you said 'What should I do?' is take a nap. Have a lazy day and relax, you seem tired, sad and stressed and it makes me sad to see that. You're both doing great so don't worry so much!

[@2JennySue]

Its good to know that at 27 my complete lack of knowing what I'm doing with my life is on par with the others. BTW John Green just want to say you and Hank just by popping up in my video feed with all you do has truly helped me in is the "After" chapters of my life. And your brand of openness with depression is truly to be commended and admired.

[@N3rdfightermom]

I'm 40, married, kids, the whole bit. Still working on the "what to do with my life thing". I think the problem is, the target is constantly moving. I decided not to aim at what "I should be doing" but looking at what I AM doing and seeing if it makes me happy and is enough.

[@2JennySue]

I know that feeling, it seems life is just filled with highs and lows of feeling like you have it all figured out to being completely lost

[@ItsBrittanyyBeach]

For starters, I would stop reading this comment. Yep. Mine. And all of the one's below it. And above it. And the ones people are typing right now as you read this one. Go relax, watch a movie with your kids! I'm so happy that you value all of nerdfighteria's opinions, but maybe today is a little too overwhelming to listen to us right now. :)

[@Kyasakoamy]

I like this comment. :) (Enough that the thumbs-up felt insufficient)

[@ItsBrittanyyBeach]

Kyasakoamy Well aren't you awesome! :)

[@HankGreen]

But...but...I already ready it!

[@araluciavideo]

Yeah, What Brittany said, that is a good idea.

[@AlearPaste]

***** read*

[@racheljohnson5343]

John and Hank, I haven't been a Nerdfighter for all that long, but everything I have experienced related to it has been amazing. I have seen and gotten involved with so little of it so far, and yet I am amazed at how loving and accepting this community is and how much you guys put into it/us. You guys absolutely deserve a break. Also as an idea to keep stress to a minimum, if you have been super busy or you just tired or worn out or stressed, either do an unedited vlog-y video from your phone for that week, or do it another day. I know that your thing is "Good Morning Hank/John, it's Tuesday/Friday," and it's good to have a schedule, but life gets crazy and it doesn't really matter all that much. Thanks for everything guys! -Rachel

[@pogobat]

You should do less of not running for congress.

[@HankGreen]

DAN, NO!

[@finnflaherty8704]

I was under the impression congress brainwashed you to be a psychopath the moment you were elected. Have they stopped doing that now?

[@applez4life200]

***** No they always were psychopaths they just don't need to hide it after they're elected.

[@johnericson2202]

Thoughts: 1. Don't do the video game stuff. I feel like 1/2 of youtube is videogame videos, you two don't need to spend time on that, (unless you just love it, then we'll let you have your fun:) 2. Delegate more responsibility to others regarding Crash Course, Mental Floss, etc. They are solid systems with good foundations; free up your time and get yourself a few (more?) Project Managers. 3. Vlogbrothers is your most 2nd most valuable asset. It's where you connect with us, your fans that make this all possible for you. I love this channel, and I agree with the majority that I love Current Event videos and just hearing you and Hank talk about whatever. 4. Your family is your most valuable, important asset of all, so for the loVE OF NERDFIGHTERS EVERYWHERE TAKE A FREAKING VACATION AND GET LESS SICKNESS.

[@ashleykay3275]

This is pretty solid advice, I agree with it all! (I also think that John should write another book.)

[@alannar.8701]

Nerdfighter Scavenger Hunt! They did one in 2007, it was so cool!

[@fossilfighters101]

I agree with that comment wholeheartedly.

[@ThoughtsOverCoffee]

Best comment I've read thus far! I think that the more time you guys take to just relax and be yourselves with your friends and family, the more inspired you'll become to do more unique awesomeness!!

[@mykadassano438]

I do love Hank's video game vids - because it's nice to see HIM enjoying himself so much - but I 100% agree with the rest!

[@jeremytuttle9439]

John, I'm glad that you do read the negative stuff about you. On one level, you just need to remember not to take anything personally. Everything that anyone says, does, or thinks about or to you actually says nothing at all about who you are, but rather who they are. On another level, criticism helps us to grow, while praise encourages stagnation. You just can't identify with what people say. You are who you are, not who people say you are. If a point of criticism is valid, don't identify with it, just fix it.

[@jeremytuttle9439]

As far as what to do, just keep teaching us and keep showing us the world and when you feel it necessary, give us a call to action. You make our lives better and we'll help you make the world better.

[@mouseinsneakers]

Thanks for continuing to keep Nerdfighters in your thoughts whilst you decide what to prioritize next. We appreciate it. Get better soon!

[@Xidnaf]

What should you do less of? Well for one thing, John seriously needs to quit getting sick.

[@beeniej96]

I have made it! I have watched all of the vlogbrothers videos and I finally made it. It has been a long journey, but it has been amazing watching these two grow and prosper as well as nerdfighteria and all the nerdfighters. Even though I wasn't there for the projects, and gatherings and tours, I felt like I was a part of it too. John, Hank, I totally understand if you need to take a break. Watching all of your videos, I have seen the channel develop along with the many other KZbin channels you have created, and you haven't taken a break since you started vlogging seven years ago. I love you guys, I love the nerdifghters and I love nerdfighteria, and I am so happy to be a part of this community. Best wishes! DFTBA.

[@TheCowgirlgem]

I remember when I got through all the videos. It was about 2 years ago, so it was no where near the challenge you had. Welcome and DFTBA!

[@Jadesaber76]

Congratulations! I did this myself a few years ago, so I know you had much more to watch than I did. Welcome to the community!

[@mossman15]

I just did that a few months ago! Yeah I totally agree, they have done so much, a break is deserved.

[@bethjohn1303]

I'm 20 and I'm currently in that simultaneously awful and exciting time when I finish university next year and I haven't got a clue where to go next, what to do with my life or what to spend my time doing. Everyone I know who is a generation older than me seems to have jobs and everything sorted, in terms of where they want to be. I just wanted to say thank you for showing that it's not just an age thing, and that it's OK to not know these things sometimes. DFTBA.

[@himaginerr]

I'm 28 and I can say very proudly that I have no effing clue what I am doing. At least for me, it was pretty liberating when I realized that the "grown ups" around me were just kind of winging it 80% of the time...

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

Okay, you should check out Danisnotonfire. He went through the same stuff and has amazing advice on what to do, and opinions on life and other great stuff. It helps, I promise.

[@MiddleAgedNerd]

Beth John Live be selective example. Look at what other people are doing that makes them happy and what others are doing that makes them unhappy. Try to find the patterns in those actions and apply/avoid as applicable to your own personality. Try not to choose a career simply based on how much money you will make. If possible, do something that will bring you personal satisfaction and growth and hopefully will benefit others in some way. Also, and this will seem weird at first, try not to make a career out of something you love. Something you really like, yes. But a career at your #1 love? Very few people in that situation will still love that thing/activity after 20 years of doing it because they have to. These are part of the reasons I wake up nearly every day with a smile instead of so many of my same-aged peers wishing they were twenty again.

[@bethjohn1303]

Middle Aged Nerd All good advice. Thank you!

[@bethjohn1303]

***** Agreed, he's great!

[@jamila0019]

Here's what i think you can do. 1. Take a break, you deserve it 2. Do the punishment we're all waiting, please?,thanks. 3. Do something that you have never done before ... john have you ever tried making a bucket list? Like this time the bucket list will be filled with things you can accomplish and want to accomplish. And then do it (maybe even film it for us?) Anyway, hope i helped. DFTBA. :)

[@CherylEnderson]

Sorry what does dftba mean?:)

[@CompleteMuffin]

The bucket list I think would really help him right now.

[@gossamernonsense6837]

Seeing some of the things on John/Hank's bucket list would actually be really cool!

[@historytoby]

Cheryl Enderson Don't forget to be awesome.

[@molliesmith2540]

i love the bucket list idea!

[@vendetta4lif]

I think things like Crash Course, SciShow, Mental Floss, etc. are so great and important but I feel like now that they have a formula that works for them and that the community knows that they came from you, you could personally back off from them and let others take them over. It would free up some of your time and allow them to still exist. (And of course keeping and eye out making sure they stay good quality.) I know it is not as simple as this sounds. Just a thought.

[@erinwhite2350]

Brilliant point. I love these shows.

[@CarlyMFriesen]

agreed! this is a great suggestion.

[@sjwimmel]

Exactly this. It's okay to have a less active part in Crash Course or Mental Floss, those projects can fly on their own. I've always seen John and Hank more as catalysts for new ideas. There are tons of ideas floating around Nerdfighteria, so when John gets rid of some of his stress and if he gets bored, there'll always be something new and fun to do.,

[@indibindylou]

Agreed 100% :)

[@txsunnygirl]

Commenting because youtube top comment algorithms think that's important. Also because I agree.

[@tuffygirl52]

The thing I want you to do less of is worrying about what we want. Because most if not all of us Love you guys most when you're doing and talking about things that you are passionate about. We can't decide what you're passionate about. We are just here to observe and enjoy that passion! Thank you for all you do!

[@AmandaBraz]

youtube just randomly suggesting me this 8-year-old video! always nice to rewatch older vlogbrothers videos

[@TarbenXsi]

Do less of what you feel gets in the way. Do less things just to appease the public, and focus on things you want to do. We're all here because we buy in to your vision - we enjoy hearing about the lives of John and Hank, and seeing the things that they are passionate about - indeed, what makes them nerds. We'll enjoy being a part of your journey as long as you keep being genuine to yourself. There will be some people disappointed by your choices of what to do and what not to do, but that's OK, because the stuff you do will be all the more worth watching.

[@Man_Toast]

Am I the only one who finds it awesome and strange whenever John does a Hank-ish (or the other way around) voice/gesture. Like here 1:36 when John says BUTT AH DEW. It reminds me not only how they are so similar, which is obvious, but also how different they are... or at least their on-screen personalities anyway.

[@Kyasakoamy]

I thought that too! I haven't really noticed it before but that moment was so Hank-ish.

[@iamsarahzanon]

thank you for being so undeniably awesome and such a great role model for all of nerdfighteria. *high five* I appreciate you.

[@iamsarahzanon]

* high five * ....just figured out how to bold things in comments

[@rscjsc02]

Sarah Zanon Same realization in my comment. DOH

[@loserlainnie]

After reading through a bunch of the comments, I think the overwhelming majority of us want you to rest, John and Hank. Delegating seems like it might be a good solution, especially with the educational videos. But several Nerdfighters mentioned that there might be "seasons" of the shows that you're involved in. In the summer, perhaps, John does a season of Crash Course and Hank does a season of Sci Show, and then we have an off season, which could be without content or with a different host, or multiple host, whatever works best. But, like so many people have said, we want you to be rested and happy more than anything else in the world. We love and support you so much. Thank you for all that you do, but you don't need to do so much :)

[@jennahj_]

Yes, I agree they both seem like they need a break.

[@colleenryan8862]

take a break john and hank, take a break. were not going anywhere

[@kauphe]

That's an awesome idea! Vacations for both of you for sure, but also seasons. That way you could break up your work and if you take a break off of one project you will most likely be excited for it when it's season comes around again.

[@katyawhite4517]

So much agreement. We're not going anywhere, John and Hank. Please find time to rest and spend time with friends and family. The "seasons" are a great idea to focus on fewer things at once. We're so grateful for all that you guys do, but you really don't have to do everything!

[@hannahjervis]

The results of the survey make me feel so good about this community!

[@01evunia]

Dan Howell can help you

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

Yes! Dan Howell (Danisnotonfire) went through some horrific existential crisis and he's not out of it yet, but he has some amazing advice.

[@ThisOneCassie]

yes

[@ladieanaxo2806]

You should talk openly and name dropping-ly about the sexual abuse in the KZbin community, about Sam Pepper and Alex Day and the rest; and getting other big KZbinrs to do that too!

[@MelanieTheAdventurer]

agreed!

[@MelanieTheAdventurer]

And what ever happened to that "nerdfighter task force" that Hank mentioned back in May? Why haven't we heard any more about it?

[@Fawkes42]

Agreed!

[@FairytalesAndFables]

I completely agree!

[@wlfbck20]

Just read up on that Sam Pepper thing; while it might be highly idiotic and weird to do these things, that is *not* sexual abuse. And it's also not that big of a deal in a grander perspective of things.

[@TheBuddsO]

John, I hope you and Hank know that we just want you to be happy and we don't expect anything from you, let alone all of the things you do. We watch vlogbrothers because you guys are hilarious and smart and we can all laugh and cry together about nerdstuff and important things in the world. Do NOT spread yourself to think, and don't ever feel obligated to do something for us. Do what makes YOU happy! If thats writing another book, do that! If its crash course, do that! If its just spending time with your family and making silly videos that don't really have a point, do that! (I particularly love those videos) I appreciate you want to learn about what we find most important in the community but please never feel like you have to do something for us, we will support you no matter what :)

[@WCrusherWins7]

Don't stress out so much. Know that what you two have created has resonated with and will continue to resonate with millions of people. Be proud of your accomplishments and know that you are bettering the world around you by allowing others to better their worlds.

[@ceceliawight7059]

You all have proved that when good people get together, anything can and does happen! Thank you Nerdfighters for being so awesome!

[@Teenbabz1995]

Here is a thought, DO YOUR GOD-DAMN PUNISHMENT!!!! Also, family is the utmost important thing (I don't like associating family as 'things') in both your's and Hank's lives. Spread your knowledge of awesome!

[@Teenbabz1995]

Technically, it involves family; Hank chooses the punishment :p

[@N3rdfightermom]

Also, I don't think he finished giving out last year's P4A rewards either, but maybe I missed it in my spam box or something.

[@pablolpz]

If he's sick, I don't want him to do it just yet, it already hurts getting a tattoo, it would probably hurt more since he's sick.

[@Teenbabz1995]

Yuuki Daisuke Oh I totally agree,health is more important than a punishment. Hopefully, he will be better next week or the week after. Alissa Frederick Have you spoken to any other people who may have received a P4A reward?

[@Teenbabz1995]

***** They should do that anyway. John's punishment however, is two years overdue!

[@sarahunderwood8952]

Aww, John :( Please, please, please take some time for self care! We love hearing from you and all that, but we WILL wait for you. We are SO proud of you for overcoming tremendous social anxiety to bring us all the awesome things you have! We want to keep you around for many more years, so be good to yourself. Take all the time you need, we'll be here for you

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

This goes for Hank as well, don't forget Hank, Hank is important. Hank, you should take a break as well, if you feel like you need it, whenever you want and however long you want that break to be. Both of you could be gone for a year, let nerdfightarea handle this, then come back and have even more nerdfighters supporting you and celebrating because you returned fully rested and full of joy and renewed enthusiasm again.

[@louloureads3953]

Commenting partly to boost this comment to the top, so that there is more chance that John will see it, partly because I like your avatar...

[@louloureads3953]

...and partly to say: "We are SO proud of you for overcoming tremendous social anxiety to bring us all the awesome things you have!" ^^ THIS. So much so! So grateful that you have done this, and definitely don't want it to make you sick. Please look after yourself. Drop whatever needs to be dropped. You are really the only people who know which projects give you the most favourable stress/benefit ratio, so whatever decisions you need to make, Nerdfighteria will support you. We don't want either of you to be stressed or sick or sad.

[@luis39205]

I've seen it further down the comment section so I'll just bring it up again, TAKE A HOLIDAY. Have a break, 2-3 weeks, take the family out somewhere don't worry about the vlogs, we're gonna be here when you come back. You know enough now that the Nerdfighteria are very good as a collective and can accept that the vlogbrothers have done a lot and need a break. Look after yourselves.

[@Basketballrulez169]

I was actually having sort of an existential crisis myself today, and I think it's really humbling to see that you also have struggles as well. I think one of the reasons I love watching your KZbin videos and reading your books and just everything you do is because you seem so real and accessible and not cooped up like a celebrity. take some time off!! I think we all appreciate everything you do for us tremendously, but if you're not enjoying it then it's not fair to either of us. take a couple days or like a week to heal from your sickness and just do some mindless things for a bit and then after you're better allocate some "me" time at least weekly and daily time to spend worn your kids!! you definitely deserve it.

[@sentjojo]

I think the thing that really got me hooked into watching VlogBrothers was the connection between John and Hank, and how their relationship as brothers is the driving force behind everything they do and everything they've accomplished. It's really inspiring and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside

[@Derxe123]

I'm having a crisis as well. I've been struggling a lot in school, mainly due to my depression and anxiety. So I ended up dropping out, which I know is a genius idea. But I'm just living day to day, I can't think of a future with me in it. I've been highly suicidal lately and I've spent an alarming amount of time crying. A big part of me wants to revert to self harm even though I've been clean for a few months now. I want to work on my writing but I feel guilty for not spending my time better. I also want to work on my drawing skills but I feel like those are utter crap, therefore a waste of time. I don't even know why I'm saying this. I guess the Nerdfighter community just feels safer. I hope you feel better soon John.

[@kahliatipping8210]

I 100% understand what you're going through. Stay strong x

[@KatherineLVogel]

As a stranger on the internet: PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE IN OFFLINE LIFE ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH!!! Nerdfighteria doesn't want you to die.

[@yocampout]

the world can be stressful and difficult but we need every single person here. no one is unnecessary. no one is irrelevant. ur presence effects people in tiny ripples u cannot conceive. so when u feel down remember that u r a marvellous manifestation of energy that can be used to make the entire world better. yeah. I know it sounds like a load of fantastical poo but think on it and u will find it's true. and if u don't change the world maybe ur kids will. and all it took was a smile to that cute person that caught ur eye one october evening......... ur life is full of opportunity constantly

[@bethrsd3938]

I know that as a stranger on the Internet there's no way I can understand everything that you're feeling and maybe I'm being presumptuous even trying to give you advice. But I wanted to tell you that the future will be so much better if it has you in it. Everyone has difficult periods in their life. Please give things a chance to get better. You do have value. You do matter. (Cheesy but true) And try to talk to someone about you feel (maybe look into some therapy).

[@coreywisler7219]

Hi Derxe123, thank you for sharing how you feel. I think it is so courageous that you are speaking up for yourself and that letting others know what is going on in your life. If you are feeling suicidal please consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Their number is 1-800-273-8255. I know it won't solve everything, but there are people that want to help you. You are not alone, and you have the right to get the help that you want/need. Please keep us posted, and remember that the nerdfighter community is rooting for you!!

[@GoneToTheSnowDogs]

On no! Tiny Chicken disease! Feel better soon!

[@LaBoricua2591]

The puff is insane in this video.

[@angelinaedwards3256]

Awwww john, you just do what makes you happy. And whatever is stressing you out the most, and is making you unhappy, don't do it anymore. Even if it's writing a new book. Your happiness is what truly matters. Life is too short to put hard work into something you won't enjoy.

[@AssortedAmazingness]

What would I like the Green brothers to do LESS of? As of two weeks ago, I would have said "avoiding the southeast region of the country", but now I have to say unequivocally that I would like much less Green brother self-doubt. Awesome things have been happening and will continue to happen. Nerdfighteria can't be stopped now, so the biggest need we all share is for the two of you to start feeling good again, whatever that takes. We're here, and we love you. That is it, and that is all.

[@saramurdock2972]

Keeping it real! You've done way more than most people do. If you died tomorrow, you'd be remembered as a wonderful person who did wonderful things. If you feel the need to step back and have more family time, DO IT. Family is incredibly important and the nerd fighters will understand. Continue the journey and be a good person. That's all anyone can ask. :)

[@VibronxGirl]

That's so true. I really hope John reads this.

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

I definitely wouldn't mind if the rules got changed and there would be only one video a week on vlogbrothers, seriously, I am subscribed to KZbinrs who post a video every two or three weeks on their main channels, I'm used to breaks. I mean, it's not like you're the only thing that keeps us occupied, we've got other stuff as well. We'll stay busy until you return and then be happy to have you in our lives again. You're great (both of you) and we love watching you and participating in your projects, but if you get depressed or completely stressed out, you'd be away for much longer, so please, take care of yourselves.

[@realspacemodels]

You could spend less time worrying. That would be good. You have created a behemoth that reduces world suck. That alone should allow you to worry less. We're all behind you and Hank.

[@kaylongates8609]

Do less of: stressing! John all of us Nerdfighters endlessly love your books and channel. You've already pleased us to no end, made us laugh, made us cry, so take a break! We won't love vlogbrothers any less. So go relax! We'll still be here when you get back :)

[@KaitlynQuinn]

Stress less!! We will love and support you both no matter how you choose to share your talents and spread your knowledge!

[@crickettepayette871]

John and Hank, seeing both of you make videos saying that you guys are stressed and maybe a tad bit low on inspiration really made me think about how much stuff you guys do. The enthusiasm with which you throw yourselves into a project is downright moving. But I'm going to echo the sentiments of other Nerdfighters on here. We want you to be happy, healthy, and with relatively low worry levels. Being too worried about if what you are doing is okay, or trying to spread yourselves too thin doesn't decrease your personal worldsuck, it makes it go up! In the end, we love you guys no matter what you do and we respect your needs as people, not just faces we like to see on the internet. I think I can speak for all of Nerdfighteria when I say that we will support you in wherever you go and whatever you do with this amazing thing you have created. Whether that means a break from videos, a new schedule, or anything else, we are behind you 1000000%! Green brothers, we all love you to the ends of this ever-expanding universe. D.F.T.B.A!

[@vincent7603]

Do a video on hong Kong's political situation :)

[@jamesmorgan9258]

YES!

[@extrasagrada]

what's up with hong kong?

[@ville307]

extrasagrada Hong Kong is part of China now and they loose their democracy and there is huge amount of people protesting and has been for days.

[@mung0dude]

extrasagrada As far as I can tell from what I've read, there's a big election coming up, but mainland China is basically nominating the candidates it wants to run Hong Kong, there's some really big protests, police have been using tear gas and pepper spray on protestors.

[@Wout12345]

Excellent suggestion ... Didn't think of it, but with the recent protests I'd really look forward to another news + history vlogbrothers on the subject. :o

[@LunarChandelure]

Do less everything. Start delegating some. You don't need to be a part of every Crash Course video. Try a season of episodes where college professors do guest videos on their fields of study.

[@ananda01]

All adjunct professors. Give them a chance to stand out in a broken system.

[@legacytv4208]

This is actually a really good idea.

[@ReadyMadeBouquet]

I agree that some of the education content and delivery could be delegated; both for the sanity of Hank/John and as a part of their continued efforts to bolster the online presence of new and different people.

[@Zineeta]

John - I know this is an older video but it's still relevant. You are awesome! Thank you for all you do!

[@123nkraus]

John, you've done amazing in your life, and you've touched so many others. You have nothing to worry about with not doing well in this world. You've fulfilled Augustus's dream, you will be remembered

[@hadarpepperstone5156]

Don't stress as much. You and Hank are amazing and you do all of these wonderful things. Just keep being yourselves.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Ah, I too have caught some horrible virus from my two small plague carriers. I sympathize.

[@marieohlinger1807]

Hope you get better! :)

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Marie Ohlinger Thanks, I hope my little 4 year old gets better! He's still coughing away poor little man.

[@Singingonastar]

Plague Carriers.....I cracked up!

[@bishopofapples]

Matthew Sharpe Is it wrong that my first thought was to suggest that you give the kid a hot toddy (lemon honey and ginger are the main needs, but a little whiskey does help me) and a hot bath, then read him stories in bed til he sleeps or wants to eat? Sorry, just the older I sort of get to be the more I feel like my 97 year old grandmother is on to some things, simple solutions, we have forgotten.

[@HeckinMarble]

as soon as my kid started going to school, i got a free subscription to the virus of the month club...

[@emilywhiteee97]

There are 2 things I think you should be doing less of: worrying and apologising. The great thing about nerdfightaria is how supportive everyone is, and we understand that you're busy and that you do an awful lot of good things, so if you need to do less, do less!

[@meganlarkin5791]

I agree!

[@atalantasawdon4983]

Talk to Dan Howell aka Danisnotonfire. He could trll you a thing or two about existential crisis! DFTBA!

[@april9586]

So true. He goes through them like every 3 months, bless him.

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

Yes, this might help. Also, watch his videos about it. He has a playlist. His advice is very good and has helped lots and lots of people, including me. He talks about how he dropped out of college, why he did that, how he feels when he has an existential crisis, how he deals with it, what the meaning of life is according to him, and he gives a lot of advice, which is always a good thing.

[@ciciliernning4267]

Hahahah

[@CherylEnderson]

What is dftba, i keep seeing it everywhere

[@atalantasawdon4983]

Cheryl Enderson It means lots of things, listen to Hanks song about it. It stands for whatever you want it to. The most common are Don't Forget To Be Awesome and Dear Fetch The Battle Axe. Or at least there the ones I hear most often.

[@magicalmalu]

I love you John. I might be just some random person on the internet sitting alone in my bedroom in California but I can't tell you how much these videos mean to me. I love being able to come home and watch you guys and to be part of this awesome community on KZbin. You two are what give me hope. And all of Nerdfighteria. Thank you so much.

[@alliaservice8743]

dear john, I would like to tell you that both you and hank inspire me and I appreciate everything you do and how true to yourselves and humble you appear to stay, so thank you.

[@sheaelliott942]

In which puff levels are very high and husky voice is wonderful (sorry to romanticize your sickness, John).

[@sheaelliott942]

Also, the results of that survey are so beautiful and that's the reason why Nerdfighteria is so beautiful. We care about what truly matters.

[@russleeful]

Shea Elliott ++

[@tmikemartin]

I say this in the most affectionate way possible: I think it would be awesome for y'all to stop taking "public vacations" with your smartphones on you all the time. For instance, I knew in advance that John was going to go to a cabin in Tennessee post-TFiOS movie, and that sounds stalker-ish, except I read about it in, like, New York Times Magazine. I am no luddite (I make my living through KZbin videos, for gosh sakes), and I'm grateful that y'all have been so open with us over the years, but I think there is much to be said for truly "unplugging" once in a while. I got this idea from Gwen Bell's blogs on "digital sabbaticals" and also a TED Talk called "Quarterly Week off the Grid." Undertaking my own Internet-less periods or vacations (by literally giving my wife my phone and telling her to hide it from me for X number of days) has helped keep me from burning out despite a fairly large workload. And as workloads go, I imagine that mine is only a fraction of yours. If you guys even wanted to just take the occasional week away from Vlogbrothers (either by not having a video, or by having guest hosts), I am absolutely certain that we Nerdfighters would *not* respond with cries of "Those Greens -- those lazy GREENS! -- remember when they used to be awesome?" I understand and admire that y'all have followed the "we only don't make videos when sick or celebrating major holidays" rules for so long. But it's worth noting that those rules were created at the very beginning of Brotherhood 2.0, when it was unimaginable that you would have to abide by them for the next 7 years (and also when you guys had an easier time having private lives, and didn't have an educational/merchandise/charitable/conference enterprises to guide, and etc. etc.). Anyway, tl;dr: I guess what I'm saying is that I love being a Nerdfighter with y'all, and I want you guys to be happier, less exhausted people. Play with Legos, veg out with the new Smash Bros., visit a beet farm for a week -- whatever. But take time that is truly for your selves and families. You've given us all more time than we could have ever asked, and I think I speak for many Nerdfighters when I say that we would love to return the favor. Your pal, Mike

[@angelpena9761]

I think I speak for nerdfighteria when I say just be happy. We want you and Hank to be happy and stress free so if you are stressed, take a break. Spend time with your family and friends. Maybe y'all can do the paternity leave thing and have other youtubers fill in for y'all. But whatever will make y'all happy and live a stress free life. We're here for y'all. -AP

[@TheCowgirlgem]

This, oh my goodness, this!

[@JulEnglefaris]

John.. everything you've done in your short time here on earth thus far has been good and worthwhile. Enjoy the present moment in all you do, whether its writing a new book, hugging people you love, helping Ethiopia or making us laugh. Life is now, and all that truly exists is now.

[@daniwenger]

Thank you for being so open and honest with us John! We understand that you can't be perfect all of the time and I personally thank you for allowing Nerdfighteria into your life this way! In regards to what you should do less of... honestly, that's up to you. We, as members of Nerdfighteria, are permanently thankful for all that you and Hank do for it's expanded our minds and taught us more than some of us may have learned otherwise. I personally voted for more educational stuff because I love the style of which you and Hank teach but whatever speaks to you, do more of. We will love it regardless. Best wishes on feeling better!

[@BriannaGreen]

John, it may be the pregnancy hormones, but this video made me cry. Love your family, and do what empassions you. If that is writing, please, for the love of God, GO WRITE! In the words of a good friend, "Quite Frankly, I would read your grocery lists."

[@hixsongarren]

This is gonna sound a little strange but i and i believe many others think that you should do less of everything by yourself. Allow other people to take over projects. Put them into capable hands. There is an endless amount of talent in this world, specifically in nerdfightaria. I think it would be great if you and hank both let others share some of the insanely big load you carry. This would allow you to sordid more time with people you care about and maybe create new things that are gonna be just as awesome. All in all, you are definitely some of my biggest inspirations and i hope you get to do more of the things you want to do.

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

Yes, we want to help you!

[@SayItAintTso]

What should you do less of? That's tough since you put so much awesome into everything you do! But, if I had to choose, maybe the video gamey stuff…? I'm just considering the fact that the vlogbrothers videos and novels enriched the minds of millions, and your efforts to raise money and awareness for charity have left a substantial impact on the entire world. The video games are awesome, but do not have the same impact as the other things you do.

[@SayItAintTso]

***** You're totally right. Overall, I think the books and videos are more direct in the way they educate the youth, but John never forgets to be awesome! I'll admit, I forgot the football team and the video games were connected (I feel dumb now, and I agree that the team is very important) and I was just going off of the graph at 3:12 . My bad! DFTBA! :)

[@alannar.8701]

I'm all for the video game stuff, but I prefer the other things. I say Hank should finish that book from Brotherhood 2.0! Or better yet, a Nerdfighteria scavenger hunt!

[@dragondancer26]

This is purely personal, but I've turned to some of those video game vids when I've been having terrible days or if I just need a break and they have really brightened my day. I do want you to be able to write though - as a fellow writer, I recognize how important this is! - so maybe you could leave the video game vids mostly to Hank, as a compromise? I'm really liking GameswithHank so far.

[@EpicuriousGeorge]

Agreed. There are a million other channels who do video games, and, in all honesty, do them better. It's not that John and Hank don't do them well, its just that that's not their specialty, and no one watches them solely for it.

[@tristanboyd8170]

John and Hank are 2 of the most inspiring and amazing people I have ever seen. But in recognition of the fact that they are people who struggle with everyday life, just like any normal person, I think that they should take an extended leave of absence, or something. They need and deserve freedom as much as anyone else, and should definitely find time to be with their families. Their impact on the world is amazing, but everyone needs a vacation every once in a while. Also, John, if you read this, doing less of what you've devoted your life to is, for you, good, but I think it is important to find a balance in all the things you do, and, in the end, you are the only person who can decide that.

[@thatonecatmom]

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to explain to my non-Nerdfighter boyfriend what exactly you meant by "tiny chicken disease." His face was priceless. PS: So glad to know that I am not alone in not knowing where I want to go in life. Every time I think I figure something out, there's always another unknown step to take or a curve ball thrown. It is encouraging to know that I am not alone, and that people who are more successful than I occasionally end up in that same place. I am hoping that the survey taken by Nerdfighters helps give you both some direction. Thank you for your honesty.

[@mlemleh]

Do less: stressing. You know we adore you. You know the squids are just squids who have (somewhat) mastered the art of using a keyboard. You know we love the things you create, even when it's not your actual face on the screen. You know (I hope) that we'd much rather you be healthy and un-molested by chickens than make 12 videos per day. And you now also know that we'd love for you to spend more time with your friends and family, because your emotional and social wellbeing is paramount to us, because (and I think I may have mentioned this...) we adore you. Delegate, hibernate, appreciate. DFTBA

[@alannar.8701]

I'm a terrified twelve year old little girl. And when I say terrified, I mean terrified. Because I don't know what to do with my life. I'm in a seemingly permanent existential crisis, one that can only be stopped when I find out what I had done with my life, at which point I'll be dead. I want to create stories, save lives, change the world. Not be known, or famous (though that would be an excellent cherry on top), but just DO something. At least you've done that, John. You and Hank, along with the Nerdfighterian army have helped and potentially saved the lives of thousands upon thousands of people. While I sit here. I'm wasting away my life staring at a box full of lights. Not that watching your videos is a waste in moderation. But when I watch every single Brotherhood 2.0 video in a couple days... yeah, I'd call that a waste. But what can I do? I'm just a kid. When I say "I want to help people," the response is, "Join the Girl Scouts." Girl Scouts is a corrupt organization that uses people's desire for sugar to gain money. I'd rather eat glass than put my Cadet vest on, yet I still do. I'm not supposed to want to help people. I'm supposed to be apathetic. A desire to hold a bake sale for charity is met almost with laughter. People think that I should go plant a butterfly garden if I want to do something. Save the Monarch Butterfly, right? I'm not supposed to care about things apart from butterflies. I shouldn't want to offer help to people living in hell on Earth, I'm supposed to look away. But I don't want to look away. I don't want to help butterflies because they're pretty. I want to help people because they matter.

[@Kyasakoamy]

Hey, you probably don't need to be told any of this given your immensely thoughtful comment, but I just thought I'd offer some encouragement as a stranger on the internet. The status quo of apathy in the first world is a very scary thing - how sad is it that we're shamed for caring about things? I struggle with this all the time too, and I've become the person who looks away more and more as I get older and get used to the status quo and learn to care less. So hold onto the caring - it's so important! And when you say 'you and Hank, along with the Nerdfighterian army' have done all this stuff, aren't you part of that army? That's the great thing about nerdfigheria - if you're here, if you're watching, if you're engaging, you *are* doing something. Just because we don't have millions of people watching us doesn't mean our actions aren't important. And as for being terrified about not doing anything with your life, of course you will - this comment itself is evidence of that. (Fancy writing? The last paragraph is seriously good.) So yeah. Keep going, is all I really wanted to say. Fight the apathy. :) (Sorry if the in-depth response weirded you out, your comment just resonated with me a lot.)

[@alannar.8701]

The in-depth response did not freak me out. Thank you, it means a lot to me. I love Nerdfighters.

[@alannar.8701]

:)

[@Kyasakoamy]

Alanna R. Yay! Glad to hear it. DFTBA. :)

[@neffie72]

As the mother of an equally angsty 12 yr old, I feel compelled to offer advice/encouragement. You don't have to save the world, you just have to make your part of it a better place. Start small, look around your neighborhood, find a way to do small jobs for friends or family and donate that money to your favorite charity. Encourage others every day by being positive about the world and the things they can do to help out. Pick up trash on the sidewalk, plant a tree, smile! You'd be amazed how making just one person feel better about their day can make yours even better. Smiles are like yawns, contagious! :) There's also groups like volunteermatch.org that could help you find ways to help out your community. I'm sorry if this seems like I'm trivializing your post, I'm not. But the world is a very big place and with any big job, it's always best to start small and work your way up. Friends you make and contacts you meet while you volunteer can provide you with bigger opportunities to help in the future. Don't give up because you're young, just start smaller. I hope this helps at all. Good luck!

[@angelayuen3210]

I think you should focus on stressing less. You have our respect, and I get that it might be a bit hard at times, but it also means if you're sick or you're not feeling inspired we're okay with you taking a break now and then. Yes we love videos about Ethiopia and education and things that matter on a large scale, but you're forgetting that we also value things that matter to you personally. So if you want to make a video about your favorite book at the moment or just talk about a song or whatever it's fine! There are a lot of things to be worried about and talked about, but maybe we should take some time to talk about things that are enjoyable and simple. DFTBA

[@thequeerestdeer2177]

Yes, this is so important!

[@aggaagga8107]

While everyone else is debating what are the the things that are important to talk about, it's smart to take a step back and see what you enjoy as well as problems that need to be fixed. Great comment!

[@tinkerspell4850]

I'm impressed as hell by the results of the survey, with the selections of things that are truly of quality - as Nerdfighters are on the young side, and people are always saying the future is hopeless with the young folks we have around now. Way to go Nerdfighters!

[@skiz686]

Stay strong John. You have brought many moments of joy to me from watching your channels. Terribly happy I stumbled upon a crash course video and found the nerdfighter empire. You have helped make me a better citizen of the world.

[@ChocolateTeapot93]

If you need to take a break then take one. IT WILL BE OK. We'll still be here when you get back.

[@nicoleeverleighhhx]

I think the both of you really need a big fat rest (moving + movies + SO MANY CHANNELS! etc). Take a vacation or ten. We're not going anywhere! PS. John, if you really don't feel inspired to write a book and feel stressed about writing one and coming up with new things (you seem very stressed saying you're trying to write. I don't think anybody should be forced to write, because it won't always come out to be the best work.), just leave it for a while and come back later, so your mind will be more fresh and ready for business.

[@jennahj_]

Yes! Do whatever will make YOU happy. Nerdfighteria can take some of the weight away from you guys. We will be here no matter what you guys do, so if you need to take a break, do it :)

[@JacquieVlogsHere]

I feel you, John. I just got rid of my tiny chickens. This might be supremely unhelpful, but do less of whichever nerdfightery thing you're least motivated to do at that moment. And then if possible have us do that thing for you instead until you're motivated to do it again.

[@elisem8936]

I am a current student at SUNY ESF, this stands for State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, in Syracuse New York. I just want to say this whole school's reason for existing is to decrease world suck, to help the environment and to educate people on how they can help or at least be informed about what I'd wrong in the environment. Being a nerd fighter and being a stumpy makes me proud to be a person who can potentialy make a difference. By the way our mascot is an acorn, we're called the mighty oaks and we lovingly call ourselves stumpies. Thank you for being amazing.

[@CaptainKraft]

John, Hank, and all the other Nerdfighters have to be the coolest people on the planet. I got a little choked up when I heard that the number one voted response on the survey was to spend more time with friends and family. I'm proud to be a member of Nerdfighteria

[@haileywagar52]

Ask not what you can do for nerdfighteria. Ask what nerdfighteria can do for you. Seriously... you've done so much for us. Maybe let someone else take care of you for a few days.

[@Ariel-ps8je]

I agree with this

[@Narnendil]

Overall, I want things to be less focused on America and aimed at an American audience. Especially Mentalfloss, it's basically only about America.

[@ArturoStojanoff]

I agree.

[@The365disneyfan]

I also agree

[@BlondeEyes7]

Agreed. Mental Floss is the least interesting thing John is doing right now.

[@pianofluteflute]

Take a vacation! You've earned it!

[@TMParrish2011]

As a high school librarian (which you, in part, helped convince me to be after I graduated high school back in 2007), I say focusing on writing should definitely be one of the priorities (as long as you still love it, and when you have time after family, etc.). My students, many of whom know nothing about the videos, love your books and your writing, and that matters, especially now. They give other YA books a chance because yours are so awesome. I fell in love with Looking for Alaska right when I was starting undergrad, and it's amazing to see that same thing happening with others. With that said, the Vlogbrothers videos are equally as important and in a very real way, as you guys inspire me to want to be better in every aspect of my life. Thanks for that, and for still being awesome. Everything else is just gravy. And you should take breaks. Lots of them when needed. :-)

[@jessicastone5694]

No matter how much good we do in the world, it will never feel like we've done enough, and that leads to just so many negative feelings that you have to fight off as best you can. You guys bring so much light to people's lives and maybe that means you feel like the world is on your shoulders telling you "make us happy" all the time, but that should not be your priority. You have to do what makes you happy (and if that means taking a break, Nerfighters will of course support you) because in the end, that peace you feel when you're doing what you love and not what you feel pressured to do, will lead to even greater things. We love you no matter what!

[@sarahdees9566]

John, what if you started a Nerdfighteria writing club on tumblr or facebook or something? It doesn't have to be a bjg production, just a big group of us literarily-inclined people getting together. I'm 15 and a published author, (mainly because of courage given to me by youtubers to follow my dreams) and I think it would be awesome to create a community specifically for this. If you were having issues with a plot or characters or wanted support or advice we would be right there for you. Just in the same way we could be there for other Nerdfighteria in the group. That way we get you writing in a place where none of us ARE ALLOWED TO LOOK AT NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT OUR WORK. I think it could be really positive for everyone involved :) plus you're too talented a writer to be dragged away from your keyboard

[@kumargarita]

I absolutely love to idea! It would really help get a lot of us writing too!

[@kumargarita]

**this

[@TeamSwitzerland411]

15 and a published author? that's pretty incredible. where might one find your book?

[@sarahdees9566]

It's called Breaking Free by Winter Page, you can find it on Amazon. I'll warn you that it's an LGBT friendly book though haha :). (For the record I live in the Bible Belt which obviously isn't LGBT friendly, so it was written under a pen name, hence the reason why my screen name is different.)

[@chelseabeasley699]

this is a brilliant idea

[@AlexMadinger]

IMO, you could drop mental floss. I enjoyed a couple of them, but they don't keep me coming back or seeking them out like vlogbrothers, crash course, and sci show. DFTBA and don't spread yourself too thin.

[@IWearARasberryBeret]

Agreed. I watched the first few, and while they're interesting, they're not the content that I'm looking for. Being slammed with a bunch of trivia isn't really my thing. I've also been confused as to why you guys started doing them in the first place; the mental floss videos don't seem to fit into the larger nerdfighter paradigm. They're not especially educational, nor do they (as far as I know) help to decrease world suck in any way.

[@thehappyplate]

Agreed! I think the gaming channels, SciShow, and Crash Course are more interesting.

[@JoneseyBanana]

This was the one that sprang to mind for me too. I like trivia, but not to the extent that I'll actively seek out videos of lists of facts. Mental floss is probably the only thing I can think of though, I love everything else!

[@A3roboy]

IWearARasberryBeret And Qi does that better anyway.

[@pinkmapviolin]

I agree as well, however when I do watch Mental Floss, I only watch it if John is doing the video, not a guest host. If they can find someone as captivating him, and perhaps change the topic to facts about certain current events rather than trivia, then that would be worthwhile and help John out.

[@rscjsc02]

I'm fairly certain that children are basically very efficient (albeit cute) biological weapons. Also thanks for sharing your existential crisis. I've been struggling with the same worries since I was in my early twenties (yep - my mid-life crisis came early because that's what anxiety does to me), and seeing you and Hank doing ALL.THE.AWESOME.THINGS would just make me think "huh, I'm fairly useless here - I mean, I do a bang up job of holding my recliner down and I don't kick puppies but still...useless". You guys are younger than I am and I figured if you already had everything figured out and I can barely figure out dinner then...*cue crisis complete with flailing arms*...so hearing that you experience some of the same angst makes me think that it's probably a normal part of being a thinking person who wants to be a productive world citizen and that maybe I should dial back on the flailing just a bit.

[@ragnkja]

I really hope the existential crisis was not your mid-life crisis, because you, being made of awesome, definitely deserve to live past your mid-forties. Also, don't worry too much about being normal. I tried for years, and all I got out of it was becoming depressed and burning myself out. Instead, be your awesome self and see where life leads you. DFTBA. =)

[@davescave7267]

John Green you are awesome and I am glad to be a part of this comment section. It has been a while since I have been able to tune into the channel as I am very busy studying to be an elementary school teacher. With that being said I would like to see more projects geared toward teaching young children

[@Nerdymilf90000]

Sometimes I watch a vlog brothers video or two and it helps me find my center again. I absolutely adore you guys despite the fact that many of your videos have made me cry. I can't articulate well enough how glad I am this community exists. Keep spreading the awesome!