Why Do I Still Make YouTube Videos?

[@mustardsfire22]

The flubbed lines being left in was really impactful.

[@MinurielLai]

+++

[@poeticsilence047]

I thought something was wrong with my phone.

[@blarghhonk]

While I quite enjoy the 4 minute videos, I now would like an unedited 40 minute vlogbrothers video

[@cosmospanguin6302]

+++

[@fictionalhuman]

+++

[@BoffoCaveman]

I "Liked" this video as soon as you said, "Also, I have enough enough money and once you have enough there's no reason to have more." I wish far more people felt this way.

[@KelsomaticPDX]

NOT feeling this way should be considered a disorder. I’m not kidding.

[@CompiledGabriel]

The thing is that "Enough" constantly changes. Sometimes in ways that make sense (If may have enough for you and your partner but if you decide to have children you will need more so the "enough" goal post just moved) and sometimes in ways that don't make too much sense (the term I have heard most for this is lifestyle creep which basically means that you start spending more money just because you are now making more money and not because there is a real need or want being fulfilled by the new money, it is just there so you use it). Some people also might have a different understanding of "enough" than you. You might be perfectly happy with owning a 1 bedroom apartment for yourself, a nice car, etc. Someone else might want to live in the suburbs in a house with a backyard because they always dreamt of having a garden and growing their own food. Person 2's lifestyle might be more expensive but it doesn't mean they are wasting their money or are greedily wanting more than is "enough". And if you have your own business that whole calculus gets out of whack REAL quick. My point being, it is extremely hard to know when it is "enough"

[@Msvalexvalex]

@@CompiledGabriel It can change over time, but at a certain point (you live where you'd like, have a family, and plenty of savings for your spouse and children to live comfortable lives if you pass away), it's enough. For me, enough is when I don't have to look at my bank account before spending on anything I need or want (I guess I'm a reasonable person) and no more debt. I could definitely have more, but if I save a couple of millions I don't see why I would need more.

[@reyson01]

But what is "owning money"? If you own a successful business and most of your wealth is in the ownership of that business, should you quit owning the company because you have enough, possibly risking your life's work go down the drain by your successor?

[@blarghblargh]

I wish I had enough money that I didn't have to work again, and could then work on what I want to work on. Because I'm not working on what I want to work on, and the things I want to work on cannot make money without it becoming a weird corrupting force on that work. Feels like a damn treadmill.

[@TheApple176]

You just have a very likeable face, I don’t know why I like you but I do.

[@gwynethjones3503]

He’s so genuine

[@irisschram]

++++

[@rachaeld.510]

+

[@nithyabandi601]

Me too!

[@anneking4849]

+

[@AlexAzureOtaku]

Thank you Green Parents for raising these men to be good people. And thank you Green brothers for raising us Internet kids to try and be better people too

[@mmerriman4995]

Yes!

[@Pingviinimursu]

I first thought you meant John and Hank by "Green Parents" since you know, they are both parents. And expected you to go on to make a point like "sometimes John and Hank feel a little like parents" or something, with all of their wisdom, humor and examples they share. Maybe parent is a bit of a strong word, but online uncles of (adult) children is a nice sentiment :)

[@MinurielLai]

++

[@bradnarraway9141]

John's here because we're here because he's here because we're here because he's here because we're here ♥

[@erinmac4750]

Well said! 🫶

[@FairMiles]

The circle of perpetual obligation

[@burnyizland]

Love this. We're stronger together.

[@bhangela]

yeah!! +

[@mariah9824]

Yes!!

[@Sirfing_Wolf]

“Being part of a mutually obligated web of humanity is good news” -A wise man 2024

[@talkingtiger]

+

[@Grrreeeeeeeeeeeew]

@@talkingtiger + ///...!!!!

[@msaudreylee]

+

[@mmekh2244]

8 years later and i still find the most comfort in John's voice. Thank you John.

[@hindsightdocumentary8351]

Hank's voice: Am I a joke to you? /s

[@MinurielLai]

Me too.

[@yeoldesam]

+

[@aaronsengupta567]

Me too.

[@twoleftsright]

John's voice is my favourite vlogbrothers voice. I love Hank, but I just find John's voice more soothing

[@hmm6176]

i really love this idea that obligation isn't always a bad thing. i've spent so much time feeling guilty when people are obligated to help me but i never feel bad when i am obligated to help someone i love in return. much to think about here, thank you john!

[@MinurielLai]

Oh wow, true, I never thought about it that way. Thanks!

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Well said!

[@hughcaldwell1034]

Yeah, I hate how "you don't owe anyone anything" got turned from a very specific boundary-setting idea for people with an appeasement problem to a hyper-individualist "f-ck you, got mine" thing.

[@marypats6418]

Yes! great way of looking at it!

[@agerardi125]

Oh wow, that's a really good point.

[@susanegley4149]

I am incredibly afraid. Filled with terror. Paralyzed with dread. This channel is the safest place I could think of. 😭

[@ZePopTart]

I also fled to here. :( apparently the last little island of sanity left

[@miraperegud1625]

Oh so we all went to vlogbrothers after checking the news? Nice

[@torihusen5099]

We'll be ok. We have each other! We have a strong community. We have weathered the storm before, and we can do it again."

[@susanegley4149]

@torihusen5099 💙

[@newmoonjlp]

You and Hank remind us that genuinely good, kind, compassionate people exist in the world. I hope you understand how important that is.

[@ZeKiwiOfTheNorth]

+

[@FallingAwake16]

Exactly! Vlog Brothers got me through a decade of mundane pay check to pay check work 😅

[@AndreaCrisp]

YES!! The brothers and this community give me so much hope.

[@eliska3714]

I’ve been watching vlogbrothers since I was 14. I’m 27 now and I think I’d be a bit worse person if I didn’t watch your videos. You’re like my cool uncles/friends who entertain me, but most importantly, who teach me about what it means to be a human (and an adult) and who show me life isn’t as scary and hopeless as it feels sometimes. I know I only see small bits of your life you choose to share with us, but I really like all those bits John, they comfort me.

[@chashahjohnson]

+++

[@erinmac4750]

Well said. I know my son's have been watching the Green brothers for this long, and I believe they've had a positive influence on them. It's a blessing to have genuinely good people like them in the world to offset the bad role models. As for me, I find John to especially relatable, and like you, his discussions comforting. 🍀✌️😎

[@1492irina]

Fun coincidence, but we're the same age and started watching vlogbrothers the same year!

[@eliska3714]

​@@1492irina I’m glad to hear that! It’s so weird how big of a part John and Hank play in my life, they are so important to me…

[@Silas_MN]

my numbers are a little bigger (18 and 32), but my story is very similar to yours

[@Nino-xp5df]

"Also, I have enough money and once you have enough, there's no reason to have more." I wish more people would recognize this and act accordingly.

[@lucflynn]

Enough is different for everyone. Plenty of people recognize this. But you're judging their enough

[@JimmyTheScientist]

What is the enough amount of money ? Not clear what that is :(

[@MrTStat]

"That's what Hanks channel is for" that what I said to myself yesterday lol

[@isacami25]

same

[@AndreaCrisp]

Except not everyone watches both. A lot do, but I’m guessing he didn’t want some people to miss out seeing it. I actually took John’s statement as some big brother teasing. I always love the subtle sibling stuff they throw in occasionally. And, of course, the overt sibling energy too! 😄

[@wolfxlover]

"Commit to the bit" was an excellent reason.

[@lourensjan]

The fact that you mentioned obligation to others isn't a negative per se and that you WANT to oblige is really wonderful in my view.

[@josher887]

Thank you for showing us behind the curtain 2:55

[@JosephTaber]

+++

[@tradutorajuliana]

That made me feel so much better about my videos 😂

[@Bluesmudge]

I love that smile and sly, loving, shade at the end, "once a week..." As if he's saying, "damn it hank, stay in your lane for both our sanity."

[@AndreaCrisp]

I enjoyed that sibling shade too!

[@thesirz3]

3:55 "Being part of a mutually obligated web of humanity is good news" might be the sentence that changes my entire outlook on life. I'll think about it.

[@yuricorrea2491]

Damn, the image quality. The crispness.

[@annikakolb6667]

Definitely a reason to keep making videos!

[@isaackvasager9957]

The clarity of the potato head is amazing.

[@MinurielLai]

Aw. Thank you for loving Nerdfighteria. We love you too. - a young adult who finds vital meaning and connection to humanity through this channel, especially in the circumstance of having no family

[@hughcaldwell1034]

I'll be a brother if you want.

[@Catstheater]

🫂 nerdfighteria family!

[@Yavanna16]

I can be a sister 🌸🙈

[@MinurielLai]

@@Yavanna16

[@MinurielLai]

@@Catstheater

[@ausican4ever]

My husband and I are slightly older and slightly younger than you, and have been following your journey slnce the peanut-butter-slathering days. I'm glad you are still here. It has been a joy to see the growth, challenges, life changes, joys, contributions, and trials you and Hank have faced, as we faced our own. You could say we have grown up together, and your strength and weakness have given us courage and hope as we struggle through our less visible but only slightly less crazy vagaries of life.

[@joshgoldenberg4398]

We love you too, John. Even when you make the choice to stop making Vlogbrothers videos. Whether its tomorrow or when you turn 97, we will still love you.

[@MinurielLai]

+++

[@saraknox1631]

I like you, John. I'm glad you exist. You make the world better, not solely because you are fighting tuberculosis, but simply by existing. Thank you.

[@BombOmbBuddy]

One day you will stop making videos, but you will never stop being a Nerdfighter, John. Also, PS, that's a really nice shirt!

[@brendonmueller]

that shirt is a strong 8

[@LucijaC24]

"Like - I NEED to write novels. I would write stories even if I'd knew nobody would read them. It's not just a hobby for me, it's an imperative part of being alive." As a published author - I felt that!

[@eivore5081]

As a flutist soon finished with their Bachelor I also felt that. I've been injured and unable to play, and it was so so hard not to be able to express myself through my instrument or feel the excitement, challenge and deep meaning I get from practicing (and playing music with others). It truly is a need.

[@LucijaC24]

@@eivore5081 so sorry, I hope you are properly healed now! Good luck with your bachelors recital when you have it! (presuming you have one?)

[@tealkerberus748]

There's the pinch. I write because I need to write, but I never feel the same drive to go back and edit, perfect, publish.. Once the story is out of my head and stored in text, the pressure is gone until the next story spawns.

[@eivore5081]

@@LucijaC24 thank you so much! It was a struggle to find people who could help me/figuring out what kind of help I needed. Turns out I needed many different things, from many different people. I started this process frustrated that I had to be the one finding the help, but now I am so grateful that I got to learn that kind of self love so early in life (early 20s). I'm still working on establishing healthy routines in my life and my flute practicing, but for the first time in almost five years I feel safe that I can safely and happily play the flute for the rest of my life. I'm so looking forward to my bachelor's recital in may, thank you for the well-wishes!

[@korivakvehiclesims3341]

@@tealkerberus748But but but, don’t you feel a crushing sense of obligation to your ideas to keep working on them until your imperfect writing at least passingly approaches the pure and beautiful idea that you first had?

[@ivaylanikolova8937]

I love how the content of the videos has evolved throughout the years but is just as entertaining as if we all grow simultaneously

[@rmdodsonbills]

I don't have any data to back this up, but I'm pretty sure one of the reasons humans group together is so that we can all grow together, i.e. help each other grow.

[@amystubby]

You and Hank bring us a lot of hope, John. Even in your low moments, the moments your life are difficult...we are reminded by you guys there are still good people in the world. Bless you both for that.

[@MinurielLai]

+

[@parkerbond9400]

I for one am grateful that John has a parasocial relationship with us and keeps making amazing videos.

[@Videoblogsdaily]

I really love the way you view community and obligation as something to aspire to. Just know you’ve raised an entire generation to carry on your values and who feel obligated to uphold them together.

[@mikeflaherty2066]

Thank you for continuing to be part of the mutually obligated web of humanity. #DFTBA

[@ivaleeh1058]

I’m glad you’re still posting videos because I often share vlogbrothers vids with my teenagers and they serve as jumping off points for discussions about social media, activism, community and life in general. So thank you!

[@derrickmarais]

It's a couple of hours since I first saw this video, and I can't help but think America and the World is going to need Nerdfighters and Nerdfighteria to be strong. Thinking of you from South Africa.

[@julia-o8f9h]

5:27 there’s this piece of sidewalk in my neighborhood with kinda old concrete that was probably repaired like, 15 years ago. It’s mossy now but the corner has DFTBA etched in when it was first poured. Every time I walk my dog, it reminds me of when I was a teenager and saw vlogbros harry potter song on my youtube suggestions and didn’t watch it until I finished the book because I was afraid of spoilers

[@MarinaFranzese-wp3os]

John, the amount of times you have taken the anxiety straight from my chest, or stopped my head from spiraling infinitely is incredible. You have helped me so much with my mental health, more than any therapist ever has. TATWD is a legitimate portrayal of my thoughts, and I am beyond great full to have found an amazing author and mentor such as yourself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for normalizing being a nerd, for embracing your mental health struggles, and for being a fellow LFC fan. You will always be my favorite author ❤ please keep making videos, for all of us and for your self!!!

[@Sable_ish]

I Frequently cry when i see people making good out of what they are given. And this is one of those situations. This community strives to make good in the world And that makes me feel a sense of pride that it brings me to tears

[@skylerwitherspoon]

aww hank has an A in vlogbrothers :')

[@twilighterification]

I need to watch this right now. The news is just awfully awful right now. You and Hank are lights in the dark. Thank you ❤

[@Alisir5]

Hearing your description, I would rather call it commitment than obligation

[@Queso-Dip]

2:40 Have you ever had a dream?

[@binnsieb2003]

That got me😂

[@MamaSassKathryn]

I just got home from voting!

[@requiembeeblebroxx]

🎉

[@kaitlynweaver781]

I needed good vibes today and I found them here

[@HealingInsideMyMind]

2:25 made me feel seen! Thank You John!

[@Varnito]

2:24 this was a beautiful moment. Thank you for sharing this.

[@GratsielaLily]

"I know nerdfighteria would be weaker if I stopped making videos" - Yes, please don't stop...unless it gets to a point where it no longer brings you any joy or has a negative effect of you, of course. But I hope that never happens. I feel so much comfort and joy in hearing you and Hank and you're suuuch an incredible inspiration to me- to simply be a better person and care more.

[@naniro1616]

The internet is changing quite rapidly and in my opinion not in a good direction. Your channel (s) are one if the few nostalgic safe havens for me. Your videos have been so impactful to me for over 10 years since I was a teen and I'm 31 now. For whatever reason you still make videos, thank you for doing so

[@nenalyzed]

Wow John, that bit around 2:55 was my whole KZbin carreer. I had to redo my takes over and over because I'm such a bad speaker but the end product was decent enough (but never good enough to actually feel proud about it). Thanks for that one. I'm glad you're still here. Vlogbrothers has been such a joy ever since I found you guys back in 2007. Nerdfighteria has a special place in my heart. Thanks for everything.

[@hannahborel6135]

Maybe im just sensitive because of the outcome of yesterday but this made me cry

[@smileitsalright7]

Just here post election sending support and thoughts to John and hank because oh man it's hard out here and I keep thinking about how nervous they've been too

[@megan5867]

I just found out the news of the election. The first place I came to for comfort is you and Hank. You guys remind me so much that there are people who can hold great power to do amazing things, and bring people together in kindness. The amazing hospital you guys have made a reality, the access to TB care, the knowledge you've made possible. That's why I keep coming back. Thank you, sincerely, for continuing on.

[@Shyyrn]

I’ve been subscribed to Vlogbrothers since around 2013. I haven’t watched you consistently in that time, but I’ve found that in moments of my life when I’m craving stability and comfort, I seem to gravitate back to your and Hank’s videos. Your content has improved and grown over time, but the core of it to me has always been a theme of curiosity, vulnerability, and especially kindness; with a good dose of nerd humor. You’ve stayed true to that for over 17 years, and that is a huge accomplishment, and it’s what makes you evergreen

[@LenaKomarova-md9ke]

The way you tell stories is amazing!

[@CalypsoTheJellyfish]

I think you still make videos because of how much you get back from Nerdfighteria. Not monetarily, but in empathy and as a force for good. You know that you have this large and amazing community behind you, and you make these videos to keep yourself in touch with them and to remind yourself that this force of awesome happened because 17 years ago, you wanted to get to know your brother better as an adult

[@thomasmacmullan]

1:07 thank you for pronouncing Smaug correctly

[@LincolnDWard]

I saw this right as it was bothering me that he pronounced it incorrectly. What is the truth!?

[@thomasmacmullan]

@ it’s pronounced “smog”. I will die on this hill

[@tarttooth6022]

Thanks for being a part of our lives, John.

[@rourarose]

After todays results I needed this video thank you

[@CrocusSeal]

I'm just impressed that you still have all your hair after all those years of hair tugging

[@graceisNERD]

I’m very grateful you’re both still here. I look forward to every video. I learn and also find comfort in this space. I’ve said it many time before, but growing up in Nerdfighteria made me a more thoughtful and curious person. It helped shaped me in profound, positive ways. Eventually, this space will end, but I’m so so grateful for what is has been and what it still is now.

[@afafjanjua]

I hope you never stop making KZbin videos. 😭❤️

[@AUnicorn666]

I agree but one day they will and I am working towards accepting that and appreciating nerdfighteria for what it is now

[@BettyFisher-gy4sk]

I've been subscribed to you for ages, keep it up!

[@mjf3810]

Thank you for continuing to make videos. I always feel better about myself and the world after hearing your eloquent words and perspectives. Thank you for doing good in the world!

[@feyetho9524]

Love the unedited "they hear you edited". So smart

[@Nino-xp5df]

+

[@AAAMANDA]

5:45? Did I miss something? Did the rules change?

[@Thisorganizedmother]

Yes :)

[@phazing9]

Yes, during Hank’s cancer treatment a vote was taken and it was decided to remove the time limits from vlogbrother videos (which I think has lead to some of their best work)

[@AAAMANDA]

@@phazing9 @Thisorganizedmother Ohhhh! I have some catching up to do! Lol. Thank you!

[@derrickmarais]

All I know is you still making KZbin videos makes the internet and the world a better place, and it makes me happy. Thank you.

[@CJ_McK]

We're here, because, you're here because we're here ... because we're here :)

[@penny3767]

I like you. A lot. I also like Hank. A lot. Thank you both for being voices of reason and good purpose. 🙂

[@btbesquire5]

John, this video reminds me of the end of my fave poem, by Robert Frost, "Stopping by Woods on a snowy evening". "But, i have promises to keep, and miles to go before i sleep, and miles to go before i sleep"

[@GaelyneGasson]

❤I have always loved that poem too. ❤

[@bethhollingshead8876]

FWIW, I like you, John (or at least, the person you present to us on here). Thanks for all you have done and continue to do in the world!

[@RARamsay]

the line before the sign off is the MOST older sibling line I've heard in a long time. There is so much good about this community, and the work you guys do, but I want to make sure you know your... being good siblings to each other is absolutely appreciated and a part of this channel from at least my perspective, though I would be surprised if I'm alone in that. I am very glad you guys have each other, and feel priviliged to be able to share some of your exchanges here.

[@MissingTiramisu]

Helping others is all the reason you need. It’s good work. I specifically love crash course and what it means to our children and some of us adults left behind by the school system.

[@proceduraldad2578]

Haha well I came here this morning because I just wanted to hear from either of you on a morning like this. IDK that I contribute much to nerdfighteria but the videos are useful in other ways. We'd miss you if you went.

[@CRBungalow]

Having also been on KZbin since 2005/2006 and a subscriber since around 2007/2008 i am glade you are still here.

[@kirstenmann8873]

And we Nerdfighters love you both! Keep doing the good work, please ❤

[@jexx7584]

Thank you, John! Nerdfighteria is my longest running group of belonging and it has positively impacted my life for a long time!

[@enycha22]

this is all very inspiring really, i love being a nerdfighter and support all that you do, but also john, your collar

[@hannahbirch7313]

I appreciate you. You’ve had a big influence on me. I’ve been watching your videos since I started watching KZbin in Middle School. I have massive respect for you and Hank and all the good you do.

[@DanielledeVreede]

I really like the idea of you, John! I also like the shirt😊

[@franticranter]

I never realised how impressive it is that you just speak with total fluidity in the video until you left in the blooper bit about it taking 40 mins rather than 4. I'm a spluttering conversational mess, I can never get my words out and I can never do it tolly smoothly with no discontinuities (as is the case with most conversation tbf, if you ever look at accurate transcripts of a real life conversation, they're a mess to read).

[@IlIlllIllIlIIIll]

That's right. That's what Hank's channel is for!

[@The2wanderers]

I really appreciate your understanding of the word "enough." Too many people don't seem to understand the concept.

[@S_Powers]

I need you guys to make a video now :⁠-⁠(

[@someshwarrao42]

John being confused by Hank switching up his upload schedule is the kind of brotherly banter we come here for.

[@hobbi31t]

Thank you for making a video today, John! Your perspective and voice helps a lot today.

[@zachhodgson4113]

I'm just glad you still do them

[@sam-the-moomin]

John, you can’t be posting stress inducing titles like that on the most stressful day of this year

[@LautnerLover4Eva1]

I am grateful that I have the unique experience of (in the history of humanity) being able to listen to and watch my favorite author’s (curated) stream of consciousness. It’s also helpful to see that you’re both human and struggle with the same issues like anxiety and OCD. I look forward to your videos. I’m so grateful you both choose to continue this channel. Thank you :)

[@ThePointlessReviews]

John, thank you for doing what you do. Your KZbin videos led me to your novels, your novels led me to The Anthropocene Reviewed, and The Anthropocene Reviewed led me to begin writing my own collection of essays, which has been a great source of personal joy for me. Your public persona might only be part of the whole that is you, but that part continues to inspire me, even after 12+ years of being a Nerdfighter. You, Hank and this channel are a light in a dark place, and I hope that that light keeps shining for as long as you both wish it to.

[@jend822]

Thank you John, and Hank and Nerdfighteria. ❤

[@thewisewhackjob]

We heared you perfectly edited today, John. We saw nothing else.

[@jennifercampbell2512]

John, I've been really busy lately. I switched states and jobs this summer, and I took a break from YT. But I am a nerdfighter c.2008, and I needed this video this week. The two brothers Green have been my 'internet older brothers' since Hank composed 'This isn't Hogwarts'. Thank you for continuing to help me process complex issues with clarity, kindness, and the goal of decreasing world suck. The magic of editing and making space as busy people for close connection in our digital age is my one of my favorite aspects of nerdfighteria. ❤

[@danil1103]

I like the feeling of being part of a community, of doing good even if it's just a little. So thanks John, glad we're all here

[@Starlysh]

Thank for still making these videos, John. I love seeing you guys. Also thanks for the TEA. It's really good y'all.

[@Ranzha_]

Early crew rise up!

[@klkmk7k4]

You still make KZbin videos because you’re awesome at it!!!

[@reamcg5065]

Used to watch crash course back around 2012. Randomly though about what happened to this channel two days ago, here I am Refreshing that you’re still doing your thing

[@kin5680]

You are an inspiration.

[@Nerdfighter21]

I've been in this community for a long time (arguably I'm the 21st person to join!), and with all the power granted to me by that longevity, I hereby grant Hank Green official extra credit.

[@Yavanna16]

John, you've brought me so much comfort through some very difficult times, you've brought mean sight of hope when I had been despairing for so long I had forgotten what it looked like on it’s own. I am not kidding, looking at your face and hearing your words has managed to defeat the extreme sort of disconnectedness and nihilism you feel when you are depressed at a few instances for me. When I get a glimpse of your thoughts and the person you are, it reminds me that it is our personal responsibility to cultivate in us the kind of sensibility that faces mortality and all its resulting cruelties with grace, and that to give hope and help to our fellow beings is one of our biggest imperatives of being alive. I got scared to learn that you might stop making videos at some point, but I am just telling myself that you would have left plenty of your thoughts and words for us, and I hope you find happiness and fulfillment in whatever you choose to do. All my love for you. ❤

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

I am so glad you're still posting, John! I've loved your videos for 17 years, Vlogbrothers and Nerdfighteria have always been a haven of comfort and familiarity for me. Thank you for being here ❤

[@silverXnoise]

Thanks fellas. You’re a force of positivity, and sorely needed just now. Your faces are also very pleasant.

[@rachaelconners6496]

I found vlogbrothers around high school in like, 2009. It's less silly now, and we're all a little older, but i think that's ok. I appreciate the work yall do to improve global healthcare. And the videos where you confront hopelessness are so meaningful. Thanks for doing what you do.