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second opinions wanted! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-03-05 01:30:30
Imported:
2026-06

Content

hi! thanks for being patient. hard at work on a bunch of stuff. just finished a video today, about to finish a script for another one. trying to stock up and get my eggs in one basket before i figure out the best way to get the penguin's memory video back up. which is why i'm looking for insights from those of you who caught the original version while it was up:

i received more comments than usual expressing that this video was harder to follow than my others, and i've been considering chopping out some of the more superfluous asides to assuage that (info about the guy who designed the caloriemate box, the fraudster who got stabbed, etc).

i also got comments expressing the opposite, that all the asides are part of the appeal. anything i'd cut i'd put on my second channel or patreon, but that lowers their accessibility to those who don't know where to look.

ive been weighing both perspectives for weeks and weeks, but i'm just not sure what to prioritize for a second pass at this video. what are your thoughts?

Comments

Asher Levy

Love the side tangents. That’s what made me first stick with your channel

AStupidID

I always think the asides in your videos are part of the appeal. I always learn so much from them and always think they're part of your charm.

Jacob Grove

I love the asides personally

ashpotat

personally i always really enjoy the asides in your videos, i really do think its part of the charm of them

Hannah Gable

I really enjoyed the video the way it was originally. I thought the extra bits were interesting and added to it!

Jeremy

Genuinely your videos are unmatched when you’re a lil drunk and a lil high please keep all the tangents in

Sara :3

I think a more concise video on the main channel would be good for the algorithm and all that. With a longer form video with all the tangents on a second channel or as a patreon reward could work.

FAT boyz PRODUCTIONS

I think the side quests you go in is half ur charm I have found topics that I have went into more research because of those and found topics that I’m really interested in because of it

Harley Thompson

unhelpful opinion as someone who missed the original posting, but I adore all the asides in your videos. they add a more personal, conversational tone that i love

Noah Eblin

I think keep them! Even if I don’t know what you’re talking about I like to hear them anyways

Kylie

I like the tangents

cowlizardfrogdogbird

Love the asides but if you think it might better for the algorithm you could release both cuts.

Lo

Part of why I enjoy your videos are those fun informational asides, but I also didn’t watch the OG vid. I say keep them in! Also as an aside, I am excited to watch more of your work again, my partner and I have really enjoyed the most recent work you’ve put out. You are one of my favorite creators!!!! Just wanted to give you your flowers 💐

Mags Crowley

i like your side tangents but if you feel as if it detracts from the video id put it on the side channel and say "ill talk more about it here"

DaphneBlue

This is probably the least helpful thing in the world, but I’m really glad I saw it while it was up originally. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think the edits should only be what’s absolutely necessary to get it back up. Leave it as untouched as you can. Thanks for your time.

Doof

Personally, I like the asides. I think the little “extras” are part of the appeal because, frankly, I love the amount of research and work you put into your videos. It’s cool to see someone so deep in the sauce because I wouldn’t know about a lot of the minutiae of these things if you didn’t bring it up. I’ll support you for whatever you end up doing, but I personally love the asides.

Rhys Powell

For me, I always like your videos as a jumping off point for a meandering discussion on influences and cultural context. Those seemingly superfluous asides that ultimately tie into the core work are some of my favourite parts and I’d be sad to see them cut to make a more “focused” video

Elias Rosner

I love the asides too but if you find that cutting some of them and moving them makes the video flow better, that's where my vote is. I only caught, like, 20 min of the original so I can't weight in more than that

Chloe B.

the asides are definitely a huge draw for me! More focused scripts like the one for Tenchi (my most favorite to rewatch) are fun, but the script about weird tokusatsu girls is all over the place AND i love it to bits and pieces because of that.

bewill243

i think the asides are wonderful and your videos are the kind that i'll watch a ton of times while doing other stuff, so it's okay for them to be a bit hard to follow for me at least

Kristina Mason

I thought the video was fine and quite informative. It was also fun to hear about the songs used in the penguin movie.

Josue Rodriguez

Personally I enjoyed the video as it was ! It was interesting and part of the charm has always been the tangents !

Chase Koeneke

Not only do I like the asides, I think they're part of your house style. These enthusiastic flights of fancy are fun and really add to the whole picture of your videos. I feel like something would be lost by sticking closely only to the topic at hand. So I vote for keeping them.

Xavier

I very much enjoy the asides.

Michael Gibbons

It's hard to remember but I think it was fine with the extra tangents. They really bring out the feral energy I enjoy in your videos.

I Feel wEiRd
>>166736525

i agree with this a lot lol, I didn’t see the video, but i like when you talk about a random side tangent or a personal story relating to the video in your voice overs.

Chanandler Bong

I think the video would lose a lot of its personality if you took out those bits, but I also didn't find it hard to follow.

Nick Getka

I didn't find it hard to follow the video. I did notice there where more asides than usual but that was the appeal of the video, ie the seemingly endless complexity of this silly penguin movie! I could see where less attentive viewers could get confused if they stopped paying attention for a bit and suddenly a new topic is being covered, but the video just being about the penguins I think would have less overall appeal to me.

eldabys

i think the asides are wonderful. your videos are like a winding forest trail. i just hope new people will feel similar.

Ratti Spietati

Think the asides work fine as they are, but understand the intent of possibly cutting them and posting them elsewhere. If you did do that, maybe add a short push for them at the end of the video?

Ryland Austin

The asides and tangents are some of the best parts of your videos! I would love to know about who designed the Caloriemate box even if it had nothing to do with the rest of the video

Wayne Harper

I kinda feel like the asides and tangents were part of what made it fun. Just a huge assortment of chibi penguin mascots and their little connections. Kind of a hard question to answer because the lack of response was such a surprise to me. I thought it was really fun and enjoyable

lola braun

honestly, i think it's fine to put an extended cut up on patreon, maybe let people know in the intro so they know to seek it out. personally, i love your tangents. i think something you're great at is talking about the things around the subject matter rather than just doing a very literal deep dive. good luck!

Mavish

It feels more natural for you to mention asides you find interesting than otherwise. In fact, I find it especially valuable because it provides eclectic insight, which is on brand for your videos and very inspiring to me personally. Your individual perspective is golden and I think you should just go with the flow :]

Victor Hunter

Loved it the way it was; tons of info and as full of your charm/style as always.

Dawn

I feel like you're probably going to get a pretty biased response asking here, because most of the folks who pay for your content will probably be happy to hear anything you say, no matter how tangentially related. That being said, I personally feel you have a comfy, cozy voice, and enjoy the longer, more rambling style as it makes your videos cozier to watch in longer spells.

VSmilodon

personally i adore the asides, they add an extra depth to the video

Kylee

i enjoyed the video in full as it was! the asides were part of what made it enjoyable for me. i feel like having chapters on youtube should be enough, if someone really doesnt connect with a tangent.

Onslaught Six

I loved the video as it was. I never have problems "following" a video, I don't even know what that means?? If I didn't understand something, a pause and rewind button exists. And videos like this, I am going to watch multiple times over the course of my life and future. The more stuff in there to unpack, the better.

Jack Frazee

I watched the original upload, I don't recall having any issue, I enjoyed it.

G. Remlin

I feel that your unique, aside-laden style is both novel and worth preserving.

Jason Unterreiner

I am pro tangent. I like the journey. I saw the video while it was up and I didn't have any trouble following it.

SpyKids3D

At this point I'd recommend putting out the version of the video that feels right to you. The adsense is ruined anyway. Asides are a constant element of your videos. Maybe a way to compromise would be to put main topic sections together and the same with asides so it feels like the main topic is getting interrupted less often? Just spitballing.

burymewithmygamecube

I personally think that the nature of the video encompassed a lot of things besides penguins memory itself, and so the asides felt pretty natural to it! I would say it's one of your more...non-linear videos? But i definitely don't mean that as a bad thing, quite the opposite. Follow your gut but personally didn't find it hard to follow :3

bidoofis

getting lost in the proverbial sauce is part of the appeal for me, but also i get that it'd be more accessible with the video trimmed. if the cut stuff is gonna end up on the second channel then i don't see the harm.

Justis Biggart

I really appreciated the asides, they're fun and I think the flow felt good as it was.

Dillon

I love the superfluous tangents! Although for performance purposes and whatnot it’s totally understandable to remove them! The few people who care enough to seek it out will surely already know about your second channel and/or Patreon, so I wouldn’t worry about accessibility!

Del

I thought the asides to the video worked well in its favor, kind of like more extended footnotes to a deeper textual vibe. In the case of this video at least in my watch it seemed that overall there was a heavier emphasis on contextualization of the film itself than on a summary of the narrative. I thought you nailed those two elements well but I'm also used to reading asides and footnotes in research work.

Aerin

I really enjoyed the original, tangents and all

Simon Lilburn

I really enjoyed the tangents. for me they are part of the journey.

quinn

always like the branching off parts of videos

Toon Spies

If you were to break off those smaller tidbits and put them on your second channel i don't think they'd be harder to access for your main youtube audience. If you mentioned that you posted a video there we would go and check it out. That being said I enjoy the extra bits alot they never really feel like they go too far off of your main video topics

Charpixie

the sides helped me keep my attention on it through it. my mind tends to wander without a bit of chaos.

Tantalized Funyuns

it's been so long I genuinely don't remember. I feel like longer time hazel viewers probably find the tangents to be part of the appeal but I can see how anyone else might find it distracting or out of place.

Saoirse

I really liked it as it was, I think it was probably my favourite video you’ve done in a while, the asides gave it a real richness. I’m a real nerd for these kinds of stories though, and those kinda trainspotters facts are what I live for lmao. I thought the original issue was it not performing well because beer and cute children’s cartoons aren’t YouTube friendly or whatever. Which is a bummer. Releasing a longer version on archive or your second channel sounds like a good idea tho may as well try something different, especially if the original js still out there. Really looking forward to seeing what else you’ve been cooking up too!

Ian Phillips

I got into your channel for the fun asides, so I'm all about that. Your tangents, even at their most tangential, give me info I'd never get from any other channel. Plus that ADHD got my train of thought movin like Inland Empire, so a bit of disjointedness makes more sense to me.

Seana Davis

Obviously I'm biased as most patreon members are, and perhaps a shorter, more focused video, may play better for general audiences, but for me, your tangents are part of the appeal of your videos, and personally I'd prefer the video to be reuploaded as it was. However, saying that, I can understand if you choose to cut it down for your own preferences, or to see if that helps with reaching a wider audience, especially if you will be uploading those asides to the second channel.

Shilverow

Personally I like the asides but if you wanted to cut them out I would say that making the cut down version public and putting out a version with the asides for patreon would be the best option

iluvTacoTuesday

The side tangents are the best! Would it really be a hazel vid without them?

Helms

Personally the video as it stood was one of my favorite's you've ever done. The tangents you explore are part od what i appreciate about your videos most

Anervaria

I love the asides but I understand general audiences probably don’t care, I think maybe the play is to have a second channel video accompanying it with the asides and then mentioning that video at the end of the main channel video

Potion Yeller

I feel like the Penguin's memory video and other videos like it (the eiken video) are really good at making those long tangents are some of the most memorable bits and are really what sticks in my wikipedia rotted brain full of weird connections.

Xavier Araujo

I like the tangents but I will admit from what little I was able see of the video before ir was taken down, it sometimes felt confusing and hard to follow. I’d say shorten it and add the extra bits on a second channel

CynicalCrow

I enjoyed the tangents quite a bit. It gave the video a nice, leisurely vibe. Also, it finally got me to actually try a Caloriemate, something I've been curious about for years! I liked it! Thanks!

violet aisling

personally, i think the tangents are always the most fun parts of a video. this was especially true in the case of the penguin's memory video, which was full of really delightful & unexpected twists and turns. i can see how it might be harder to follow for some, since i think a lot of people just kinda pop video essays on in the background while doing other stuff - but personally, i didn't have any issue following you

Zachary Shea

Long time viewer, first time caller. Also someone who does does the writing thing myself, but not for any medium like YouTube so grains of salt obviously. I liked the video, and people here seem to agree BUT we are obviously the part of your audience most in tune with what you got going on. I can’t see the full scope of feedback you got so maybe it’s super compelling, but I tend to find feedback form laypeople, like feedback from fans, is only so useful. I dunno, my thinking is if you’ve shown it to a peer and gotten their feedback and still are feeling unsure, then make the edited version, see if it’s working and then maybe post the original as a “directors cut” on the second channel after a week or two as a way to double dip? And know when to be like my friend (another writer) and say “Thank you for the note but you’re wrong.”

Dan Doyle

I thought it was perfect, watched the whole thing and learned the backstory of the suntory ashtray I keep 100yen in for my candy cabinet that I bought because I thought the penguin was cute ;)

Ichor

I'm a bit surprised reading that people found it hard to follow, I thought it was fairly clear and straightforward... We don't exactly live in a perfect world so any topic about the history of anything is going to have these kind of asides and tangents, imo, especially in a yt video format. It's not a lecture hall, so I kind of expect that the creator will talk about things they discovered that they thought were of interest, whether it's "directly relevant" or not. Maybe a happy in-between would be using yts chapter system to mark where these bits are so people bothered by it can easily skip to the next section, while those who don't mind can keep the video playing.

etc etc

Asides don't bother me on a video like this!

profHoyden

While I didn't see the actual video, I do love the tangents you've gone on in past videos.

Danny 🌙

I love the style of your vids and the tangents. It gives me more to sink my teeth into, all the better if I get to rewatch a couple of times.

Midnight Wanderer

I am entirely of the opinion that your tangents are my favorite part of your videos. I love hearing creators talk about random shit they love or find interesting, and your content in particular is fantastic at that. I'll admit the Penguins Memory video was a bit heavy on random asides, but I still think it's part of the appeal of your content. At the end of the day, it's up to you, but I'll gladly take the video as is.

Patrick Thomas

Please keep the tangents! Also would love more physical music releases T_T

Riley-Alice Sycamore

The more tangents, the better!! A lotta the appeal of your content is that passionate hyperfixation type rants!!

Noah Degrange

Why did you put them there in the first place? If you can answer that question to your satisfaction and justify their inclusion, keep them. If you can't, remove them.

Bearplane

I liked the tangents a lot! As others have noted patrons may be biased in that direction though 😅

MoxBagel

I love a tangent but am cool either way. Thanks for your transparency!

Cullen Black

Definitely think the tangents and asides are part of the appeal, adds to the feeling that these are going down a rabbit hole of sorts!

Toa

I personally love the asides

greengage

I didn't manage to see the whole video before it got taken down (so grain of salt, I suppose) but from the half that I watched it didn't strike me as notably difficult to follow. Like other folks are saying, I like the tangents and don't see a reason to remove them.

Nominis300

Definitely never felt bloated or hard to follow! Although, I’m biased as the side tangents and such are typically what I’m along for in the first place d(•u•d)

oli_d

for me, the tangents are the secret sauce. i feel like thats where your creative voice really shines and It wasn't too hard for me to follow at all. If I was the kind of person curious enough to click on this video, id also be curious enough to go down all these other rabbitholes with you.

Spoodlegoop

So I started the video but didn’t get to finish it before it got taken down, and while I will say that I kind of lost the plot through the video because of all of the asides, I wasn’t really all that upset about it. Like, the appeal of your videos is listening to you yap about this stuff and finding out a bunch of random shit along the way. So, speaking solely for myself, I like the video as-is and don’t think it needs to be changed. Maybe the ideal solution is to make an abridged version and just release both?

SolidJon

I liked the tangents

unemployedwizard13

i dont think the video needs chopping, it was easy to follow for me personally and enjoyable :)) but if you end up going with the upload to the second channel option, you should perhaps have a segment in the video where you say 'hey there are extra content for this vid, check it out on hzl!' and have a link in the description?

Caleb

To each their own. I'm one that likes the tangents. Maybe you could make separate videos that include and exclude those parts, depending on how many there are.

A Scruff McGruffin

I absolutely loved it as-is. I watched it with my roommate and it got us in such a mood to drink beer and watch old Japanese commercials. It was a great night!

niceday2you

your videos always tend to feel like discord calls with my friends, and tangents are always a part of those. so I think they add a lot. It didn't take me out of the video when I watched it while it was live anyway.

Blackgold185

The asides are very nice to me as usually it provides some wider context on the topic like other things of the time people would have compared it to. The weird sentais video did this very well I think

Adrian C

Even if 50% like it as is, if another 50% found it confusing/hard to follow then it needs to be changed. A video should be accessible to all watching it, no matter the topic of discussion.

Capybara

I loved what I saw of the video before it got taken down. Definitely keep the asides even. Add more even. Those are some of my favorite parts of your videos!

Jordan Dotson

I'm here for the asides

pappa zyn

i do sometimes find myself in the middle of a tangent wondering what dose any of this has to do with the title of the video but its still interesting enough to keep my attention the only thing i would change would be to maybe intersperse more penguin stuff in the tangents

Chelle Ryan

The video was great! I don't think it needs any changes

Rex

I think that you’ve already worked and stressed about the Penguin video that you release it as it is and maybe try experimenting with the amounts of tangents in later videos? I personally dont mind them, but If you think itll be helpful to make an active change then do it!

SegaMan

I personally like the tangents. Even if they go off topic sometimes, they're usually interesting and provide context for the subject you're discussing. I would say keep them in, especially where they've become such a staple.

Stunmuffin

The asides you do cut could have a place on Patreon, and you could advertise them in the video you upload to YouTube. “Want to know about the guy who designed the caloriemate box, or the fraudster who got stabbed? Head on over to Patreon for exclusive scenes cut from this video.” Best of both worlds, keep everyone happy!

Queen Bee

please leave it all in. i personally didn't have any trouble following the video, but even if i did i'd still think all the asides and extra thoughts are an integral part of the video's structure and style

Vaikus

I don't find the tangents hard to follow in your other videos I think it's just an effect of penguin memory itself

j

I'm a fan of the sides!

Mona

i loved the tangents in the video, they were very fun to watch through

Alex Winrow

nono I think all of the asides actually HELPED me follow the video or otherwise stay focused? It felt like every time the video had spent a chunk of time focusing on the movie we were suddenly jabbed with a shot of adrenalin as you went on a tangent - had me double talking and going "hold on, what??" (in a good way)

Kyle J Javelli

While I think your asides are part of the fun, I do agree that the Penguin video was less focused. People are good at identifying problems, not solutions. That being said I do think my favorite videos of yours tied more strongly to a thesis with the rabbit hole and tangents often just being a hook or a framing device that support a message. Eikens asides were all leading to a very strong discussion of camp art and censorship for example. Even your more list heavy videos all feel very grounded to something, whether it be understanding why you categorized them in the first place or just tying it more and more to yourself and what it means to you. I don't know if I knew what the penguin video was *about* beyond "here is a weird thing and here is what happens". I still liked it, I still think it was good! The response was more likely algorithmic than any actual difference in quality. But I think even your silliest videos speak to something more deeply, that's what I love about your writing. Best of luck. I love your work and I'm excited to see you do more. I do hope this was insightful and taken in good faith.

Sewing Savage

It was a small bit harder to follow then other videos, but I think all the info was interesting and presented in an entertaining way. So I say keep it!

Min-Min Mancha

I don't mind when a video strays from the original topic especially if it's for context purposes. But I definitely agree with recent videos it's a lot harder to follow and I find myself questioning what the original videos intent was. I think it should be taken into consideration how important other topics are in relation to the topic at hand during script writing but I still enjoy the occasional run off. I'm sure you can find a balance :)

Lesser Capybara

I love tangents and additional context that supplements the main topic of a video, personally. I don't recall how many there were or how long, but for the longer tangents, perhaps video chapters could help people skip over those if they want? Not sure how that would go but it's a thought.

Milton

I'm in favor of the tangents.

Dane C

By the middle / end of the video I had a good grasp on the topic and what the focus of the video was, but for the first 10-15 minutes I did find it a bit tough to follow (although still interesting!) I think if average viewers (unlike patreon fans) were not committed to watching the whole video and just seeing if it peaked their interest, you may lose them within those first 15. I loved the asides and rollercoaster topic linkings! But could be tough for the noncommitted :-)

theghostcreator

Honestly I find such an in depth exploration with a buncha tangents that are related to the topic to be part of a lot of your videos appeal Just breaking up the chapters and maybe marking some as tangents would do the trick I think

robypal

Please leave the tangents in, I live for them!!

chronicDreamer

I love your asides please don't chop anything out! Grrrr, but I understand flow is important especially for anyone not a part of the community stumbling across the video. I am unfamiliar with how hard this would be, so feel free to ignore the suggestion, but would it be viable to put an edited down edition on YouTube and made a creator complete version for Patreon? I've seen this done before but I'm sure that complicates editing.

Lukeshef

I absolutely love the rabbit holes you go down in videos, but it does sometimes feel that there is more of a narrative throughline in some videos more than others. Elfen Lied is my favorite video you ever did and while there are tons of fun tangents there, it always feels likes its going somewhere as a whole. Other videos, like your flcl one (which I still enjoyed watching btw) felt less like a video with a point and more like a bunch of little anecdotes taped together.

turbolimit

I think all the other comments here are in good faith, and I agree. The length, depth, authenticity, and occasional deviation from the main topic are all part of what make me drawn to a Hazel video. I like sitting back and getting absorbed and immersed in the analog warmth and soothing tones. I acknowledge that was weird of me to say but you asked for an honest opinion haha

Rininja

I love your tangents, they are some of the most interesting and engaging parts of your videos.

Melissa

I didn't get a chance to watch the video before it was taken down (was saving til after the busy holidays) but I've found as long as the tangents have something to do with the main topic (like the Miami Mike tangent did in the first VHS anime video) it keeps me engaged.

Kory

im firmly in the second camp, i think it was perfect as originally released--in fact, I think this is one of the first videos of yours I watched all the way through in one sitting. I was enraptured!

licethelouse

I like the tangents because Im the type to return to the same videos over and over, (either as background noise or to sit down and watch em proper) and your videos are the best in the business for that because every time i come back theres something new in there that i didnt catch the first time. its truly lovely and your very good at narrating. I think everyone has a style of narrative thats easier for their brain to follow and the way you make your videos does it just dandy for me. sorry if that doesnt make any sense lol

Michaela ZC

I really enjoyed the asides personally

Toby Ray Serrano

I love the asides, like others said, I rewatch/listen to your videos all the time and love noticing stuff I missed!

Tangelo

I was only able to watch a little bit before it was taken down, but your asides in general are part of what I love about your videos!

Shinden9

Honestly I love your asides it's like a little adventure. Talking with friends in Japan and bringing up stuff I learned from you it's so funny seeing younger people go "huh?" And then older people are like "Yeah! But how did you know that??"

Brent T

Listen. You're at a developmental crossroads right now. Choose one of two paths: MGS 1-3 Kojima, whose wildest ideas were deemed weird by his co-developers and were stricken from the games. Or MGS4-Death Stranding games Kojima, where he's been able to go buckwild and just do whatever he wants? Choose which Kojima you want to be 🙏

Trevor Young

Business POV advice: Of course, myself and everyone who subscribes to your Patreon love the asides and tangents. That's why we come here to give extra support and get extra content. But if you're trying to appeal to a wider audience of YouTube normies, I would indeed recommend streamlining the video. Viewer attention spans are pretty limited, especially for people who may be coming to your channel fresh and don't know your style yet. Compile the asides into a bonus video for your Patreon fans!

afro the kobold

personally I like the asides and tangents, helps show that stuff like this don't really exist in a bubble without going too far outside the main topic. I can't remember the OG video too much (only watched once before it was taken down) but IIRC it didn't feel too outside the norm for one of your videos. A bit of a restructure/rearrange might help newer viewers keep track of what's going on, but i hope not too much gets cut since that would also kinda louse the ""flavor"" of the video.

intruder6969

I love the asides but i would understand if maybe they disrupt the flow or maybe bad for the algo? Compromise might be to put them separately here on the patreon for those who want them or on another channel?

Nathaniel Kurtz

I left a comment and then deleted it. It wasn’t helpful, sorry. My official answer is that I love asides. I think they hit! They don’t confuse me, if anything they just make me engage more. It feels nourishing for me brain and I appreciate them a lot :)

Steve Ray

Who's complaining at you, the Thought Police?

Shane

I'm pro-streamlining. I come at it like this: your videos in themselves feature niche topics, and the audience you attract stays because of, or in spite of that. The level of detail becomes tedious when you're not talking about the topic. Sometimes you're not even talking about something *tangentially* related to the topic. I compare the last 3 or so of your videos against what I consider your best work: Elfen Leid vid, your cozy RPG's vid or your Sonic is beautiful vid; these videos are similar to you current stuff in that these have, respectively, 1- a long run time 2- you present a lot of disparate info together in one video 3- they are about a niche subject matter You've proven you can make all of these attributes appealing, and what speaks to me about your work is your emotional relatability. You research these topics because they mean something to you and you think that meaning is valuable enough to share. And, most of the time, you're right! I suspect as you gathered a larger audience overtime there was the temptation to be more indulgent with sharing trivia that speak to you as an amateur film maker- but I ask you, do you think most of that stuff will appeal to us? If so, why? Or, why not? Imagine yourself as a viewer and then see how your curiosity is strained when the video you thought was gonna talk about Penguin's Memory starts talking about what the likely flavor of calorie mate in MGS Delta will be. That kinda thing belongs on a 5 second Instagram story, not the video you killed yourself making over hundreds of hours girl, lol. Much love 🖖

Nordalah Finn

Fuck streamlining. Your asides and distractions are part of the DNA of your work. It is part of what drew me in, for sure. It's part of an indulgent, almost decadent experience that comes with watching your videos. They are indulgent video topics anyway.. lean into what's natural

101001101

I never got to watch the OG video, so I say I wanna see it.

Dree

The tangents are the best part. That calorie mate shit was genius.

Shane
>>166740687

I don't agree with Adrian's point about accessibility, but I do think considering what Hazel has said about her art previously. In her recent interview she says that she likes to make music that people laugh at befuddlement. Aestheticly I know what she's talking about, but that's music and this is prose writing. As far as artistic intention, I would guess she has different goals in different mediums. After all, when you finish reading an essay aloud to audience, do you want them to be laughing in befuddlement?

RECCANTI

Yeah, I really like the asides. I like hearing about the weird niches and rabbit holes and often times it inspires me to look into things I wouldn’t normally think to do.

RECCANTI
>>166751562

Understand if you want to streamline the videos though. That might be more helpful if you’re trying to get a wider audience and hook into the algorithm a little better. Idk, I’m not an expert on how YouTube works.

ProfessorDetective

I have no complaint with the video, I loved it the way you had it. The asides and digressions re some of my favorite parts of your videos and would hate to see them go.

Alan Champion

I liked it how it was, but think it might be more digestible for a more standard audience streamlined. Maybe mention the tangents in the video to direct people to the second video linked in the description so folks know that there is a second video with details including a fraudster who got stabbed. I know that would make me watch both.

Worminthewoods

Streamlining for general audience, and bumping some of the extra bits to the second channel for the Real Heads isn't a bad idea, though it's probably the most work.

mercedes

the tangentiality of your work is not “why i come here” but it is a core distinctive part of your style, and i think your videos including them is both fun + cool and a way of showing your work that involves the viewer in your thought process (which *is* why i come here). keep it intact imo!

-

My personal opinion is if you are talking of conjecture or speculation, remove it. Unless you are an authority in the subject, it doesn't add anything to the video. I would also remove anything that isn't well sourced and is conjecture of others. But when it's appropriate, I do love your long, meandering videos. Your opinion and feelings are what matter to me.

KrasserBub

Id say keep the original cut and keep the critiques in mind for your next vid

CureWindy

personally this video was one of my favorites of yours, period, including the tangents and asides. i really enjoyed that this video covered its subject matter in such depth *and* breadth, if that makes sense, i found it highly immersive and entertaining as-is. the people pointing out that we as patreon subscribers are more likely to be invested in the minutiae than youtube randos aren't wrong though lol; my personal preference is definitely to keep all of that in, but putting all of that stuff in a second video seems like a more than fair compromise if you feel that you're losing viewers over it.

Kenzume

Honestly, the asides are one of the main reasons I am able to follow your videos and find them so enjoyable. I know its personal, but it speaks to me in a way that really sticks with me. It is very much you and is mad appealing.

e i

I would focus on your analytics rather than your comments. if you have 10 likes but 1 negative comment, should you really be paying attention to the comment? negative comments are loud but numbers are facts. personally, when i watch your videos i'm more interested in hearing you passionately nerd out about things i've never heard of and had no idea i would find them fascinating too.

Shmoog

I love long, windy video essays, and often find a lot of value in the asides the writer felt strongly enough about to record. This was true of the original video, which I saw and loved, and have even checked a couple times to see if it had been reuploaded yet. I don't know what you should do to appease an audience or analytics, but I personally love to hear about the little threads on the edge of the main subject, often branching into things I am interested in or would like to learn more about. I hope you keep including them!

Geno7

If you cut the monkees im unsubbing

benniboy

personally i love the asides in videos, it realistically recreates the experience of actually trying to do research for stuff lol.

KurisuVanEdge

I‘m a big fan of the asides, and it’s pretty much what I’m watching your videos for. In fact, the reason I only ever watched the original penguin videos intro was that I haven’t seen the movie yet, and I didn’t want it spoiled. I would rather see you cut the recap than the tangents lol

Aqua from Neopets

if this video asks me to confront even one single thought that isn't singularly focused on the central topic of beer penguin my brain will explode like a prince rupert's drop

Michael Harris

I think the asides rule. They really make your voice come through. I will say that, from my recollection, the video kind of just ended. I know stating the theme isn't your style, but just a button or a strong final joke tying it together could be beneficial for those who had trouble with the initial upload. Whatever you do, know that we dig your stuff, and are here to support while you figure it all out. You're a unique and refreshing talent in the space, and I hope things shake your way.

Melonenstrauch

the unexpected deviations into little details is one of the things I love most about your channel, it adds so much character!

isaac

I'm kind of on the fence. to me, the asides and tangents give your videos a personal feel and I enjoy listening to infodumps that includes all of the little trails I might end up going down myself if I were researching the same topic ...but, I can understand why other people might be confused or not appreciate it. it's fair to feel frustrated when the video topic takes a detour too far from its core subject matter, especially in a video that's over an hour and a half long. I think the asides are interesting and valuable in their own right, but it does seem reasonable to limit the time spent on them, or move some of them to a bonus segment at the end or in a separate video (that said, I can't remember exactly how much of the video *was* dedicated to extraneous info lol) whatever you decide, I look forward to the vid going back up!

Grogpole

I would love it if you kept the tangents in! It really adds to the feel of all your videos and shows the enthusiasm and passion that went into all the research you did.

Onslaught Six
>>166750607

I have the complete opposite opinion of this person. I literally don't care what a hazel video is about: I'm watchin' it.

Onslaught Six
>>166745220

I think a big reason the video didnt perform well is exactly what you said. A lot of people were busy and waiting for after the holidays to watch it.

Booger

the video was perfect anyone that says otherwise has skill issue

Idun Jansson

I think it was great the way it was!

Steve Ray
>>166754748

Since this comment is full of unsourced conjecture, #ReductioAdAbsurdum!

Steve Ray
>>166750607

Pffft! The original comment is poisonous gaslighting, stuffed to the brim with auto-suggestion prompts designed to make you second-guess yourself like a dysmorphia girl doing her makeup in a funhouse mirror. "Do you think...?" "Imagine yourself..." "Most of the time..." "Why or why not?..." ...those are the sounds of the emotional burglar trying doors and windows into your soul as they pretend to idly stroll.

Liz Aster

I think the video was perfect as it was. Just enough asides and tangents to help make the video feel expansive, but not so many to make it feel unfocused. It also felt a lot more personal that way, like I was getting your unique and personal perspective on the topic, along with other things you found interesting. Any other person would have brought their own different and unique flair, but out of them all, I like your approach the most! <3

FUTR

I really liked the tangents and asides. Also on your other videos. The Eiken video is a personal favorite on that front.

Laurent DS

i didn't have the time to finish the video but to me it was a really strong one, the side anecdotes contributed to the story being told. for me it was more paletable than the VHS anime video (which was also good). Like the anecdotes in the penguin vid was good bc it paints a historical context of that time

Eric Z Goodnight

While I do remember it being a little harder to follow than some other videos (I only got to watch about half of it), the meandering journey is much of the point of what I personally get from your videos. I think Youtube bullies creators into thinking they need to keep making their most performant video again. I just want to see you make your weird shit. I don't think "clear narrative" and "lacks asides" are mutually exclusive, but if I was forced into a choice I would prefer a self-indulgent Hazel.

Screamo Snufkin

I mean this with no brownnosing, it was probably my favorite video of yours, I just liked everything about it, it felt like a culmination of all of your writing/editing/researching evolution and skill from throughout the years. Sure, I remember thinking the first half was stronger, but the asides are part of what makes a Hazel video in my eyes. I think the biggest draw of your videos to your audience is your passion shining through, and if you skim down the tangents, it will feel more like Hazel's Ted Talk and less like a conversation with Hazel, which to me just means less Hazel. I know this comment puts less emphasis on the subject-matter of the Penguins at play and more emphasis on the Hazel at play; but part of what makes your topics so fun for me is hearing about them from the personality of someone who gives a shit about them. I come for the rambling; it reminds me of my best friends.

Arthur Besson

I didn't even remember there were that much tangents before reading your posts, which means, I guess, that this is (to me) part of your style, of your videos' appeal. My viewer experience is that I know some stuff about anime but my knowledge is not that deep, so I love to be blasted with pieces of information that I could not get anywhere else (without looking for it the hard way, I mean). So, to summarize: I love the asides and I'd like for you to keep them.

Quinn

I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CALORIEMATE BOX

Leota

I'm surprised to hear people found it hard to follow, I thought it was pretty easy to follow and a real landmark in the development of your video style! I, personally, would like the asides to be kept in because they're part of the charm. I can't remember, did you have chapter marks in the video or a summary of your findings at the end? Maybe that would help those who had a difficult time following.

Leota
>>166793265

(also sorry the removed comment was me, I somehow managed to type a single letter and slam the enter key lol)

Leota
>>166785568

I have to strongly agree with this comment, especially about how this video felt like a real landmark moment in your body of work. It's a damn shame youtube's algorithm made it under perform.

Wu Wu Duck

You are one of my favorite creators so please don't take this the wrong way. There is nothing wrong with your style or how you make videos I just found this one boring kind of a dud, and that's fine maybe it just got less views because it wasn't as good, it doesn't mean your next one wont be. don't worry about every opinion or adjustment you need to make just make what you want to make how you want to make it. People will support you. If you made your Patrion 2 bucks you would loose zero subscribers and double your income.

thelavenderbeds

i like a lot of the superfluous bits personally, i think it adds a lot.

Skylar Wallace

Personally one of the things I like about your writing style is the kind of superfluous asides. Especially when talking about a kind of weird and obscure thing with a lot of weird, tangential outside context. Personally found those asides to be the most interesting stuff in the video.

Lauren Perrin

Oh dang i liked the original a lot! Maybe you can put up two versions?

Sean Gibson

I will absolutely watch it again either way. I loved the asides and tangents personally, but I understand needing to make choices for accessibility and making it easier for more people to engage with especially when your income depends on it. I'm sure it'll be great either way, and I think putting cut content on the second channel is a fun little way to direct people there and treats what's there as a little bonus or easter egg to find.

Miranda G

I actually did feel like this one was a bit harder to keep up with, but I don't think it was because there were too many asides, but because the shifts from one topic to the next were very quick and abrupt. I do think that's kind of your video style, so I'm not sure if there was something different about this video or if it was just a me problem lol... that's how it felt for me, though. What I like about your videos is that I always come away having learned a bunch of completely random new things, so I wouldn't necessarily want you to make them more focused... maybe just a change in editing would solve the problem.

luzzy

I think keep the asides, I like the videos pace and everything, it really kept me hooked the whole way through

LL

I confess I had it on as I was animating past the midnight hour, so didn't give my full 100% attention. However when it finished, I remember looking forwards to watching it again properly. In general, even if I don't click in to a tangent on my first watch, I find my brain latching on to them during rewatches. It keeps the videos fresh! Thanks for getting me through to that deadline btw!

Ruth Strange

Making videos by committee doesn't make sense to me. That was the video you wanted to make, right? So that's what it should be. It's your style, it's why I've replayed your stuff. I don't feel you should edit based on mine or anyone else's whim. Please do keep it as is.

ItsRileyMe

I thought it did wonder a bit, but didn't mind. It felt more organic stream of consciousness, bring things up more in line with the progression of mood than cause and effect, which i preferred. For a atmospheric and quiet subject, I think the presentaion was the right choice, but I'm not the YouTube algo

Polly

i just wish i got a chance to see it lol

DrillSharkPrince

Maybe make an abridged version as the main upload and put an unabridged directors cut unlisted in the discription

MeowMix64

Personally, I love tangents since it helps a ton in remembering not just the tanget and how it relates to the video, but also reinforces themes of the video.

Frankie Mach

I enjoyed the original, but you said it performed poorly so I understand if you want to make those changes. I don't remember if there were chapters or title screens at the start of each section, but maybe that would help those ppl get grounded better? IDK it's probably fine, and you're amazing.

andi

i was really hoping it was just that the word beer was in the title, but i'm aware the algorithm is completely impossible to solve yet it still has to be interacted with. i'm gonna throw one more piece of hay on the 'team asides' pile, because the asides always feel like they have a purpose, whether it's context or just something funny you encountered in your process. makes them more replayable and organic, and it makes me enjoy it more, like someone else said, like talking to one of their best friends.

Kat Reynolds

i quite enjoyed the original video. random tangents on the esoteric is like the entire vibe of the channel, really

Wesley Marshall

Man, the fucking algorithm is the worst, I think the video as a whole worked. It flowed, it felt like a natural progression from your other videos and the ethos you go for. If you need to make cuts in order for it to work for you, I’d say go for it. But like another commenter said put the full version delisted in the description.

Mori

i'm personally pro-tangents. they add a really wonderful quality to your videos. your scripts and delivery are already exceptionally natural, and the tangents add to it.

ShadyTundra

As someone who lived in Petaluma and still lives near it, I like hearing about your stories about it :)

Steve Ray
>>166754748

If parts of an idea conflict with each other, or otherwise lead to impossible conclusions, that idea is *logically false*, If you make that discovery, it's good sense and good luck to forget about that false idea *&* any ideas based on it. Anyway, ^^^ that whole process above is called a *reductio ad absurdum*.

Fox Auslander

It was one of my favorite videos of yours because of how often and organically it pivoted. And now, months later, I'm the proud owner of a box of chocolate Calorie Mate,

Felix Lundh

I don't know if there's a way to play 4D chess with the algorithm honestly. The video was great and its poor performance has nothing to do with its quality imo. I'd say you should upload it as is, but that's easy for me to say since I don't make a living off of youtube. But yeah, I think tangents on tangents on tangents is part of your channel's style.

Felix

Gonna be honest, I don't care one bit about the penguin movie. I want to watch solely because the tangents and the connections you make are so rich in information and have the uncanny ability to strike me on a deeply personal level

Tom

maybe upload a shorter cut and then have the original as a "directors cut" unlisted in the description

serene

I missed out on the original. That being said, I love the tangents in other videos.

Zoe Eats Oatmeal

i think there should be more tangents, bring piplup into this somehow

DJ Wet blanket

I think most people love the tangents but I think that it is a bit hard to follow the original story. I think a directors cut and then the trimmed one would be the best option

-
>>166754748

Man, I want whatever drugs that inspired you to write these comments.

static

Imo ive never found your videos particularly difficult to follow. The asides i feel like are an extension of what make your videos particularly appealing. I suppose I can see why someone might be turned off by them but they feel core to how your vids ebb and flow while still keeping at the core ethos of the video. The videos main topic and narrative already has the energy that a weird aside has in a way. It honestly makes sense to me that this vid in particular whould be a little more scattershot with how much has gone on with those penguins lmao

Danmaku Poser

I'm just one guy but to me the tangents are part of why I love your channel. I always leave one of your videos feeling like I've been given a mission in the form of several artists or works to poke through, see what I like, see what I can find beyond them, etc. The stuff beyond the big headline topic of your videos is either interesting or interesting and crucial. The Lain video for instance would not be half as good without putting PSX Lain in the context of Cookie's Bustle et al.

Pixelklubben 64

Your sidetracks should be left in.

JoyceDivision

What drew me to you in the first place (specifically watching The Unreleased Anime That Almost Changed History) was the tangents. You have a way of making separate topics seem connected and entwined (not that they aren't, it just isnt often described in that way) in a way that's natural.

calamity

the tangents have always been part of the appeal for me but also im bias bc i cant hold onto a thought for more than a couple minutes so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ that being said i never saw the original -k.

Eli Austin

I personally enjoy your tangents, it just sounds like you're having regular conversation with us (the viewers) I find it very natural and relaxing.

Maik Choco

I watch your videos because they are authentically you.

Julian A. V.

I love the tangents, I love when you find a weird unrelated rabbit hole. It's entertaining because I would normally not be interested in the topics you cover, but you make it interesting and fun.

GenerallyBananas

I'm late but I did see the OG and while I can see why someone would find it hard to follow, the only reason I think that would matter is if people are going in for some kind of thesis, but for me the appeal of your vids has always been the journey way more than the destination (though the destination is alwaus great too) I go in to see all the winding paths the topic will take me down

Kyle J Javelli
>>167535184

What I love about Hazels videos is that they often do both. Even videos that are basically just a list, tend to be building towards something. Weird Tokusatsu girls was also about the transition from film to digital, about how connected things are in a sub-sub genre, and finding an appreciation for weirder smaller art for example.

Addy_Loves_Lain

Who needs ordered thoughts when u can have raw thoughts and yapping /pos

etheric_dissonance

i'm commenting pretty late, but i think it would be wise to simply step away from it for a short while, give your mind a break from trying figure out the "optimal approach", then come back to it with fresh eyes and just trust your own editing instincts from thereon. it's hard when you want to put something out there in its perfect form (or realistically as close as you can get it), but sometimes it starts to drain away focus and energy from other things. i think the original video was fine, if a little hard to follow in places. it didn't bother me, since i like rewatching your videos a few times. trust your own judgement, but don't get so caught up in needing it to be "just right" that it becomes a drain on your precious creative energy <3 sorry if this was presumptuous or unhelpful, but i wanted to give my honest opinion. tho... it's probably way late lol for all i know you've probably finished already haha 😅

saoirse moran

i loved this video as it was and I wouldn't want you to change any of it!

Lefty

Can’t believe it’s been three months and no upload

mokeimo

I am someone who enjoys listening to and even conducting deep dives into obscure topics. Its an aspect I've always enjoyed about your videos, asides included. So its only natural that I am biased in this regard. There are some video essayists who do clean cut, concise yet densely packed coverage of a certain topic and while I enjoy those kinds of videos, I equally enjoy ones that feel more conversational. Your videos have a quality similar to listening to a friend who is passionately reporting back all of their findings after a late night internet research binge down a bizarre yet fascinating rabbit hole. And I think the penguin video to be one of your best examples of this. If I had it my way, I'd want you to keep the video as it was. But I also understand your concern for accessibility. The best advice I can offer is to spend as much time as is necessary to tell a story. Details are rewarding, but can be unnecessary and if you truly feel that certain asides are so loosely related to the main topic, then omitting them may be for the better.

Violet Hall

This is one of the best video essays in the game, and the tangents are a big part of that

Pixelklubben 64

For example, you ARISA GOOD LUCK has perfect mix of topic and all topic, one of my fav videos of yours and have seen it many times. Först half, you talk about several things there that might seem of topic, but they are all related to the main topic of the video, like to artists and cons, etc. And it all helps to increase my expectations of when you do get to the main topic; The video itself :-)

Skelly

In case I'm not too late, since I see the video isn't back up yet (at least not on your main channel), I didn't see the video, but, as a fan of your videos, I'd GREATLY prefer if you cut absolutely NOTHING. Your charm, to me, is you feel like me (an ADHD riddled girl who knows at least something about many things no one knows anything about) just talking to people. I've always wanted someone to do it back to me. I want to know a little bit about literally everything. Your videos feel like that.

yottaFlare

I hope this isn't too late, but I loved the entire vibe of the penguin video. I loved the asides. It felt like I was going down a rabbit hole of a topic I'd normally not know anything about. But it was warm and familiar because one of my favorite artists was guiding me through it. More personally, I had come home from a rough day at work, made a little hotpot for myself and cracked open a Sapporo and watched this video for the first time. Super comforting. I was really looking forward to rewatching it this summer for ✨peak vibes✨ I hope it comes back as it was, but I'd be happy in to watch it again in any capacity. (Probably with a Suntory this time.)