About the Video

Honestly. I loved the video dude. I've watched it 4 times now, personally I say keep them up, drama gets views, and no one is going to do anything to you. You should relist the video on your channel to get the views rather than them all going to other people's channel. The hate can suck, but it can also generate income, so don't bother with the comments, make content, good or bad. but make what you love, if you want to tear into some people, go for it dude. I'm going through your backlog of videos, but like I said, your expose or whatever people are calling it was great fun, and honestly, more people know you because of the backlash, that isn't bad, stressful, but not bad.

Arthur Fogle

He’s always been staunchly anti conservative so you were never welcome to begin with.

Agent Lee Harker

You’re a fucking weirdo for this

Agent Lee Harker

For what it's worth, I consider your videos some of the very best on offer, not just in the film genre, but of all types of video essay. I think you really undervalue yourself and would very happily subscribe to a higher tier membership to support your work if available. Your insights are always nuanced and interesting and have given me plenty to think about beyond the time it takes to watch them.

Clea Aguera-Arcas

Hey man I have been a patron for a bit and will continue to be. You are a creative guy with a good heart and I always love your videos. I know it can be hard to not look around at others and compare but I encourage you not to if you can help it. You are good enough and talented enough my man

Moenaise

Fuck yeah dude

Avgolemonosis

Who are you talking about?

Avgolemonosis

Joined up just to say you're my favorite content creator of all time. The way you talk about niche subjects within horror is unique on the platform and the sheer amount of time and effort you put into your videos is astounding. You in no way deserve the level of sheer vitriol that has been directed towards you, and I sincerely hope and wish that this won't deter you from creating your art and sharing it with us. You are a true punk.

McFishDad

I joined the patreon just to tell you yeah, you handled it wrong. But I still love you, love your work, and think you made some SOLID points. Wendigoon is at the very least okay with fascists, and that's pretty sus. I'm Christian too, if he wants to be Christian and be friends with fascists because it's the "Christian" thing to do then he should be a good enough Christian to call out fascist bullshit. Keep it up homie, we support you.

Bear

If you are trying to be ironic satire then this comment is perfect my guy. Because this dude literally went to r/youtubedrama and found threads about youtubers more popular than he was in his genre and tried to ruin their livelihood by trying to escalate unfounded rumors and exaggerate to a defamatory degree. This is a man whose only principles are to feed those he agrees with and hurt those he doesn't. Unhealthy. Unsafe.

Shmitty

He literally tried to ruin the career/life of what seems to be a genuinely nice guy because of jealousy and difference of political opinions. This person is actually evil.

Shmitty

It's frustrating that I think it's more about a numbers game than anything else. Your points in Hills were very understandable, they just needed a tiny bit of thought on the viewer to process, but the crowd that's attacking you are the conservatives and wendigoon fans and anyone who wanted to bandwagon, I think. From what I've seen, that crowd represents waaaay more viewers and subscribers to said groups so they can really just overwhelm the numbers of folks who actively want to use their brains, rather than just insult and attack. I really hate that this modern age allows for significant cognitive bias and bandwagoning/dog piling without real concern for the very real impact it has on someone's (ie- you) life and livelihood. Anyway, hang in there. You've got fans for sure!

Rosss

Hate to see this dog pile happening to you. Love what you do, and hope you’re doing alright

Bjorn

I've been watching all the nonsense unfold from the periphery and I wanted to let you know that your criticism of Wendigoon's name is on point. I'm an indigenous person from one of the tribes in the area that story comes from. My mom will not say that word 6 months out of the year. I'll say it for you my man: that white boy is most likely operating on Elizabeth Warren logic and we all know it. For a group that only operates in bad faith, they took his word for it with very little critical thinking lmao. Even if he is native, the tribe he claims still has no connection to the word. It's honestly a small gripe from the outside, but a white boy using it and saying he has a claim is what pisses me off. You also managed to do the funniest thing in regards to Brandon Buckingham. Not bothering to do more than 5 minutes of research on that hack and claiming he's a gun YouTuber is the most poetic way to acknowledge him anyone could possibly do. I honestly thought you did a bit bc it was so fucking funny. He, Muta, and Oompa are eating this up since they have no other purpose than to be loud vapid idiots on the Internet for attention. They should owe you royalties off the views this gave them. I caught a block from BB on Twitter after I called him a clout goblin. If you want to do any research on that noodley ass bitch, watch his pride video. I cannot tell you how hard I laughed when Muta said he watches 9 hour slop videos as background noise while criticizing you. The irony of a man who lacks any media literacy saying that shit about you is fucking legendary. I'm also a queer man and seeing the vitriolic homophobia being tossed your way is infuriating to no end. They proved your point for you, no matter if you had all the facts right. Anyway, sorry for the novel. This has been insane to watch as a fan of yours. That video made me aware that some of the people I sub to on YT have the worst friends. Take these nerds on fearlessly and they'll back down. Look up BB flinching like a bitch when he confronted Hassan Piker. Take my dollar and make great art. You earned it, brother man 👊😤

Dr. Cornwater

Hey, I just joined your patron looking to find this video again. I have re listened to all your videos over and over. As a filmmaker fresh outa film school you help inspire me. I mainly wanna hear more of your opinions on AI and not just what it damages cause from that last video I’m interested and think I might differ some. Much love🙏

Enthar

Just wanted to drop another comment, since the YT algo recently decided to throw several right-wing reaction/rebuttal videos into my feed for no discernible reason. The kind of reaction I’m seeing speaks more about these people’s true intentions than any video ever could. A normal reaction to your video would be “wow, I don’t agree with this at all and I’m not watching this channel again,” or “I didn’t know anything about this topic; good to have this information moving forward.” “I can’t wait to flood this dude’s comments and DMs with the most hateful shit I can think of” isn’t a normal reaction. That is only indicative of a group that was already champing at the bit to go after their perceived enemies, and desperately needed a target. I don’t buy for one second the “aw shucks, we’re just a bunch of good ol’ conservative boys having fun” argument when THAT is the type of community that you’ve cultivated, a community clearly based on spite and an over inflated sense of supremacy. Any group acting with that much impunity tells me everything I need to know about the leaders they follow. Long point short, I think you called out the right people for the right reasons and I hope you hold on to that validation with whatever you do next.

CJ Torres

I've been a longtime fan, but I don't go online that often. I went to send your latest video to a friend and then saw all these insane videos getting recommended over your channel. Then I saw the comments. It's such a shame that some of the great commentary is just washed out by complete nonsense. You should take that as proof of hitting the nail on the head. I'm guessing you probably had to cut off access to the discord because people would otherwise just start posting their crap there too. Hopefully it will calm down soon once they find their new thing to get angry over, then again, I suppose part of your video's point is these people never stop. You aren't the boogeyman. Your videos are a real insight that people learn from. I can't wait for the next one if you have it in you to keep it up. Not that you should silence yourself online, but I have to wonder if Twitter is even worth the trouble, dude. Nothing insightful is really being said over there. I don't want you to get burned out arguing with the crazy people over there. You deserve better than that. I hope you stay well.

Vincent Batten

Not sure what most of the fans mean when they say you're incredibly wrong about Wendigoon, but from the way that they're also carrying themselves I feel that they're really displaying the aggression and entitlement of the community, again I didn't get a chance to fully watch the video, and was sad to see that there were so many hurtful things said in the comments, before I allowed myself to finish it...

CC

My sister and I watch your content religiously and we both didn’t really see anything wrong with the video before it was taken down. You are genuinely one of our favourite creators on YouTube point blank period. We look forward to finishing a franchise of movies in case you have an anatomy of a franchise video out for it and the fact that you’re an outspoken left leaning voice in the horror community has always been something we’ve both loved. I hope you’re doing alright with all the nonsense that’s happening around the video but I’ve always had suspicions about wendigoon and you just confirmed them right. Take care of yourself!

Maya Harry (SemiSinful)

Joined up so I could send some love your way when I saw you'd taken the video down. You're one of my favorite content creators on YouTube, and I hope the quagmire around this video isn't affecting you on a great personal level. I shall be staying subbed on here, thank you for everything man!

Syncope

Honestly disappointed you took the video down. I think it's 90% on-point and I've had my suspicions of wendigoon from the start when a rich white christian gun nut started building a following so quickly and continued putting out bible reading videos on sundays or whatever.

Nuclear Sun

I caught the video, as I usually binge them right away. I understand getting defensive from weird youtube drama, and while knowing little about exactly what you were going through, you seemed to handle it pretty fine, imo. I'm a little surprised to see it was deleted. You just got unlucky and became a weird target for conservatives with media illiteracy. Keep making your art the way you like, that's why we're all here. It's not your job to make sure the lowest common denominator can't misinterpret it.

Comrade Junki

I just wanted to say I like your work and hope you're able to continue.

Heidi Stink

You have the right to speak your mind and your opinions to your audience, despite the political leanings of said audience. Horror brings a lot of people together, and I think a lot of people felt called out by different aspects of this video, and most people don’t like when that happens to them lol. But you do not have to change your content just because some people are upset by it, ESPECIALLY if said content is calling out right wing and conservative elements of a community that you yourself are a huge part of!! I’m sorry but it’s 2024, grow up!! It’s not just in the horror community, but all over the internet, and in real life as well. Right wing thinking is becoming much more common place in today’s world, and it’s scary seeing how much vitriol one person can receive, even compared to 5 years ago. I am happy that you are still here, and I’m happy to be subscribed to your Patreon. I hope you can take this time to reflect on how to come back stronger, and continue making the art that YOU want to make, not what others think is acceptable.

lydiabd

I'm sorry I never got to finish the video, I was interrupted mid watch and when I next went to finish it, it was gone. I really appreciated your discussion mad monster party and unfortunately didn't know those sort of comments were coming to you, as I have always -and continue - to enjoy your work and your thoughtful criticisms and compliments. I will continue to be glad that one of my favorite YouTubers is from my home state, and I hope you continue creating and discussing things that are important to you and many of us in the world.

Amelya Staiano

Loved the video and sent it my friend, she thanked me for introducing her to the rest of your content, great work.

Ferrodog123

You’re very observant! Proud of you buddy :)

Connor Sawyer

Sorry for the late reply I was busy spending time with my family and friends but they all just died so i figured it was an appropriate time to keep arguing on the internet. I think you’re outraged. Also it’s *than, not *then. And yeah a lot is being released while I type these, currently I’m pooping. I hope you’re doing well!!

Connor Sawyer

Yeah

Connor Sawyer

let me get this right: you gave someone money...to show you DON'T support them?

pineapple time

i've been a viewer for a long time now, but only now chose to donate specifically to voice my support for your criticisms of wendigoon. i can see some missteps in your criticism of him and his online presence, and i admit that it kind of came out of left field, but ultimately i am glad that someone with a large amount of followers has finally called him out. i've always had an issue with his decision as a white (or at the very least, mixed and white-passing) man to appropriate, build his brand, and profit off of a piece of native folklore. i really respect your attempt to get people to think critically about the person behind the content and how his views affect the things he creates. really love the bit where he says "when we stop speaking of cultures, they die" as if selling white people w*ndigo merch is in any way helpful to keeping native culture alive. it sickens me. love your content, can't wait to see what you do next <3

pineapple time

been an off an on viewer for a long time, and with this video decided to support you. Your only fault is being much too correct much too early. I remember about a year ago watching wendiboogs video on the waco siege and feeling my hackles rising over the course of it to just the overall vibe of it - memory doesn't point to a specific point when the milk soured. Something was off. I did a bit less investigating than you laid out here, and came to the same conclusions. As I write this I've just seen that Oopmaville (who hadn't tripped any redflags before now for me) has uploaded something like a response to you, so you're probably about to go through another torrent of shit over that. Keep the Faith brother

Joe Cassidy

"I'm still outraged *stop* but I'm also a 50s telegram now *stop* because of 2 ellipses *stop* Also more then just dopamine is being released * full stop*"

Otho the cat and Chalmarius

Mmhmm i love being ….outraged 🤤🤤🤤 please tell me more about my own feelings …..and opinions…. about my home and the people I live around….You’re spot on the money I’m so into it please …… tell me why my feelings aren’t valid because the video was removed 🤤🤤🤤 ……it’s like he deleted it so ….. it didn’t even happen and should be forgotten and never criticized or talked about…….oh yeah you’re so right that makes sense… I tried to add enough ellipses so you could…understand me….better….hope this helped…. I love you and think about you frequently 🤤🤤🤤

Connor Sawyer

Hey man. Is your discord open? I’d appreciate your invite. My baseline here is really that independent of the flaws in your methodology the hate comes in reaction to a few basic right-identitarian facts. I’m disgusted by calls I see on reddit to “split the video up.” Would your claims be more sensible separate from the context of you being queer? What about the struggle against the broad wave of horror content conservatism? Claims here and there in the concluding section were wrong. Does that separate your ideological line from reality? I think anyone on the left should agree that whatever Wendigoon represents is conservative. If your DMs were open I’d show you how as an ex-Wendigoon fan I had his discord mods and IRL friends shout me down when I said antisemitism was real. I still have those images! Long story short I would like to know if your discord community is still open to supporters, because I admire what you attempted and don’t want you to be shouted down into insecurity. I’d donate more if I could but I understand the principle of opposition to petite-bourgeoise class-consciousness.

Daria

"I'm not outraged, I'm just displaying all the emotions that fall under the dictionary definition on it! .... and literally paid money to vomit out multiple poorly constructed paragraphs at some guy I don't know..because some other guy on the internet I don't know might have hurt feelings over a video that doesnt even exist anymore and that they already acknowledged and apologized for!!"

Otho the cat and Chalmarius

That is a very fair and mature take. Genuinely.

Connor Sawyer

Quality take, thank you for your input, I’ll consider it!

Connor Sawyer

I’m not outraged :) I just don’t like the people I live around and grew up with to be called racist horrible people unfairly, and I also think that In Praise of Shadows makes harmful, misinformed and really stupid content and I wanted to share that opinion with him! I genuinely hope he doesn’t come back to the internet and I don’t feel like that’s an unfair statement. I hope he’s able to get therapy or to talk to people about his own beliefs and why he feels so wronged by the world and the people mentioned in his video. Also I am happy and healthy, thanks for your concern❤️!!

Connor Sawyer

Fun fact. Outrage produces dopamine. Lol I genuinely hope you get help for your outrage addiction. it's just not healthy and "you deserve to he a happy healthy person, but also deserve to be criticized for your shitty assumptions about people you've never interacted with".... 😀 oh and that "you're wrong for feeling that way"

Otho the cat and Chalmarius

Blow it out your ass

Avgolemonosis

hey man, i watched the full video and as a leftist who avidly enjoys horror id say i agree with with your points made in the first chapters but SOME of the points made in the final chapter could be called a reach because the guy just has too much plausable deniability. not to mention a whole network of people who benefit off each other and they wouldnt accept that the status quo is called out. i do think that those who align with right wingers will expose their true beliefs. it may not be tomorrow. or next month but it will happen. those who call them out for hanging with fascists (& more) will be vindicated, have more patience. the lengths that these people are willing to go are proving your point. n4zi rhetoric is very discouraging and depressing when thats all you see. for me, being the target of the right is my biggest fear as someone who aspires to be an artist. even as someone who mostly just comments and doesnt create actual content.. the things that people say about me haunts me. the average person just isnt ready/ open to leftist ideology and discourse. i can tell you have a lot of love in you. dont lose your ethics, Zane. take care.

bxoxo

That’s a fair point I could’ve worded that differently, i shouldn’t have said people like you without giving a more descriptive explanation “people like you who view the world through the lens of one dogmatic political ideology, who thrive on being miserable and trying to destroy others you don’t like” is what I meant, if that’s generalizing a group then yeah I hate that group of people lmao. I do want him to get help, I know what it’s like to be in a bad place mental health-wise and I know what it’s like to assume things about others because of my own personal issues and biases and I want him to be able to approach these topics from a place of stability and understanding before making a three hour video about people/things that he has written off as completely evil without doing any research beyond screenshotting a couple of tweets, it’s also really sad seeing anybody think that somebody following you equates to them trying to intimidate you without ever even speaking to them. He deserves to be in a better place but I also don’t think he deserves a third chance at being an Internet personality, actions have consequences and he’s repeatedly shown that he has terrible opinions and views on films and the world. I can absolutely say I hope somebody gets help and that I also don’t want them to succeed these can be mutually exclusive views buddy ✨ He deserves to be a happy healthy person, he also deserves to be criticized and made aware of the fact that his shitty views about entire populations and people he’s never interacted with aren’t cool and that he’s wrong for feeling that way.

Connor Sawyer

Just writing to say how much I appreciate your videos and am looking forward to your upcoming videos whenever you're ready to return. Don't let those losers commenting on your videos get you down. They clearly have nothing better to do and their "edgy" opinions and statements are just showing that you were correct with your criticism.

Luke Fess

Which part did you not understand? I’m happy to elaborate further.

Connor Sawyer

You can't say you genuinely hope someone gets "help" and also say you don't want people like them to succeed. what a moronic, oxymoronic take. To add a cherry on top you complain about blind hatred towards people others disagree with while also having blind hatred at "people like you" displayed in the same outburst.

Otho the cat and Chalmarius

I don't have anything poignant to say, I just came here to say that I hope things get better for you. I like your channel and hope it still continues. But if youtube doesn't work out I hope at least you live a happy and fulfilling life.

The Glue Factory

Out of everything I’ve learned through this it is this that I think is most important, a kinder and more gentler understanding attitude towards everything would have avoided everything that has happened this week. Thank you.

In Praise of Shadows

It's still worth being a good person no matter what mistakes one has made or what others think of you. And those were some huge mistakes, but the shows not over. Hope* you come back stronger, wiser, and most of all... gentler.

ZAN残

Thank you for that unintelligible wall of text, Dr Octopus.

Ter Mar

I think its incredibly telling, that a majority of people jumping on you about the hills have eyes video were people who already didn't like you and needed the bias confirmed. I really appreciate your work, I have always felt engaged and educated by your videos. I've been a viewer for about 5 years, in light of the recent drama I wanted to drop you a dollar and show some support. I think it speaks volumes that wendigoon and company crank uninteresting slop and you put alot or honest work and creativity into your videos. Thank you for your videos. I reconsidered my own centrism in light of what you said. I hope you keep creating and I hope you feel support from your audience. Stay up bro ✊️ .

Avgolemonosis

I've been looking at comments (I know I know) and its absolutely unhinged. These people are acting like WG pays their bills or something. Also, as a Kentuckian, you are damn right Appalachia and the South deserve criticism. Red state majorities that take away the right to Abortion and to LGBTQ+ Healthcare? States that try to consolidate power away from population centers so the fringe conservative minority can maintain power WHILE reaping the benefits of the often blue dot population centers? Yeah, that deserves criticism. Lots of Appalachians are the loudest to criticize where we live. I haven't even seen the video but I see the comments and whatever you said can't even compare to the dogpile that is happening.

Christine Bowman

That’s not weird to do at all. Gobshite.

Andy Leavy

Didn’t watch the video or keep up with the drama in any way and don’t feel inclined to bother getting up to speed with it so won’t comment on that. But keep up the good work, Zane. And keep focusing on making great videos about horror. Try to stray away from drama (when possible), it’s never worth it. Your channel, Broey Deschanel and Patrick Willems are film/media channels I love because you all make great videos/analysis that have strong points that even if I don’t agree with I can respect and help me see things from another lens and also all are YouTubers that don’t feel like YouTubers, like you just make your essays and go on with your lives while so many other YouTubers seem to be so active in the YT community and get caught up in drama or speak about other drama etc. Keep it up!

Andy Leavy

Hi, I gave a dollar to simply leave my input about the video you put out, not to support you but rather to hopefully have this message read by you. I don’t think you are in a good place mentally and I think you should seek out help because the paranoia and hatred you feel towards people you deem as bad because you don’t agree with them or like them is really worrying. You are not the kind of content creator that deserves a platform, you have built a following, or tried to at least, around hating anybody who doesn’t prescribe to your incredibly limited view of the world, as somebody who has lived close to Asheville, a town literally cultivated to be a home to acceptance and creativity, and the Appalachian’s my entire life it’s incredibly disrespectful to say we’re all bigots when you are so clearly fueled by a generalized hatred for people that you deem as bad or not worthy of being in public. You’re a hypocrite and your content is lazy/misguided and you have a habit of sharing really bad pseudo-intellectual takes in what I think is a way to appear knowledgeable and credible and I think that’s dangerous and I don’t want to see people like you succeed. Blind unfounded hatred for any group should never be tolerated and I genuinely hope that this is an eye opener for you and that you should quit making content, at least until you are in a healthier headspace and are willing to do the research and set aside your biases. I genuinely hope you can get help, because as of now you seem like you are genuinely a miserable human being who thinks that because you’ve had it rough financially and haven’t garnered much success it gives you an excuse to try to ruin other people’s livelihoods. Also you have horrendous takes on movies, and you can’t police who is allowed to enjoy art just because you’re disadvantaged and don’t like when people you disagree with enjoy the same media as you. Good luck! I actively hope you find help, and I also actively hope that you never return to YouTube!

Connor Sawyer

I do love that you created that video. I also love the people who have reuploaded it. Lots of entertainment.

Knight Sable

Hey Zane. I fell in love with your work when I first watched your vintage horror comic videos. Ever since I've been a big, quiet fan of your work. I saw the drama and came to show some support. As someone who also runs a patreon page I also get discouraged when those numbers go down. Don't let this get you down. I'm not going anywhere and will keep supporting you for as long as you keep running your channel. Your love for horror media is infectuos~

MODCA

It's hard reading the troll negative comments throughout your videos on youtube. Movie discourse is weird these days. As well as other youtubers making videos about this. I hate the internet so much. Enough for me to say maybe it should end(too bad so much dependence on it with sensitive information).Bring back print and physical media. Zane I'll pay subscribe and you send me some dvds lol. All kidding aside I hope you stay strong. I hate this performative outrage.

Bill Sanderson Jr.

I really liked the video. Content creation can be a real bitch. I will say, try not to worry about this. It won't have much of an impact on your career, beyond picking up a bunch of hate watchers, and a few more nasty comments here and there. I don't think you should take down the video, honestly. No one has really addressed any of the actual points you make, so much as they've lazer-focused onto the ocassional inaccuracy. In such a long video, dealing with so much and so many people, that was inevitable. In a month, there'll be someone else that they'll move on to, but in the meantime, I'm sure more people have discovered your channel - and your library of content - and maybe you've gotten some more folk into horror who wouldn't have checked it out otherwise.

Discourse Miniatures

I was really shocked that he said that as well, but then if you actually watch the video you'll see he said no such thing. You may be mad at a completely made up situation that only exists in your head. Hope this helps!

big scary mads

I actually really liked the latest video, though you took it down before I could finish it. What you said about Horror being a genre that leans left and speaks to the downtrodden by definition resonated with me, helped me connect why I’ve always been into this genre. I just looked back on youtube & saw a bunch of shitty comments, so joined Patreon for the first time to say I like your analysis. I like your videos. They are very good. You’re doing something great here and it sucks that the only medium available is one where you have to open yourself up to ridicule from anybody with an internet connection and a phone. It sucks, but those shitty commenters aren’t coming to your channel to learn; they’re coming to bash. It’s in bad faith. Please keep up the good work. You’re making great art.

Weenalah

🍆 chew on it buddy

William

Correct, it’s about throwing stones and then hiding your hand.

Shapeless

I have been watching you for a very long time now, your video on horror book covers was what brought me in, and I can confidently say that I have watched 90% of what you have put out on YouTube in these past years. I only recently became a patron after in this new video you mentioned your financial struggles. Firstly I just wanted to say, that you should not quit, I think you are an amazing essayist, and you have done amazing work before. this new video has been in my head for a while now, just stuck, I was unable to come to terms with it, and finally, after a great deal of thinking I have to say, I was very disappointed in you. I feel like the mistakes you made in some previous work have always been excusable, since they were never so integral to the movies you talked about, and even if it destroyed an argument, at the end of the day, it was just a movie. However in this recent project, about how judging people in front of the public eye on points you are wrong on can destroy someone's life, you went on to the the exact thing that made you so spiteful. There is just no excuse for this level of failure. Almost all of the aspects of internet culture you claimed to hate in this video, you went on to participate in. An extremely lowly thing for someone like you, clearly born of spite, hate, and venom. I would strongly advise you to take a mental health break from the internet, find a job, and release videos at a slower pace, with more care put into it. My problem is, however, that you still can't seem to admit the extent to which you were wrong. Deleting the video, and admitting to doing "some bad" while also claiming to do some good in some areas is just such a lame response. In this very video, you judged someone who did no clear bad, based on circumstantial evidence, as being a bad apple. Then you fuck up and excuse it by also doing some good mixed with the bad? your logic doesn't seem to extend to yourself, you need a long hard look in the mirror. Also, the point of not wanting to hear about Blood Meridian from a rich guy is just soo tone deaf from someone who in almost every video touched on topics of womanhood/racial problems and other social issues that you yourself never have to deal with as a white guy. You are the best example that people who don't experience something bad can still make a good point about it, I even recommended your works to friends on this very point. It's almost like you put yourself above other white dudes, like saying "You are one of the good ones". It's a ridiculous notion steeped in racial stereotypes, and this video was screaming it in my face. An insultingly bad piece of media, I hope you can get back on your feet and find the passion and sparkle that made your previous works so soulful and elevated. ps. Just for the record, I had never heard of wendigoon before your video, everything I say here is said out of love for your work, and hope for your future endeavors.

Bence Sándor

First off, it’s not insane to include your political ideology in your own videos. People do it all the time, and I’m willing to bet the people you watch do too. Second, If you actually watched the video you’d remember the part when he said that conservatives are capable of making truly great art, and that it’s a cope and a myth among leftists. You either didn’t watch the video, or let your own political bias distract you from actually watching the video. What’s insane, is that you who by the looks of it, has been a patron since 2020, is so shocked that he is a leftist. What’s even more insane, is that you feel aggrieved enough to demand an apology from someone whose only relationship to you is that they’ve made videos you watch on the internet. Imagine how hard you’d be berated for demanding an apology in a conservative’s patreon for having conservative views. It’s pathetic.

William

I’m sorry last time I checked being a leftist isn’t about tolerating bullshit

William

I'm a longtime fan of your videos, and honestly I felt your criticism of Wendigoon was mild. At the same time, I appreciate taking it down to protect your own mental health - especially given how much the negativity over the last two years as affected you. I'm sorry you going through all of this, and I hope that you can find a way to keep producing the great work you've been doing. Your Magick Lantern Cycle video got me into Anger, and your Dune | Hard to be a God video is something that got me into an entirely new series. I hope you get through this storm alright, keep on keeping on!

big scary mads

I feel the same as a conservative leaning person. This was the first video I couldn't get behind

macoo demarc

I came to unsubscribed until I saw your apology. Now I just want to show you some love and continue supporting you

macoo demarc

I totally understand taking the video down if you didn't like it or got too much harassment, but you were right on basically all counts.

Alex Smith

Fuck off, no one in the video deserves an apology.

Alex Smith

I didn't think the video was very good, to be honest. It was evident that you hadn't done much research on the characters you were criticizing. Often, you made a flippant statement about someone and then used a single tweet to support it, as if that was sufficient evidence. While I do think a lot of what you said was valid, it wasn't coherent enough. I wasn't a Patreon member before this video, but I do love your channel. I think your "Hills Have Eyes" video is excellent work, and I didn't agree with the backlash against it. After watching this latest video, understanding your mental state, and considering the events of the past couple of years, I understand why you posted it. I wanted to support you and say that I love your channel and the work you do. I hope you see this as a moment for self-reflection, focusing on the things you love rather than the people you hate.

Josh ward

I watch other videos you have dude just stick with your video essays on horror movies every channel that's done targeted hate always has the public turn on them, you just kinda sped run that unfortunately. Focus on what you actually care about fuck anything else

NomadBlue

I would make a pithy reply, but I think you just dunked on yourself plenty. Also I think it’s hilarious that you presume to know my political leanings just because I called out your buffoonery. Good luck on your future trolling, nobody here is buying it!

Ter Mar

Just wanted to send you a quick message of support, Zane. You're great, man, and your channel has always offered a place to find deep analysis and a safe place for everyone to discuss the genre we all love, particularly for us queer folks. You should really consider having more Patreon tiers and screw the YouTube algorithm. Maybe you could have an exclusive Patreon podcast for higher tiers or something.

frdric

I thought the recent vid had a tonnn of valid criticism. I stopped watching wendigoon when I saw him making a podcast with Herrera, that mf ain't right. Looking forward to future vids, man:)

Seven Goblins In a Trench Coat

I support his talent , he makes INCREDIBLE videos however I don’t think he has to let his far left extremest ideology bleed into his videos and to say that all conservatives are bad for horror is insane .

Jacob Dennis

Trying to set my personal bias aside, I actually feel that everything said in the video was appropriate, and not done in an attacking way. I genuinely would have felt the same way in your shoes. Plus- the outro was so good. “when people show you who they are, believe them” has always been one of my favorite phrases

Matty

I guarantee you that in a month people will forget this and move on to new YouTube drama, because sadly that's what YouTube has become. If the completionist can still make videos after his allegations, then so can you and you are no where near on the same level of accusations that he has against him. You make great horror content. I have been a supporter of yours since you have started. We all make mistakes, take time to process and come back stronger than ever. You will still have your supporters and unfortunately the haters/trollers too, but take the higher ground and ignore them. Try your best to not let your emotions get the best of you. Just like the Bugle Monster from courage said: "You're not perfect"

LilPizzaBear

Oh no did he hurt your feelings? Awh he critiqued your favorite YouTuber? There there, daddy’s here to make it all better.

William

Hop off it dude. Support him or don’t.

William

Man I only got through the first half of the video before it was removed. I really wish I saw the Wendigoon section so I could judge it for myself, because there are certainly things to be said about Wendigoon and his cohort of likeminded “commentary” channels. And as far as the quality of video, from what I saw of the video you released, it was good enough to get me to join your patreon to find out what happened to it. I could tell you really needed to say some of those things, and the passion was palpable. Don’t let it bring you down, I thought it was a damned good video.

William

fuck off

Arcee the Autobot

Very good choice taking the video down . Hoping for public apology video . I will continue to support but it is hard when it feels like you don’t want me as a supporter

Jacob Dennis

True

Jacob Dennis

You're take on cinema in the horror genre was both relevatory and relatable. But dude. My guy. That was some insane stuff. If you are an able bodied adult, in control of all of your faculties, and still are able to string that amount of cruelty towards another person on the premises of the most banal and basic annoyances you have towards that person..... than you just aren't a good person, and I fully believe, that for someone to attack others for hours without using the most basic levels of research on said people, that, that person in question, is a hateful and cruel person. I feel as though you have shown that you should not have a voice in anything resulting to the standings of people, and it hurts to know I followed someone this capable of cruelty.

Shmitty

You really REALLY need a new hobby. Can I suggest tennis?

Ter Mar

Absolutely wild to become a Patreon just to spread hatred. Get a life, friend.

Ter Mar

Zane you care so much it comes through in your work. Your videos are on loop playing over and over in this house. They bring me immense joy and comfort. I hope knowing that will bring you some. The drama recyclers have ahold of the video shaping it to fit their needs and although it sucks at least one or two new fans will be made out of it. You may not have used the most eloquent words but the message and basic points were so clear. You're gonna make mistakes but you have no problem owning them. Keep being you. Keep doing you. I look forward to more videos and mistakes we learn from in the future.

Kasey Malta

Ahh shit, you're probably the first person on the internet who has ever screwed up publicly. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone who has ever made a bad Youtube video, let alone anyone who has made a bad youtube video then gone on to have any kind of success. I think hatetube is right, it's over for ya'. Gonna' have to start doing Jaws retrospectives telling us about how the animatronic barely worked then slipping in a midroll ad for surfshark which is more reliable than the shark puppet. Not like people aren't craving integrity in the year 2024. Someone who makes mistakes, learns from them, and gives a genuine public apology and leaves it instead of using it as ammo. Not like everyone on the planet isn't craving something real and tangible instead of the cynical and self-serving. Thing about a genuine apology, it's hard to attack someone showing genuine contrition, impossible actually. You can't not look like an asshole punching someone showing humility, because humility is so rare and precious, now more than ever. You might get a bloody nose and broken teeth, but no one is going to remember the bully fondly. And before anyone can name the man in orange, the cult of personality is an exception. Everyone is looking at you right now, and they're looking for youtuber drama that'll be on all the youtuber drama sludge factories for 3 days then forgotten in a week. Be sincere, then make the best damn video you have ever made. Take the biggest creative risk. Talk to your inspirations. It's 2024, the taint end of western culture, everyone is eager to see the worst in everyone, literally all you can do is exceed everyone's expectations at this point.

Illy Hymen

Shapeless

Things like this is never easy. I had no idea about what you had gone through. I'm so sorry that it happened. I love your work and you still have my support. Take the time you need.

Ivy Gladstone

Hey! Sorry, I didn’t want to respond until I had a moment and then forgot to get back to you. So that actually is the plan for zombies at the moment. I always planned on Romero being a branching path kind of thing due to the nature of Night of the Living Dead being in the public domain. It’s not something I’ve done but have wanted to for a while. So it will happen like that in some form eventually down the line.

In Praise of Shadows

I appreciate you bringing it to light as well as making it topical. I'm a creator with a (very minor) public presence, and I think it was fascinating to see you talk about the hype machine around internet outrage. I was interested in what you had to say from start to finish, be it on that event, Blumhouse, the counterculture of horror, and all of it. Your work is wonderful and I think you are very thoughtful when you choose to insert yourself. It's brave and insightful. I always look forward to your work and I'm glad you persist. Thank you Zane.

Ryan Flint

Hey man, just wanted to reach out and say I appreciate your work.

Daniel McCormick

Don't kill yourself over this. Just keep creating and move on. I try to hang out with people who give some allowance for personal growth. Also what creator is ever truly satisfied with their work and wouldn't want to change something about it, knowing what they know 'now'? I'm not online much, but I'm always excited to check out a new IPoS vid. My favorite videos are the deep dives like History of Witches and Marble Hornets, and the breakdowns of obscure films like Ghost Story and Seconds. Each of these videos comes from a very specific perspective and I appreciate that, even if I disagree. I fuckin love horror movies and film criticism, so keep it up! You make things of interest and value.

John Graves II

Hey man, while the last video seemed like a bit of an angry rant in some places, I feel that is totally understandable given the circumstances. I just hope you're doing okay right now. <3 Stay strong.

Lev

I do not perceive your latest video as a failure, but you may given your recent communications. Every event in my career that I have (at the time) perceived as a failure has - in truth- been a turning point for the better. My then failures are in truth some of the milestones that led me to finding my place, my peace, and happiness in my work. I have every confidence this will be your story too. Sending lots of love!

Ter Mar

On my desk is a quote from Sam Beckett “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”

Ter Mar

Can you come back from this. I'm not sure. The haters will never go away, you've given them too much fuel now. Ignore them completely. Unless that's the play. If you want to do horror do that, but get another job too. Pay your rent.

Sylwia S

I'm sorry you're getting so much hate from incurious fasc dickheads. Your channel is one of my absolute favorites, i have loved all of your videos, and i'm not even a big fan of horror really. I look forward to seeing whatever you write or make or post in the future, but mostly i hope youre doing okay. I think that for as much as there are plenty of leftists and communists on twitter, makin posts and the like, the population of users that make up most of the ecosystem, and use it the most carelessly, are right wing dullards, and youtube is even worse. So like, i just wanted to say youre a great writer and a great thinker and dont let the users of two mediocre websites that we're all forced to suffer on make you think different. I look forward to seeing what you write for years and years. Good health boss o7

DYEtH

I won't like... tell you what i think of this because I will end up with a wall of text, but I will suggest that you just focus on your videos about horror from now on

El Autor

Decided to join the patreon after watching the last video (i see i'm not the first and I'm glad that there are others lol) and seeing how badly the algorithm treats the channel while you make such great videos, that even I can appreciate, while not being a horror fan by any means, your thoughtful analysis of the subjects you talk about are refreshing and just always a treat. The backlash from the incredibly ignorant people who make up wendigoons audience must be hell to go through, twice none the less. I felt the video was very raw emotionally and that a lot of what you said was important and had to be said, and I appreciated how vulnerable you were in it. It was brave honestly. Anyways! I hope you're doing well and that the hiatus gives you time to heal.

laserSoda (evil)

Hi. I just joined, and I did it in part because of what I've seen going down over your latest video - like many others here, it seems. I think that there's an expectation, not only with you but with every author making essays or critiques from a left-of-mainstream position, to always be perfect. That because you will be scrutinized by bad faith people you have to guard against every possible line of attack. And I personally don't think you should be blamed for the vectors of attack used by people who would always attack you anyway - honestly, what I've seen of the people going after you really just underlines the case you made more than anything else. Thank you for your wonderful work, and I hope it'll continue. More than that, though, I hope you're doing well.

GOF

Writing to say that I am evidently not the first to subscribe to your Patreon in light of recent events. Nevertheless, I just want to let you know that you are one of my favorite voices in horror right now. You have never minced words about the punk and politics inherent in horror, and frankly as a trans girl they are words I needed to hear. What you do matters, at least to me. Hope you feel better. :)

Calliope Lagunas

Hi, Zane. I am newish to your channel. I have been watching your videos for about 6 months now, however, I am new to your Patreon as of today. I have never once commented on a single YouTube video, in spite of being on the platform since 2006, but I felt compelled to subscribe to your Patreon today after the unfair controversy surrounding your last video. I wanted to take some time out of my day to express my support for not only your work, but you yourself as an individual. I know we are all aware of the importance of representation in media, and I definitely see a lot of myself in you. I, as a gay man who was born in the 90s and fell in love with horror through Goosebumps, Courage, etc., I find you to be a comforting presence in your videos. Additionally, I am currently in the middle of preparing my graduate school auditions for classical piano performance. It's a stressful but rewarding process, but some days are particularly hard. I just wanted you to know that being able to unwind with one of your videos at the end of a long day has been helpful to me. So thank you for that. Also, on a final note: I am very happy you discussed Neve Campbell joining Scream 7 in your video. After Melissa Barerra was fired for supporting Palestine, I thought it was an awful look for Neve Campbell to join the project. I have yet to see someone critique her for doing so, and it was nice to see my same sentiments expressed by you. Thank you again for your thoughtful contributions to the horror community.

Sammy C.

For what it's worth, I really thought it was a great video. You covered so much ground and tackled things I've rarely seen anyone in the YT horror community take a stance on. In particular Blumhouse's harmful genre saturation. In my eyes the only real mistake was entering into the arena of YT drama in the first place. Its a place where all sources (well researched or otherwise) become inherently unreliable and easy for people to pick at. Totally understand why you chose to go there given your past experience with the HHE vid though. Just hoping you're doing ok during all this and dont get too discouraged from sharing your truth in future. As ever, can't wait for the next one man.

Dan Seymour

This is gonna sound weird but have you ever thought about combining with multi-part monster history videos with anatomy of a franchise? Like say there’s a specific franchise that is so key to the development of a subgenre/monster it needs to have its own part in a series to explore all its films. So for zombies it would be part 1 (mythology/folklore and pre-Romero), part 2 (Romero’s NotLD franchise), part 3 (other Dead films outside the main bunch like the Return of ... and Zombi films) and part 4 (post-68 non-Romero, millennial resurgence and modern). Or for sharks it would be part 1 on pre-1975 shark films (if there are any) and Jaws films, part 2 on the rip-offs in the following years, then part 3 on the more modern shark films like The Meg and Sharknado. I know that sounds like a lot of work, but it would probably be a lot anyway and just produced over the course of years instead of months. And sorry for showing up in the comments so much with suggestions. This channel has just been on my mind a lot these past few days and I keep coming up with stuff I need to get out of my head.

Arcee the Autobot

What I saw in the video was someone trying to stand up for things to be better, and advocate for artistic integrity in a culture they love. This all being disregarded because of a few mistakes feels very intentional to me. The mistakes just become a tool to undermine the entire video. Honestly even the most perfect video on the same topic would have received the same reaction. Which isn't to say nobody should try to do better, just that I would rather a hundred messy videos from someone who cares about these things than any from someone who clearly doesn't, and that I'm very happy that a channel like this exist at all. Just joined the patreon and excited to be a new supporter!

little cat village

I didn't see anything about your Hills Have Eyes video that would get under someone's skin. It could just be a case of people wanting to troll for no good reason and to be mean; or it could be they've built up some elaborate strawman of you in their minds and then attacked the real you, thinking you are that strawman. Regarding Wendigoon, I hadn't heard of that channel before. After a quick glance it looks to me like the History Channel (CIA conspiracies, serial killers, UFO and alien tales, Graham Hancock-like programs, etc.), which is not my cup of tea. Your channel, Weird Studies (when they don't go off the deep end on the New Age stuff), Staring into the Abyss, The Good Friends of Jackson Elias, Elder Sign a Weird Fiction Podcast, and a few others are more to my liking.

Ernie Croot

I disagree. I think this video was necessary, well made, and done in an extremely respectful manor. Which is impressive considering it is a response to you being harassed periodically. There is a reason why people are having this reaction to the video. It’s not easy to look at creators that you admire and whose content you enjoy and see them for what they are. But someone’s art reflects themselves and their beliefs, even if that is on a microscopic level. Communities can only thrive if bad behavior is called out, listened to, and changed. In my eyes you have done nothing wrong. Do not let these folks step on you with the boot their tongues are so firmly stuck to.

Prom Peasant

I've seen a few other people here say this, and I'm going to say it too. I've been a fan for years, and seeing what's happened after this video made me decide to join the patreon. I had no idea about the horrible treatment you'd received from people refusing to understand your analysis of The Hills Have Eyes. And the treatment you're receiving now is just proving the points you made in your latest video. The unwillingness to engage with anything past the surface level is a problem I've noticed growing across all forms of media. It's a regular cause of a lot of the drama that breaks out on booktok (the backlash I got for just pointing out that military romance is political was not fun). I'm really glad that there are people like you who are willing to look past the surface and treat your subjects as art rather than just something to be consumed. I'm sorry that you've been subjected to so much harassment, and I sincerely wish the best for you

Robi

Zane, Apologies it has taken me so long to become a patron. I've been a fan for years and like many (and hopefully many more) are here to support you outside of the cruel YT algorithm. Half way through your latest video, I took a look back at all your videos since THHE:AOAF, and I was blown away with how many of these videos posted since I hold so near and dear, and have rewatched several times. I cannot imagine the strength you've had making such monumental work while being so mentally strained. It does not show in the final product whatsoever. I want to thank you for your Nothing But Trouble and Scream Queens videos in particular. They are both on my regular re-watch rotation of comfort videos, along with History of Scary Clowns. And I will add to the list of people asking for higher Support tiers, but would expect no greater reward for doing so. As an idea for the future, if you do unlock higher tiers, perhaps list those individuals first on the patreon crawl to thank your biggest supporters. Please keep your head held high, and never stop creating. ✨️💕

Casey 💖

You're fine, honestly I enjoyed the video and it did not sway me from my support of this channel or you as an artist. You are by far my favorite creator on the platform, the only person I currently support on patreon, and a significant influence on my life. I am not exaggerating when I say that your videos on Strangehaven and the Golden Age of Horror Comics moved me deeply, and your channel overall helped me rediscover horror and fall in love with the genre. I don't know if I'd be the same person I am today if I hadn't watched these videos at certain pivotal moments of my life, so thank you for your work, and I hope you continue to do what you do, because I think it's genuinely important.

Nick K

It's good to be self aware, but seems like you might be beating up on yourself too much. I always enjoy your videos, HP Lovecraft and the two part series on comic books are all-time-youtube-greats, imo. Sorry you've been having a hard time with the channel and I hope it works out!

Chris Sherman

Hey Zane, I've been a patron for almost a year now and I never comment on anything on here or YouTube because I'm an insecure coward but I just want to say I support you. Keep up the great work and I hope this whole situation doesn't get you down too much. Shit happens and the internet can be the biggest pile of it. Let me know if you need someone to talk to.

Rein Loeve

Long time watcher (started after Super Eyepatch Wolf recommended you), first time patron - I'd always meant to join but just never got around to it, but your latest video was the kick I needed to get into it. I had no idea there'd been any drama, and I'm sorry you've had to deal with that. I've always found your videos very thoughtful and interesting, and have enjoyed hearing your perspective on things and the deeper readings of horror movies that I wouldn't consider myself (largely because I'm too much of a coward to watch many myself lol). I hope you can still find joy in creating your videos, and that things improve for you <3

Aoife

Just became a patron bc I did not know about any of this online drama but all I know is that all hands are needed on the deck 🫡love your videos. Your yt channel is one of the only ones I look forward to every single time that you post a new video

Honey and Tea

I want to say that your channel and your videos mean so much to me. Ive struggled with life and depression and your videos really helped to bring me out of that. I felt that there was someone out there who thought about art and movies the way that I did. I know, and we know that your heart was in the right place. My heart really does go out to you man. I hope no matter what, you’re doing ok. Please take whatever time you need. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll be here and support you, always.

Casey Sharp

Quite frankly, I was convinced to support you so that's something.

Aubrey LaBoca

Before anything else I just want to say that, as someone who has been watching your video for years, I wish I had become a patron sooner, your content has been excellent since the very beginning and you deserve way more compensation for all your hard work. That being said, I can completely understand why being harassed and called slurs by members of his community might sour you to Wendigoon. I have to be honest though, I think it was a bad idea to make those claims about Mutahar without looking into them first. He has made multiple videos calling Andrew Tate and men like him evil idiots who are not to be looked up to, and he has ALWAYS referred to Keffals as she/her and has never once misgendered her, you may think the artist’s drawing is transphobic and that may be but she has used that same artist’s work in her own thumbnails so I at least wish she would be honest about it. Mutahar is beloved on YouTube and I really don’t think it’s worth risking your reputation to make such serious claims about him when there are FAR worse people than Mutahar on our platform. Please, if you decide to re-do the fourth chapter of the video, please make sure that your claims are verified, and consider how your criticisms will look to someone from an outside perspective. The content you make is incredibly important and I want your reach to stretch as far as it possibly can, which is exactly why I don’t want potential viewers to be alienated before they have a chance to see what this community is about.

Original Orangutan

I’ve been watching your channel for a long time but I’m brand new to your Patreon specifically because of this video. I’m also a native of WNC and you said what needed to be said of Wendy and his friends. I hope you can take the time you need and can fall back on your support systems. The people and institutions that you criticized need to be called out, I’m sorry that you’re alone in it and taking the full burden of their hate. Please rest, recover, and know their vitriol is because deep down they know you’re correct. You said what you needed to say. It was raw and from a place of hurt. Could you have done better? I suppose, but things that personally matter to us aren’t always the easiest to phrase. You were courageous and you did well. Stay strong and know even someone just down the mountain from you sees you, hears you, and agrees with you.

Bad Codes

Long time fan, here, and really sorry to hear you’re going through this - there’s so much in the video I think was worth saying and worth hearing. The horror community feels increasingly unpleasant at the moment, and I think there will be more conversations like this one in the years to come (and, inevitably, anyone criticising the right being called a bunch of slurs). Take the time you need.

Michael Richardson

I’ve followed your channel since The Nightmare Artist went over with the algorithm. And there were two reasons I stuck around after that video: (1) I love horror and good media analysis. (2) There was something about your approach that reminded me of discovering Lore in the 2010s. I don’t know if Aaron Mahnke has influenced your style, but your videos have a similar “guy with calm voice describes the macabre” vibe to his podcasts. It probably took me a couple of videos to notice your politics, but even as someone left of center, I was already sold on your channel and it didn’t make a big difference to me (though I did appreciate you putting a certain leftist perspective on things and not being afraid to call out questionable shit). I watched this video across three different sittings (chapters 1 and 2 separately, then 3 and 4 together). And even before the comment section started “turning,” there was something about it that hit differently than your other work. For one, the scope is all over the place. While the video is titled “Bad Conservative Horror Movies,” it’s really about conservatism in horror spaces – from small-minded tribalism to the actual far-right kind. There’s a lot of great points and material here, but it’s not as tightly structured as, say, your franchise anatomy videos. And I think part of it is the simple fact that it’s a deeper and more nuanced topic than the Basket Case filmography. Had conservative horror movies really been at the center of this video, it would have been interesting to see a more granular comparison between the good ones and bads ones – their differences in approach and how they both arrive at the same destination (there’s a very little bit of this in Chapter 3, but not enough…pretty sure William Peter Blatty gave a pull quote to one of those nutjob Dinesh D’Souza documentaries, so the Exorcist films are definitely fair game). But I think the bigger issue is that you tried to structure it similarly to how HBomb did his James Sommerton takedown, with the material in the first three chapters being a kind of set up to the climactic showdown with Wendigoon. While I get the appeal of his channel, his content is a little too boring and surface-level for me (like if you’re afraid that detailed commentary of the Guinea Pig films will get you demonetized, then maybe don’t even bother). With that said, I felt like Chapter 4 was building up to an “Oh, shit!” moment that never came. There’s a lot about his past and character that’s definitely open to scrutiny and criticism, but I don’t think there’s anything here as presented to warrant the full Sommerton Effect. Diabolik raised a lot of the same issues I had, so I’ll defer to them when it comes to this section. But even speaking as a leftist, there are a few points raised throughout your video that I don’t see playing to anyone outside of that bubble. For example: your “two fascists at a table” line about Jason Blum and Ben Shapiro really didn’t connect with me. I understand the hesitance of yielding anything to ultra conservatives and that “we need to listen to both sides” is a lot of passive centrist BS (and yes, Jason Blum deserves to be criticized for promoting his studio under the guise of a “civil bipartisan conversation”). BUT there has to be some engagement with the center (and even the right) if the left wants to expand their influence. Like Bernie Sanders has participated in multiple Fox News town halls and still writes OpEds for them occasionally, and I wouldn’t say this makes him a fascist enabler. Maybe you’re happy with your core audience and don’t want to try appealing outside that bubble, but I do think it’s worth thinking about how to make certain talking points more digestible going forward. Hell, you have a couple of level-headed conservative viewers in this comment section alone who might not agree with your politics, but still support your way of thinking. Just saying. All that being said, you seem pretty well-aware that this video has some flaws and NOTHING you’ve said here or in past videos/tweets has called for the wave of reactionary shitposting you’ve received. I got thrown out of a few internet message boards in my high school troll days, but can’t say I know what it’s like to have an online horde come for my head (hope they at least cover your rent for a month or two). Things are probably going to be at least a little bit weird for a short while, but know that a bunch of us here and elsewhere are rooting for you. Rest up and do what you have to to keep going. We'll be here.

Oisín Harrell

I'm a proud patron of this channel and I know you do not put content out there that you do not pain stakingly consider. And I've always appreciated your nuanced approach to every subject you cover. The conservative trolls play dirty, they trade exclusively in ridiculous straw man arguments.

Devanir Chiamente

we got your back, man. we saw your intentions and they were good.

Noah Simmons

Brother bear, I have said it once and I'll say it again. Just charge more for your Patreon and make whatever tf you want. I want you to take 400% more of my money, at least. Just another reminder, as well: Anyone who made those comments about the Hills video or calls you a faggot for talking about art in a meaningful way brings absolutely nothing to the conversation and is a brain broken weirdo. There were definitely things I found interesting and entertaining about the latest vid and definitely things I disagreed with. It would be an interesting conversation to be had, for sure, but you're not going to get conversations with someone like me, you're going to get hateful weirdos forcefully inserting themselves into this and praying you turn into a lolcow about it. I have a rule of thumb, when someone mentions Twitter that many times they are on one and probably not in a good place. My genuine advice would be to just accept these as the points you made and put out into the ether and never engage with anyone about them again. I had NO idea about the Hills controversy until this video. Fuck Twitter, big homie. Please understand that the art you very clearly want to make is the reason that most of us are here. I know you are kind of in a bad place and I hope you don't let the algorithmic balancing ruin your optimism about the art you produce. Anyway....I don't want to sound too much like a parasocial weirdo so think about what I said about the Patreon. Look at how Grim Beard and Charlatan Wonder do it. They're smaller channels and they refuse to do ad reads or compromise the vids they make for the algorithm. Peace out✌

Clean Hotel Room

I love and am proud to support the work you're doing, particularly your more recent videos. I've been on a Stalker tip lately and the Dune/It's Hard to be a God video opened me up to more Strugatsky Bros work. Your work matters a lot but I hope it goes without saying that your self matters more. You don't deserve the treatment you've been getting and after watching the video my overwhelming feeling was anxiety that you would receive more of the same. I hope you can find a way to seperate yourself from the hateful discourse that is happening and find some peace. I hate that we live in a system that makes people choose between needing to eat and needing to breathe. I had never really thought of The Exorcist as a conservative film but as you point out, it's right there. I'd love to hear more about the differences between inherently conservative horror and progressive horror.

Jean-Rene Lagace

By now you've probably seen Diabolik talking about covering a big franchise next to win back viewers. Obviously doing that is entirely up to you and whether or not you want to change the schedule posted a few weeks back. But if you do follow that advice and if it is F13, can I suggest a piece of music to use in the credits? It's 'Jason' by The Midnight and is basically a synthwave song which the creators interpreted to be all about stereotypical "Jasons" in 80s/90s media which would include og Red Power Ranger, Robin II but also Jason Voorhees. I don't know what the process is behind choosing credits music but I thought I'd just throw this idea out now as to me it makes the most sense for anything F13 related.

Arcee the Autobot

hey man, i’ve loved your work since i watched the Batman video back in 2021, and my mom loves your work too. i have also been struggling a lot the past almost-year and i heard a lot of my own feelings in your voice throughout the parts of the video that i watched. i completely agree with what a lot of people said — someone needed to call this BS out for what it is. Isaiah (wendigoon) seems a decent guy, but he’s also a right-wing darling who doesn’t call out his fans and friends for the things they believe, and honestly may never. all that said, i thought what you did was markedly brave, i could never do something like that, and i genuinely applaud you for it. i’m stoked to see what you’ve got coming next, and i promise you’ve got my financial support no matter what. (and also, if you need a script editor or sth, im happy to help)

Carmen Sinclair

Hey Zane, have been a patreon since you pretty much set it up, to be honest I didn't dislike the video, it does show that you had what in my culture we call "a mango pit in the throat" and you wanted to spit it out and be done with it and I did not mind at all, I guess most americans dislike this type of confrontation of people's arguments and comments , this is normal in most of Latam. I believe you should take some time off social media, specially twitter which has become a cesspool of toxicity since it's acquisition because , it has taken a toll on you and I understand that you are at the mercy of the algorithm, most creators are , that's why I believe and in my humble opinion you should strive to bring people over here to support you directly. Aiming towards ad revenue in a platform that is mostly looking to maximize peoples engagement will always lean towards division, conflict and polarization instead of the opposite. You are not alone on this, lots of creators have been shadow banned by or obscured by the algorithm and have also been affected by this fandoms that aim towards bashing people's work and engaging negatively so the algorithm does it's thing as it is designed. I found comments in that video that were only 45 minutes old (your upload being less than an hour old) , in a 3 hour video already bashing your whole video , they like to nitpick and as soon as they hear criticism against their favorite creators or their hypocrisy is made public or self-realizing , their instinct is to immediately engage in toxic rhetoric, feeding armies of bots (that I sincerely don't know where they come from). I for once found refreshing that you laid bare the state of the genre and the complete non-sense that has been pushed by some members of it in multiple circles. I'm glad you took your time to get that out of your system and I am hoping to see your next work, I am always glad to see a video of you popping in my notifications and that won't change because of one video, a content creator is a sum of their work and deeds, not defined by only one of them, even if it flops or gets hate. Take care and have a great rest of the week!

Juan Hernandez

i keep thinking about advice i heard that said “just because an argument is well-worded doesn’t mean it’s right, and just because the right thing is poorly stated doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

Carmen Sinclair

Hi, I am a new Patron but I've been watching you videos for a while now. I understand that the video was not up to the standards you usually hold yourself too. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. You are only human and you were discussing somthing very personal and hurtful so the video was a little more raw and a little less polished then normal. I personally, think that that added to it in this case. You were hurt and you showed vulnerability. If you have things about the way you did that video that you don't like I say simply remember those things for your future video so you can be happier with your work going forward. Don't beat yourself up about it. As a viewer it made me think and gave me a lot to chew on which for me, is good! Be gentle with yourself man.

Gabz

This was a lot to deal with and im sorry there’s so many toxic people out there coming at you. You make great work Zane and I believe in you

Matt S.

Because it seems a bit scurrilous at best? I’m not saying it isn’t true, but I also didn’t see a ton of evidence that stuck with me. Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t, but the evidence presented in the video didn’t sway me. Remember, the point of these drama/callout videos is to present irrefutable evidence of this person being shitty. I didn’t see that in the video. To be fair, I don’t know a ton of Twitter personalities, as I got off Twitter years ago, so it’s possible I just didn’t know the magnitude of him associating with certain people. Could be on me, but again, the evidence didn’t seem very compelling. Which is on him to present. Drama callouts are tricky, and can easily backfire, and when they do backfire, it can be drastic. That’s why I bow out of a lot of the feuds and drama. I’m 40. I’ve been heavily involved in the Internet for decades. I’ve seen careers get destroyed over it. I’ve seen people take their own lives over it. If you’re going to drudge up drama, you’d better come fully loaded. And IPOS didn’t. Not his fault, his film criticism is definitely his expertise, but wading into the Internet drama pool is dangerous unless you come ready, like Hbomb and Sommerton. Maybe he could have presented his evidence better. If he had, the blowback wouldn’t be this severe. Again, not his fault, I still love the channel, but clearly the fallout from this means it didn’t land. I get that he’s frustrated by the channel’s status. I get that there was a lot of criticism over the Hills video. However, I don’t think the resulting aftermath is what he was hoping for. He’s already deleted the Wendi section of the video. Thankfully the Internet has a shot attention span, and all this will be forgotten in 3-6 months. There might be a few people who bark about it on Twitter, but who cares? If he drops a banger video in the next few months and pretends none of this happened, he’ll be golden.

DIABOLIK_MODEL_WRKS

Why did you leave out the portion of criticism about Wendigoon being friends WITH bigots and white nationalists? I think the issue is that wasn’t delved in to enough personally

FrostCorpsClub

Another hug from across the Atlantic, mate. I haven't really engaged too much with Wendigoon’s content and I don't engage with YouTube community too much so I can speak to anything pertaining what was said or it's accuracy, but if you were vilified by Wendigoon’s fanbase, then I'm so sorry to hear that mate; that's, shit, and awful. I've yet to watch the video (I will!), but all I'll say is, you shouldn't apologise for making something you felt you needed to; people are either going to engage with it and like it, or not like it, and that's all one can do. Be easy on yourself mate. You're not alone. :)

Ben Harris

I obviously can´t give you financial advice, but don´t push yourself too much to release something. I would be fine with less. Also you are self-reflective, that´s great! :)

TiredEyesThomas

Hugs. The video was raw, but I don't think there was anything wrong in it (at least in my view) and your goal of wanting to be and encourage a space for positive criticism was what I came away with as your most emphasized point. What I'd want to encourage is just that you end up making work that you're proud of.

Andrew Kozma

Thanks! For what it’s worth I’ve seen that said a few times, but that was my genuine reaction to reading those out loud. I hadn’t read that section in a few weeks at that point and had forgotten what a few of them had said. It may have come across that way as forced laughter but that wasn’t actually the reality of it at all

In Praise of Shadows

That’s actually something that has been on my mind too. The last half year of YouTube even amongst creators in private has felt more paranoid. I do find it funny that people have been describing me as doing an Hbomberguy style video, but I don’t actually think I did. He wasn’t on my mind at all when I was making this, and I think the first two and a half hours at the very least feel very me and true to my personal style. I knew this would not have an Hbomerguy style effect as well. I knew nothing substantial would happen to any of these people, they are too big for that now. But my hope to a degree that people would have seen how I was treated then and how I was after the video and realize what was at the core of Wendigoon’s base and circle that he surrounds himself with. It may have been the wrong decision, I don’t know. Lot’s of things have been on my mind.

In Praise of Shadows

I can’t actually give a good reason for the clip at the beginning, it honestly just felt right in the moment and so I did it. Mostly for aesthetic purposes but also just did feel a little thematically fun

In Praise of Shadows

New patron here. I don't think there's anything to apologize. Your video definitely came from a place of frustration, but we are all human and you have been constantly harassed. You articulated your points good and presented proofs that validated your position. It was clear that there was going to be a huge backslash considering the current state of the internet and the size of that other channel, but we are here for you. You are very smart and alluring man, you have clear passion for horror, you do great literary analysis and we are lucky to have your voice in the genre.

frdric

I love your videos, and also love the more leftist leaning creators you listed. I know you didn’t ask for some constructive criticism, so skip this if you need to, but as a content creator with some level of success (under a different name obviously), I thought I’d throw something out there if you’d like to read it. This isn’t criticizing you, this is just what I recommend moving forward. Disregard if you like. 1) when people like Hbomb/Contra/Big Joel take on a specific person, they make sure there’s a direct inline to criticism. They go after creators that are clearly ridiculous. I’ve watched a decent amount of Wendi’s videos, mostly the angel/demonology stuff, since that’s interesting to me. And while yes, he likely has some problematic views, he does seem like a decent guy. At least outwardly. I’d almost certainly disagree with him on a political level, but he seems okay. Maybe he’s a total shitlord, but that doesn’t come across in his videos the same way the Golden One or Ben Shapiro does. The downside of going after him, deserved or not, is you don’t come across looking like a winner, which, let’s be honest, is how people view this. Intentionally or not, people see YouTube/creator drama as a battle. At best, you came out looking tied with Wendi, which means it looks like you lost, since you “started it”. Now, please, don’t take this as a put down, I LOVE your art and will continue to be a proud supporter, but this wasn’t the fight to pick. Take the Completionist debacle (also the Hbomb/Sommerton vid). A decent seeming guy got caught lying about donations to charity. That’s big. To go against someone like Wendi, you need that level of weaponry. Instead, you criticize his links with the Boogaloo Boys, which he said he left when they got weird. Still not great, but he said he disassociated himself with them. So…good? He still wears a Hawaiian shirt, but pointing that out seems like nothing. Also, he’s a Christian, which, ya know, boo, but he seems like a decent Christian. You needed a nuke to go at him. That wasn’t a nuke. You found his alt account where he posts white nationalist shit on 4chan? THATS A STORY. Anything less seems petty. And look, I know his supporters are shitty, no doubt there, but delete Twitter and that part is solved. 2) Push forward. Act like this thing didn’t happen. Don’t reference it, don’t allude to it, just keep making videos. And your next video out of the gate needs to be a crowd pleasing banger. Cover a huge franchise like F13 or Nightmare. Avoid politics for a few videos, unless it’s explicitly textual quotes from those creators. Show that you can still nail the thing you’re amazing at, which is media criticism. Sell out for a video or two to win people back and hopefully get money so you can get some Red Lobster or something. I have total and complete faith in you, and hope you continue making the amazing art you do! Ps: again, please ignore all of this if you don’t agree. My opinion wasn’t asked for and likely isn’t needed, but with some experience, I’m 40 and have been at this for a while, I thought I’d try to help.

DIABOLIK_MODEL_WRKS

Long time watcher, first time patron. I've been a conservative for my whole adult life, my husband is European and has been very liberal for all of his adult life. We both love and enjoy your content, and have happily watched every video together that you've put out for years, including this new one. Neither of us have ever had an issue with any of your content, and we still don't (including the newest video). You make us think, and you bring up fun discussions for the two of us every time we watch one. Neither of us are even really into horror movies, frankly, because we're sort of squeamish and horror often features gore - we just love the information and discourse you provide. We also had no idea there was any sort of 'drama' going on - maybe that's age. We're late thirties, and certainly not scrolling through social media comments to get in on drama. My point is that, while it all may seem like the end of the world and that everyone is talking about you or has read the nasty things people are saying - they haven't. They're actually invested in their own lives, instead. The world is strange that way (and it goes well outside of YouTube or social media, but just as general life advice). When you feel you've made a blunder, apologize so that you feel right in your own internal moral compass, and move on. If someone says something bad about you, decide for yourself if it deserves reflection and change for you to improve your own life and sense of self, and then move on. Ultimately, what matters is what you feel about your yourself, your actions, and your life. No one else is coming with you when you go. No one else has to live in your own skin with your own decisions but you. Let the rest go. I hope this made sense - as someone dealing with cancer right now, I've been thinking a lot about life and what it means, and realizing what's actually important. I hope this helps.

Chantal Davis

Hey, been a Patron of yours for a long while now and I really appreciate you taking ownership of this. I could feel that something was really off in this video. When you were reading critical tweets and forcing yourself to laugh was disturbing. I hope you take some time to reevaluate your values, motives, and what you feed your head. I LOVE the older content; your pumpkinhead video is one of my favorite videos on the site. I truly wish the best for ya

cam williams

I was your first patron, Zane. I’ve been a fan since the absolute beginning and I’ll always be a fan. While watching, I noticed a big tone shift in this video that seemed indicative of some inner turmoil. I think you’ve done the right thing in addressing it head on and admitting that maybe a misstep was made. You’re a human, we all make miscalculations. I hope you can give yourself some grace that you are not a content machine, you’re a person. Your true fans will stick close to you no matter what the algorithm tells us to do. I’m wishing you good health and prosperity. Much love <3

LEAH HUMMEL

As a fan of you both, I was a bit disconcerted with the video. I agree there were better ways to present the info. That said, it's time to move forward, put this misstep behind you and start again with what you love doing: horror content.

Kris Olsen

hi zane, long time watcher, recent patron; i subscribed to your patreon because i always enjoyed and continued to enjoy the thoughtful quality of your works. this video is no different to me in that respect, you've clearly put a lot of heart and time and effort into it as you always do. i consider myself a bit of a weenie when it comes to horror, but your videos make it digestible and interesting for someone like me. i actually rewatched the HHE video recently because i remembered it being such a good explanation of a franchise i'd only heard of in passing! i want to echo what The Duchess said above and say that you are allowed to be upset and angry when people are being cruel to you, and you're allowed to be imperfect in your response to that cruelty because we're all only human. i think twitter has made the world a lot worse (even before Elon acquired it) and i hope you delete it permanently or at least only schedule tweets about new video uploads and don't look at the replies. trolls will keep swarming whenever their pet subjects are brought up; all we can do is deny them our attention as much as possible. by that, i don't mean that you shouldn't have addressed wendigoon et al; it's important to name bullies and grifters of all types to raise awareness. rather, i think all we can really do is deny the fans of those grifters attention if they try and get it. hope you're taking time to do some self-care. i really love your work, always!

HuntressWarlock

Here's a pretend hug from me because the Atlantic is in the way

Arcee the Autobot

Let me just say that I'm sorry, that your going through this. I have always admired your videos and quality of content. Thank you for making videos. They make my day,when they come out.I just hope sincerely that your doing well.

Josh Clark

This video struck me as a post-hbomerguy plagiarism video. It feels like the landscape of YouTube has changed a bit since then, especially in video essay spheres where research is so rigorous. I think those kinds of videos are not fun, but important and valuable. I have not watched wendigoon's videos, and I know not to now. I also indulged in your videos without realizing the background and catalyst that is the hills have eyes video. The Conservative video may be a bit long, but it has a voice that is worth being heard.

Audrey fern

Thank you for all your videos. I've learnt all sorts of things I would never have known. I checked out 'Nothing But Trouble' with an open mind thanks to you, and I am glad that I did. Your videos on Lovecraft gave me a lot to think about in the best way possible, and that proved very useful for me - and for identifying Herbert West as the missing zombie link between Shelley and Romero. I dug out the first three Hellraisers after your video on that franchise - I hadn't seen them in ten, fifteen years and was so glad to see them again. And your three part history of comics video taught me a lot but also helped take my mind off things during a difficult time in my life. Your work has meant a lot to me and I am grateful for every video you make.

David Thornthwaite

I am a huge fan of you Zane and have seen a huge political shift in your content recently … I lean more conservative and it is unfortunate that it seems like you just don’t want a conservative audience . I don’t see why we can’t separate politics.

Jacob Dennis

I understand how you feel, and why the response would lead you in this direction. I started watching your videos because you make insightful and entertaining observations, and seeing that applied to horror as a community really opened my eyes to how complacent we can be about toxic messaging and bad actors in these spaces. Maybe making something this personal, drawing from your own experiences is not what you want to do in the future, and that is valid, but a lot of people need to hear this. You're encouraging higher quality criticism by being a good example of it.

Ailsa Lillywhite

Stick it out. What you said needed to be said, even if it wasn’t perfectly worded. There isn’t so much a creeping tide of fascism-masquerading-as-friendly-conservatism around the world, but a gathering flood. Giving name and shape to that flood is necessary. Also, just a friendly suggestion, but torching your Twitter account is both positive divestment and good for your overall health. Highly recommended from personal experience. Stay safe, stay in community.

CJ Torres

Love you zane. Unfortunately it's a very scary polarizing time outside in the US these days. Things are getting worse and they might not get better for a long time if that happens at all in our lifetime.. Sorry for your experiences. I'm worried for our country and the world. I'm hoping for signs that things deescalate but things seem to be going the other way unfortunately.

Little Old Lady Who

Though I did find some issues with the video, the message of it was something I agreed with. I am sorry it has been such a dark time for you and was very honest about the genuine love I have for your content in my private message I sent. To show that any criticism I did offer was good faith, and that I fully support you regardless of any slight disagreement I had for how you approached a very small percentage of the total video: I upped my donation times 7. I genuinely appreciate the kind words here but also echo others in saying that it isn't nessecery. Take some "you" time, self love is something we all leave by the wayside but it's so important. Proud to still be a subscriber and am so excited to see all the amazing work you have to offer. Be well Zane!

Otho the cat and Chalmarius

I'd like to echo what others here have said about the validity of your feelings and my disgust for the appalling treatment you have received. I must also confess that watching the latter portion of the video made me feel uneasy, not because I disagreed with anything but because there doesn't seem to be any winning move in a situation like this. Lest this aspect of your work be overlooked, you made some outstanding artistic choices on the visuals. I loved the falling rose petals in the Kevin Spacey chapter and especially enjoyed the pyramid/sunset backdrop. On that note, may I ask about the All My Children clip in the very beginning? Was opening with a soap opera a (perhaps unconscious?) warning that the essay was at risk of straying into 'drama video' territory? Is there particular significance in Phoebe's demand to "toe the line as I see fit"?

Joshua Anolick

I don't think you should feel bad for making something that was important to you. We're all human and sometimes our emotions prevent us from conveying our thoughts in the way we intended. Also, I'm sincerely impressed by the quality of your work- I've watched the videos about horror comics 3X. Please don't beat yourself up too much over this if you can. And as always, I'm looking forward to your next video.

Zach W

i’m sorry that things blew up in response to your recent video like they did. i’ve been a patron for a while and i always look forward to your content as someone i know i can trust to provide a thoughtful and intelligent analysis on a piece of media or a situation in the horror community. i was slowly making my way through the video and hadn’t gotten to the part about wendigoon yet, but i’m sure you didn’t say anything that you didn’t feel very much needed to be said for good reason. his fans on both sides of the political line can honestly be intensely exhausting, even if he himself is not necessarily a bad person (i don’t know him so can’t attest to him personally) and it sounds like you were facing some serious harassment from them for some time, which would drive anyone to frustration. ultimately i hope you are able to keep making videos you are passionate about and that this experience doesn’t dishearten you further, because there are a lot of us on here who really appreciate the work you do

Clianthe

I just want to let you know that I fully support what you did. I know it's not easy doing that kind of thing, and I can understand having regret for doing it in such a public way. It is incredibly important that people be willing to call out hate. I've had to give up on a close friendship for similar reasons. You make great, well thought out videos, and I'm super happy to support them in the small way that I can.

Dillon

I only wish you well and I have yet to see a video you've made that doesn't give me pause to think on a new point of view. I love lot of things that you have said in critique, even when you did not like thae things I personally enjoy. And I love that contrast of opinion. I consider your discord a second home and have for near 2 years. While I've been there running creative corner with Willow you have not been around. If this is why touve receded, it makes complete sense. Thank you for that you still find yourself able to do. Your channel has brought me true friends, people I treasure. And your videos have brought me a repeat buffet of detailed, clearly loved, and fully enthusiastic information. You don't need to know me from any other fan or supporter, and in fact it is preferred that I blend into the background. But please know you have the love of strangers that hear your words with interest and respect. This too shall pass as they say, and I can only hope that the smaller voices of kind encouragement speak louder than an ugly sea of negative rat bastard bigotry.

Lex Reckless

Just want to say I really don’t think you have anything to apologize for. You were being punched down on in the same dull repetitive way for 2 years and punched back once, I think a lot of people would have said wayyy harsher things after being systematically mischaracterized over and over and over again. The response feels disproportionate because there’s a seemingly infinite amount of “centrist” (conservative) weirdos on the internet that foam at the mouth at any mention of leftist politics. Just know that there are people out there that genuinely appreciate you and your videos for the things you actually say in them

Madison Stone

After reading this it struck me that you have become such a strange, joyful, and unexpectedly important part of my life. And I'm sad that you have been feeling this way. I honestly never watched any horror of any kind before finding your videos. Turns out I really enjoy it because I'm learning how to see the nuance in the storytelling empathetically. You are brave and just please know that you matter, your art matters, and you are appreciated. Also, I can't help reading your writing in your voice and it makes me so happy. I wish you enough.

Cathy Ruoff

I'm still working my way through the video so I'm out of the loop a bit, but I appreciate your openness! I know in your previous post you said you 1. Had fun making the video and 2. Felt the video was important to make regardless of backlash. Try to hold on to those feelings. It can be so tough to find a good middle ground between sticking to your guns and accepting genuine feedback/criticism but I hope you're able to walk that line! Wishing you the best :)

Joseph Lupo

I personally think a lot of stuff you said in that video needs to be said… I understand if you’re not satisfied with it and your emotional investment doesn’t feel healthy (that’s something I’ve done before and I totally get it) but I do think there needs to be more conversations about bad faith d-bags who sneak into horror and have a bad influence on young people attracted to horror because they’re marginalized

grigori karpin

Thank you for the statement and I'm sorry about this situation. A lot of people are being really cruel to you in the aftermath of this, for what was ultimately a small fumble. I understand that life of balancing what you want to artistically make, and what does well, is a hellish task and look forward to the content you make next.

Skull Servant Tier 0 (Rosie)

wanted to say again I love your work and you've always struck me as Good People. glad to see you've dropped birdapp, I've had a better time since bailing. it's just become an exhausting shithole. can't wait to see what you do next!

Trevor Collins

The Sickness looked interesting but my LCS didn't stick it and it was a little too expensive for me to buy it without checking it out first. Lots of great horror books out there today (and non-horror books too).

Phil

I thought you made well made points and see the struggle sorry to see that and hope things get better keep up your good work

Wyatt Hahn

You don't need to apologize. As an older lady who is going through some shit, it has taken me years to realize this: *you are allowed to be upset when people fuck with you.* Furthermore, you're allowed to talk about it! Even if it's not to your strategic advantage, even if there's undeserved backlash, it's still absolutely normal & fine to react. Expressing that while tying what you're going through thematically to larger trends/problems in the art & community you love is gutsy. Hopefully the chud brigade at least drives the volume, if not the quality, of traffic your work deserves. Meanwhile, take care of yourself.

The Duchess

No to be honest I’ve not read much at all lately. I’ve got a stack I want to get into though. In particular The Sickness looks like it’s going to be amazing. I’ve spoken with Lonnie Nadler who writes it and the artist Jenna Cha before and they are very good people

In Praise of Shadows

Your work is important, but certanly not as important as your own mental wellbeing and happiness. And Twitter is sertanly not helping those, either.

Vaclav Urbanek

I can definitely second that I use almost no social media. I literally had to download Patreon just to support your channel! Makes it so much easier to just focus on doing good work that you love.

AJ williams

Don't sweat it dude. It's easy to say "don't sweat Twitter and comments" but that is easier said then done. Are you reading any new comics? I'm always looking for new folks to talk comics with.

Phil

Deciphering art is hard. Calling out bullies is hard. I'm on this Patreon because of your latest video. Keep being genuine and making amazing content. I think you initiated a big conversation and I see a lot of new love and support for you.

James Mosingo

Maybe I missed something, but I don't see what you are apologizing for. All your criticisms of the guy seemed pretty well backed up. Love your work, and I hope you get to keep making it for a long time.

Nick Desrosiers

It was good for you to come out and apologize and take a moment to reset. It's late on my end but I at least wanted to comment and let you know I saw this post and recognize it as an attempt to start over. You will have some negative feelings about this video. This may not have been your best work. But you will do better in the future, I'm sure of it, despite the agony you have felt over the years. Ill have more to say in a day or so. But get some rest in the meantime, Zane.

Christopher Wade

I really loved the video and I think it’s “flaws” are actually what endeared me to it the most. I could see the heart and humanity behind it, flaws and all. You didn’t try to present yourself as “objective” or “correct” and showed the emotional reasoning behind your more academic assessments, and to me the honesty of showing that emotion, instead of hiding it or pretending it wasn’t influencing you, made the video more powerful. I think it even gave the audience some power to disagree with you while still understanding you, like personally I disagree with some of the things you said about Appalachia but I understand where they came from emotionally so I can’t fault you for having those opinions. As much as leftism is about seeing and dissecting the imbalances of the world, I think it’s also about meeting people where they’re at and understanding why they think the way they do. Even if you had room for improvement that just makes you human, and I think you made it pretty clear Why you think certain things even if they’re not perfect.

Lily Rabbitt

Speaking only for myself, it says a great deal about your character that you recognized in yourself that you were speaking from a place of frustration and anger!

AJ williams

While I do think you could have done better in terms of your research, as you were very right about the company he keeps if you laid the evidence out better, you didn’t deserve the response you received and I hope you don’t let it stop you from standing up for what is right in the horror community. They went after your physical appearance because they couldn’t actually refute your points.

FrostCorpsClub

You were understandably sad and angry. It comes across in the video, and truth be told it maybe wasn't the place to vent those feelings. However, I don't think it undermines your work, or the points you made in the video as to the current state of horror media. Don't be down on yourself. The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion.

Ben Atkinson

I will be, I have deleted the app off of my phone. It has not made me better, and has gotten to a point where I do recognize that it has made a negative effect on my work.

In Praise of Shadows

Love you buddy ❤️

Connor McKenna

I love your work and I'm genuenly sad that you're struggeling. I hope you'll feel better over time and if there is one thing I would recommend to you out of my own experience - and I'm sure I won't be the only one - just get off Twitter. Trust me, it will do wonders for your mental health.

Vaclav Urbanek

The video read as very civil and levelheaded in my opinion. I (and I know many others) share a lot of the same concerns you listed in the video. Of course, your feelings are your feelings, but I really don’t think you have anything to apologize for.

Zoe Maddox

I hadn’t made it to the wendigoon part. I thought the promotion of better analyzing media was a good thing and up to the part I've watched I thought you were doing a good job at that. That said I'm not ever really a fan of creators slugging each other, even if I'm not a fan of one of those creators (don't even think I've watched wendigoon) so I may not finish the video. Sorry

Jace

nothing to apologize for -- love your work, admire your principles, you've got my support!

Trevor Collins

I am so sorry you had to deal with that. I know it can be crippling to be trying to make your passion profitable and dealing with stuff like this can make you want to explode. Thank you for being such a good example and creator. You are a mensch

Edward Schmalz