An odd suggestion

[Ixthos]

Hi guys, hope you are all well I've been watching Chuck's reviews for a few years now, and made this account a while back so as to possibly contribute to discussions on the reviews. Right now, after seeing how the video streaming sites have been messing with Chuck, I thought I might ask if something has been considered yet.

Usually, I don't so much watch the videos as play them in the background while doing other things - I find that, with a few exceptions, this helps me both enjoy the review and get things done at the same time. As such, and as we watch the reviews mainly to hear Chuck's thoughts, rather than see the footage - though that is a bonus, and one that helps us to better get a handle on what is happening and when - might it not be a good idea for Chuck to made a separate, audio only upload at the same time for as he uploads the video? That is, below each video a link to a sound recording of Chuck's review, without any accompanying images?

Sorry if this has already been discussed, or if there is something which would prevent this from happening. I do think it would allow for us to experience the reviews without the removal of the videos causing major disruptions for both us and Chuck, as even if the video disappears we can still hear Chuck's reviews even when the videos aren't available.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day and week

[Percysowner]

That's not a bad idea. I listen to podcasts so I'm now used to hearing reviews and not seeing video, so it's not that big a change. Yes, I'd prefer the format I'm used to, but I'm aware that the copywrong people are out in force.

The other thing I have seen with reviewers is to post a link to their patreon page and then use a Googledocs format for their reviews. I certainly don't want Chuck to have to reformat everything again, so probably the narration only idea may be a good work around.

[CrypticMirror]

I dunno, without the footage it is a weaker product. There is a reason why the book reviews Chuck does are just uninteresting to me, less so even than the gaming or anime reviews, and it isn't just the poor choice of books he's been given. It is the lack of visuals and visual counterpoints. Chuck's style of review relies a lot on the contrast between the intent and content of the programmes he is doing. Star Trek is tolerable in the more limited form, because of familiarity to the show, but if it is something other than Trek with no visual footage then it is just uninteresting in the extreme. The internet is a visual medium for a reason.

[Ixthos]

Thanks

I dunno, without the footage it is a weaker product. There is a reason why the book reviews Chuck does are just uninteresting to me, less so even than the gaming or anime reviews, and it isn't just the poor choice of books he's been given. It is the lack of visuals and visual counterpoints. Chuck's style of review relies a lot on the contrast between the intent and content of the programmes he is doing. Star Trek is tolerable in the more limited form, because of familiarity to the show, but if it is something other than Trek with no visual footage then it is just uninteresting in the extreme. The internet is a visual medium for a reason.

I see your point, and I am by no means suggesting Chuck stops making videos in the way he currently is. I am just suggesting that, in addition to uploading the videos, he also uploads directly below them the audio from that video, so that even if the video is removed there is a stopgap. It thus can also include the audio from the episode in question, along with Chuck's reaction, much like a radio drama.
You do have a good point though, and not everyone would be happy with just the audio. I do think it would take some of the pressure off of Chuck when it comes to having to do reuploads.

[FlynnTaggart]

I like this idea. While some episodes are much better with the video clips others are perfectly fine audio only. I'll at times play one of Chuck's vids while I'm doing other stuff like working or typing (or more likely putting off typing, George RR Martin ain't got nothing on me when it comes to writing books incredibly slowly). Certainly the video version is better because of visual aids but the audio version is perfectly fine more often then not.

Having an audio only version would I assume allow the reviews to be uploaded in other places giving people more ways to enjoy his works. I don't really know how podcast sites/services work but if they pay like Youtube and others video hosting sites could make him a few more bucks here and there which I'm sure Chuck would be more then fine with.

[Yukaphile]

I'd also like to come back to offer Chuck a suggestion. I'd encourage him to begin reopening older Star Trek requests, that he's already done. Keep the old ones up for the sake of preservation, of course. But then, give his thoughts in a more modern setting (some of the jokes are purely periodic-specific) with the suggested audio-only format. I would also add to maybe make it cheaper than the usual reviews, which IIRC, are $50 per episode of a 40-minute or less sci-fi show. Because I too would rather listen to Chuck's reviews if he can't upload the visual reviews. And it's a good fallback in case more copyright bots come. A good way to ensure at least something survives and we don't have to wait weeks or months or worse, years to get it back. But what is everyone else's thoughts on this?

[Ixthos]

It seems the general consensus is that it might be a good idea if Chuck were to do this. Now all we need to do is to ask Chuck if he has considered doing this or if he thinks it is a good idea. Does anyone know how? I emailed him a while back about a different topic and he didn't respond back, so I don't know if that is a viable way to contact him.