Red Flags video update
Added 2025-03-01 13:01:45 +0000 UTCYesterday I posted my latest video - 11 Red Flags When Buying Board Games. After posting it I got some feedback that the final red flag section came across poorly. Realising that I’d failed in my intent with the section, I deleted it from the video. I’m sorry to anyone I offended, clearly I misjudged it.
To explain the situation - the final section was meant to be tongue in cheek, suggesting it’s a red flag if the game doesn’t have an American or German designer, because I’d found that 60% of the BGG Top 100 is designed by those two nationalities, and I made a joke about them both being good at hot dogs too. I then went on to explain that they have big conventions and strong design communities. Then I used the topic as an opportunity to have a cheeky dig at the UK board game scene being not so good, making silly jokes about English names. Then I went on to say that “Of course there are talented designers all around the world, and really strong scenes in France, Japan, Poland, Italy, Czechia to name a few.” I then say that you can find trends you can follow - Spain are making popular heavy games right now, and I really like French designs for lighter, family weight games.
Later in the night, I saw that someone had made a post on r/boardgames subreddit about the video, saying I had used the phrase “lesser people” which is completely untrue. They called me xenophobic and a bigot, and claimed I was trying to cover it up by deleting it. I left a comment apologising for the section, similar to this post, and I refuted the inaccuracies. The Reddit post was later deleted.
I abhor xenophobia, racism or bigotry of any kind - and I’m sad that anyone would think that of me as a result of the video.
I’ve now decided to take the whole video down because on reflection of the feedback on the whole video, the red flag angle is too divisive. I didn’t intend for them to be taken as absolutes, but I think we all have a different definition of what a red flag is.
The video is currently unlisted here: https://youtu.be/E5A939qcKLE?si=aVREWIsrz3vm3QUr (with the last section removed). I will give patrons 2 days to watch it before I take it down completely.
I will cover the gap on the channel with my next video - the first of my Top 100, as soon as possible.
Actually yours,
Jon
Comments
Your character shines through
Eric
2025-04-19 16:16:38 +0000 UTCTelling people to not buy a designer's first game is destructive, dismissive, selfish and unsporting. Telling people to not support publishers in their fledgling years is rude, myopic and flat-out stupid. I suppose you also believe that nobody should have supported your endeavors when you first started, right?
Jason Katzwinkel
2025-03-14 22:05:44 +0000 UTCI couldn’t find Undaunted in the search feature.
Fernando
2025-03-11 06:43:33 +0000 UTCIt was a great video. I’m sorry that it got that kind of reactions. It was clearly based on statistics on BGG, the place where whole world rate the games. Do not stress, looking forward to the next video.
Vladimir Rajić
2025-03-06 12:31:03 +0000 UTCWe know the sort of human you are Jon. Please don't feel bad about fundamentalist trolls.
Noisy Andrew (partymeeple)
2025-03-04 14:13:59 +0000 UTCShoot apparently i missed the 2 day cutoff it just said this video is private
Adrenaline Zen MTB
2025-03-04 01:10:49 +0000 UTCI can only imagine the toll this experience must've taken on you, so I came here to pile on some love ❤️ I didn't get to see #11, but the other 10 red flags were really thoughtful and funny. As statistical statements, I think they all have their merits. You gave counterexamples to all of them, so anyone willing to engage with your argument should be able to understand they weren't meant as absolutes. So I hope the work you put into the video won't be in vain and we'll see those again in some other other (maybe slightly less controversial) format.
Markus Shepherd
2025-03-03 11:25:41 +0000 UTCIt's okay, you didn't miss much. The actual funny jokes in that section were separate from the issue people were having with it, so I don't see it as censoring humour.
Actualol
2025-03-03 09:57:57 +0000 UTCI agree with your take on "red flag", but it seems it's a term that we don't all universally agree on, and that definitely seems to have caused some of the problems. I should have explained myself better, or maybe not used the term at all.
Actualol
2025-03-03 09:54:53 +0000 UTCI got to this video too late, and now I worry that #11 was the funniest bit, which I missed. Censoring humour (which your whole channel ALSO is) is a clear sign of depravity.
Are Sørli
2025-03-02 16:59:31 +0000 UTCMy wife and I enjoyed the red flag video. I think some people are just too extreme with what a "red flag" means and they misinterpreted a lit of your points. We appreciate you and please don't let people get you down! Looking forward to a new video in the future and maybe a slightly different red flag video someday!
Daniel Cushman
2025-03-02 16:38:04 +0000 UTC(Opps... clicked send to early on accident, I wasnt finished typing! Haha!) I watched the video shortly after it was posted, and I don't fully understand the leap that was made from #11 to racism... I am sure the misrepresentation on reddit didn't help... you stated an opinion, added appropriate caveats, made some jokes. I don't know... I thinks it's a shame that Jon is getting so much heat for something that (from my perspective) clearly wasn't intended to harm and in execution wasn't targeting or punching down. Jon, I hope you and your family are doing well and this doesn't negatively effect you long-term.
D3fau1t P1ay3r
2025-03-02 14:53:17 +0000 UTCI am floored that your video inspired such a big reaction.
D3fau1t P1ay3r
2025-03-02 14:41:22 +0000 UTCDon't sweat it, mate! Your video got people talking and thinking, which is exactly what good content should do. Even if some folks got their knickers in a twist, that's more about them than your video. Keep doing your thing and don't let the naysayers get you down. Your humor and insights are what make your channel great. Sure, not every joke lands perfectly, but that's part of the creative process. It's cool that you're open to feedback, but don't let it stifle your creativity. Your fans appreciate your unique take on things, even if it ruffles a few feathers now and then. Keep up the good work, stay true to yourself, and don't let others dictate your opinions. We're here for your honest, sometimes cheeky, always entertaining content. Looking forward to your next video! Cheers!
Dan Kerschen
2025-03-02 09:36:00 +0000 UTCHonestly, I thought it was your best video yet. Very well thought-through, smart criticism and practical help. Funny jokes too. My only thought was that folks that were really into heavy games would disagree with some of your red flags and after all, painting miniatures counts as a valid hobby too. But honestly I think the fact that you expressed strident opinions is a good thing. Note that the version I saw was after you had deleted the last red flag. I think you should keep this version online
William Kremer
2025-03-02 09:15:17 +0000 UTCI'm gutted I didn't get to watch the "cancelled" no 11 before you deleted it.
Bruce Knight
2025-03-01 23:34:12 +0000 UTCI am sorry to hear that you felt pressured to make changes to your work based on the reactions of people with no sense of humor. Please don't let those who choose to be offended by comedy prevent you from being your smart, delightful self. ❤️
Imagination Junkie
2025-03-01 23:29:18 +0000 UTCHang on in there, Jon. You're obviously a very thoughtful and sensitive guy. When I watched the vid yesterday I had a feeling that some people might not "get it", and I was concerned you might get some flak. I guess you have to try and let it bounce off you and not take it to heart. You were in fact careful to qualify most of the red flags with "but of course there are exceptions" and it was obvious (to most viewers) that you were generalising for comedic effect. I imagine this incident has ruined your weekend, but hopefully in a few days / weeks you'll be able to shrug this off and sit light to it. Keep your pecker up and your fingers in the till of life!
Bruce Knight
2025-03-01 23:14:38 +0000 UTCOne of my favorites of yours. I wish you would keep it up. I’m very familiar with this cynical side of you and love it. I appreciate you warning me about these things, so I learn from your thousand dollar mistakes! A game not being on the Actualol channel is a massive red flag, I agree.
Tom Devaney
2025-03-01 20:06:24 +0000 UTCThe video was brilliant tongue in cheek with some lovely nuance. I did worry that some people would take it too literally, i.e non UK people that don’t get the dry sense of humour. I utterly love all your content, please keep doing what you’re doing, it’s informatively brilliant writing. Much love xx
Chris Hickling
2025-03-01 20:03:11 +0000 UTCWhat a silly situation. I hope the support you get from Patreon (emotional and financial) is a comfort. There are a lot of people that see the value of the work you do.
Ky Mclachlin
2025-03-01 19:51:51 +0000 UTCHey mate, I just finished watching the video. I thought there was a funny quick cut at the end, which seemed slightly off. The cut section explains that. I also thought it was pretty funny, though it's definitely not my favorite video of yours. Regardless, sorry for all the drama, mate. I wouldn't have responded to it the same way you did, but I also can't blame you for being cautious. (I think I'm just more willing than the average person to argue with people, honestly). Also, honestly... I kind of want to see the cut section. I hate when somebody who can't tell that a joke really is a joke ruins something good for the rest of us. We're discussing board game design, here, let's not take it too seriously if somebody wants to rag on their own culture. You should hear what I have to say about American politicians... Anyway, lots of support from another fan sadly living under the Cheto president.
Marcus Cassin
2025-03-01 17:20:55 +0000 UTCI'm sad about this, Jon. I think your video (as much of it as I have managed to see) is a slick, professional, and entertaining piece of work, as usual, and must have taken you many hours of painstaking work. It annoys the hell out of me that some self-appointed guardian of public morals can spend 10 minutes on a keyboard to have it shut it down. For me, you can make as many borderline offensive jokes as you want. Surely this is what comedy is all about.
Peter Haslehurst
2025-03-01 17:15:14 +0000 UTCI was wondering if the reactions would do this. I loved the video. Maybe a rebuttal video to you video would have been great. I also think people just don't understand red flags as an idea. It doesn't mean 100% no, it means move with caution until further information has been provided. I appreciated the video as a whole, the last point could have been more clearly tongue in cheek but it worked for me because of all you said about other countries particularly France (and their teamwork like atmosphere) and Japan etc... anyway, I think it was a great video and deserves to be out there if only in a different iteration in the future.
Jacob Stein
2025-03-01 16:59:08 +0000 UTCI thought the video was excellent and needed for the community. Doesn't mean I agree with all the points, but I wish there were some of them that I had know when I joined the hobby. Maybe a trimmed down version of the video with just 5 or 6 red flags that are not as divisive
André Cristiano
2025-03-01 15:25:51 +0000 UTCSorry that happened to you. I can't imagine there could be much worse reaction to a video than an attack on reddit! Some people are just looking for something to be offended by!
Stephanie
2025-03-01 15:09:52 +0000 UTCThe video is good but you should use other term rather than “red flag”. It has a very negative connotation and then you link it to amateur designers / publishers who want to do well in the industry and are just starting or struggling. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Funny though.
Mário Correia de Sá
2025-03-01 14:31:43 +0000 UTCI understand the underlying intention of the video, which is why #11 as presented seemed jarring (as someone else mentioned below). I wouldn't take to heart the standout jerk who only does a disservice to the measured responses -- including yourself -- of the many people in trying to discuss the above, punching down, etc. I also appreciate the explanation of why the video is coming down, as a whole. Do what you feel you need to, makes sense. Blergh, that subreddit never leaves me feeling great about gamers, so I don't visit it. That Hyperbolic Type shows up enough to be exhausting. [Also: sigh, the number of people who design to deny a grown adult the agency of their proper apology, instead of letting it stand. It's so condescending. Like it's somehow a weakness to apologize.] Keep up the good work.
Shazirah
2025-03-01 14:23:39 +0000 UTCI'm sad you have to live this. It must be heartbreaking for you. Please don't let this stop you from doing what you do. It must be hard finding new ideas for videos. You're the only youtuber I "patreon" because I can see the work behind what you do. And I love your English sense of humor. From a french fan.
Elvire Serres
2025-03-01 14:10:57 +0000 UTCJon, it's too bad when self-entitled bigots don't get irony, & self-deprecating humour. Keep up your excellent work: those of us here, love it!
Andrea Coffey
2025-03-01 13:40:39 +0000 UTCI enjoyed the video a lot, And I don't agree on any single of the red flags as being a reason to definitely reject a game. But a few of them together, and yes, you should be more wary of the game. This is the general idea of the red flag of course. So I think you were proven to be correct just by the title you chose for your video.
Masoud Tabatabaei
2025-03-01 13:31:52 +0000 UTCThere has been a lot of comments supporting you in that reddit post and it's been deleted. Looks to me like you won that argument. Would be a shame to see this video go away.
Thomas Nagele
2025-03-01 13:31:22 +0000 UTCJon, the video was wonderful and I'm so sorry you had to go through this. As wonderful as the internet is, it's also made it easy for people to quickly get attention by criticizing others without ever taking the time to understand them. Even jokey videos about board games aren't immune. As a fellow YouTuber, I know how much it hurts to be misunderstood, but please know that the critics out there don't represent the many many of us who enjoy your videos and appreciate all the hard work that goes into creating them.
Justin Lee
2025-03-01 13:31:13 +0000 UTCThat had to be incredibly stressful and painful, both due to the misrepresentation of you and the distortion of your content that you clearly spend a huge amount of time making. I’m sorry that happened, and I hope you can create space to work through the trauma.
Mo
2025-03-01 13:27:00 +0000 UTCI thoroughly enjoyed the video, Jon. It must be difficult having to cater to 100% of viewers, when a tiny percentage are not on your humour wavelength and sit on the highest of horses at all times.
Dom
2025-03-01 13:23:49 +0000 UTCAt this point, anyone who'd call you a bigot is an attention-starved troll. Over 200 videos show that you're anything but. Stay strong, brother.
Benjamin Vermeer
2025-03-01 13:22:04 +0000 UTCIsn't the entire point of a "red flag" that it's NOT an absolute? It's a reason to be wary, but not reason alone to run away? If enough people don't share that view that you feel it's safer for you & your brand to remove the video entirely, then OK; I personally think that's an extreme measure. Sorry it came to that. Although I did not find #11 xenophobic, I did find the overarching point more genuine than you intended and agree with cutting that section from the video..
Ian Keyworth
2025-03-01 13:15:25 +0000 UTCThat’s an intensely emotional trauma you had to go through. I’m so sad for you Jon. Thanks for your content and humor, and sharing your love of games.
Molly Houx
2025-03-01 13:09:15 +0000 UTCAs a content creator I imagine it's frustrating to struggle to get enough views on your videos and then when you do, something like this happens. There is real xenophobia in the world, I have seen it, and this was not it. This is tons of people with privilege choosing something odd as a punching bag. Sorry you're having to deal with it.
Patricia Gonzalez
2025-03-01 13:06:22 +0000 UTC
