ArloStuff
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A Very Exciting Update!!!
🕑 Added 2017-08-18 04:29:29 +0000 UTCAaaahhhhhh excitingness!!! I should be writing the script for my next video, but I'm too excited not to share! Also it's been a while since the last blog, so hey, let's do it!
This has been an amazing last few weeks as far as opportunities go. But I'll break the tension right now and get the most recent and most exciting news out of the way first:
I,
Arlo,
have been accepted...
INTO THE NINTENDO BRAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAM!!!
Yes, I imagine you're out of your seat right now, cheering and jumping around like a maniac, regardless of where you might be watching this or what time it is. And if you don't know exactly what this program is, basically it's the thing you gotta be in to get review copies of Nintendo games. Other companies work largely on a game-by-game basis; I imagine if you're a large enough publication they probably go out of their way to make sure you get every game, but for the most part you've got to bug them for a copy every time a new release comes around. Not Nintendo though, you've got to get into their Super Special Secret Club for Awesome People if you want to play their games early. And, if you've been following for a while, you know that I've been trying to get in for AGES. The first few videos I ever did that got any attention were pretty critical of games that hadn't been released yet, which goes directly against the program's code of conduct, so they weren't into letting me in. They must have forgiven me though, because I just got the email that I've been accepted, which is funny because just earlier today I decided that I needed to followup on my most recent application, because it had been a while since I'd heard anything.
So what now? Well, if I'm lucky, I'll get games like Samus Returns and Super Mario Odyssey early, though technically they can give out whatever they want to whoever, so at present there's no guarantee. I'm really hopeful though, because getting an early copy of Super Mario Odyssey is my White Whale, it's the thing I want the most right now. A timely review would be hugely helpful for me, and just getting early games in general is going to put my reviewing on another level. Which is great, because as I'm always complaining, reviews take a tremendous amount of work that doesn't usually pay off when the review comes late. My Splatoon 2 review for instance was something of a labor of love. It's the first video I've ever had two ads on because it was close to a half hour long, so it made a little more money-per-view or whatever you call it, but it didn't perform too great. Same thing with my Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review, I put so much into it but it came so late that it wasn't really that worth it. However I knew I needed to do it for my reputation as a "Gamey McReviewGuy" (the official term) and because I knew my fans would appreciate them. But now it's all paid off, and things are going to get much, much better as far as reviews go!
But perhaps more importantly, this opens up an official relationship with Nintendo. I know there are a lot of Youtubers who are much bigger than me, but it means that working with Nintendo on some project or another or attending an event or anything along those lines is now possible. They can request me and my services in an official capacity, and that's just so exciting to me. Who knows, if I get big enough maybe they'll be flying me up to Washington to shoot a video with Reggie! One can only dream...
So that's amazing, but it's not all! As you saw, I was able to get an early copy of Sonic Mania from Sega and release my review along with everybody else! One, any time I get a code from a big company it feels great, but two, it means that my review is performing quite well. It's gotten me a good number of new fans, and it's just more evidence that early games are going to change the game for me. Sorry I wasn't able to tell you guys about it beforehand, everything moved pretty quickly once they accepted my request and sent me a code.
Then yet ANOTHER exciting thing! I contacted Ubisoft a while back about getting an early copy of Mario + Rabbids, and right when I figured that they just weren't interested, I got an email back. Thing is, this wasn't just an email telling me that I'd get an early copy, but an offer for what will soon be my very first sponsored video!
What's that? The idea of a sponsored video worries you? Understandable. There's nothing worse than feeling like a Youtuber has "sold out" and that you can no longer trust their opinion for fear of it being swayed by dollar signs. Fear not, my friends, for it's all going to be very open and transparent, and I'll vow here as well as anywhere else I might need to:
I, Arlo, will never give an opinion that is anything other than my real and honest opinion. If a company wants me to make a sponsored video where I give an opinion that is not my own, I will simply not take the offer. Therefor, you can be sure that any opinions given in a sponsored video are my own and not swayed in any way by money. And of course making a video that's nothing but an advertisement with little to no entertainment value is also out of the question. If it isn't a video I would otherwise make or stand behind quality-wise, it doesn't belong on my channel.
I also worked to make sure I could make a video that would promote the game without just saying, "This game is great, go buy it!" I won't give you all the specifics, but you can rest assured that it will be just like a normal Arlo video. And this is also a really great relationship builder for me, which could lead to more possibilities in the future. Sponsorships might make some people uncomfortable, but they're one of the only reasons a lot of channels exist, and if handled correctly can be beneficial to all parties, fans included. Basically the less I have to rely on ad revenue, the more freedom I have in running my channel and creating content.
So I'm really hoping that this doesn't weird anyone out or anything, heh. I just have to hope that my fans trust me with this type of thing. Because I really do promise to never compromise video quality or my own integrity just to make a quick buck.
[This blog post was sponsored by...Sponsorships!(TM) "They're great!"(c)]
Anyway, so all that's pretty exciting. I'm finally getting in with gaming companies, and it feels really good. It feels like I might really start turning the channel into a big thing. And once I can get over that hump and start making enough, I can truly work on the channel full time. Oh, what a sweet dream that is, my wonderful patrons. The idea of having all the time I want to make videos... It's pretty much what I want more than anything else at this point.
But hey, speaking of supplemental income, I'm in the process of finalizing the t-shirt designs and setting up the store, so you'll be able to buy Arlo shirts very soon! No solid date, but I'll be sure to put a big announcement in an upcoming video. I have positively no idea how many sales to expect, but even a small amount will help tremendously and get me just a little closer to that full-time goal.
And you know what? I usually do this at the end of each post, but I'm doing it now! Speaking of all this money stuff, I've gotten a bunch of new patrons recently, and I just want to thank all of you, really and truly from the bottom of my heart. I'm currently building the type of career I've wanted my entire life, and it's thanks to you guys. I've said it before and I'll say it again, without you guys here on Patreon I don't think I'd have been able to commit as much to the channel as I have, and thus the channel would not be what it is now. Ad revenue alone is just about impossible to rely on at this level, so you guys are keeping things going, no joke.
Okay, enough with the money talk! What am I currently working on? Weeeellll....
First up, I needed a video for next week so I got to pull from my list of ideas, which is always nice when I've been doing a lot of reviews and topical stuff. That list is getting pretty long, so it feels good to scratch something off of it. The idea I grabbed was a discussion about what other Wii U titles might or might not get ported over to the Switch. That's the script I'm going to return to right when I'm done with this, actually. So far I think it's going to be good; it's fun running down the list of the Wii U's biggest games and giving reasons for and against ports. If I manage to keep to my one-a-week schedule you can expect that one on Tuesday, though I've had a depressingly tiny amount of time to work on videos this week, so hey, fingers crossed.
Very conveniently one week after that will be when my Mario + Rabbids video goes live. Unfortunately that's exactly when the game launches, so I won't be releasing a full review quite on time, or else it might draw too much attention away from the sponsored video. However I will be releasing the review as soon as I can after that, maybe a few days later if I'm lucky and can actually finish it that quickly. The good thing though is that even if it's late, it won't be WEEKS late like a few of these other ones I've done, because at the very least I'll be playing the game early. So basically that's two videos right there.
Then after that will be the week before Samus Returns comes out, so I want to make a video tentatively titled: "Samus Returns and the Art of Supporting a Series". It will talk a little about how Metroid needs some serious sales if it's going to survive, but I'll also get into how artificially inflated numbers aren't a good thing, and that no one should buy a game unless they actually really want it, and really just talk about the best ways to support a series that you like. I think it's a really fun discussion point, and I might even get in on the whole #OperationSamusReturns thing. And THEN, of course, will come the review! If I don't end up getting it early I'll have to pull from my magic idea bag to fill that week's slot, but if I do then the timing will be just about perfect. Well, seeing as September 15th is a little more than two weeks from August 29th I might have to think of something to close in that gap anyway to keep my weekly average... I don't know, I'll figure it out later. And another thing I've got to figure out is how to get a hold of footage from the game, as I still don't have 3DS modded with a capture card. If I'd gotten into the Brand Ambassador program one or two years ago I would have bought one no question, but Samus Returns might very well be the last game I even buy for my 3DS, so I don't think it would be worth springing for a modded one. So I've just got to hope I can find another reviewer or something that's willing to share footage.
But as you can tell, I've pretty much got the next month booked solid! It always feels great when things are planned out so neatly. The only problem, as usual, is getting enough time to do it all. The last few weeks were particularly bad as far as that goes, but by running myself through the wringer I was able to get out the Splatoon 2 and Sonic Mania reviews, which I'm really happy about. Just knock on wood that I can get the time to do...well...all this other stuff. :/
Oh, I've been meaning to tell you guys that the magazine giveaway is over. Winners, take a bow down in the comments! Also just in case you didn't watch the Splatoon 2 review and don't follow me on Twitter, I'm having a fan event called Arlopalooza in October! More info can be found at the end of the review and on the event page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1721607781478786/
But basically it's just sort of a casual meet-and-greet slash "let's all play Splatoon together" type of deal, and I won't really know more until I get a head count. If any of you guys are close to Redding, CA I hope to see you there!
My goodness, is this the longest update ever? It's felt that way a number of times, so probably not. But I really need to get back to that script! You guys have a great day, and keep being awesome!
Comments
That's so cool, I want Nintendo games early! Really happy for you with all of this, I've only recently found your channel and I love it, your videos are excellent. You've made another long-term fan, I always look forward to new videos popping up with the blue dude of goodness (who isn't Sonic).
Curfew1103
I finally had some time to catch up and damn Arlo, an essay and a half. I love it! As for the sponsorship this is a great thing IMO and have no problem seeing sponsored content on your channel. To be 115% honest I run an ad blocker so supporting you via Patreon is the best way for me to support you directly. When browsing youtube on my phone every single add is not focused towards me and provides no benefit to wasted time. When a content creator runs sponsored content it is more directed to something I am interested in. One of the other creators I follow is Linus Tech Tips and they run personal ads at the beginning and end of each video for their personal sponsors. This provides more value and greater benefit to everyone involved. Youtube takes more money from the ads they run, Linus Tech Tips gets more money from sponsors, I watch ads about products that I am actually interested in, and finally the sponsors are reaching a more targeted audience. There is no question that you will keep things the way they are! It is about damn time you have made partner! This was a long time coming and I am excited to see what you do being a part of the program. Arlopalooza sounds great, being in Canada I will not be attending but it would be cool to see a video about it. Stay awesome Arlo!
Every topic here is understandable (I get why no 3DS capture) and still has me excited for what's in store. Congrats on the Nintendo Program acceptance! Oh and if you're looking around for reviewers to borrow Metroid footage from, how 'bout bumpin' SomecallmeJohnny (@Somecallmejon) for some footage permission?
Evan
I have faith in you dude. I'm sure you'll take the proper sponsorship when it comes, and make the most out of it. Rabbids deserves a Spotlight and I've been really interested in your opinion since day one. I'm a little bummed that you're going to be so busy, because I was hoping you would get a chance to check out Morphite, but I suppose that probably wasn't going to happen anyway
Arlo
Hey, thanks for voicing your concerns! I always like to hear that kind of honest feedback!
Phendan
Congrats, Arlo! I'm glad things are going well for you and I'm looking forward to more content about games on release. I am slightly ... what's best way to put this ... apprehensive about the sponsorship deals. Not because I don't think you deserve them, you work harder than most YouTubers by far and away, and I believe you completely when you say you'll disclose them. My thing about sponsorships, though, is that I feel nobody can unequivocally say that their opinion won't be affected by them. It might not manifest as conscious favoritism but possibly in the form of being overly critical to compensate for the fact that the content is paid. Or being overly critical when you eventually review the game for the same reason. The dynamic between critic and developer/publisher inevitably changes, which is why most critical YouTubers that take sponsorships do so with brands they aren't a resource on (Squarespace, Audible, Crunchyroll, etc). The danger, to my mind, isn't that you'll try to deceive anyone or intentionally extol the greatness of a game to ridiculous levels, but that your content might be influenced in ways you don't even realize. You have to run your channel the way you think is best, of course, and I'm not nearly worried enough about it to stop watching your stuff, but I felt I should still tell you why it concerns me. It's a shame about Arlopalooza. I was in California just recently (not a common occurrence since I live in Europe) and would have loved to go to a Switch LAN party of sorts, especially an Arlo-hosted one. I'm hoping this one goes well so you can make it a regular thing and I'll have a chance to go to one someday ;) I've been really impressed with the frequency with which you've been putting out videos, not to mention the length! I'm genuinely happy things are improving and I hope you'll be able to make your dream a reality. Mostly, though, I'm just happy to be along for the ride!
Congratulations Arlo!!!!
I'm not too entirely sure how to process this.. The fact you knew I was indeed jumping and cheering from my seat, the fact that I read this while the Super Mario 64 End Credits was playing in the background, and that you just hit a mile stone in the Gaming/Youtubin' community, it's just too much awesomeness to possibly comprehend! Arlo, I have such a huge smile on my face at the moment. Never in my mind did I doubt you would make it in the Super Secret Nintendo Club, and nor do I doubt you'll make a video <i>you</i> don't approve. I can just imagine Reggie and Arlo interacting, oh man, how fantastic would that be??? Ah man, I'm just happy for you. YOU deserve this so much, and you're only going to keep going up from here. Congratulations!
Way to go Arlo!! :-)
Arlo
I WISH I was at 200k, but it was just a Youtube glitch. Back down to 160k now.
waywardlaser
Congrats dude! Really happy for you. I'll never understand people who have a problem with YouTubers having sponsors. You gotta pay the bills some way, and people can skip through any mention of it in the video if they want to. Honestly I think a lot of it comes from kids and younger teens using the website that have no grasp of how capitalism works and probably haven't even had a single part time job so far in their short time on this planet.
I'm pretty sure you how it works is that any material released before launch day can be a "features only" kind of thing. This is what the game is, this is what you can do with it etc. But then, after launch date you can release whatever opinion you have on the matter.
Great news, Arlo! I have a problem with people who have a problem with people who make money from sponsors. (Does that make sense? That was a lot of problems in one sentence XD) This is your job, it is no different than if you worked for a review website, or magazine, or anyone else who talks about games for a living. I have full confidence that you will give us your honest opinion. I cannot wait to see all the cool stuff you have planned!
The Nintendo Force
Congrats, Arlo!
Wait. So, like, if critical stuff on unreleased games breaks the code of conduct... Does that mean that you can't do that anymore? I legitimately subscribed as a direct result of "the problem with Paper Mario," so it would bug me if you felt unable to make videos like that anymore. Also, me and certainly a few others despise ubisoft enough to skip videos they paid for. I already know to skip any videos you do about that rabbids thing now, but please, for the sake of non-patrons make it super obvious within the first 30s that it's Ubisoft. I only take issue with sponsorships from terrible companies like Candid or Ubisoft (so not Gnoggin's mints) so knowing the company ASAP is very important to me.
Zakanuva
Our fluffy blue boy is playing in the big leagues now! Congrats, Arlo!
That is really great news, congratulations!! I was thinking to give you a 3DS capture kit (because Metroid) until I saw how much it cost. 599$?!?!?!? 200$ would have been fine even though I know you probably will only use it once. Anyway, I'm sure you will find out something. I wish you best of luck with your sponsorships and Nintendo Ambassador. You deserve it all. (little side note: I already knew you wouldn't take a sponsored video where you couldn't be you, because that isn't like you. I hope you wont get too much negative feedback. Wish you the best.)
Nicholas Swenson
How can you type so much with your furry muppet hands?? XD Joking aside, congrats on getting into the Super Secret Nintendo Club! It's always a joy to watch your channel! (pssst... I don't even really watch anyone else now.)
foot
Congratulations Arlo! Congratulations to all the contest winners too!
I can't even imagine how amazing you must feel right now. Congrats.
GwAll
Ha. I do too that's funny.
It's about time Nintendo came to their senses. ***Roll SSB Adventure Mode End Credits*** CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats. You're awesome. Keep up the good work.
GwAll
Dude! Syked 4 u my friend. Finally a good reason to pay outrageous prices for NorCal housing.. proximity to Arlopalozza! Yeah!
Congratulations! These are huuuge steps on becomong a full-timer.
Wow, congrats on your first sponcership! I love seeing you achieve all these milestones of yours. And on a side note, congrats on 200k subscribers!
Wow so much updates! So happy for you (I live in San Diego, hopefully I can make it)
I cant wait for your Wii U video next week!
So immensely happy for you, Arlo! YOU DESERVE IT! I'll keep being a supporter and fan the whole nine yards!
You go, buddy! You deserve all the success!
ol'Burgle
I'm so happy for Arlo!
Good for you!
The Memory Card
Congrats Arlo! It would be awesome for my channel to get big enough to join that program too.
Luke Fowler
Arlo every time you post an update I read it in your voice
Robert Slaid
That's beyond awesome. You totally deserve it.
