How Toy Companies Bribe YouTube Channels!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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#Valaverse #Action_Force #Desert_Rat
So, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this question: How is your relationship with Valaverse different than Pixel Dan's relationship with Mattel. It seems like both of you were fans of a specific brand (Action Force/Motu) and because of that you were each given a chance to be "part" of that brand (you as a figure and him writing a history of motu type book).
Beyond that both of you are pretty open and honest about what access you get... exclusive reveals, livestreams with creators, stuff like that.
I don't think either of you are being unethical... to me it just seems like two guys who love specific brands and have turned that love into careers and I'm just curious as to where you draw the distinction because based on the video I'm still not seeing one.
Beyond that I agree with your "just try one figure" stance. I recently did that with McFarlane Super Powers and... well I just have Superman and lives on my desk at work. I don't feel the need to get anyone else.
The difference is simple, my relationship is with an actual person named Bobby Vala. Pixel Dan has a relationship with a corporation. You can trust a person who has proven what they are about, whereas a corporation can change their ethics and values at the first sign of monetary gain and can never be trusted.
@@AnalogToys OK that's fair.
@@AnalogToys You're still influenced by your relationship with Vala and involvement in the brand. There's still some bias at play. (Unless you're a robot or something.) Not that it really matters with the MOTU/Action Force brands as they are largely aimed at the smaller and less easily "influenced" adult collector audience. You know, the "Kidult" market. (LOL)
@@AnalogToys Hello! I am from Australia too and will there be Indiana jones toys coming to Australian stores like target, big w, or Kmart. I had seen shops like eb games and goodies something selling pre orders online. I hope there will be Indiana jones stuff in Australia!
If I made a review of Sonic the Hedgehog does that mean I am influenced?! No because I enjoy the game, Tony has a friend who literally surprised him by adding Tony into his actions figure like because he wasn't trying to get Tony to Shill, he designed a figure Tony didn't know of till Bobby showed him Dessert Rat.
Bobby and Tony are a lot like my best friend and I, if I like to show gratitude for that friend I will ask to make a toy based off them, in context giving a friend's facial design to a character.
He can always ask for royalties later and I will be glad to pay him back. Tony isn't an influencer, he is genuine in all he says.
I really like your stance of just buying the products you like. I think the fear of missing out puts a lot of pressure on people, and I've definitely had some channels convince me to buy a toy that I wasn't that into, for completionists sake. But I definitely have a lot more fun when I only buy whatever I think looks neat
The problem is there are so many neat looking things.
Thank you for revealing what we suspected was going on. Thumbs up for integrity 👍
I don’t personally buy many of the lines you talk about, but I enjoy watching your channel because of the authenticity behind anything you say. Learning about other lines is just a bonus. Awesome video.
I’m sorry, but after the stunt that Mattel pulled on two Jurassic Park toy channels last year, Mattel wouldn’t get anything from me. If they came up to me with an email like that, I personally would’ve told them to shove it where the sun don’t shine. But that’s just me.
Edit: I’m glad to see one of the Jurassic Park channels was mentioned in the video. Awesome video, Tony! Give’em hell!
They can't buy me either, especially after AEG!!
This is a brilliant video.
It's great to see you show such integrity and hit the nail on the head multiple times throughout this video.
I would be of the same mind in that I'll say what I think genuinely rather than be beholden to a company by doing their job for them.
The control aspect of monitoring socials and the channel is really telling too which is why a lot of the people pointed out that took the bait are so lacking in authentic personalities.
Maybe it's just me being Irish but I can smell inauthenticity a mile away.
Analog Toys has never come across as inauthentic and your support of the Valaverse line is noticeably genuine.
Keep up the great work. 🇮🇪
Honest video from an honest guy. Which is no surprise since you are a down to earth respected veteran. Integrity, class, honesty . You get that when you are fearless. Thanks for the eye opening review Tony
Tony, for many years I have said that many of the toy youtubers are only singing praise of certain toy brands and their products, because they get this kind of "sponsorship" from them which grants them access to these perks and thus are gaining them financial advantages. You laid it out very nicely and that's the way it is. they do it at the cost of their independence and integrity and for any man worth his salt, that's a damn high price to pay. Some don't even keep it under covers when they show the special promo kits and other stuff they receive from toy companies. So if you watch these channels you know exactly that their reviews and whatnots are most likely worded to stay on their sponsors' good side. Thanks for being a straight-shooter. Airborne!
This is nothing new to the business world, maybe just to the toy community as it is today. Corporations have always leveraged groups or individuals with influence to persuade the customer to buy “those” products. Today it’s social media and You Tube channels. Back in the day, it was record companies influencing radio stations with payola. It’s all about making a bigger noise for your product than the other guy. Toy companies aren’t stupid and are leveraging today’s influential voices. It’s just business and it’s nothing new.
Thanks for the input Captain Obvious
@@AnalogToys love your channel, brother.
I genuinely thank you for this info you’ve shared about how evil free marketing and its mechanism normally works, and if the viewers are smart enough, they could measure up the channels’ integrities they follow or watch, and I can tell you, many of them are in it mainly for the junky clicks regardless of content they present to their audience…. Cheers Tony.
Kudos, Tony! You always strike me as a real one, the kind of guy who wouldn't sell his soul for silver and gold. Cheers from Brazil!
Tony you are the best kind of "influencer" you are genuine, passionate, real and a true hero with a history to back that up! Love what you do love the person you are and what you embody, keep it up!
Thank You for showing the wolves in sheep's clothing.
Thanks for providing this information Tony, very interesting how this works behind the scenes.
This is how all industries are set up to function. Every company one can imagine does this stuff. Its usually easy enough to tell who is on the take imo but some people seem to have blind spots in this area.
Hahahaha the other thing I thought was April Fools jokes were meant to be funny hahaha! Great video Tony those Masterverse releases look good, I want deep cuts Ninjor and Rio Blast in Masterverse, great video!
Awesome video. Called it all out and quantified everything. I wonder how many ‘influencers’ Hasbro has its hands on(?). 😂
Too many to count
Damn! I use to like you guys and also retro blasting but i have a desdain when you attack a guy/fellow you tuber on what might have insights on a toylone,well we cant just believe it but we can sure be much better aware of it,but now hearing this from you, maybe you guys knew all along this happens, in the past few month yeah i believe your kinda vallaverse shill it like most of you end up like a yes man fo valla with that i end up ending my collection of joes to vallaverse,any influencer attacks a CO influencer is kinda redflag to this kind of area sure you guys can talk shit with the product,review what it was saying hes attacking the company not the consumers, now its perfectly clear that there is a fiasco,and the future youtubers /influencer will never be that help again,
Thanks, great video and much appreciated!
For the record no Toy Companies have ever offered me anything except the cold shoulder. Great video Tony and insight into this practice.
Another great video. Keep up the great work.
This video has been really illuminating. Thank you for posting this, and for caring about your integrity!
You go man!!!
You've confirmed what I've know all along.
BRAVO for have scruples and the integrity to not be a paid mouthpiece for any corporation, an especially Mattel.
I watched this three time's.
I love your channel!
Well said
I strongly disagree that you would be loosing your integrity by signing one of these with Mattel, or any other toy company... You would gain early access and grow your channel faster, but still be able to express your honest opinion, and even if they don't like what you have to say they could do nothing about it, except breaking off the contract of course. They would sure ask you to change your videos if they don't like what they see, but technically you don't have to do it, as long as it does not breach the contract which does not say you can't speak negatively about the product, at least unless you're not speaking straight lies I guess.
They can't take down your channel just because you say figure X is not good, as if that was the case, nothing would be stopping them to take down channels without any attachments to them. Mattel would certainly pay closer attention to Mattel related content and the way some things are said, but you can't expect them to do something for nothing.
I would understand reluctance to sign one of these if you have an issue on how company operates or if you think most of their products are trash and not worth the money, but if that's not the case, I don't think you would be sacrificing your integrity by signing one of these, and I don't think they would have major issues with honest opinions and constructive criticism, specially if you would speak openly about how you operate before signing the contract.
A lot of viewers would love getting an honest review, before they make a decision on whether to buy new MotU figures.
I will say one of the sites on your screen capture was not shill or an influencer…he was just watching the live streams and talking about it…I watched him as the toys were being revealed…he had no prior knowledge at all…he just watched it live.
Rest assured Tony, the people who interact with you and who actually matter, we understand why you do what you do, and we love your content, and have your back 100%.
You and Retro are who got me into Action Force to begin with. Now it’s one of my favorite lines I collect and I plan to continue supporting this line and the creators who appreciate it. Keep up the fantastic work brother. Your transparency is big boy shit.
Maybe I don’t understand the definition of integrity but how does getting to look at something early (that you are a fan of) automatically sacrifice your integrity?
I would understand if it was something that you were not a fan of and then you were “paid off” to say it was good, I can see how that would be an example of sacrificing your integrity.
I agree with you about supporting and paying for what you enjoy but I’m having trouble understanding a lot of your other points.
They are paid off. They're paid off in information that helps grow their channel, in the possibility in free product, and in the possibility to access to events. Their integrity is compromised when they make videos that conform to the expectations of the toy manufacturer.
@@timothyward8695 but if it is a product that they already enjoy….how is it in conflict with their integrity?
@@OneSixShooterHe stated in the video what Mattel told these partners, _"Please note that Mattel monitors what is being said about our brands and products and we may ask you to update or delete video(s) or post(s) that include our brands."_ If you think content creators aren't going to conform their content, you're deluding yourself.
@@timothyward8695 where does it say that?
@@UnparalleledUniverse Tony said it at 13:50. He showed a screenshot.
3:33 I am very confused. You are an influencer. You have a TH-cam channel about toys. Mattel isn't bribing you to talk about them in high praise, they are asking you to share with your audience about upcoming toys. Now if you think these toys don't look great, that's fine but give your honest opinion. Your MOTU collection stands out to a company. Isn't that what you want?
No. That's not what Tony wants. If you think Tony has made a single video hoping to stand out to a corporation and "get their attention" you don't know who Tony is as a person. That's the exact opposite of he's trying to accomplish.
@@MichaelJShaffer I wasn't saying that he was trying to stand out. When you have a niche such as talking about toys and people watch your programing, you become an influencer. It is that simple. He has 53K subscribers. He influencers people on his knowledge about toys. Companies will reach out to you since you have a following who they believe you could benefit their business as well. Giving you products or early announcements isn't asking you to only say good things it is about sharing your honest opinion about their products.This not anything new. Call is a press pass, guest of the show, VIP, whatever you want to call it, that's being an influencer. It's about sharing your opinion and knowledge with your community about something unique.
I got into Valaverse Action Force through your videos, and have found it to be a very good value for my money! I was more into the scale RC military truck, side of things but these figures go well with 12 scale vehicles. I even modified a P408 hummer with FPV cameras specifically to go with my Action Force operatives! Your honesty and integrity are appreciated and keep up the good work!!
This must be so embarrassing for Mattel :D Mucho respect to you for pulling the curtain back! Valaverse figures are amazing as well - I don't collect them because of space/economic reasons - but I would love to be able to own some.
I love the honesty in your channel and that’s why I continue to be a subscriber ❤
Nice one Tony! I bet Mattel are thrilled by you showing their letter on here. 😁
I appreciate the insight in to marketing NDA's and love seeing a victory lap around a certain former brand manager. I will say though I still like a couple of the channels you highlighted in spite of them accepting the conditions of early access you oulined. It's when people aren't upfront about any potential conflicts of interest that can affect the framing of coverage that I decide to move on from them.
Integrity - is such a lonely word ... and mostly what I need from TH-cam channels I want to spend my time on. Thanks, Tony. You are an influencer ... you influence me to be a better TH-camr and internet denizen.
I get bribed every two weeks to come back to work. That's what it is. Work.
Apparently Mattel did not watch your Hasbro G.I.Joe unbox video last Summer. lol
This is quite interesting. I do love the Masters of the Universe Origins but, wow, that Mattel agreement is soul sucking.
I have a question. Can some explain how this practice is different then say the tech community who also get access to product and events to be able to review products before they hit the market? I think I’m missing something.
Let’s see, they took down an entire channel 1 year ago because a guy bought a dinosaur legitimately from a retailer and released it early then in the email say point blank they can ask to alter or remove videos they don’t like.
I mean you really think they won’t tell someone to take down a bad review after knowing that.
But you probably should watch the video again and listen more closely if you’re not getting at least that.
Had to share this link on my community page 🔥🔥🔥🔥 This video was amazing and still it only touches on the surface on the topic of TH-cam creators selling out 😂Good job addressing the trolls as well and all the people that think they know about you and valaverse when they honestly don't. Amazing and entertaining job Bro.
Thanks Ninja!
Analog Toys and Retro Blasting are solid channels. I started watching them a few years ago and love the vintage toy reviews .
Finally someone is making a video on what we all suspected. Awesome video tony.
I agree on sampling a line. Hype is such a machine. That being said I dig what Valaverse is offering and I’m very happy I sampled the line. My wallet isn’t happy! Being blindly dedicated to any company, even if you’re an employee isn’t good for anyone. Let our wallets be the best way to show appreciation!
Great video. Very insightful. I've had a really hard time with Mattel after what they pulled on the completely innocent Jurassic Park channels. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you while you shoved Mattel's offer back in their face.
This system of marketing is common in a lot of areas. Lego is very successful with their LEGO ambassador network (LAN) program where they have many content creators that gets news and sets early, and then releases videos at the same time when the embargo lifts. When it comes to movies and books reviewers get to see movies for free at screenings and sent books, so it’s not a new marketing concept, but a difference is that “influencers” are amateurs that don’t know how to do proper reviews, and not just calling showing a product a review.
I am a Lego collector and i don't watch those positive reviewers anymore, simply because they just don't give me an honest review. I don't care that they got all those sets for free, good for them, but keep it honest man. This is also why i watch anthonyscustoms, he gets free neca stuff but you won't see him kissing neca's butt and be all positive about it. Great video Tony !
Good job I like you and you channel because of your integrity the passion has been diluted on TH-cam due to marketing cough bribes lol but yours is solid keep it up cheers
“You’re a f**kin idiot”. Mate, your candor always cracks me up.
I think this is a double-edged sword. If I were a toy "influencer" and was passionate about a specific line, I wouldn't hesitate in signing an NDA in exchange for early product info and/or early release figs. Not because I'd want to grow my channel, but because I love the product. When GIJ Classified was first announced, I was so excited. Had I been a toy reviewer, I would have been tempted to sign with them as I was so in love with GIJ. Once I saw how lazy and destructive they were; how their PR team craps on the fans, I would have terminated the contract. If Valaverse were to offer me a contract, I wouldn't hesitate as I believe in their product and have no reason to doubt what they release will be enjoyable. When a certain toy reviewer @1:00 pushed digital toys, I knew it was the end.
As soon as the current MOTU team moves on to another department or line, the new team will be contacting you. They do forget.
I’m not a toy collector, but I love learning about and vicariously enjoying what others collect. So I watch a great variety of videos and read pieces about collectibles and collectors. Videos like this are the reason why. They transcend the ostensible subject and wind up revealing other ideas, ideals and capsule observations/deductions about people and things. The subject at hand here is truly fascinating stuff. I really despise principle selling and scruples whoring and every time I think I’ve figured out how to see right through it, I get ripped again. It makes me glad I’m not a collector, yet it still infuriates me that so many people sell out to become more of an a-hole than they ever imagined they would be. I love your channel for stuff like this, so please keep it all coming. TH-cam followers, no matter what the subject, need to get this crap hammered into their perception. Corporations vomit on us each and every day and try to convince us it’s a wonderful privilege. Fight it.
Talk about integrity!!!!!!!! You sir are a awesome human!!!!!!! Can't wait to shake your hand at JoeFest. Thanks for the awesome video!!!!!!!
Good job. Thank you for making this video.
For the most part, I buy figures that I know I will like. I do use reviewers to help me decide if I should but not because they said so. I usually skip what they say and just use their video to see if there are things about the figure that I don't like that may be a deal breaker for me and it's usually for the more pricier stuff.
"You can't go out and buy half the shit I cover on this channel anyways" lol true these are historical documents
Tony that was fantastic, I was laughing and applauding the whole way through so thank you for posting this. I knew these things were occurring and I did my own search and was not at all surprised at what I saw or the names that popped up minus one that I will not mention. I discovered your channel because I have always had a fascination with Action Man and Action Force, this sort of side bar that coexisted with the GI Joe i knew as a child but was it's own entity. You eventually won me over on Valaverse as I was hesitant to give it a look for really stupid reasons (Mainly people whom I thought had integrity but I found out later was just repeating the pisstank drivil, I was very taken back by this reveal).
As far as the "influencer" label, I will say you, RB, and Ninja have influenced me to try some new things with content and to think outside the box I thought my TH-cam channel started out being. I'm still working on my own voice, but I started my channel as just a journey of regaining my old collection I was forced to sell off and adding a bit to it. You guys showed me there is a lot more I can do beyond words and pictures and hopefully I will re develop my own style soon. I actually plan to do a video on that soon with a shout out to you. So yeah, you've influenced me to think bigger.
Thank you for this content and thank you for doing what you do, It always earns a like from me even when I stay silent.
This happens on Instagram too. Even small influencers are paid to promote as "their opinion."
Great video Tony. It was nice to get a little insight into what these companies ask for in return for early access. Personally I watch the reviews of figures so I can see what accessories they come with and more importantly, for me at least, the articulation and to see if it's hindered in any way by the sculpting so I don't fully agree with with your view of don't base a purchase on a review video but having said that I understand what you meant by your comment.
Hope you recovered from the hangover of your Perth trip lol
I'm not sure where the "bribe" is. Obviously if they're in a info sharing agreement, they will get early access to the assets. This is how marketing works. Nobody is hiding the fact that Mattel sent them the assets. If they do get "free" toys (which that email doesn't actually say), they would legally have to disclose that.
Its more than that. When folks watch film television and billboards,,they recognize ads and marketing. When they watch interactive new media,such as youtube where a variety of channels pretend to be friendly and encourage "community" values - but in reality are in it to make a living by marketing - it is quite different. Not everybody is that media savvy to know about the incestuous behind the scenes hand shakes and deals that can make or break a channel. TH-cam is not place of merit, it also,does not follow traditional marketing rules or behavior, being somewhat of an unethical wild west owned by a company that happily focuses on search monopolies and penalizing or excluding those not in its favor. Plenty of channels over the years have not disclosed their true relationships with companies. The harm is shills recommending inferior products to un knowing comsumers who nievely trusted them and believed their words. Good marketing is about integrity and creating value and benefit, not lying through your teeth and burning customers.
It’s disingenuous. That’s the point. What’s the motivation to give an honest opinion. When you are potentially getting a figure free ahead of time. It says in the NDA you could possibly get free figures.
I don’t see an issue with it either as long as reviewers giving honest criticism of the product. Super7 for example routinely gets negative reviews. It helps the company get accurate feedback so they can fine tune their products accordingly
@@jaws666 to be honest most are like that.
Great video, you really put shit all out there, that's why we love you Mr. Roberts, huge set of balls, and honest opinions. Whether I agree or not you say what you mean , and more importantly MEAN WHAT YOU SAY. It's funny how these people think that nobody would find out, that their opinion is now biased and so is now untrustworthy
Great video Tony the ones who signed that Mattel document don’t realize the fact that if they say something wrong or misspoke. There TH-cam channel could be in trouble. All the hard work they put in just to get free access to merchandise isn’t worth it. Not only that it’s not worth loosing your channel over. Does that mean toy manufacturers like Mattel own TH-cam toy collecting community channels if they sign the document? If so then it’s not just integrity on the line but also ethics as well. Thanks Tony for the honesty. You Rock!!!
Mattel has many toy lobbyists!
Well done Tony. The big companies can keep their thirty pieces of silver. It's never worth as much as your integrity.
Interesting. As you say, none of those channels did anything massively wrong, but it's good to know these things. And knowing is half the battle.
It's interesting and just shows how smart these companies are.
I almost wish you accepted just so the "influencer kit" would finally leak. I've a hunch it comes with a set of instructions on how to deal with undesirable reactions...
He did accept, although I don't think the goodie bag from Mattel will turn up after this video....
Nobody cares about tv commercials anymore. TH-cam is the new tv. They will go after influencers as "advertising."
As a full grown tax paying adult collector I always suspected such practices existed. Nice to see someone step out into the light waving the proof for all to see. Well done Tony. You are a credit to the community.
I remember in the Toyfare and Wizard Magazine days people like Pixel Dan who always had the latest Matty Collector crap not matter how shifty the website was acting during sales a d pre-order periods. I wasn't jealous he had the latest greatest stuff, it was just sketchy as hell they didn't miss a damn thing yet claim they were just some guy collector. Now they old practice from like 20 years ago is alive and strong in the social media era.
As for these perks... It is called having marketing strategy and trying to make money. And yes, I do think that most adult collectors are aware of this. I have no problem with this as some seemingly does.
Thank you for your transparency, Tony! I agree with most of things you discussed, but I don't think it's wrong for other TH-camrs to push products in order to feed their families, more power to them. However, this video is super valuable for consumers like me to know those deals are going on behind the curtain. This video and your work is very much appreciated - at the end of the day it's still up to us whether to buy (or not buy) products.
As for Valaverse and your relationship with Bobby, I do think it's fair to say you have a bias in favour of Valaverse. Naturally, you will have a special place in your heart for these figures no matter what they are, which is totally understandable. So I think this inherent bias also applies to you and Articulated Ninja and it's worth mentioning.
I love all your work and I hope y'all don't take this the wrong way! It's just my two cents of this whole thing.
Self-Respect, Honor and Integrity are qualities that are frowned upon by people these days!
It's great to know that you're not one of them! 🤟🏻💀
I did a quick check and unless I'm on drugs both Eternia Toys and Mega Jay Retro have both removed the videos that are seen in the 'reveal' screenshots Tony displays. Hmm.
Love the truth man. Honest is the best. VV will keep getting my cash because I love his figure line. I like GiJoes also. Military figures will always be my favorite. Keep it going man.
Tony, you’re a treasure.
This isn't a big surprise to me about companies getting influencers to work for them. As for toy reviews...I sometimes look one up if its something I'm not entirely sure about, but I don't take the reviewers word as law about it. It's kinda nice to see it out of the box in some way then make a decision on my own.
And it's usually pretty easy to spot the ones getting the free stuff.
Not the trolls EF you guys 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Well said Tony! Luv your channel and honesty. I appreciate your reviews of things I don't collect like Action Force but you do your videos honestly :-) Appreciate that!
Always remember to be cautious when under the influence(er).
😂😂
lol
Lol, signing the nda to see what's happening, sound like espionage but not in a deadly way...lol, nice move...
Very well done Tony! I now have a much better understanding of how this works. I could understand how as a huge MOTU fan you might be tempted to accept a deal like this without fully understanding what you are giving up by accepting the deal. Thanks for explaining it. Cheers 🍻
“Fuck you trolls”😂🤣😂🤣good shit my man
I wonder how similar Hasbro's setup is. I know they openly give out goodie boxes to some reviewers, but it seems their info drops are mostly direct from Hasbro and sent out to the toy news sites instead of through "influencers". At least for their adult market. Their non-adult collector stuff seemingly isn't of interest to anyone at all.
It should suit the chanels who came across the slide if they whould be open to share if they are OR aren't in an NDA with Mattel or any other company so we as collectors know, see and hear their own opinion of stuff and not an created deal opinion.
I want an honest opinion!
Hope the other chanels will be open to answer this question?!
Really interesting watch Tony, I’ve often been curious about what these companies offer tubers etc, but of an eye opener.
Great insight and integrity 1 Mattel 0 👍
I’m just going to stop buying Mattel. I’ve enjoyed it all for a long time, however, “Everything that has a beginning has an end”. Far too many products available to enjoy, Mattel isn’t the only toy company.
Fuck yeah Tony, this was an awesome vid 🤘🏻
Good on ye bringing this to light.
I mean, ye can already tell who's bought n paid for from their words and how cozy they seem in their interactions with the company whose products they review.
However, do ye think this will start unnecessary fights? It does seem a bit... Combative, for lack of a better word.
It's like you're saying, "I'm not saying I have a problem with your lack of integrity..." and I wonder if ye realize that you're opening the floodgates for potential drama.
That’s my problem, not yours
@@AnalogToys welp, power to ye then. Long as you're aware.
same "toe the line" garbage that disney/universal pulls on travel channels
Honor and integrity are words that get thrown around alsot these days..but most people truly have neither..great video..i can't type what he said but when it comes to marketing and advertising people I'm with what the late legend Bill Hicks said..again I can't say but look up his routine on these people and thats how I feel
The funny thing is, if toy companies were to have the like of you onside they'd probably have a lot more traction with their target market. I've never thought of you as an influencer, but you are a community leader, as this video illustrates. Thanks for the content.
#Integrity. Thank you Tony.
I know some of or most of the channels that are being mentioned. I say if you love motu now is the best time to be a collector of it and a channel focused on it. If you sign the nda it’s not all bad it could really help boost your channel. If motu is your passion then getting that email is like getting the golden ticket from Willy wonka. Personally I love motu but I’d rather get free masterverse figures since I didn’t get into origins until wave 5 or so. Masterverse to me is better or has the potential to be better than classics. Also I missed out on classics so masterverse is now my classics.
Thank so much for this. This isn’t just with toys it’s with so much other product as well. Which makes it so hard for us to find legitimate honest reviews on a items. So many people are bought off. It’s truly sad.
I think everyone who watches your content knows every review or thought you have on a toy or toy line or anything really, is genuine. I'm 99% a vintage collector so i don't really watch any of these other channels but i have still watched a number of them over the years , and i think its pretty evident that many of them are certainly in the pockets of these toy manufacturers.
Thanks mate! Live the truth!
I think we have the same thought process when it comes to this. I didn´t start a TH-cam channel to make money or have a career. I started it to share my passion for toys and toy soldiers.
Meet other collectors and just have fun.
I´m not big enough to get approached by toy companies and most stuff that I collect are not even in the companys product line anymore.
So I don´t think I will ever run into this problem and that´s great.
Amen brother! Honesty on the internet? Who would’ve thunk it? 🍻
Very interesting. I've become more of a fan of this channel after this video, which I already was becoming because of the Action Force videos. I'm glad to see what was suspected is true with these influencers.
I stopped watching one toy “influencer” after he gave an interview with the head of a major online store. The store had been screwing up people’s orders and taking a lot of criticism for it and this “influencer” never took them to task. It was obvious he was completely shilling for that company. I’ve seen likewise by several other “influencers” and I’ve stopped following those as well. I do believe Tony to be a man of his word, which is why I always watch whenever he posts a new review. Too bad there aren’t more like him on YT.
Cool, insight. I had sort of wondered...but to be fair I am certain my personality type coupled with my production value isn't going to be conducive to me being an "influencer" in this market. Thankfully, I make my videos for fun and am not at all interested in monetization as once you monetize you're content has to follow more strict guidelines which has the capacity to halt creativity or desired impact. Especially since hate oriented videos are what causes the most engagement and in the past 10 months, I have seen a dramatic increase in channel-on-channel hate and rivalry videos. This genre is fast becoming overly toxic. :(
What exactly are these restrictions. I know Articulated Ninja has mentioned he monetizes and it seems not to stifle his creativity and honesty.
Glad to see someone speak up about this.
Good to see undeniable proof that the people we always knew were shills for the toy companies are exactly what we thought they were. This is a damning indictment of every channel that gave up their integrity for free product, and another example of why you and the Analog Toys channel are worthy of respect not just for your incredible video production quality, but for your personal ethics and passion. Thank you, Tony.
never truer word said .your channel is one best on youtube .your honest aproach is always infectious .take care from uk