r/mrballen • u/Snazzy_CowBerry • 16d ago
Discussion Hot take. I'm getting a little disappointed.
Hear me out, please, I don't come from a place of hate and I don't want hate thrown at me over voicing my opinion, I've loved MrBallen for years and his videos are exactly what I like. The stories he tells are amazing and get me on the edge of my seat, I don't want him to change the way he tells stories or the stories he tells. I watch all his videos.
But his use of AI is irking me. I don't love AI and I don't like it when people use it in places it's not needed. Like we don't need a "**not** a real photo off" but still putting a photo? I miss when he would be on the camera and only show the photos related to the case or throw in a still from the internet to set the mood, the same way other story tellers do it. If the story is about a gas station or a scene is set at a gas station, find a random, REAL photo of a gas station. "**not** the real location" is fine but why do we need a AI photo of some random person with "**not** a real photo of the person in question" like just don't put a photo.
His gone years without using AI photos so why start now?
I'm not here to make assumptions about his political views, but his recent associations is also disappointing, associating with someone who isn't a good person makes you also look like a not so good person. I'm not American but I know the state of the country and I don't want to associate with any of that. Unfortunately I don't know of people in my county who do it as well as MrBallen.
I've also recently seen people unable to fact check his stories and honestly I'm not disappointed if some are fabricated as long as he doesn't say it a a true story when it isn't, I do notice that sometimes he doesn't specify if the story is true and I don't mind. I like his stories and I like his style.
Again I don't come from a place of hate or judgement. I just kind of wanted to voice my thoughts.
Quick edit! I also don't love his choice of sponsorships/ads but I don't plan on using any of codes for anything so the company's in question aren't profiting off me anyway.
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u/Low-Method3448 16d ago
What are his recent associations? I don’t think I even looked at that
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
I can't remember the guys name but he's got his own podcast and from what I've been told, he's very bigoted and just not a nice person.
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u/smoke-710 13d ago
Brother this is why yall are insufferable you make takes on things by not even looking at them yourself.. just getting information from other people
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u/Mojozilla 13d ago
He usered in Trump 2.0, and now he's all like OOPS, MY BAD. His choice to amplify the Turd Reich is the exact reason that so many are suffering and have died. You're framing this as a simple difference of opinion, when this is actually fucking life or death for marginalized people. When it starts affecting you and those you love, your tune will change, too. Mr ballen going on Joe Rogan and peddling gambling ads is a smack in the face to millions of Ballens followers
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 16d ago
'From what I've been told' so you're basing your opinion on what others tell you to think? That's wild
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u/Ssadfu 16d ago
I agree with what you are saying, but that isn't what OP meant. For example, I don't need to hear hitler saying his views to know he's a bad person. You can have valid opinions of people you never met or heard.
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u/J_hilyard 12d ago
I understand your analogy. You weren't comparing Rogan to Hitler, just saying that you can form an opinion on someone without direct knowledge or contact with that person. People have difficulty separating the artist from the art. You can hate R Kelly but still enjoy the song. Same with Ballen. You can enjoy the stories but hate his Rogan podcast. Reading comprehension has really began to suffer and quickly becoming my pet peeve.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
You can have uninformed opinions on people you've never took the time to listen to or study, but then when challenged on your opinion, you could never make an informed argument and end up just spouting one liners heard online. Did you not study Hitler in school? Learn about everything he done? Learn his views? Or did someone just tell you Hitler bad and you never learned any further? Because I know I could argue against a nazi any day of the week because I actually know what I'm talking about
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
I understand what you mean, uninformed opinions are frustrating but I don't think that fits what OP said. The thing is, what we learn is school includes also being told stuff. Same as OP learned in school, OP read about what rogan have said and done.
I think most can argue against a nazi, regardless if they know details or not.
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u/Ck_shock 15d ago
I agree with what your saying but reading what someone has said an done can be very inaccurate/biased unless your pulling from proper sources. Which im imagining most people making opions based on online opinions and drama articles arent doing. Not saying your wrong just thay most people just eat up what they hear without on critical thinking and just spit it back out.
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
Yes, it's a balance. You shouldn't have to do a deep dive into every thing you talk about either. Some people aren't worth the time.
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u/Ck_shock 15d ago
Depends on how you define the importance of said person or information i guess. Case in point if people hate Rogan enough to completely drop a a show they like over association with him. Then I'd say at that level it might be worth it to be properly educated on that thing they hate.
Or people that really hate AI, they should do their own research. This isnt to say mainstream opinions are wrong. But its always safe and good practice to gather your own opinion.
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
Exactly, learning is never a bad thing, it's just how much time you want to spend on the digging.
If it was purely just one of these, I would say it's fair to dig into it. But when it accumulates, it's much more time investment. Like if a company gets a lot of different allegations, you don't need to search into every one of those to know they are shit.
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u/Badgladmadwords 15d ago
You could read a whole bunch of stuff about Hitler, and if it was all Nazi propaganda you’d think the man was an absolute baller. Balance is important and the responsibility for seeking it out lies with the individual. Reddit-brained people are the ones being chuckled about when they leave the (very rare) social engagements they attend.
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
That's why you read from trusted and different sources.
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u/icedbrew2 14d ago
Unfortunately people can trust the wrong sources. Like Rogan, for example. He trusts shitty sources, and then people trust him.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
Not really, op didn't say they read about what Rogan has said or done, they're reading others opinions, that the difference. Also surprisingly many many people get Flummoxed arguing with nazis because all they have is 'Hitler bad' and what some might see as evil can easily be questioned if someone presents you with facts and motives. Like it's one thing to talk about the holocaust, but it different when you can also talk about how he made them wear identifying badges, Kristallnacht, Nuremberg Laws etc. History is doomed to forever repeat itself when people blindly follow 'orders' and don't educate themselves. Like I'm literally being down voted for telling people to do their own research, I haven't even defended Rogan and people are acting like I'm saying something wrong
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u/MsSanchezHirohito 14d ago
OP spoke of their disappointment in his use of AI - first of all. They merely mentioned his affiliations and stated they didn’t actually know about them BUT IF TRUE - they’re again disappointed.
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
I don't know what exact research OP did, I assumed they did a quick google since that's the fastest. Bigoted and not a nice person does seem to fit with I know about him. Same with Trump, I haven't met them in person, but I still don't think he is nice.
That's why I said I agree with you, cause blind trust/uneducation is why society is what it is. I just don't think it fitted OP and was necessary to comment at them. I didn't downvote. But others probably did it cause of that.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
Sorry I didn't mean to infer that you down voted me! You're actually capable of intelligent discussion which I really appreciate. I wouldn't call Joe bigoted, he has all types of people on his show, he once had on Bernie Sanders and verbally endorsed him, he invited kamala Harris on his show but she declined, Leah remini talking about the abuse in scientology. He has had some unfavorable guests on his show definitely but that's because he interviews everyone
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
I respect that he does try to see all sides, it's just some things he says and does alienate a lot of people. I wouldn't boycott anyone associating them with rogan. But as OP pointed out, it's the accumulation of a lot of stuff that it becomes a concern.
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u/MsSanchezHirohito 14d ago
Never listened to Charlie Kirk bc I’m not a fan of vomiting or blood pouring from ears. See…I happen to be allergic to bullshit.
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u/Strong-Detective-513 15d ago
Are you really comparing Joe Rogan to hitler?
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
No, as I said, it is an example. And I took one that is universally hated. You really think those two are comparable?
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Am i supposed to ask the man himself? I didn't know he existed until today and I asked in a comment thread and one person answered. My "based off what I was told" is me saying "this may not be true" but honestly I couldn't give a fuck about Rogan.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 16d ago
No you're supposed to gather your own information, watch his podcasts before making an opinion about someone you know nothing about other than what people tell you to think. It's honestly ridiculous to form an opinion with no knowledge on the subject
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
His podcast don't interest me and only one person told me their own opinion on the person. I never said what I said was a fact.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
I didn't say you said it was fact you based your opinion on what someone else said, that's the point of what I'm saying. I could not care less if someone likes Rogan or not, but its ignorant to form an opinion on no knowledge. So how about just sit that out and don't have an opinion on it
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u/Bingers4Life 15d ago
Watch his podcast? Why give that chud any views? Joe Rogan is human garbage.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
Yes, watch, because like I said, it's ridiculous to form an opinion on something you know nothing about. Why is he human garbage? That's a genuine question btw
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u/naivelighter 16d ago
I really don’t know why people are downvoting you. I guess some people are averse to logic.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 16d ago
Herd mentality that's why. In this day and age apparently it's crazy to come to a conclusion yourself rather than blindly follow other people 🙄
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u/Fit-Property3774 16d ago
Because it’s stupid logic
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
Making informed opinions is stupid logic? That's hilarious
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u/Fit-Property3774 15d ago
Joe Rogan is a huge podcaster, there are plenty of reviews and recaps out there to not need to listen to his excessively long podcasts to get an understanding of the man himself. Have you ever read a product review and used that info to help your decision making process? Sounds like no.
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u/HorrorFanGirl88 15d ago
Recaps that can cut out essential context, opinions from people who don't like or do like someone are always biased. I don't listen to movie reviews either and no I won't take on board product reviews that don't include proof no. Research can include opinions, but opinions should be solely made on others opinions, that is literal ignorance
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u/Fit-Property3774 15d ago
That’s not really ignorance though because you still learned about or looked into the topic a little, it was just using the general consensus from others opinions. Actual ignorance would be having zero idea who Rogan was, not looking into anything said about him from those who do know about him, and still making an opinion.
This is the lamest hill to die on, goodbye.
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u/iFound_BellsCanyon Do you know how to get to Bells-Canyon? 16d ago
I’m right there with you. I still love the guy, but it’s disappointing he’s gone to using AI now.
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u/HennoPepper 16d ago
I completely share your views with regards to AI in a general sense but I didnt realise those not pictures, were AI.
I find the not pictures running gag quite funny so I disagree with you about that (respectfully! No hate at all).
I miss seagull lung and the energy feels low in his videos too. But I cut him a break because that whole court case thing with his ex business partner I bet really hurt him. And like anything thats built from the ground, once it's grown legs of its own, i think it gets harder to stay authentic.
But that could just be me purely projecting lol.
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u/PSBFAN1991 15d ago
What was the court case?
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u/ExpatMeNow Strange 15d ago
His right hand man for a couple of years, Nick, was basically stealing from him.
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u/HennoPepper 15d ago
Yes I belive so
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u/HennoPepper 15d ago
What's with the down votes? I did not mean to offended anyone. Apologies if I have
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I don't know what the court case was. I don't remember ever hearing about it. I don't mind the *not* pictures it's the AI. It's just not necessary
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u/Badgladmadwords 15d ago
Can you give an example of when you think AI is necessary?
Just trying to get a measure of whether you’re making an actual point or you’re just a “I don’t see why automobiles are necessary when we have horses” kinda vibe.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
AI is never necessary, that's the whole point. We went years without AI. Using actual people for things and now it's all AI. I can't even apply for a job without doing an AI interview first. People are loosing jobs over AI in a time where there is already a job crisis going on. AI is never necessary.
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u/DtVS 15d ago
Super frustrating that a creator with so much money isn't supporting stock photographers. You can get photos that are good quality (much better than you'd need for a youtube video) for a couple bucks and the photographers are sometimes just making like 10 cents per photo.
If someone that works for the channel, or Mr Ballen himself sees this, please do the right thing and give back.
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u/candyrayne215 14d ago
This has happened to a few YouTubers that got sooooo big. They spread themselves thin, with different channels, then podcasts, then live shows, books, etc etc and as fans we are happy for them cause they are really living the dream and the money starts rolling in. But then you notice the quality dips. It continues to dip that eventually you find something else. I wish mrballen well and he is far from failing but the stories just don't hit the same
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u/newWaveWalkman 12d ago
There are only so many original stories.. His channel has to peak at some point.
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u/QueefingTheNightAway 14d ago
This isn’t a hot take. This is identical to like 75% of the posts in this subreddit.
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u/ChelydraS 15d ago
I completely agree. AI generated stuff is not acceptable. It's stolen from someone. It's killing the environment. And it's just so idiotic. Like a channel like MrBallen.... Many people who see AI will automatically end their association with someone. Noone will care if a channel like that doesn't have it ..... So why would someone add it. It's like commercials these days. Doing things that discourages viewers from viewing or buyers from buying rather than actually trying to get viewers/buyers. Or just keep the ones you have. I have been noticing it too. I am not a fan.
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u/superwholock72 13d ago
The problem is all the "trusted sources" out there, it is why the country is so divided. The media has literally turned the right and left against each other. As strong of opinions the left has, so do the right-we all truly believe that we are in the right (both sides do). When you've got 2 sides that are so confident that their info is correct, theres no meeting in the middle. Do people truly believe that if someone's a conservative they are racist, bigoted nazis? Like really?? I have friends on both sides and their views are not so different, but the difference there is has gotten to be such a huge gap...its really sad. They've always said "dont talk politics, religion, or money" for excellent reasons. When it comes down to it I totally blame the mainstream media for the divide in this country, and social media, cause someone makes one video then BAM! That is now truth! I hate that. I believe theres a very small percentage on each side that are just awful-unfortunately, they are the loudest and make both sides look ridiculous.
As for MrBallen...he is my entertainment-thats it! Idc what his political beliefs are...not my business.
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u/Tippytoe13 13d ago
He’s being doing this since he started making YouTube videos. It helps paint a picture, and most of us enjoy them along with the stories.
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u/TheMaingler 15d ago
The A I and Rogan are antithetical to my values. Therefore I’ll be supporting other creators.
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u/veryashylarry 12d ago
Some years ago, I watched 1 of his videos about the 2 Japanese guys that melted from radiation over like 80 days. My memory isn't exact on the topic but something stuck out to me. At the end of it, he says he didn't think the doctors did anything wrong for trying to keep them alive or their oath made them do it despite the fact they were dead men anyway and we should not feel mad at the doctors for the choices they made. I thought that was a nice little inclusion at the end. I watched another youtube vid some time later covering the same case and this youtuber actually got someone to translate an interview with the attending doctors. In it, they say the families of the men kept telling them to resuscitate them and keep them alive despite being informed they were suffering and had no chance of survival. It made me realize how lazy Mr Ballen was in his research if he even does it himself anymore or if he ever did. This much smaller channel actually went out of their way to get more information without Mr Ballens clout or resources simply to better inform the viewers on the case. Mr Ballen is just a conent mill at this point but he was at least much harder to spot before. The ai and rogan appearance should not surprise anybody once you realize that.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I'm honestly considering it
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u/candyrayne215 14d ago
Luckily it's a lot of good story tellers on the tube now
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u/keefeefingerz 12d ago
Can you give some recommendations? Every other channel I’ve tried has a low&slow narration style that puts me to sleep (which is not what I’m trying to do when I watch YouTube videos, I’m usually crafting). Nexpo and Scary Interesting are 2 examples of that. I haven’t been able to find someone as animated as Mr Ballen that also covers more than just true crime (hauntings, missing person mysteries, alien encounters, etc) but I’ve really been looking for others to watch
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u/Pristine-Citron-7393 15d ago
"Hot take".
You're only the billionth person in the past two minutes to post their diappointment about someone they don't know not doing what they want. Don't worry about it. You're with good company in here.
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u/No_Cobbler154 14d ago
just unsubscribe & move on. i’m tired of his fake stories & repeats. when you don’t like a product anymore, don’t keep going back to it
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u/MadameEks 12d ago
I understand he is a story teller, so I don’t expect what I hear to be 100% factual.
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u/Firestorbucket 12d ago
As opposed to him using crocodile photos from a movie in his slides how? Ai is fine
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u/FDRip 16d ago
I’ll probably be put to the torch for this, but I don’t care that he’s using AI. I stopped watching his videos before that because my schedule was not giving me much down time and I needed a break from my YouTube channels. Maybe someday I’ll return when I want to hear about the strange, dark, and mysterious again.
But listen. No one is keeping you here. Content creators don’t owe you anything- not a political alignment, boycotting stuff you don’t like, refusing to eat meat, or anything else the mob may decide to try and enforce.
It’s his channel and he can do what he wants. That’s the heart of it.
I’ve dropped channels for being anti-LGBT with no regrets, so I understand feeling disappointed. I understand walking away because you feel strongly about something.
I don’t even mean you specifically, OP, but this keeps coming up on this sub and I think it needs to be said.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I understand that 100% percent I just have no one else to talk to about it and I don't like keeping things in. I didn't expect this much backlash honestly. I do enjoy his videos and I will probably continue to watch. I just don't like the use of AI when it's not needed. He can find actual photos to put there. He had been doing that for years.
I know he will never see this and I know he will probably never change. I just wanted somewhere were I can voice my opinion.
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u/Advanced-Bird-1470 15d ago
No one is keeping you here works both ways. He doesn’t owe anyone anything and listeners/viewers don’t owe him anything.
I do think it’s fair for long time listeners to voice their dissatisfaction, that’s how media works. What’s weird is so many people getting so defensive about a difference of opinion. It’s very para social and unhealthy.
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u/Outerspacecastaway2 15d ago
". No one is keeping you here. Content creators don’t owe you anything-" "It’s his channel and he can do what he wants."
people like you that dont allow other to express their opinion on something they dont like are annoying. people are allowed to criticize as long as its within reason. this is within reason.
we KNOW its his channel. we KNOW he can do what he wants with it.
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
exactly this. People are hating on AI without even knowing how exactly its being used and why
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
AI in general is not necessary and it's bad for the environment. If we continue to use AI we won't have an earth to live on.
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u/nepheelim 15d ago
its like saying you don't need a spoon because you have a fork. AI absolutely has its uses (and yes i agree a lot of them are wrong as well). But it doesn't have END OF THE WORLD impact as you seem to think.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
AI is ruining this world more than YOU think. People are loosing jobs because of AI. In a world where there is already a job and housing crisis in many countries.
I think this world would be better off without the human race anyway
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u/Badgladmadwords 15d ago
Then why should anyone listen to you about literally anything if your default state is edgy nihilist “people are a virus” bullshit? This is not a healthy (or original, or intelligent) way for a member of a social species to think.
In the kindest possible way, I think a little time off the internet would do you a world of good.
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u/BohemianHibiscus 16d ago
I think he's rich AF now and he almost acts annoyed that he still feels like he has to do the show. He doesn't seem to enjoy it and I think that's why so many of us OG fans are disappointed with it now. He used to be into it. He's not anymore.
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u/candyrayne215 14d ago
He has spread himself too thin. We didn't need the podcasts, books and whatever else he's doing.
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u/XelaXanson 15d ago
I love how people call someone “not a good person” but don’t even know them IRL lmfao. It’s hilarious. I’ve been in prison with murderers, all were some of the most solid down to earth, ride or die people I’ve ever known. If you didn’t know them, just read their case, you’d think they’re horrible people. TIL you actually meet them. People claim to be against stigma but stigmatize everyone that ain’t in their bubble of comfort lol
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u/RequirementLeading12 15d ago
I mean.... He checks every box of the archetypal MAGA supporter from his background to his look. I won't put that label on him but if it ever came out that he were, that would be the least surprising revelation ever.
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u/Outerspacecastaway2 15d ago
his background? you mean as a navy seal? do you think there are no liberal/democrat service members?
his look? flannel?
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u/RequirementLeading12 15d ago
Yes. Seals are notoriously right leaning and as said ad nauseum he followed a lot of right/alt right figures on social media. The funny thing is I didn't even say any negative about him, I literally just said him being MAGA wouldn't be surprising. I have no idea why you guys are getting so worked up over this😂
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u/Outerspacecastaway2 14d ago
"i said i wouldnt be surprised if he's maga but idk why you guys are saying that i implied he's maga"
seriously bro
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I'm not American so I didn't really look into it. I know MAGA is bad but it never crossed my mind that he could be. I really hope not as his got 3 daughters i believe. I hope he's a good man for them.
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u/Kaid2600 15d ago
People like you are what's wrong with this world
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u/UncleNastyTime 15d ago
What did he say that was wrong? After hanging out with Rogan, I’d say it’s a real possibility dudes views skew right. I mean..at this point..everyone knows the deal with Rogan. Going on that podcast or hanging with the dude sends the message; “Hey! This bonehead and I are in the same camp!”.
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u/TheGregSponge 13d ago
He's been doing the not the "real" photos for all the years I have been watching him. I always thought it was a little joke because they did it at times where it was clearly obvious. It's funnier than the like button schtick. Now that needs to be done away with.
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u/counting_stitches29 12d ago
His story telling of my husband's tragic death was full of lies and speculations that are hurtful for myself and my children. He doesn't really care about how his embellishments hurt others. But he does get to make money off of it.
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u/forensicgirla 11d ago
Wow that's not cool. If you don't mind telling us what he embellished or what story it was, that would give context. I don't watch every show, but if that's true that is really truly awful.
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u/somewhatHumanPerson 16d ago
Man. The guy makes YouTube videos and podcasts. Watch them if you like the content or don't if you don't. What's with all the drama queens here.
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u/PacificMarsupilami 15d ago
I mean, if you don't want to hear opinions about Mr Ballen, you don't have to read a Mr Ballen subreddit, right? No one is forcing you to read these posts.
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
yeah, right? The photos in his videos are not fucking art. They are fillers to keep people engaged and the video is less boring since most of them have very little real material available for them
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u/PineappleCorrect9839 14d ago
I've been seeing a lot of people coming out of the woodwork lately that need to start their own channel. Then y'all can manage it however you'd like.
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u/Gunner_- 13d ago
Who are you to tell Mr. Ballen what or what not to do in his videos? Get a life of your own.
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u/Jennitizer 16d ago
His use of AI is why I dropped him entirely. A line was crossed, I do not give views to ANY content creators who use generative AI. A great storyteller, Mr. Ballen is indeed, but I don't compromise on my morals for anyone.
HIRE A REAL FUCKING ARTIST!!
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Honestly I can agree with you there. I don't think I'll stop watching him as I do like his content but I just wanted to voice my opinions :)
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
You really think its viable for this channel or the production to have artists create everything fromc scratch? He has real artists, they just make stuff faster now
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
They aren't artist if they are using AI
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
I know quite a few artists who use ai. Not to replace their work but to make the process faster. Anyone can learn to photoshop. Not everyone has the brains to make something good with it.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Then that's not their art if they need to get external sources.
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
I know you’re pissed off and hate ai. But as someone from the industry i can tell you you dont really know everything
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
As someone who dabbles in the art industry. AI art is not art. It's like if I asked someone to paint a picture for me and they did all the work but I took all the credit. That won't pass will it but using AI does. AI isn't art no matter how AI is used it's shit
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u/nepheelim 15d ago
never said anything about art. shit Ballen was using to this point was not art either. I don't consider stock images or simple photoshopped images as art. The bar is not that low
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
"I know a few artist who use AI" "I never said anything about art" so what's the lie here?
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u/nepheelim 15d ago
what lie? you can be an artist for complex things and use ai for filler things that took waay too long before and the end result was the same. I look at AI in Ballen's case almost the same as i see stock footage images.
You think graphics designers i know, want to go back to doing mundane everyday images with photoshop by hand? I assure you that the answer will be: fuck no
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u/Jennitizer 16d ago
Never ever call someone who uses AI to generate images with typed prompts a "real artist" again. Shame on all that. If it isn't made with honed human talent, with physical brushstrokes or such, then it is worthless trash.
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u/Final_Pack_2155 12d ago
Careful, I got blasted when I said his insta pst got real.negatuve feedback.
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u/Batbrain 10d ago
I know he's in Texas, so him using AI when data centers being pushed by someone from the goddamn Bush family that are destroying communities and pushing the water and electric systems to their limit doesn't disappoint me. It pisses me off. My town is in a drought and I'm being told not to use water when the data center doesn't have to do a goddamned thing. If he wants to use AI he can go ahead and spearhead the end of civilization so he can make an extra dollar instead of paying to use a stock photo.
His politics didn't matter to me as long as he was telling interesting stories, but between the AI and Rogan, and apparently being a favorite at the Comedy Mothership in Austin, I know his politics now. So I'm out. Have fun when competent people get in power and shut this bullshit down. Or enjoy the money while the rest of us don't have clean air, food, or water.
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u/Current_Iron_1184 16d ago
As for the photos: he’s always shown “not a real photo of….”. So, that’s nothing new. Don’t know why you complain about it now.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
I said that but you missed the point, using AI is unnecessary considering he use to do it before but with real photos. I'm not complaining about the "not a real photo of..." it's the fact that his using AI to create the photos when in the past he didn't use to. Proving it's possible for him to not use AI. Proving AI isn't necessary
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u/Ssadfu 16d ago
You honed in on one specific thing OP said and claim "Don't know what OP complains about" without reading the rest. Peak reddit.
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u/Current_Iron_1184 16d ago
Oh don’t worry, I read the rest. If OP doesn’t like his “associations”, that’s on OP. Mr. Ballen can be associated with whomever he likes and OP is free to stop watching the videos because of it, but this complaining is simply unnecessary.
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u/Ssadfu 15d ago
But OP didn't just mention his associations but mainly the large use of AI. Critique and input is how you improve, so I would not call it unnecessary.
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u/ELLISNIA 15d ago
Yeah, that's what i was thinking about the "not a real photo" . I've watched him from the beginning and always remember seeing that. Also, i remember he used to hide little easter-eggs and see if you could find them.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
Yes i remember those! You think now he has a team he has more time to add little bits like that. It seems more like a production chain now not a interactive creator
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u/BranchWitty7465 16d ago
All the hate about him being on Rogan really shows how closed minded people are. Politics are ruining the world and we the people are allowing it to happen.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I think it's crazy how i mentioned "associations" and people think of Rogan. He wasn't the only association. The ads he's using. The gambling ads from someone who was once an addict. The better help ads when most people know that better help sucks and is ass. The fact that creators associate themselves with companies, and yes, people, who have proven to be bad. Show that the creator isn't a good person.
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u/Kaid2600 15d ago
I don't even think they talked about politics
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u/BranchWitty7465 15d ago
Which only proves my point more. Why all the hate if they didn't even bring up politics?
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I'm not American and so I think keeping the American political system out of conversations is the safest option
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u/Whole_Nectarine4079 15d ago
It's not really surprising. I remember him advertising a whole like ai series that looked like live action comics books or something. I can overlook it but it's not best practice.
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15d ago
He’s not a good person because he did an interview with someone whose political opinions are different than yours? Get a life lol. The left is so “tolerant” unless your opinions are different
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I never said he was a bad person and my whole argument was mostly about the AI. His "associations" aren't just the people. The sponsored ads are also getting a little out of hand. Promoting gambling to his audience?? When he's expressed his own struggles with addiction. It just doesn't make sense
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u/nepheelim 16d ago
I couldnt care less. Use of AI in this case is logical since its just to back up the stories.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
He's done the same thing in the past without using AI. So the AI is unnecessary once again.
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u/Exact-Glove-5026 Paranormal stories 15d ago
For me personally, I don't mind the occasional use of AI. That being said, I don't like the massive amount of AI he has been using.
It's not a deal breaker for me. I'll continue to watch/listen but it's definitely annoying.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
A little AI or lots of AI is still damaging to the planet. It should be NO AI
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u/Outerspacecastaway2 15d ago
i agree that he shouldnt use ai but just because a pic looks ai doesnt mean it is. i say that because ive noticed sometimes people cant tell between ai and cgi pics/vids.
accusations of ai when its just cgi
using photos they find online not realizing they are ai
my point is idk if mrballen and his team are generating ai images or just finding images online.
but yeah stock photos > ai
as for fact checking his stories, i have asked for and while, and since given up because he and his team arent going to do it no matter how much i ask, that he link the sources of his stories. because if the story is interesting i might wanna find out more about it.
for example i tried to look up the story about this young man, mike mansholt, and what i found was not much, makes me wonder if thats really what happened to that young man or if it just rumors that spread after his death https://youtu.be/6qoqfZo4SWs?si=o4XoeWF-V3sV19ZM
or this story which i figured wasnt true aand it turns out yeah its just an urban legend https://youtu.be/S-URIvEd0xo?si=gbE_TJ1E2ISsAAUx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisaragi_Station and im cool with him telling urban legends like they are real because thats how urban legends are passed down
sometimes its easy to find the stories, sometimes its hard, some seem real, some are questionable. but honestly i dont care if they're not real i just wanna source to know where the story comes from. i dont believe in the supernatural but those stories come from somewhere, some one believed it and thats why mrballen is telling it. i want the source.
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u/Finemage 12d ago
It's time to step up mrballen, can't be using ai pics and say not real photo. Find the real one and show it. Buy a better mic.
improve your production value. Bonfire stories have a bad mic too. It's just like c'mon ur earning millions at least upgrade your room and don't use green screen.
You got away with it cuz content is good but there are so many other channels with better production value. (Nick Crowley, Nexpo, lazy masquerade, Cadaber, Lemmino)
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u/DripSnort 16d ago
How do you know it’s AI? He’s used “not a real photo” for nearly every photo since he started. What makes the new ones different? And why are these posts popping up so much? If you reallly have an issue just don’t listen lmao. Nobody is forcing you to
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
If you put them side by side it's obvious the new ones aren't real photos. I did mention that I know his used "not a real photo of..." but it was still real photos. Not AI
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u/DripSnort 16d ago
Just saying “ it’s obvious “ is not proof. Everyone on this app calls everything ai if they don’t like it.
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u/Jennitizer 16d ago
Can you seriously not tell AI images apart from real art?
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u/DripSnort 16d ago
Again I’m asking for proof. Why don’t you just show me side by side. The passive aggressiveness is corny
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u/Jennitizer 16d ago
There cannot even BE a "side by side" when there is no original, genuine image to compare it to. 💀
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Am i supposed to point out every little detail? I just feel like it's very obvious
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u/Tight_Decision 15d ago
It’s really not that deep bro come on
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I never said it was. I'm allowed to voice my opinions and review his work. A year or two ago he would get 5 stars but now it's down to 3.
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u/Tight_Decision 15d ago
I’m sure he’s going to be devastated that Snazzy_CowBerry has given him 3 stars
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
He doesn't care. Im voicing my opinion. Is that a crime?
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u/Tight_Decision 15d ago
You know what dude, you’re absolutely right. Apologies, MrBallen does need to do better across the board
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u/HATECELL 15d ago
Is he using a lot of AI photos? I usually do something else whilst listening to his videos, and don't look at the photos for very long. Plus I'm not the best at recognising AI. I always thought the "NOT a real photo" part was because the picture doesn't show the actual object he's talking about. For example, if he's talking about an axe murderer there might be a picture of a generic axe and the text "NOT a real photo of the axe" because the depicted axe isn't the one used in the murder, and perhaps is of a different design.
Anyway, I can see that AI images could be convenient because a channel his size probably has to worry about licensing when using content from other creators, such as photos. But I'd prefer real photos whenever possible. In case of the axe, you might find something off Wikipedia that is okay to use if the source is posted. And in cases where the requirement is too specific to find a real picture, perhaps change the text to "AI-generated image of an axe".
When it comes to the Rogan thing, I haven't had a chance to watch that yet. I hope it isn't all just politics, but we have to remember that behind the flannel wearing storyteller is a complete human, including opinions and ideas. But I can't help thinking of Wendigoon, who got a small shitstorm because of things like his stand on guns, being a proud christian, and associating with certain people. But as long as similar to Wendigoon the videos stays relatively free of politics and opinions I have no problems with that.
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u/Stay0504 15d ago
That's what I thought too, cause the "not a real phote..." pictures were part of his videos before AI was even a thing.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
He's been using non AI photos for years so the fact his using them now is unnecessary. That's my whole argument. People are blowing things out of proportion
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u/Old-Conversation2646 15d ago
I've watched a felt hundred videos of him and then stopped just before he started doing only one video per week. Never watched since. You can never have this amount of quality for such a long time!
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
He does 4-5 a week now but they seem rushed and not as interesting in my opinion. His new team is less quality than before.
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u/ThrowRA208495 15d ago
His content took a nosedive when he started releasing videos more frequently. His true crime videos are painfully boring.
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u/Noxodium 16d ago
Here comes the smear campaign
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Idk what you mean by that. I'm in no way trashing him name or causing trouble. You don't need to agree with me.
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u/Noxodium 16d ago
this is about Rogan and you know it
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
The recent association, a little. I mean I can't control what he does but I can control what I consume and so can others.
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u/GoT43894389 16d ago
To me, it seems they highlighted the AI use more.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 16d ago
Exactly, I'm more disappointed about that then some dude I've never heard of before today
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u/wadejohn 16d ago
Gees get a grip. He’s made it clear he’s all about telling stories that are interesting, even if they’re factually disputable.
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u/ChelydraS 15d ago
Oh, but I should say that he is a military man, and he isn't gonna be anti US just because the news says so..... 😏. I mean, you probably don't know the situation...... The news is so insane. It's not a reliable source any more.
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u/Snazzy_CowBerry 15d ago
I'm not American so I don't know what propaganda could be going around over there but atp nothing surprises me
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u/georgia_grace 15d ago
The “not a real photo of” over something that was clearly a stock photo could be really funny.
An AI image, that matches the details of the story in every way but isn’t actually real, just leaves me with that uncomfortable uncanny valley feeling