New Video: Can You Trust Kurzgesagt Videos?

Openly admitting to changing one's mind in light of new evidence, instead of digging down based on ideology is a difficult yet vital trait. I applaud your skepticism *tips hat*

Felix Akkermans

The video is private atm btw. Is there another source or did Coffee Break retract it?

Felix Akkermans

Good work. You hit the nail on the head. X

Kate Adams

Such an important and amazing video. Kids are only 7 and 9 but they asked to watch it 3 times back to back. Can’t even imagine the amount of benefit that could add through their lives. Just wish I’d had something like this when I was young!

Team Saunders

This video is the reason I pledged. You guys do a really good job.

Meghann Dunn

This was the video I realized how much I apreciate the content you produce and only speculated in the past that you may 'do some intensive research' before posting something, I realized now how much work you put into it, therefore I want to contribute to this as much as I can. Please stay the same, only put a focus on quality and not get sucked in by the money making business because then you will become just another washed up source which only targets views, apealing and controversy instead of informing the people as unbiased as possible to a specific topic with respect for facts and knowledge sharing. That being said, thank you and stay awesome.

Fodor Horatiu Alexandru

I still feel it would have been kind and fair to mention Coffee Break in the video but after reading the e-mails I have decided to stay pledged. I am kind off disappointed in the way Coffee Break handled the situation. I understand his frustration but the video he made was not the best response, especially if you watch some of his other videos that discuss online harassment and overreactions. He should have seen that he was overreacting and that a lot of people would overreact to his own video by unsubscribing and harassing Kurtz.

Lars Klamer

Honestly, I think Coffee Break was a bit shady there. Check this overview by Philip DeFranco: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qjRv6nY4QU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qjRv6nY4QU</a>

Norman

Kurz you're awesome, this whole Coffee Break thing reminded me that I forgot to pledge to you guys. Keep up the great work, I always look forward to your videos~

Jonathan Fan

Joseph, I looked into the AMA and emails released in response to that- it actually looks more like CB was misreprenting Kurz's words and actions to deliberately make a smear piece. I came to the conclusion that I actually back Kurz in this matter, and strongly suggest you take the time to read through the AMA and look at the emails too.

Charley Mather

I've reinstated my pledge as well. CB's video was kind of shocked me and I overreacted. However, after reading the Reddit thread and reflection on the situation I realized that I'm happy to support Kurzgesagt.

Ramakrishna Mathiraj

I've reinstated my pledge now. One commenter on Reddit summarized my thoughts on this situation nicely, but I can't find that comment anymore. Basically they said: It seems this is a case of unfortunate miscommunication and assumption of malintent. Kurzgesagt for assuming Coffee Break was working on a hit piece (I think the reason the video ended up being as negative as it was, was because of the earlier assumption of malintent) and Coffee Break for assuming this was personal and done to spite a smaller youtuber. I can understand why Phillipp was being cautious and I can understand why Stephen was being mad. It's just sad to see this, since I know that both of you seem to have good morals and create excellent content.

Communidad

Same here, you earned a new patron. Kurzgesagt has zero obligations for someone trying to stir drama masked as a video about ”pop science” over an honest oversight.

Sami Kolari

After reading the full email exchange I came directly to patron to sign up and offer my support. To me its clear that Coffee Break was looking to produce a hit piece either way and is simply upset that you got ahead of the curve. As others have said, CB doesn't own your mistakes.

MasterQuyz

I'm really conflicted about this, as I've loved Kurzgesagt for years, and supported them on Patreon for a while now, but with Coffee Break's video, I don't think I want to pledge for the time being.

Oliver

It's sad to see people jumping to conclusions all most immediately. If you would just take a day to wait for the story to unfold, instead of jumping on the train right away with limited information, you would look less silly.

Xellos

For the full story, see reddit AMA (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kurzgesagt/comments/b0bgvj/ama_2_can_you_trust_kurzgesagt/eidfjay/)" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/kurzgesagt/comments/b0bgvj/ama_2_can_you_trust_kurzgesagt/eidfjay/)</a> and the released emails (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/kurzgesagt/comments/b0by0w/leaked_emails_between_myself_and_kurzgesagt/)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/kurzgesagt/comments/b0by0w/leaked_emails_between_myself_and_kurzgesagt/).</a> Kurzgesagt admits CBs questioning was part of the motivation for removing the video, and there was some intentional delaying (but much less severe than CB suggests in his video). For the rest, CB is extremely suggestive/misleading - especially regarding Johann Hari. Personally, I think kurzgesagt should have mentioned CB in the removal video, but CB's video is way over the top (although I think it's emotional rather than calculated for drama). The whole episode is a pity, I was really enjoying the work of both creators.

Koen Helwegen

Same here, I have cancelled my pledge because you do not answer the issue mentioned by Coffee Break (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0)." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0).</a>

Sebastian

Also me! This video was also the tipping point for me. I feel the video from CoffeeBreak was clearly meant to cause drama

Jonas Feddersen Melgaard

Upon reconsidering the situation, I seem to have acted a bit hastily. I would like to know why Coffee Break was told to wait until early March for an interview and was potentially given false information by Philipp. The response determines whether or not I'll continue to pledge. Failure to clarify the situation will still result in me cancelling my pledge.

Rendomstranger

Falling for the drama after hearing from one side. Well done guys...

Gero Bader

Upon seeing Coffe Break's reaction to this video, I'll be stopping my pledge. Unless Kurzgesagt can demonstrate that Coffee Break is lying, this decision is permanent. An apology will not suffice. I should have suspected that this video was made for a reason. More importantly, I should have suspected that something shady was going on when people were threatened not to reupload the deleted videos on Youtube. Kurzgesagt can't be trusted, and I really hope that this dishonesty results in a serious hit to Patreon revenue.

Rendomstranger

According to Coffee Break's video on how Kurz is stealing content, I'd reconsider that assessment - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Joseph Rose

Go to Coffee Break's video on how Kurz is stealing content, being lazy with their research, and in general, just being shady as hell - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Joseph Rose

I would consider otherwise. Kurz has been stealing content and been lazy with the research since the beginning - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Joseph Rose

Everyone please go to Coffee Break's video on how Kurz is stealing content, being lazy with their research, and in general, just being shady as hell - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Joseph Rose

The same. Not cool guys. <a href="https://youtu.be/v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Gor Isajanyan

Same here, I am also holding my pledge. This is so disappointing, why did you have to screw over Coffee Break like that? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>

Communidad

I am cancelling my pledge for the time being following the Coffe Break video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8nNPQssUH0</a>I will wait for a response though. EDIT: in the hindsight, I was too hasty, I should have waited for a reply before making a decision. But as I said, I was looking forward to the reply, and I find this reply convincing. Sorry for the emotional behaviour! AMA summary : <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/b09uwt/can_you_trust_kurzgesagt_in_a_nutshell/eidkd3f/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/b09uwt/can_you_trust_kurzgesagt_in_a_nutshell/eidkd3f/</a>

Tim Andreev

Meeeeee too :)

Robert Kent

Openly admitting failures and shortcomings even after a long time and actively learning from the mistakes made is THE way to go. Thanks for improving every time, keep it up that way.

Thorben Menne

I was thinking of becoming a patron for a long time, this video convinced me :)

Mattia Thibault

Not redoing the refugee crisis, but about the many sides of immigration, populations blending or lack of it, and about living together in general, that is something I'm super curious about your take!

Dan

I'm a Cody Fan and I just supported you guys too. He says no he doesn't trust you. That's tough for me because I really think he has a ton of integrity. Make peace guys--you both have a lot to offer, but he's rarely wrong when he pushes hard. Admire both...

Ryan Lanham

I really appreciated your previous video on Addiction and it didn't feel to me like you were saying it was about willpower or entirely about support systems. Honestly, it felt like the episode on Loneliness was an extension of it: Without support systems, we are more likely to fall into response loops which include addictive behavior.

Crissa Kentavr

Becoming a Patron because I really appreciate the honesty in admitting faults of the past and integrity for the future :)

Yining Chen

That was AWESOME! Thank you so much for giving a peak behind the curtain. I wish you were stationed in Denmark, so that I could work for you. Dream job :D

Lasse Nielsen

I really appreciate your integrity, guys. We need more of this in this day and age.

Carlos Urbina

Let your later content speak for itself.. No need to bury your "mistakes". I Love that video. Data or no it feels right. The information inside Will be proven one day. Just put a warning banner up explaining how you feel. But never remove anything. We support you because we Love your work Flaws and All. Please reconsider this.

Eugene G Ayton

I appreciate the work you do and the integrity you put into it. To be honest, I am not certain I would have made the decision to remove the videos, but I shan't litigate it here. You know much more and better than I. Keep up the good work and we will keep supporting you.

Patrick W. Gilmore

I have come to rely on individual bloggers and youtube creators to stay informed rather than mainstream media outlets as I feel its becoming too distorted. It feels great to support a channel that's actively trying to up it's quality rather than slacking off or profiting from clickbait/circle-jerk content. <3

Ramakrishna Mathiraj

So often these days, conversation isn't a tool to communicate an idea but a weapon used to attack someone that holds a different view to your own. Having the courage to admit you were incorrect about something *and* taking true steps toward self improvement is a rare thing these days. There is a lot of content on the internet that you can use as ammunition to attack someone's arguments with. Content that offers a reasoned, compassionate and above all *understanding* counterpoint is infinitely more likely to change someone's mind than any amount of rhetoric screamed in their faces.

Thomas Boys

I have been a Patreon subscriber for years, and will continue to be one. I think it is very good, that you strive to uphold your principles. I'm looking forward to the new less opiniotaed, addiction video. I hope it will still contain the insights of Bruce K. Alexander's work, as I think it really tells a different story, that is in stark contrast to the common "war on drugs" narrative. And while I'm at it: please make a video about ethanol and e.g. take a look into the work of David Nutt. I think lots of humans are looking for an outlet of everyday life with psychoactives and we picked one of the worste (i.e. ethanol) as the one that is sold and advertised anywhere. Probably because a) it's really easy to synthesize ethanol (even in the most limited environments, e.g. search for "prison wine recipe") and b) probably its psychoactive effects are more foreseeable and might have been thus preferred by societies or people in power However on a physiological basis ethanol is probably one of the worst psychoactives ever. In contrast to other psychoactives, most of the substance doesn't work mostly on the brain.About 90% never go to our brain and damage your inner organs instead. The ethanol that creates the actual psychoactive effects is quite damaging to the brain cells (in contrast to other psychoactive substances).

Pat Mächler

I wasn’t a Patreon before I saw this video but I wanted to show my support for a transparent and honest creator who produces the best experience possible for their viewers. I’ve been watching for a few years and I wanted to give a bit back and say thank you.

Alex Sutherland

This is the video that got me to pledge. I love your work, and this level of integrity deserves as much support as it can get.

Danny Beans

So much respect for your principled stance on stopping the spread of misinformation. Deleting a much loved video can't be an easy thing for anyone to do.

Thank you, Team Kurzgesagt.

Norm

You guys have been my favourite channel on YouTube for a while now, I adore what you're trying to achieve. Couldn't resist any longer, had to sign up to Patreon to support you. Particularly as I use an ad blocker. I aim to increase my level once I have the funds. Keep it up!

Ryan Mazonis

You guys are AWESOME!!! Charge ahead, remembering that your supporters realize/support your 'impossible dream' especially in today's global society. However, it feels good to be Don Quixote charging those nasty windmills!

Richard Hackathorn

Please fix the year at 5:55, it's 12019. Also: that level of honesty is so rare nowadays! Bravo ! ❤️

Hich & Lc

I love you guys

Nicola Nuti

Finally decided to pledge after wanting to for more than a year. Thank you all for being honest and upfront about how the videos are made and thank you for helping to open my mind and think about things differently.

Jack Conquest

Supporting this channel is worth every pennies! Thank for working hard to provide us with quality contents

Deference Guild

I love this so so much. Thank you for being so thorough and honest. You've done so much good work for educating the public on interesting topics. I always recommend your videos to friends and I'm definitely upping my pledge to you once I have the means to. Love y'all 💜💜💜💜💜

Hawkfrost

From what I understand, opinionated content is not what they want to produce. I don't think most of their video can be considered such, which would mean this isn't really a "new" direction. You're right, nothing is truly objective, there are biases in almost everything. Doesn't mean all "opinions" are equal in their validity. I believe that the overall goal is for anyone, regardless of belief, to be able to watch a video without feeling like their are being preached to.

Frank Eyenga

Thank you Kurzgesagt, this video prompted me to start supporting you.

Brenton Milne

Good for you guys. I always felt that the drug video was too one sided. It's an interesting point but not the whole picture.

vorbei

Thank you so much for making this video. I've decided to up my tier from $10 to $40 because of it! With all the confusion and "fake news" circulating these days, I want to support honest and trustworthy content ❤️

Charley Mather

Nothing is truly objective in this world. I don't understand why you want to move away from presenting opinionated videos. I am canceling my patronage for your channel. You will probably not notice it because others like this "new" direction of yours.

Viktor Alakörkkö

This video has made me trust you guys even more, respected you even more and I am uping my donations. Thank you for amazing work!

Amy Poli

So. Much. Respect. Thank you for being so mature and careful. The world needs more people like you. Seriously... Thank you... You made me cry. Know that you are helping make the world a better place.

João Gouveia

You guys are amazing. I should really donate at a higher level than I am...

Daniel Jones

I absolutely love this! had no Idea that you do all of that research, peer review, and rewriting for each video. I'm sad to see the Refugee and Addiction video go, but I understand why you have chosen to take it down. I can't wait to see the new one though!

Matthew Sekira

Thank you for your honesty. I based a few arguments on your addiction video and was schooled by some people who did their research... looking forward to your updated version even though i read up on it after getting schooled :P

Jan-Hendrik Röckemann

Love your videos ! Check out my patreon !

Science Explained

You guys are amazing! I love your work and think it's the best YouTube channel ever, especially now with this last video, your honesty and hard work is what makes you super special

Monica Luevano

This instantly converted me to a €25 patreon! :) Kurzgesagt acknowledging past their failures and being honest about it is - counter intuitively - exactly the best way to earn (my) trust. This shows how Kurzgesagt is willing to correct itself, hold itself to healthy standards of knowledge. And that is exactly the rare attitude that we desperate need in this time where the noise of misinformation and ideologically driven viewpoints are drowning out the truth.

Felix Akkermans

I just started to like Kurzgezagt even more

Horia Constantin

Addiction video brought me to the channel, I loved it, but I'm happier that I get to see a new one!

MossBro333

Dang. Those videos seemed flawless. Is this what a Kurzgesagt screwup looks like? Wow that beats my best easily

Onkar Kulkarni

and thank you for all the great videos you've done!

Martin Gauer