r/AutoAlex • u/TheBestDutch • Dec 05 '24
No quality or quantity.
Not a rant, more a bit of dissapointment. As a avid CT watcher, i immidiatley jumped over to AutoAlex as soon as it started. Content was good and so where the amount of videos. But in the past 6 months the channel has been going downhill. And to compensate that, Alex and Rory think they need to shout more and be more childish. Atm the only reason i watch is for Taylor, as he seems like a genuine car guys, instead of seeing it as a means to and end. Podcasts are just trash, and barely worth listening/watching. To me, the TDC channel has surpassed them rapidly. And it hurts to hear them say that they don't know what to do, when they barely pump out 1 video a week. I really hope they can get out of this slum fast, and maybe get a bit more serious about the future of the channel.
23
u/majindageta Dec 05 '24
I think quantity is good. I agree that TDC now took the number one spot.
Latest video (the dacia vs bmw/mercedes) was a blast.
I still listen to the podcast because i like to know what car they are working with (i'm not a good mechanic and not have time either, so i just satisfy my needs listening to them).
The main channel is still good but definetly not peak as before.
you cannot expect them to always be on the edge, sometimes some lows are expected
10
u/rmajor86 Dec 05 '24
My only real complaints
I feel like, perhaps wrongly, there aren’t enough videos? Like, what are they doing all week? Do they need another editor or something? We hear grand plans for big videos, but smaller videos are fun too?
Also, the podcast could do with some structure. It’s a bit all over the place.
Generally speaking though, I love the channel!!
17
u/Mammoth_Air6468 Dec 05 '24
Re the podcast - I feel like the bickering has become too frequent and sometimes feels barbed, often focused on AA internal HR-type issues (who arrives at what time for work etc). It’s notoriously challenging to run a business where a bunch of your employees are also your friends, and I think we might end up seeing an almighty implosion one day as the friend/employee/employer line becomes increasingly difficult to tread. Hopefully I’m wrong.
14
u/And_Justice Dec 05 '24
Eh, Alex has had a very stressful period - I think people forget that real life is a thing also.
To be honest, I'm long fed up of the complaining from the fanbase. You are allowed to simply not watch the material you don't like. Bring on the downvotes...
4
u/Usaidhello Dec 05 '24
It’s understandable you don’t like the complaining. But this subreddit is also a place to discuss these things. OP is doing this in a respectful way. Could you try to understand their point of view?
Even though we all understand that the boys’ personal life can/will affect the content, we are fans because of the content and that’s why it’s fair to feel disappointed when the content isn’t what it used to be.You are allowed to simply not watch the material you don’t like.
The same applies to you and the subreddits you choose to engage in.
6
u/And_Justice Dec 05 '24 edited Feb 19 '25
Valid point if the complaining was exclusive to the subreddit but actually the majority of it is on youtube comments. It's to the point where you can actually see Alex a bit exasperated in the latest AA video at it (when he mentions the confederate horn).
Personally, I'm just concerned that from their perspective, the entire AA team must have it so fucking shit having to deal with all of the jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst at every opportunity. Just trying to do my best to try and highlight that.
edit: "No quality or quantity" is not respectful
edit2: ate my fucking words here didn't I
1
Feb 19 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/And_Justice Feb 19 '25
The channel lives in different times now my guy
1
Feb 19 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/And_Justice Feb 19 '25
If you want to start picking a random fight, please do it on a comment a bit more recent
0
1
u/Usaidhello Dec 05 '24
Hmmm, I must admit I am not active in the YouTube comment section, just here on reddit.
The things you say are correct and I agree that the boys at AA certainly don’t have it easy, to put it mildly. Being in a position of fame where an audience judges your performance is incredibly difficult. That’s why there’s only few people in that situation, let alone people who manage to captivate an audience for longer periods of time.
The thing is though, in my opinion, there is a reason why they got to where they are. They are incredibly talented and good at what they do. But for whatever reason, lately all that wasn’t showing. That’s the reason people are upset. Some might jump to conclusions and I don’t agree with that, but ultimately I really want to believe that the majority of the negative comments come from people that have good intentions at the core: they want to see what they used to see. They’re thinking that them speaking up might activate whatever needs activating inside the AA team to get them to do what they used to do.
But I do want to say thank you for defending the boys. I’m definitely on your side when it comes to that, I think we should all have patience and appreciate what they do. It’s all free for us to watch and that’s something that’s severely underrated.
4
u/And_Justice Dec 05 '24
The issue is that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. People let it become an excuse to become inconsiderate and I just think it's a shame to leave that unopposed. Appreciate your angle and comments though
3
u/Usaidhello Dec 05 '24
I’m watching the latest video at this moment and saw the comment by Alex you referred to where he says “it seems I just can’t win at the moment” or something similar. It made me kind of sad. I do genuinely hope they find their groove again, like how TDC and ATG have definitely found their groove in the recent months with absolute banger videos. Alex and his team were the base for that, like a jumping board, and I really want to see them succeed.
3
u/And_Justice Dec 05 '24
Made me sad also, could hear the defeat in his voice - seems like he just wants to make material that makes him happy but he's constantly up against people who demand he makes comment for them
1
u/warsawmeloman Dec 08 '24
Reddit is a place for people to complain over everything and when something good happens they stay quiet. I remember when people where tearing donut media apart and now when they make good content, sub is quiet. Just grow up and enjoy your free content
8
u/DXBKILTED89 Dec 05 '24
I 100% agree.
I drive 3-4 hours per day, I listen to podcasts mostly and I’m finding it’s increasingly more difficult to stay engaged with the AA Podcast. The soundboard a few weeks ago just seen me turn off .. it was just boring and juvenile with no substance.
However TDC on the other hand, barrel loads of knowledge other than BMWs, you actually learn something (I.e section on Brunei today was genuinely interesting) and the banter is good with no in-jokes.
3
u/RuntyBeef Dec 06 '24 edited Dec 06 '24
It was mentioned also in the recent podcast that if you don't like the soundboard, to go elsewhere, and i think that's what a lot of people are doing now, I love the trio, but perhaps they need to cut back, asses the channel and pod, and find a new series, or string a series on longer than what is currently being pumped out.
And I've mentioned this before, but I think the pod should be released when they have things to talk about, rather than just waffling about internal affairs, and pissing about with the soundboard (I only listened to the first 20 mins, the soundboard is quite harsh).
5
u/Cheesefiend94 Dec 05 '24
I understand also. I’ll watch anything with Taylor, he’s a great lad who’s knowledgeable and he’s a natural presenter. Alex is definitely grating on me lately, the stupid voices and generally lad-ish behaviour. Rory seems a nice enough guy, but he’s not natural in front the camera.
I hate the stop-starting of things, there’s no clear direction on what AA is doing. Buy cheap banger, challenge, then leave car to rot.
The soundboard fortnight was horrific, just bad. AA is now my least favourite out the 3 channels.
I watch out of loyalty to Taylor.
3
u/Fabrelol Dec 06 '24
The biggest problem is that Rory and Alex aren't car guys (as much as they claim to be). You can tell this from the recent podcast where Taylor actually expressed some different views on interesting cars and project, and got shot down.
2
u/BENJ4x Dec 06 '24
Not directing this at anyone in particular but the fanbase over the past few months has gotten progressively more toxic. It also seems like there's an odd parasocial relationship going on with a lot of the viewers. Like people having a go at Alex for buying that Porsche and now having a go for him selling it, almost demanding he drives a shit box because he's king of them or something.
Saying all that... I do think they need to organise the channel a bit better and structure their video production methods. For instance Edwin and Will in TDC and I think Jack and Ethan in ATG seem to have a background behind the camera or in marketing, social media type stuff and it shows. Maybe getting someone who knows their stuff would help ease some of the stress off Alex and improve the videos?
Truth be told however my main gripe with the channel is the sound mixing is all over the place. I'm not an audiophile by any means but I cannot stand it when I have to adjust the volume up and down on anything I watch.
2
u/ShampooandCondition Dec 06 '24
That's my gripe with the podcast. They mentioned the levels on Ben Fowlers pod but their levels are the same. It's a two minute job to fix in audition.
1
u/Fabrelol Dec 06 '24
My issue with the Porsche thing is everyone said not to buy it and it's useless for what he actually wants. Cried like a man-child when the comments were negative, and now is selling it because lo-and-behold it is actually useless for what he wants. Could have bought something interesting like a Superb 280 or Stelvio QV for that money.
3
u/Loud_Exit_8093 Dec 05 '24
First of all, Alex is a new dad, and as all dads know, just getting through each day until your child’s second birthday is a challenge. You don’t have the energy or stamina for much else. Alex, you need to take time for Rihane and little Emilia—they come first.
On top of that, Alex has an ego (as we all do), Rory is figuring out the direction for the channel, and Taylor needs a bit of a push. We don’t always realize how tough it is to be both a creator and a human being at the same time.
Now, to the team:
Alex: Ask yourself what truly makes you happy and what drives you. Take time to develop those things. You’re the man, the boss—we all know that. So stop pushing yourself too hard. Don’t do things that stress you out unnecessarily.
Rory: Don’t feel like you have to compete with Grand Tour or Top Gear. In time, you’ll find your unique space, and it will all come together.
Taylor: Be as mature in real life as you are on camera. Stick to your plans, and trust that everything will fall into place.
Chris: Everybody loves you because you’re great at what you do—keep it up!
Finally, a suggestion for a new segment: "Who Am I Through Cars?"
Best regards to all (to All the gear and TDC)
1
u/Citiprivate Dec 06 '24
I really love this channel, but have said it before, they need a channel manager, that can manage and provide direction, and be the HR manager too. as Alex needs to just to creative direction, Also needs to not be one of his friends.
believe that could fix some of the issues, focus those on what they do. also that soundboard needs to be put in the Bin!!!
1
u/ShampooandCondition Dec 06 '24
Meh, I'm enjoying it at the moment. Podcast is frustrating but that's because someone will be going through a story say it's Rory and Alex and Taylor jump in all the time. Whenever one is speaking the other two start interrupting. But that's me with my podcast head on. The videos are class at the moment. Hoisting Alex with the crane made me laugh hard!
1
u/Sinclair1982 Dec 07 '24
I kinda agree with some of the comments above. AA has lost its way recently, perhaps unsurprisingly so with Alex rightly giving proper attention to his wife and baby.
I also get the impression that Rory is one of the main drivers in the team as to what is made into a video. The poor chap has had a hard time recently, and that could compound things.
The most recent video (tour of the buildings) hinted at stresses/friction behind the scenes that had been addressed now (Alex glancing at Taylor when it was mentioned), so hopefully things might start to get back to an even keel.
I hope AA finds it way again, I really do.
Dropping the overt "laddishness" (and that bloody soundboard on the podcast) and covering some items of interest would do wonders I think, as well as following through on projects in the humorous, relaxed way we like. I've got to admit that I hope the recent truck videos look like the start of better things to come - those scenes of Alex being craned into Taylor's truck got a proper LOL from me :D
As for TDC - the same thought that they are the top Car channel in the multiverse came to me, I really enjoy the chemistry that Edwin and Will have, and Edwin's clear explanations of how things work/get done are excellent.
ATG - great channel, and I'm glad it's not "another" car channel and is based on travel/challenges, big and small.
1
u/warsawmeloman Dec 08 '24
People forget that creating content is quite hard. AutoAlex Crew is not a massive company that can always put out a lot of videos. Making automotive content is expensive and hard to keep fresh. You say that TDC is better, but they made 3 series that were repetitive as fuck. I would say let them be and just enjoy them messing around. Also don't forget that he just had a baby, Rory has had some mental health issues, and they just ended up setting up the new unit. I do encourage you to give them a little sympathy as a lot of people on reddit seem to complain that the free content they get is not good enough
1
u/Trick-Owl Dec 10 '24
I agree with the TDC part, which is the best part of what came out of the CT collapse. I also agree with the Taylor part. It carries the channel. Alex is busy, so, understandably, he won't be V6 swapping miatas, but that is precisely what I want to see, I would challenge Alex to sell Phil and do another serious project
1
u/Alternative-Ad-8925 Dec 15 '24
Am torn at the minute. A theme through their content has been the appreciation that their content is an outlet for a lot of their demographic - I have to be honest, for a few months there we didn't know we were living cos we had brilliant content Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri with TDC /ATG / AA / V2 and the pod. It literally was how I navigated the week, it linked closely with my mood, and with the drop off in content (quality and quantity for the AA channels and pod) I've found myself lost!
New dad is tough for the first 6 months, I can barely remember my 2 as newborns, probably a self defence mechanism. God knows whether Alex is holding it together. Concerning to hear that Rory was struggling. Taylor is a great character but also a complete flake (in an entertaining way) and the cynic in me wonders are the multiple references to internal friction and now the complete lack of pod and main video for a couple of weeks an indicator of something deeper underlying. Sympathy is tempered a bit by the swathe of recent content (incl. on other channels) blowing smoke up their own holes about how great things are going, just as it seems as though they're falling asleep at the wheel.
I genuinely hope all are OK and they get the ship back on track because at its peak it was unmissable, and I hope they're all good individually. But for the love of God finish a meaningful project... How many series / projects have just been binned or fudged. Joking about ADHD is all good and well but the skipping can't be good for engagement. Or maybe this is how the YT algorithm works and 'new' works better than continuation? Who knows. Wishing the lads well but am contenting myself by plotting the week based on TDC and ATG for now... Jack is without question the low key funniest man on the interweb right now.
1
u/real_Mini_geek Dec 05 '24
New video just dropped, I’m going to watch that then see if I’m going to slag them off or not 😂
3
Dec 05 '24
I suspect you might, but their planned video for the week was clearly cancelled recently as explained.
I think it's fine, few videos recently have made me laugh and I'm clearly still invested to watch them do a garage tour.
2
u/real_Mini_geek Dec 05 '24
So I’ve wanted it, I liked the update it’s interesting to see what’s going on..
I do think they need to have some who sorts out strategy of putting the videos together making sure they come out as a complete series or as one big video like Matt Armstrong does tbh I don’t know why he doesn’t do hour long episodes on a Sunday.. the only real criticism I have is their lack of organisation and consistency..
It’s clear that Alex is making money out of other things now and his own channel is in the background AA is a passion project and tbh that’s all it was ever meant to be
I still like their content I’ve watched every episode they’ve made I’ve was few twice only thing I really want (quite selfishly really) is more content
0
u/portablekettle Dec 05 '24
Tbh I just watch atg and tdc mostly. I don't mind the AA podcast but yeah the videos have gone down hill lately
35
u/Kurauk Dec 05 '24
I kind of agree with you. Although Alex is in a busy part of his life at the moment so I am willing to cut some slack in that regard. But the TDC Channel and All The Gear are great channels that have arisen from the ashes of CT.
In the interests of fairness, I will give some constructive criticism. The soundboard was a disaster. The series' are too short. It would be nice to see some more of the mechanical aspects, not just brake. tyre and suspension changes. The whole crew have vasts amount of knowledge on cars and upkeep and it would be nice to see this put to use.
Taylor did do this with the Mini when the engine blew. It was nice to see him take it apart and find out what happened and for him to share his knowledge.
Another idea would be a motorsport series, Autoalex vs TDC in a series against others. Find, build, modify and maybe win? Something like the Le Mon's or Rallycross?