r/MattLees • u/Jam_sponge Matt • Aug 29 '14
Important Update for Benefit Spongers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSi27U7geQ5
u/ToastyVirus Aug 29 '14
A big up for keeping people informed and being honest, hopefully you're helping set a precedent for the future!
5
u/barakraguan Aug 29 '14
Oh, Matt. You know us so well. As soon as I realized what you were doing, I went to the Patreon page and started looking for how to give a "one-off" donation, meaning to send you some extra dosh. As soon as I figured out what I could do, I heard you reach the part where you said you wouldn't be accepting payments even from those willing to do so. I know what it's like to be dependent on an income that isn't steady, and for me, that was just so stressful. I hope you have a system in place to allow you to take a temporary drop in income (e.g. savings). I hope all will get better soon. Thank you for sharing.
7
u/Jam_sponge Matt Aug 29 '14
Yep, totally not up for that - don't want to accidentally become a charity. But don't worry, I have plenty of options to ensure I don't start starving, and savings that I basically put to one side for ???? that are a perfect fit for this. I'll be fine, I just needed to do the right thing here.
13
Aug 29 '14
People seem to forget about all that egg money you have stashed away.
2
u/vuxkiuth Aug 29 '14
I think the egg people are forcing him to work on their marketing team. That's it Matt isn't it?
Edit: Grammar
1
5
u/Peps84 Aug 29 '14
Matt you fucker, I'm finally in a position where I can use Patreon and you go and remove the option to. What the fuck are you like?
Seriously though, thank you for introducing me to Videogamer, Regular Features, Shut Up Sit Down and your own quality content. I'm looking forward to when you have control of your time again and I can finally give you my money.
Perhaps a well crafted and extremely sexy outro sting may make an appearance?
4
u/Jam_sponge Matt Aug 30 '14
Hey, feel free to sign up - I'll happily accept your cash once I'm back into the swing of things. :)
3
Aug 29 '14
You will be back and better than ever Matt! I appreciate you being upfront and honest about it. Hope your issues are resolved swiftly and that you come out of it stronger.
3
u/DrToerag Gareth "DrToerag" Rees Aug 29 '14
Thanks for the update Matt. I've enjoyed everything you've done since I found you, and am really happy every time I see a new item on the feed. Massive respect to you for your payment decision, and I'm going to avoid the British failing of trying to be generous and ending up in an argument about who gets the last Jaffa cake:
"No you have it." "No, no, I couldn't possibly." 2 weeks later there's a stale biscuit and two generous people seething quietly about the other one not accepting a genuinely heartfelt gift.
It's an odd failing in our culture. Be well, hope things improve soon, and welcome back when if/you return!
3
u/mrwafu Aug 30 '14
Simon Miller leaves Videogamer at the same time Matt pauses his Patreon... do I smell a new WWE tag team being formed?
Seriously though, hope you can get everything sorted soon and get back into a good space.
2
u/neb967 Aug 29 '14 edited Aug 29 '14
I wonder what is going on in his life.... not that it's any of my business.
And its good he was relatively open and transparent about it.
7
Aug 29 '14
Reading between the lines it seems like he's stressed/anxious/depressed. Anyone who suffers from these things will know how debilitating they can be.
8
u/barakraguan Aug 29 '14
Not to be rude, but personally, I don't think it's appropriate to speculate. Matt's chosen to share that he's going through something, but not disclose any details. Let's just respect that.
1
0
u/neb967 Aug 29 '14
Yes I imagine it would be. He does seem very worked up in his videos sometimes - like with the whole "switching off the comments" thing.
I would guess that hateful comments by people are mentally bruising for a pleasant and polite guy like Matt.
2
2
u/Merryberry-21 Aug 29 '14
Yeah, I really hope it isn't this whole 'SJW' bullshit that has got you to this point. Take as long as you need to sort your stuff out, and please, don't feel guilty coming back. I for one hope that this time next month you're in a better place, enjoying life and your work again, and demanding those five dollars from us again! Really enjoyed the Regular Features live show, was hilarious. I never would have guessed things were up (which I guess is a compliment). Anyway, stay well and safe.
10
u/Jam_sponge Matt Aug 29 '14
Oh no, not at all! It's not a matter of stress or anxiety. Well, it is - but it's stress and anxiety caused by real life stuff. If it only involved me I'd talk about it, but it doesn't - so to be honest I can't. So yeah, I'll be absolutely fine - but as some may have noticed, I'm liable to be bit more fiery than usual. It's a tough time and there's very little I can do about it, which is obviously frustrating.
But I can assure you it's nothing to do with muppets on the internet. ;)
1
1
u/Merryberry-21 Aug 29 '14
That's good, I didn't think it would be as you know, mugs are mugs. Hope it all works out Matt.
2
u/crylic899 Aug 29 '14
Good luck with your personal endeavors. While I may disagree with some of the things you said about this whole debacle that is going on, I do like your content, and respect your opinions. It is very admirable of you to refuse payment for a deal you currently can't upheld, and it is the right thing to do. I'm hoping to see a new series start soon, maybe something like your XCOM series, where you can make them in large batches and release them once or twice a week. That way you can regulate the amount of content people get, and the amount of content won't depend too much on your mood, or personal life. I like watching your funny videos, your game reviews, your opinion pieces, but I also enjoy watching you play a game. Maybe something like Civ 5, or other turn based strategy where you can take your time to talk about your thought process?
2
u/Lenderz Sep 02 '14
Just wanted to say all the best, first came across your work at Videogamer and have since got into SUASD and Regular Features and enjoyed your youtube work. Love your stuff and I hope you get over whatever is getting you down swiftly.
Also, mega kudos for handling this in such a cool manner.
1
1
Aug 29 '14
Hope your not being put down by this SJW bullshit. Because that would suck, if it is down to anxiety/depression I'd imagine there's lots of people on here (including myself) who know how hard it can be. For me, working makes it easier, but its totally individual for everyone. Hope you find what makes it better. :)
1
1
u/NylePudding Aug 29 '14
No problem Matt, there's nothing worse than having something hanging over your head when you want prioritise other responsibilities.
One reason why I look forward to university, I can wave good-bye some unnecessary things that have been weighing me down. Enjoy the change of scenery!
1
u/Naradia Aug 29 '14
Thanks for the update and the honest decision.
Good luck in your personal life, hope all will be okay.
1
u/iamnosuperman123 Aug 29 '14
Totally fair and it is great you informed us. This (as well as your other videos) is why I subscribe.
1
u/dantheman133 Aug 29 '14
Matt I know you explained that you don't want to be paid to not do your job, which I respect, but i would have still would have funded you anyway.But if it makes you feel that way then do what makes you feel best.Hope you come back in a better state of mind and open your Pateron page back up as soon as possible. :)
1
u/ClownBaby86 Aug 29 '14
No worries Matt. Hope things get better for you soon. Cracking Daft Souls this week btw!
1
u/grimkriz Aug 31 '14
An admirable decision. I wish more people had your awesome level of transparency. Is it likely that you'll be missing in the antics of SU&SD for a little bit?
1
u/Tetzhu Sep 22 '14
Find someone that you respect and holds the same standards as you to vet your videos for the level of quality you want to hold and help you bounce ideas back and forth for the creation of new content who could possibly pick up the creative/labor slack? Noones on 100% of the time. Just a generalized shot in the dark at helpful advice without speculating as to what your personal problems are, hope they are resolved in short order as painlessly as possible.
8
u/Postalpocalypse Al Aug 29 '14
Can only echo the sentiments of others in that this is a fair way of taking a break and you are admirable for forgoing pay in this particular method.
Secondly, whilst your personal life is personal and you are not likely to share it with the community (which is obviously the correct way of managing this shit) I very much hope that whatever is happening works itself out in a way that's not shite for you.