Integrity on YouTube 

99% of youtube comments: positive and friendly. The 1% that youtube decides to send as notifications on my phone: incoherent insults.

The Baldur's Gate video is absolute gold. Even my wife and kids, who have zero interest in such games, found it hysterical.

I stopped checking notifications years ago because youtube was *only* sending me negative ones that would ruin my day, so I definitely feel what you're saying about that...

I have fought sponsors tooth and nail to keep certain jokes/bits in my ad reads. A majority of the time they let me get away with it. Coming across professionally to them, and letting them know that my audience will respond to the ad read better if I get to keep my jokes goes a long way. But I think you're right, I also get the sense that most creators are just going with the flow, perhaps afraid that if they speak up they may lose the sponsorship.

This video was clearly sponsored by a healthy sense of self worth, authenticity, and integrity. There wasn't even a link to a microtransaction riddled mobile game. Time for me to rant: Every time I hear Joel open up about creativity and the artistic process I learn something new. I love how he approaches art and I feel he truly has earned the moniker of "artist," not just from his work, but his mindset. Even the way he talks about people leaving negative comments on his work is incredibly empathetic. Just him recounting what someone must feel like to leave a negative comment was so refreshing, to see someone actually try to put themselves into someone's shoes and see the pain behind someone's anger instead of outright dismissing them or making them "the enemy." When you made the "Baldur's Gate 3" video, my first thought was, "Cool, Joel Haver did a video on 'Baldur's Gate 3." My second thought was, "This is probably sponsored... Dope, that means Joel got a paycheck," and then I watched the video and enjoyed it a lot. I swear, if Joel Haver ever does a sponsored video like the BG3 one again I'm going to enjoy the hell out of it and probably share it with my friends because I think it's really funny. Rant over. Edit: Artists deserve to be paid for their art, what they do is invaluable to the human experience, entitled audiences should stop shaming artists for accepting payment for their art. You can't eat wishes and dreams.

It was always amaze me that your first big viral hit was parody of a Bethesda game and now you make those exact same types of jokes in a sponsored video and people lose their minds. Every sponsored animation so far has been a Diamond Class Certified Joel Haver Banger FIRST, and an advertisement second. Getting to work on a few of them has been a lot of fun too! I think people just feel their tastes moving away from something they once loved and they want to intellectualize it. Just people trying to look smart for themselves, creating problems where they don't exist. That's my two cents! Keep up the great work!

Sponsored or not, your animations have always been masterpieces. None of them ever came off as an oversell or something invasive, at least in my own opinion. I think your work and the people who love it can speak on your behalf.

I haven't done any sponsors before, but I did make a review for a drawing tablet many years ago. Without even knowing anything about talking business, I just opened my response email with "I want this and this and this, and I'm gonna do it like this and this, and that's what I want" and they just agreed to it. So I think you are definitely on to something. Not to say that every company will be as agreeable, but it's worth trying.

Makes me think twice about how I do sponsorships. In D&D RU-vid, most sponsors are indie writers publishing their own books of D&D-compatible content. I only accept ones that I think are making something great, but I totally go with: summarize a few bullet points in 30-60s, pay rent. Recently though, I did a dedicated sponsored video like you described. It didn’t even cross my mind to try a more creative/storytelling approach, so it was basically a 5min ad. The sponsor was happy, it sold a bunch of their books, but I didn’t feel great about it. Plus it was my lowest viewed video, in like, years 😅. D&D RU-vid isn’t a huge niche, so I can’t pass up on the standard short plugs. But if I have the opportunity for another dedicated video, I’m going to go a more creative route. Thanks Joel. (Also mean comments suck)

Integrity cough cough sniper wolf not having it

Hey Joel! If you’re experiencing back pain from animating you might benefit from positioning the tablet more vertical and higher up, like a painter on a canvas. I animated flat on my desk for years with crazy back pain until I switched to this way. Maybe it’ll help you too!

Wait, that was an ad for Starfield? I thought that was an ad for succulents…

RU-vid takes away the dislike button for creators mental health then proceeds to notify them when they get negative comments. Big brain moves.

4:43 This is generally a good line of thinking, and not just for creatives negotiating sponsorships. I've spoken with at least 3 coworkers in my last 2 jobs where they were paid less than me for the same exact job, and all accepted the first rate that was offered to them. In my experience, employers are more likely to pay better if you ask for the pay you want. Interviews are 2-way negotiations, and if an employer didn't need you, you wouldn't have been offered the interview in the first place. ALWAYS assert your value.

You gotta build a chest-high wall between yourself and the h8ers

the "AND it's fuckin fun" hahahaha truth

When we've grown our channel big enough to get sponsors I definitely wanna do 'em the way you do 'em. Very inspiring stuff!!

The beginning of "Joel Havar Animation Studios". Ain't that the dream? A company with mostly just friends doing the work together, creating art, sharing ideas, having fun (mostly) and making a living. Awesome work, love all your animations. My eyes widened when I saw the nearly 14 minute time for the Lords of the Fallen video. Hats off to you and Mr. Martens.

I like that the thumbnail looks like you're going on a rant and it's just a sensible talk about art, creating and empathy.

everytime i see the faceless dudes in the dead world in lords of the fallen i cant help but think of the one from your vid lol

Thank you for your continued authenticity and transparency on your RU-vid journey. That animation is so rad and I love that you got paid to do something you have genuine passion for. ❤

Feel you on the 99.9% of comments being incredibly kind, and the remaining 0.1% somehow being notification worthy according to RU-vid. Engagement by any means necessary!

My girlfriend and I love watching all of your content. Doesn't matter if it's your 1 hour movies or your short skits. We always talk about how refreshing your content is because it's authentic. You really know how to capture "normal" human interactions. I hope your back feels better soon.

I think that's a good point that creators probably don't think they have the leverage to ask for more creative control. But hopefully if they see what you are doing maybe it'll give them the confidence to ask.

One thing I love about Joel is that he is so charitable in his perspectives and interpretations of others. Like SNL kinda maybe stole his toilet paper bears bit (S+ tier btw, softest toilet paper in the world) and he gives plenty of cover for them by saying that convergent ideas abound and that truly novel comedy is rare. He is so wholesome and understanding and considerate, and then he drops a bombshell that he will die in the trenches fighting comment trolls. I 100% agree and I love it.

Thank you Joel, your self-awareness on this topic is great. Thank you for talking about this kind of thing, it's really helpful for other creators.

You give a whole new level to being a "creator", elevated and redefined even.

JOEL spelled backwards is LEO-J... Joel, is a Thundercat trying to pretend he's people...

I really appreciate all the work you do and the way you go about doing it, Joel

Joel, you seem to have a big heart for your viewers. You encouraged me to get back into making videos with your oscars challenge this year. I'm back on RU-vid and making videos. Thank you.

I 100% agree with all of this. I own a small indie game company and I actually did an animation with Trent for one of my games, and we literally just went into it with a slight outline of the story and improvved… improved… improv-ed? The past form of improv… the entire thing and I think it was super fun and turned out really funny. Anyway, point is we just had fun with it and made a creative silly video and I think it’s so much better than any regular ad. So coming from a game studio, thank you for your work in making ads better. You’re awesome, Joel. (And so is Trent haha thanks again for working with me!) Btw the video is called “It’s The BOSS Fight.” By StegTech Games if you want to see it lol

I love the way you do sponsored videos, its crazy how many big games you've got sponsorships for and the videos themselves are so stand out compared to regular sponsorships that'd just be tacked on, you're great joel you've found the sweet spot of doing sponsored content in a way that really works for you I respect that a lot.

Joel is by far one of the classiest artists on RU-vid. Love your creative vision, Joel!

You and a few other artists and their respective teams are truly champions of RU-vid. You make the platform beautiful with genuine and unique contributions - including exposition videos like this one. Thank you for everything!

The Elden Ring video was how I found your main channel and you've since been my favorite creator on RU-vid. I had already planned on eventually getting Baldurs Gate and Lords of the Fallen, but seeing that you did "ad" vids for them, makes me even more want the games because it also just gives me a better perspective that the companies aren't the stereotype and actually will work with creators. Keep doing what you do man!

it's nice to listen to you speak about things

Joel continues to be just the nicest guy on youtube

I honestly wouldnt have known it was an ad, thats the level of quality. Both I've watched were excellent videos, that made me curious about the games.

even more than the creative aspect, I appreciate the transparency you have shown sharing this stuff with us. Makes it feel alot less greasy.

"he only does this when he is paid to" --a bunch of dingdongs with an internet connection

inspired by ur dedication to storytelling :-)

Thanks for being authentic Joel

Joel, I absolutely love how candid, thoughtful and genuine you are. I did it just sub to you because your skits are entertaining, but because I love hearing what you have to think.

I totally agree with defending yourself against unfair judgements. As long as it’s in a healthy way and not something eating at you.

Joel, as the author and only writer for my TTRPG (Eon Legacy) your work has been an entertaining and uplifting boon. I often have your work on a playlist just to retain a mood while working on specific thematic work (me and my hyper focused tunnel vision). Thank you, sir, for your work is a moodsetter.

these videos were so refreshing and fun and to watch. It certainly helps that a lot of those studios are clearly full of great people who get it. I've watched the videos a few times over

The only video of yours I’d seen was the Elden Ring video, which I absolutely loved, but this was just recommended to me, and it’s nice to see some insight behind the main channel. You seem like such a genuine dude, and I wish more creators thought the way you did. Great video

Your unique style and personality in these projects is what makes them such utterly genius creations and designs. Your art makes the world a better place. (I loved the lords of the fallen one with the character in eternal suffering who finds a lamp and makes a friend)

Always shaking up the space! Love you and your work Joel, keep up the genius!

You can stand up for your work without trying to make people feel as bad as they made you feel.

You know it's serious when you get Knife-Hand Joel in the thumbnail.

If more creators pushed for more freedom, everyone wins

so much respect for you , been a fan a long time , been a sub and super fan since you shared your animation process. Made some fun gifs , but man it's rough to get what you want with that method , love interpolated rotoscoping like the waking life and a scanner darkly , your method lets me do that , if i'm willing to put in the hours , i'm not , but i respect that you gave me this tool. thank you Joel, mad respect brother.

Yours and "internet comment etiquette" always put so much work into sponsored content and make it entertaining. Keep up the good work.

Hi Joel. It's amazing (and definitely a sign of your hard work) the credibility you've built on this platform. Moreover, your integrity/ moral code AND kindness is inspiring. Thank you for giving us hope

That Lords of the Fallen video is probably my favorite of everything you've made. I was so genuinely invested in the story and laughing at the absurdity.

Great video! My goal when I started YT was the aspect of creative freedom. Doing the script reading thing aint my gig, and hearing your direct experience is inspiring!

Joel, you are such a genuine sweetheart. I'm so glad you are giving yourself a break, but definitely looking forward to what you create next.

Even when you're at the top you can hear people yelling from the bottom. You're success and valuable relationships should be a loud enough response. Keep creating Joel, keep inspiring. Mush love friend 🍄💚

And yes, fighting back is good. It's also to help stand up for others who might be dealing with the same kind of things.

Truly insightful Joel, thank you for following your passion! I truly enjoy your work and honesty

Man, i completely agree. Your format works for it completely. Seeing rhett and link do a themed episode sounds iffy at first thought. A hello fresh episode would be doable i guess but not slandering at all would sacrifice the point of doing it in a way. I think anthony padilla does get with better health, he does read a script and do what you are saying but the main topics are applied in episode. If he didnt have to read off the script it would be better. I think its such a losing battle but man if it was just connected that would be amazing. I truly wish you the best. Thank you for the countless hours you helped me get through, i feel thankful a shamful amount that i can scroll through videos and just get by and have a good time doing it.

Right on Joel! It's cool that you're true to yourself.

You do amazing things Joel, and it's okay to feel down about negative comments. I just hope that for each bad one there's a good one to pick you up again.

This channel is a gem, love this style of video Joel. I really needed to hear this now. Thank you

I couldn't agree with you more! Cheers mate

Even if the animations are sponsored, they are still very entertaining and I appreciate the effort you and your friends put into your videos, and not just the animations. I did an animation like yours when you made that "how I made this" video and it took me an entire week to make it, and that was mainly drawing it. I just ignore the haters and make what I want to make. I also do make videos with games and they aren't sponsored but they are technically still free advertising for that game. Overall, keep up the great work, been following since I saw your first rpg video on reddit.

As an animator, your work is very admirable! I also enjoyed the sponsored content/ads, they were so fun to watch. And they were lengthy! Whoch only mean more good time haha❤❤

I'm sorta disappointed by how people don't seem as pulled in by the Lords of the Fallen video because it's not about as high profile a game this time.

This video is just further proof of how Joel is such a good guy and creator for the platform. I found the channel off the animations, but I've had so much fun going through the non-animated content ever since. Just remember, Joel, your fans appreciate you and all your hard work! We'll fight the bastards for ya

I absolutely love these videos where youre just your genuine self (not that you aren't always), talking about the RU-vidr experience. As someone who does this for a living as well, and only just recently started getting sponsors, it's wonderful to hear your perspective. And yeah, screw negative commenters. 😅 Thank you

Joel such a wholesome lil guy

I love how Joel literally made a video with step by step instructions on how he animates, and yet he gets called out as using AI to make them. Keep up the great work Joel, your very inspirational!

An anonymous troll with a lost soul has entered the comment section. They dish out bad-faith criticism denouncing your authenticity as an artist. What do you do? A. Ignore the troll B. Feed the troll C. Do a loop-dee-loop and pull ~ and your shoes are lookin’ cool

Your drive and need to be genuine before all else is the BEST thing about you and your channel, Joel. Please don't ever change! You can quit RU-vid and give up on your career, but don't give up on yourself! I have always struggled with trust issues yet you always make me comfortable, that's how I know you rule! Thanks again, Joel.

Thanks for another transparent explanation of some behind the scenes RU-vid stuff!

"you are nobody until you have a well stocked list of enemies" - Jordan Shanks I think

Bro, you're absof*ckinglutely right with standing up for yourself! I commend you for it, and cleaning out the bad weeds!! Much love!!!

All 3 videos so far were great. Not only they make fun of the quirky aspects of the games (devs should embrace it s well), but also showcase game world while keeping it not all that serious. If someone was asking me what should be premium grade standard of sponsored content I would point them to these videos.

Well said Joel. Your approach to sponsored animations makes it fun. They're a win win. A lot of ads are definitely disingenuous. Love the real approach. You and Alex killed this one 👏

I cannot believe I didn't know about this channel. I truly appreciate the work you do Joel, thank you for it. New sub here, look forward to watching the backlogged content. Also, I've taken a lot of inspiration from you and now have started adding my sense of humor to my videos.

Whenever I get a negative comment RU-vid likes to put it front and center on the Comments tab like "Hey, you haven't responded to this yet! Don't you want to explain to @JohnSmith6648 why you actually do get invited to parties and aren't a loser??" I've only deleted one comment and it was just because I didn't want to look at it every time I opened up the Studio page lol. Generally I leave people to their negativity...

RU-vid knows that negativity can drive engagement. Maybe they're actively trying to make their platform more toxic because they want more ad revenue? Anyway, it's nice to have someone as relentlessly positive as Joel around :)

Compared to 99% of sponsored videos I love your's. You put so much effort in your videos. I wish people would do more sponsorship videos with your spirit and love.

We create boundaries with our close relationships, it’s important to do the same with our workplaces. That just takes numbers and time

Joel you are amazing and a kind soul. You are actually inspiring me to make funny youtube videos with my friends such as yourself so thank you and I hope to see more animations and live action from you in the future. 😁👍 good luck on everything 🍀

so love what you're doing, it's inspirational to me as an artist

Yeah, it'd be nice to be able to pick and choose companies and terms to work with. But nobody values what audience I've built up so far, so I'll take what I can get. Poverty's a bitch. I'd just walk the line and try to find a middle ground, since I'd be lucky for any company to believe in me and what I do, despite the staggering quality of my work. Oh well.

What really gets me is the stuff about sponsors and things like Better Help- where we know there are major issues with it, but so many people were already locked into contracts and have to do them despite heavy criticism from viewers.

I 100% wholeheartedly agree and I've always thought that if I was a RU-vidr this is exactly how I would want to go about it

I don't usually leave comments, but this video pretty much perfectly puts into words how I feel about sponsorships and how they should be handled. I have my own animation channel, and should I ever reach the point of sponsorships, I would also hate to deflate and borderline ruin the experience of watching the video with an interrupting ad talking about a website builder. Creating a dedicated animation to market a company's product on your own terms is definitely the way to go! I don't agree with everything you said, such as doing a sponsored video without even a meeting to discuss the concept, or that biting back at hate comments can ever be a good thing (although it can be pretty satisfying), but this was a great video! Glad to see that integrity is alive on youtube, where it so often seems like it isn't. :)

Your sponsored animations are, firstmost, hilarious and in the same vein of comedy / style to your non-sponsored ones. That's integrity right there. They remind me of when South Park had a World of Warcraft episode: using the game as a catalyst for commentary on in-jokes with that game's community, rather than a commercial. If the companies paid you, they got their money's value and then some; if you got paid, that's one less obstacle to your other creative endeavors that may have been shelved due to financial issues.

Thanks for sharing, Joel. You're a beacon of integrity in a shady, compromising world.

Joel you have a heart of gold, I love your art.

Sorry it’s been tough lately, from this video I could tell it’s been really difficult. You’re the most genuine RU-vidr that I’ve watched and it really sucks to see you in pain. I’ve taken a lot of advice over the years from you and it’s helped me a lot. A lot of people like to make great artists hurt because they’re jealous, please don’t give them any validation. Wish you the best Joel.

I hope I will keep the same mindset as you once I find my stride.

Thank you for your thoughts and setting the example.

when i see video titles like this one from channels that i subscribe to, I always worry that someone I thought I liked has now decided to lay down a condescending tirade about some self-absorbed virtuoso vision about how they're right and other people are wrong to approach something a certain way, or whatever - and i always get that brief pang of worry, that if i watch the video, i'll no longer really feel like i'm seeing eye to eye with that person anymore, and that i'll start to feel jaded about it, etc etc. fortunately, with your videos, i never feel that. i'm always concerned when i see it still, but the things you talk about are always genuine and as a person, you're unchanging in your commitment to be a positive influence. i don't know what the point of this comment is, really, but i guess just, thanks for not disappointing me/us, and thanks for being who you are in giving well-thought-out opinions about what it means to have a position like you do.

This is a win for all parties involved.

Keep bring your unique form of comedy and style to the unwashed masses!!! Your content is sooo good and brings so much nerd cred to the videos!