Web Series: Online Gamer

A few years ago, a video skit called "Online Gamer" worked its way up the Youtube popularity list. In it, a typical "FPS" player joins his girlfriend and another couple for a double-date board game night. Those of us who know the stereotype of Aaron (the Online Gamer) quickly latch onto the hilarity that ensues when the hardcore mentality clashes with civil, adult Monopoly--wait, Monopoly can get pretty cutthroat, too. Either way, it's a funny situation.


Today, that video skit has earned over ten million views and spawned two seasons of "webisodes."

Although I lost touch with the show in the end of 2011, I still remember laughing and smiling throughout Aaron's escapades and antics. His character became more and more exaggerated (as did his co-stars), but it certainly fit the satirical nature of the show. As a geek, I loved watching the stereotypes of different gamers smash into each other throughout Los Angeles. It's a shame that I didn't see the production company's Kickstarter page, which asked for funding for a third season.

"David, why are you writing about this?"

Fine, fine. I'll get to the point. After being more resilient about commenting on Youtube videos that I enjoy, I found myself reading the responses from other commenters. Therein lays the issue: trolls. The unavoidable ogres of the interwebs.

Reckless Tortuga's Online Gamer Kickstarter clearly stated that their $25,000 goal would be able to fund 8 higher-quality episodes; further stretch goals would be able to fund more episodes. The ogres haven't responded in kind.

See, when a project like this begins (especially in Los Angeles), it's the labor of love of a blooming production company. Thanks to Youtube and other social media platforms (I wish were around when I was performing), actors/directors/producers are in a much more advantageous position to create their own work. All of the major players in Online Gamer have active IMDB pages, demonstrating that they actively pursue performance work. As with anything in this country/world, when a hobby or passion becomes popular and desired, we try to turn it into income. Isn't that our goal: to get paid to do what we love?

I'm probably just falling into the trap of the trolls, but come on, guys. These artists made something that did really well. They likely did it initially for absolutely no money--to try to make a name for themselves. You demand better quality and longer episodes, but that takes money: location fees, wages for people involved (as they get more successful, they're less likely to continue a pro-bono project), post-production costs, website management, etc. It's insulting to any entertainer to demand free entertainment. It reminds me of an internet "meme" that was circulating:

Guys and girls, if you want high quality entertainment, you have to be willing to invest in it. I've been a part of a TV pilot, so I know how much time, effort, and money goes into a project like that. It's not easy or quick. The time that Reckless Tortuga puts in is extensive--and I don't even know them personally.

Two things to take away from this experience:

1. Support the arts. When something starts out low budget and independent, it's from people that love what they do and want to make a living doing it. Don't be passive viewers; get involved.
2. Tastes can change. If a show moves beyond or loses your interest, then it's time to say goodbye to it. I've experienced this with several bands over the years. Change is the only constant in this world. Sometimes it's in your favor, but most times, it's not. Provide constructive feedback and move on.

This is something that I'd like to work on with my students: how to provide constructive feedback in a negative review. This world severely lacks class and dignity.

So, bravo, Reckless Tortuga! You have created a pretty amazing webseries that has gained a fanbase. Keep doing what you love and listen to those that support you constructively. Otherwise, tune everything out.