Chris Chan Documentary.

[spylobster]

STAGE 1 COMPLETE
Starting patreon, initializing goyum shekel extraction.

 

[Lucrid]

Excellent work! I watched the whole thing and appreciated the serious and relatively neutral tone. Since you said this won't be the final version, I'll just share a few of my thoughts -- it's your choice whether you want to change anything. The only thing that really bothered me was the ordering of some of the events in the later sagas. You covered the incident at The Game Place that happened in October 2011, which was shortly after Bob's passing and already well into the Tomgirl saga. But then you go to the video of Chris destroying his PS3, which happened over a year before the event at The Game Place, and the Fridays after Five sightings, which were even a bit further back in time. This was all part of the Jackie Saga, which you then to start to officially cover afterwards. But other than that, it's a decent overview and anyone who gets curious after watching it can just consult the CWCki and/or the forums.

 

[Silver]

As long as you are aware of most of the things I talked about. But go right ahead I am no thick skinned toad man but I can handle some criticism.

Basically, I'm just a little concerned you didn't contextualize some things properly. I know there are limitations with a video like this (considering how much had to be omitted and the resulting length!), but I think some things could use a little more explanation. For instance, I don't know much about the class or the professor, but I can tell you that even my college classmates wouldn't know what a "troll" is, and I don't believe you really ever try to explain the nature of trolling rather than what trolls do. Similarly, during the Encyclopedia Dramatica section, if I recall correctly the website is just shortened to "ed", as in "ed page", without any sort of introductory line, like "Encyclopedia Dramatica, or 'ed' for short, is..." (Also I think most people pronounce it ED, like the letters, and not like a word? But then again, I could very well be wrong.) I was watching this, thinking "how would someone who doesn't know much about the deep parts of internet culture react?" and I think there's a few places where you could be clearer. (If a viewer doesn't already know about Chris, odds are they have never heard of Encyclopedia Dramatica and may not know a whole lot about the overarching concept of "trolling".) Most of my criticism falls under the umbrella of "make sure you clarify", really.

 

[spylobster]

This will make an excellent piece of Christory.

I have waited ever sense I got into Christian to hear those words.

Basically, I'm just a little concerned you didn't contextualize some things properly. I know there are limitations with a video like this (considering how much had to be omitted and the resulting length!), but I think some things could use a little more explanation. For instance, I don't know much about the class or the professor, but I can tell you that even my college classmates wouldn't know what a "troll" is, and I don't believe you really ever try to explain the nature of trolling rather than what trolls do. Similarly, during the Encyclopedia Dramatica section, if I recall correctly the website is just shortened to "ed", as in "ed page", without any sort of introductory line, like "Encyclopedia Dramatica, or 'ed' for short, is..." (Also I think most people pronounce it ED, like the letters, and not like a word? But then again, I could very well be wrong.) I was watching this, thinking "how would someone who doesn't know much about the deep parts of internet culture react?" and I think there's a few places where you could be clearer. (If a viewer doesn't already know about Chris, odds are they have never heard of Encyclopedia Dramatica and may not know a whole lot about the overarching concept of "trolling".) Most of my criticism falls under the umbrella of "make sure you clarify", really.

Yeah I recorded a few lines explaining what a troll is, but I honestly think that troll is like a common thing, the super popular kids (obv me) say the word troll allot. But everything else I completely agree with.

 

[Blarm Alarm]

Registered just for this thread. I'm enjoying it now. There's no big problem with the narration mic quality; actually sounds pretty good. You may want to re-track some of the more-stilted sections, and there are some grammatical errors in the transition title cards.

Only about halfway through but it's quite watchable, unlike 90% of the "herp derp here's what I think of CWC on my webcam lol ween" videos I see.

Edit: In the opening titles you do a thing with the music called "Mickey Mousing" where you intentionally frame-sync a hard cut to a new title or title revision to the hits in the music. This is an old-timey cartoon technique, which oddly enough doesn't work as well in this piece, which is more of a serious documentary.

 

[spylobster]

Registered just for this thread. I'm enjoying it now. There's no big problem with the narration mic quality; actually sounds pretty good. You may want to re-track some of the more-stilted sections, and there are some grammatical errors in the transition title cards.

Only about halfway through but it's quite watchable, unlike 90% of the "herp derp here's what I think of CWC on my webcam lol ween" videos I see.

Thank you.

 

[Silver]

I was just thinking about my own peers; I'm only a few years older than you and my classmates aren't aware of that kind of thing, I don't think. But obviously you know your audience better than I do.

 

[spylobster]

I was just thinking about my own peers; I'm only a few years older than you and my classmates aren't aware of that kind of thing, I don't think. But obviously you know your audience better than I do.

I was hoping at least for the most part this would be like the portal from random person to a Chan fan. Tear down this wall and let he masses unite.

 

[Glaive]

Well @spylobster, I can't say that was a disappointment.

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

Positives

• Inclusion of fan art mixed among clips along with true and honest Sonichu artwork
  
• Included Christian and the Hedgehog Boys music and mixed that up among your royalty free tunes
  
• Picked a creative way to depict the JULAAAY sex video since you didn't want to show nudity
  
• Having the animated series intro
• Overall pacing
  
• Didn't sperg too hard about any one saga or drag out the same clip for too long
• Kept it pretty neutral and explained you would leave it up to the viewer to decide their thoughts on Chris
• Aimed at right crowd, you might not please the most well read fans, but I don't think it would be overly confusing for new followers
• Wrapping it up full circle with Chris's first captain's log video. Couldn't have ended it with anything better.
• You didn't even censor that much given it was for school. I felt like you thought of it as a community contribution first, and a school project second. I'd be way too embarrassed to show that to a teacher, you got guts.

Negatives

• Had some trouble hearing narration at parts, voice could be de-S'd, not the clearest voice
  
• Your teacher will probably need to go through a lot of liquor to get past full hour
• Special Ed teacher you interviewed fumbled over his words
• Special Ed teacher didn't really contribute anything, I feel like you more or less included him as some sort of requirement for the project??
• Your teacher may now think you have autism
• No CWCkiforums reference until the credits
  
• Could have touched on the community following a bit more past the mention of news/site appearances
• The first fifteen minutes or so covering his childhood seemed a bit weak compared to later bits which included more mixed media and less paragraphs of solid info

About it, nice job.
Wouldn't re-watch, but will probably use it as an introduction to new followers after they have already watched a bit of Chris videos on their own.

 

[SOINCHU]

REALLY well done especially for a high school project! Its obvious a lot of effort went into it

 

[Blarm Alarm]

Well @spylobster, I can't say that was a disappointment.

• Special Ed teacher you interviewed fumbled over his words
• Special Ed teacher didn't really contribute anything, I feel like you more or less included him as some sort of requirement for the project??

I have a feeling that the special ed teacher section would benefit a lot from having a "This is who this is" caption under him and heavy editing, maybe interspersing some of his points with examples of Chris exhibiting the referred behavior.

 

[spylobster]

Well @spylobster, I can't say that was a disappointment.

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

Positives

• Inclusion of fan art mixed among clips along with true and honest Sonichu artwork
  
• Included Christian and the Hedgehog Boys music and mixed that up among your royalty free tunes
  
• Picked a creative way to depict the JULAAAY sex video since you didn't want to show nudity
  
• Having the animated series intro
• Overall pacing
  
• Didn't sperg too hard about any one saga or drag out the same clip for too long
• Kept it pretty neutral and explained you would leave it up to the viewer to decide their thoughts on Chris
• Aimed at right crowd, you might not please the most well read fans, but I don't think it would be overly confusing for new followers
• Wrapping it up full circle with Chris's first captain's log video. Couldn't have ended it with anything better.
• You didn't even censor that much given it was for school. I felt like you thought of it as a community contribution first, and a school project second. I'd be way too embarrassed to show that to a teacher, you got guts.

Negatives

• Had some trouble hearing narration at parts, voice could be de-S'd, not the clearest voice
  
• Your teacher will probably need to go through a lot of liquor to get past full hour
• Special Ed teacher you interviewed fumbled over his words
• Special Ed teacher didn't really contribute anything, I feel like you more or less included him as some sort of requirement for the project??
• Your teacher may now think you have autism
• No CWCkiforums reference until the credits
  
• Could have touched on the community following a bit more past the mention of news/site appearances
• The first fifteen minutes or so covering his childhood seemed a bit weak compared to later bits which included more mixed media and less paragraphs of solid info

About it, nice job.
Wouldn't re-watch much, but will probably use it as an introduction to new followers after they have already watched a bit of Chris videos on their own.

Thank you, my teacher knows me well enough that I am the exact opposite of autism. I think at least.

And the special ed teacher I thought would help explain what its like in the mind of an autistic so people can kind of understand Chris better.

Also I have noticed a lot of the staff members have been iffy on posting here. Just my guese but I think it was mostly because that they were extremely cautious and did not want to even acknowledge it until something came of it to show.

I have a feeling that the special ed teacher section would benefit a lot from having a "This is who this is" caption under him and heavy editing, maybe interspersing some of his points with examples of Chris exhibiting the referred behavior.

Yes I agree.

 

[SOINCHU]

Yeah I recorded a few lines explaining what a troll is, but I honestly think that troll is like a common thing, the super popular kids (obv me) say the word troll allot. But everything else I completely agree with.

Troll may be a common term to a lot people under 35, but I notice you do go on to explain other well known things like what Pokemon is etc. I just think a quick line about what a troll is might help keep the professional tone you keep throughout the rest of the video.

That aside as I'm getting near the end of the video...once again I must say. THIS IS AMAZING. You did an excellent job! Thanks so much for trying to make a professional and neutral documentary about Chris.

EDIT: Now that I finished the video the only thing I would also suggest is the whole "you either think the government should let you sit on your ass for free OR you should work for everything you have" line. Its kind of a ridiculous straw man argument as if they are the only two choices and is largely unnecessary to the video. By no means ruins the video, but just a suggestion for maybe removing or wording it differently

 

[Glaive]

Also I have noticed a lot of the staff members have been iffy on posting here. Just my guese but I think it was mostly because that they were extremely cautious and did not want to even acknowledge it until something came of it to show.

Just so you have a reference point, I haven't been a Chris-oriented mod. Used to only mod the Lolcow subforum. So this is coming from a viewer that isn't anywhere close to the most knowledgeable on Chris. I've seen probably a bit over three fourths of CWC's original uploads, so don't take my feedback as being a insightful Christorian.

Hoping you do indeed get some responses from some older figureheads though. Even if they nitpick some details it would be nice to be recognized for at least delivering like you said.

 

[Slowboat to China]

Put off manuscript editing to watch this, and I gotta say, I wasn't disappointed.

I wasn't bored at all! And though that sounds like damning with faint praise, it means it kept me entertained even though I knew what was coming and how it would all end. I do have a couple of quibbles with the script, but that's just me be being a twitchy writer type.

For future cuts, I think a little bit more coverage of the Game Place incident and Chris's Sonic Boom boycott would be beneficial. As it stands, Michael Snyder et al sort of come out of nowhere, which doesn't really do justice to Chris's long-standing feud. And more about the Sonic Boom boycott would give context to his actions at Gamestop.

Just my opinion, though. From where I sit, you did a damned good job. Summing up the Chris phenomenon has always been a sticky part of being a Christorian, and this'll make it a bit easier.

 

[Zappin to the Extreme]

I just watched the film and all I could think of is "beautiful." Very well put together on our favorite pastime. As others have stated, some of the content does need some tightening down, but as a rough, "mm! Gorgeous!" I would really like to see an extended cut that really could be submitted to an indie film festival with a scene recalling Barney Gumble uttering, "Don't cry for me now; I'm already dead." Great job! But this film made me realize that the full story of Christian could never be told; what could really do our favorite manchild justice? I don't think anything can.

 

[UndeadSpergatory]

Auto quality got fucked up, also I know the narration is muffled I re-recorded the audio at least 5 times to make it clearer there is nothing I can do untell I get an actual mic.

This is literally one of the best things I've seen come out of any Christorian, and it clearly has a lot of hard work put into it. I Salute You, Good Sir and pat yourself on the back man!

 

[spylobster]

I just watched the film and all I could think of is "beautiful." Very well put together on our favorite pastime. As others have stated, some of the content does need some tightening down, but as a rough, "mm! Gorgeous!" I would really like to see an extended cut that really could be submitted to an indie film festival with a scene recalling Barney Gumble uttering, "Don't cry for me now; I'm already dead." Great job! But this film made me realize that the full story of Christian could never be told; what could really do our favorite manchild justice? I don't think anything can.

Thank you so much.

This is literally one of the best things I've seen come out of any Christorian, and it clearly has a lot of hard work put into it. I Salute You, Good Sir and pat yourself on the back man!

I am no christorian, but thank loads for the support

 

[Lipitor]

The longer goes by the more I like that doc. And watching it in the community forum link was awesome. I suggest a rewatching on some weekend, with the few christorical figures that are here.

 

[LunatikPandora]

I know I'm going to be in the minority and get a lot of shit for this but I was really disappointed.

The fact that you've followed through with this project is commendable and I definitely applaud you for that. I don't want you think I'm hating or trying to be negative for the sake of it.

There's a really powerful opportunity to say something in conveying Christian Weston Chandler. He's an amalgam of terrible circumstances mandating a person's life and ruthless antagonizing that I think all of us can identify with - either having done it ourselves or being the victim of it. His life is a culmination of base human desires, ineptitude, wildly creative trolling, and a truly warped, dark grasp of reality. His entire livelihood is a tribute to concessions in modern civilization that can permit an individual to live the way he has - no ability to understand consequence's for one's actions and unflinching self-entitlement - a way of life that sadly isn't exclusive to him.

I think you set out with good intent and succeeded in providing a pretty quick and accessible summary of Chris' life, however nothing was really said with this documentary. There was no theme. No cultivating of the lesser parts to form a strong, poignant whole. You outlined the sequence of events plainly enough, and despite some jarring cuts in logic displayed enough information without bias for an audience to maybe extrapolate their own stance on Chris. I'm going to sound cruel here but your ideas, while not bad, were articulated crudely and without gravity. You had an opportunity to say something profound here and wasted it.

What strikes me to be the most human and most fascinating about Chris is the potent instinct of his subconscious that prevents him from ever coming to terms with his situation. He is the product of a primordial faculty that drives us all - self preservation. We all point at Chris and mock him for his ego but so many us also are guilty of the same behavior. Right now I'm sure the first instinct will be to take this critique to be condescending or snobbish. We crave approval, and I know you do as evident from your previous statements in this thread, but I think you should value your visible talent a little bit more and see what a documentary about Christian Weston Chandler can really say.