How To Spot A Two-Legged Snake (Scammer)

Summary

In this video, Ernest passionately criticizes certain YouTube creators, whom he dubs 'YouTube snakes.' These individuals, often highly educated and successful, use their platforms to deceptively solicit money from viewers through subscription services like Patreon. Ernest calls out their manipulative tactics, highlighting how they disguise their true intentions and present themselves as relatable figures to secure financial support. While he himself humorously asks for small donations, Ernest draws a sharp contrast between his approach and that of the creators he condemns, arguing that they exploit gullible viewers for profit under the guise of friendship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ernest expresses frustration with YouTubers he refers to as 'YouTube snakes', who manipulate viewers into financially supporting their content.
• 😀 These 'YouTube snakes' are often professional, articulate, and knowledgeable, using their expertise to gain the trust and money of their audience.
• 😀 Ernest criticizes the financial model of Patreon and similar subscription services, which he believes place an unfair burden on viewers.
• 😀 He highlights the deceptive nature of offering $5 monthly subscriptions, which can add up to significant amounts over time, such as $240 a year.
• 😀 Ernest contrasts these creators with himself, explaining that he asks for contributions in a humorous, lighthearted way rather than exploiting his audience.
• 😀 He notes that these creators often have impressive degrees or careers, making their manipulative behavior even more egregious in his eyes.
• 😀 Ernest argues that while viewers are free to donate if they choose, it's important to call out the unethical tactics used by certain creators.
• 😀 He warns that the video content he is sharing may be pulled quickly due to its truthful and honest nature, which is often disliked by 'Big Brother' or authoritative systems.
• 😀 Ernest uses humor to distance himself from the 'YouTube snakes' by making absurd requests for large sums of money as a joke (e.g., 'an extra 50k').
• 😀 He believes that YouTubers who use their platform to exploit vulnerable viewers are a 'disgrace to humanity', taking advantage of gullibility and financial hardship.
• 😀 Ernest encourages viewers to subscribe to his channel, share the video, and consider supporting him in a non-manipulative manner, with a lighthearted approach.

Q & A

What is Ernest's main criticism of YouTube content creators?

Ernest criticizes YouTube content creators who prioritize making money over providing valuable content. He refers to them as 'YouTube snakes' who often exploit their audience's trust for personal gain, using strategies like subscription-based models and emotional manipulation.

What does Ernest mean by the term 'YouTube snakes'?

The term 'YouTube snakes' refers to content creators who appear friendly and knowledgeable but are primarily focused on making money from their audience. They use tactics to bond with their viewers, convincing them to pay for subscriptions or services, even though the creators are already financially well-off.

Why does Ernest believe some YouTube content creators should not be on the platform?

Ernest believes that certain YouTube content creators shouldn't be on the platform because they are not providing ethical or reasonable content. He argues that some creators exploit their audience for financial gain rather than contributing meaningfully to the platform.

What is Ernest’s stance on people making money on YouTube?

Ernest does not have a problem with people making money on YouTube as long as it is done ethically. However, he objects to creators who mislead their audience into paying for subscriptions or services under the guise of providing valuable content.

How does Ernest describe the typical characteristics of a 'YouTube snake'?

A 'YouTube snake' typically has professional or advanced degrees, is articulate, knowledgeable about human behavior and marketing, and often has a Patreon or similar subscription model. They appear friendly and relatable but primarily aim to generate income from their audience.

What is Ernest’s view on YouTube’s subscription models, such as Patreon?

Ernest is critical of YouTube subscription models like Patreon because they often hide the true cost of the subscriptions, which can add up quickly. He believes that viewers should be aware of how much they are paying annually, as a $5 monthly fee can easily translate to hundreds of dollars per year.

What kind of financial impact does Ernest highlight in relation to YouTube subscriptions?

Ernest points out that if someone subscribes to several YouTube channels at $5 per month, the total annual cost could be over $240, which he considers a significant amount to spend on content that may not provide better value than free alternatives.

How does Ernest view the relationship between 'YouTube snakes' and their audiences?

Ernest believes that 'YouTube snakes' build false emotional connections with their audiences, making them feel as though they are old friends. This emotional manipulation is part of the tactic to convince viewers to financially support the creators through subscriptions or donations.

What is Ernest’s personal approach to asking for money?

Ernest is open about his humorous and light-hearted approach to asking for money. He occasionally requests small contributions like a cup of coffee or taco, often making ridiculous requests for large sums in a comedic manner. He distinguishes this from the exploitative behavior of the 'YouTube snakes.'

What is Ernest’s overall conclusion about 'YouTube snakes' and their behavior?

Ernest concludes that 'YouTube snakes' are disgraceful because they use their platform to exploit vulnerable or uninformed viewers, convincing them to part with money they cannot afford. He believes these creators are an embarrassment to humanity and should be called out for their manipulative tactics.