It was fun…
Over the past year, one of the things I have enjoyed the most, and found the most challenging, was organizing, filming, and editing The YouTube Family Feud. It was an online version of the classic show and really brought people together, just like when they were at home watching it on television.
The whole project started in March 2009, when The Family Feud started following me on Twitter. I sent a quick message back to them, asking if I could use the theme music and questions to create a YouTube version. Two days latter, I got their answer, “go for it.”
I was blown away! I couldn’t believe that they were going to allow it, and ever-so-thankful that they did. I immediately called up a few YouTube friends and we filmed the initial test show. Everyone loved it and we continued filming more and more episodes. The latest endeavor with two popular Japan YouTube personalities received more than 12,000 views. In fact, I had so many people wanting to be in a “show” at this point, I didn’t know how to best organize the participants. One thing I was about to do was film a new “special” with two ESL teachers here in Dongtan featuring a live setting.
Things changed this week when I received an email from the show, asking me to change some of the text in the video’s description box. I was more than happy to comply with their request, but found it odd, since it appeared that they were starting to withdraw support for this little fan-based show. I asked for clarification on if I could continue to film the episodes, or if they wanted me to pull them down.
It took several attempts at getting an answer, but the response I got wasn’t as clear as I had hoped. Essentially, the episodes can stay online, but they are clearly reserving the right to have them pulled down at any time. I don’t have a problem with that, since they do hold the copyright and I’ve been working within the guidelines that they’ve set thus far; however, since the future of the project is unclear, I think it’s best to move on to new things.
I appreciate everyone’s support in these shows thus far and wish I could have fit everyone into a show.
The QiRanger Adventures 
It’s really too bad. You’ve done a wonderful job in renewing people’s interest in Family Feud shows.
I support you in moving on. There are better things for you.. ❤
Jo
April 2, 2010 at 8:02 am
Thank you darling. You are certainly one of those better things!
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 8:04 am
Survey says?!!?…..
I guess you could always call it something else and change the format a little. However, if you have a line of people wanting to be in something…..I’m sure you’ll come up within something else.
raptoralpha
April 2, 2010 at 8:26 am
Very true Tim. We’ll see what comes off in the future. I’m very excited about some of the trips that Jo and I have planned and what we’ll be able to do with that footage!
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 8:33 am
Yeah I think that would be a good idea, maybe come up with a game show that has your own format and styling. Wouldn’t be too hard to pull off since you already have experience doing this.
Maurice
April 2, 2010 at 8:54 am
We’ll see what I can come up with 😉
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 11:19 am
I guess there is always a possibility of this kind of outcome. Somebody brought my attention to something called Subscriber Survivor, which is basically just the old YouTube Non-Stars format reworked as a Survivor homage. It’s a lot of fun but they use graphics, music and text based closely on that which appears in the television show. I fear it’s only a question of time before it blows up. Which is unfortuate because it’s a great idea (and a lot of fun) and I’m not sure it’s worth the risk just to have the Survivor stuff as a gimmick.
But for you I think the power is knowing you’ve got the technology and processes down pat if you decide you want to create your own game show format in the future.
John Lacey
April 2, 2010 at 8:31 am
I remember some wrestling shows using it as a theme a long time ago. You’re absolutely right about having the technology and process down pat now!!!
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 8:37 am
Well it is sad to hear that it will be coming to an end, but at least you had a great time doing it, I also had a awesome time participating in the show 2 times, thanks so much for everything you do on-line from your vlogs to your blogs and just being a great guy and a good griend
Steven AKA Grimace
April 2, 2010 at 8:38 am
Thanks Steven! It was great having you on two shows. It’s been a great ride and there are so many more wonderful things to come! Stay warm in the Great White North!
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 11:18 am
That’s too bad that they’re eager to begin with, and then suddenly don’t want you to continue any more
Hopefully you’ll find a way to spin this to your own version! I only saw one or two episodes, and I haven’t seen the original, but it was fun watching! 🙂
Julie
April 2, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Thanks Julie! I’m sure things will be better in the future. It’s one of the challenges when working with an organization that has a copyright on things you use. You’re free to use the items as long as they allow you to do so.. but in the end they can cancel at any time.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Steve
April 2, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I just recently started watching those episodes, and the one featuring Ericsurf6 and ToLokyo made me laugh pretty hard. They were all well done and edited, and I’m sad to hear that Family Feud isn’t supporting you with the same enthusiasm that they did at the beginning of the project. It would be great to see you hosting some sort of self-made YouTube quiz show in the near future.
bry0000000
April 2, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Thanks Bryan! We’ll see what things come down the pipeline in the next few months. I’m working on a few projects right now that will certainly keep me busy.
Steve
April 3, 2010 at 9:01 am
I never understand these companies and their cold feet about what is essentially an homage. Your videos don’t cut into their income stream in any way and could even add interest in people watching their product. There must be lawyers involved. That always mucks things up.
bigfatqueer
April 3, 2010 at 6:36 am
Oh, I’m sure there are lawyers involved. But I guess the frustrating things was the hoops were jumped through to get permission and then they tried to distance themselves from doing so. In any case, I’m ready to move on and have some other cool things planed. Hope you’re doing well today Phil!
Steve
April 3, 2010 at 9:04 am