The Soap Box

 What this page will be all about...

The phrase soap box began in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when wooden crates used to transport soap were repurposed as makeshift platforms in public squares. Anyone with something to say could step up, gain a little height, and address whoever was willing to listen. It became a small but enduring symbol of public speech in British and American life.

The Soap Box will be my own version of that tradition. A space for short reflections, arguments, curiosities, and the occasional indulgent ramble. Nothing grand, just a raised platform in the digital square where thoughts can be aired and, perhaps, spark a conversation.

My latest musings will always be at the end of the page.

*** LATEST NEWS HERE ***

The Rise and Fall of “Watch it played” version 2.0. 

Anyone familiar with the tabletop gaming hobby will likely know the YouTube channel "Watch It Played." It is the creation of Rodney Smith, who is widely considered one of the finest board game educators in the industry. Having watched his videos for several years, I have always found his videos to be exceptionally helpful.

Around 2020, the channel underwent an important transformation when Rodney began collaborating with Chaz Marler. This partnership, which I think of as "Watch It Played 2.0," brought fresh energy to the platform. By introducing new segments, commentary pieces, and "top ten" lists, the collaboration expanded the channel's portfolio and made visiting the page a regular part of my weekly routine.

However, during the last Christmas period, the tone of the channel began to change. While new content was still being released, I noticed a decline in Rodney Smith’s direct involvement. His appearances became increasingly rare, and he was notably absent from videos featuring the other contributors, Chaz, Paula, Monique, Lavine and Matthew.

Earlier this year, it was officially announced that Rodney and Chaz were ending their collaboration to produce content independently on their own channels. While this news was personally disappointing, it was perhaps not entirely unexpected, as there had been several signs that such a change was imminent. Even so, the exact reasons behind the decision remained difficult to fully comprehend, at least for me.

In the meantime and I am guessing over the same period, Chaz Marler established a new channel, Game Night Picks, introducing fresh collaborators while maintaining his partnership with Paula Demming. The channel's output increased at a remarkable pace. In the meantime, Matthew Jude transitioned to a travel-focused project, reducing his gaming contributions. Simultaneously, Monique and Lavine returned to their own platform, "Before You Play," effectively ending their external collaborations.

While the exact cause of this split was initially unclear, the disruption of such a successful partnership was, as I noted earlier, unexpected. The situation was eventually clarified when Rodney Smith released a video explaining that the collaboration ended due to what he regarded as unethical advertising practices. Specifically, he alleged that Game Night Picks had utilised YouTube’s promotional tools to artificially inflate viewer counts.

From my standpoint, Rodney’s decision to take a firm stance is commendable, particularly given his long-standing friendship with Chaz. Choosing integrity over convenience in the face of such evidence cannot have been easy. Although the long-term consequences for both "Watch It Played" and "Game Night Picks" remain to be seen, I personally find it difficult to continue supporting Chaz Marler’s content.

It is also deeply concerning that YouTube allows its systems to be manipulated in a way that generates revenue from fabricated engagement. This practice undermines the trust of both creators and viewers alike. It is arguably time for Google to review its policies and procedures to ensure its tools are not exploited in this manner. In an era where digital credibility is more important than ever, maintaining user trust should be a primary concern for the platform.

While I do not condone the practices revealed in this instance, it is evident that this was clearly an exploitation of one or more existing loopholes in the YouTube service for financial gain. Such actions create an uneven playing field for other content creators who might be striving to maintain a certain level of integrity. Furthermore, these inflated figures mislead advertisers who might enter agreements based on misleading metrics. Ultimately, this casts a shadow over the authenticity of the reviews and opinions shared on such channels, as they may be seen as being driven solely by an unbridled quest for profit rather than genuine passion for the hobby.

I am not so naive as to suggest that creators should work without compensation. I fully appreciate that a significant investment of time warrants a fair return. However, the pursuit of profit must be conducted ethically and within the bounds of sound professional judgement. The argument that "everyone else is doing it" offers no valid justification for unethical conduct.

It is my hope that some positive change emerges from this situation and that those in a position of authority take the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. I maintain a belief in the fundamental integrity of most individuals to stand up for what is right, and I hope those who have strayed will find the resolve to rectify their mistakes.

Our hobby is certainly not served by such drama. As I have often noted on this blog, I believe the true value of board gaming lies in sitting around a table with friends and family, strengthening human connections through wholesome play. The online personalities we turn to for guidance should reflect this same ethos. If they profit from their endeavours, it should be a reward well-earned, built upon a genuine community that respects their expertise. Let us hope that once this situation settles, a more transparent and principled environment will remain.