My addiction
My name is Matt and I’m an addict
Yes, I have recently become addicted to YouTube and Googlevideo. Many a small hour has dribbled past as I gawp at that little box of delights. I know what you’re thinking but this is not about sexual content, oh no. There’s no smut allowed on these very decent databases and if some appears it is quickly flagged up by cyber-grasses and booted out. It’s a brave choice by the sites’ owners, as so many new technological endeavours are initially fuelled by the endless ‘demand’ for cyber-rudery; but there’s none of that here and it’s actually better for it. Besides there’s no shortage of that online… so I’ve heard. So what am I watching then? Well, here’s a selection of stuff I’ve watched just today:
• David Lynch describing how he uses transcendental meditation to get all his ideas
• Rare footage of Kurt Cobain• Bagpuss•
A weird mash-up of Star Wars and the Black Knight scene from Monty Python’s Holy Grail•
Keith Richards hitting a stage-invader with his guitar•
Old women fighting•
.... And TV shows I appeared in but never actually saw (saddest of all, nearly as sad as googling myself, which I’ve done. Strangely though, if you search for ‘Matt Morgan’ there is a WCW wrestler of the same name, his special gimmick is that he has a stutter. I’m not joking. One day perhaps I will be top of the search results over that stammering brute, I can but hope)
Anyway, the addiction problem comes from the feature which cues up similar videos whilst you are watching the current one. As soon as one finishes you click on the next one and thus you spiral off down a glittering video helter-skelter towards morning and you crawl into bed with the sound of birds singing and a thousand images splashing around your mind. I wonder what the effect of all this will be?
Will I start to freak out a little bit in real life because encounters don’t have that little timer bar running along the bottom. ‘Oh God, I don’t know how long this conversation’s gonna go on for, it could be days’, or if something is boring will I be reaching to click a mouse-button that isn’t there? Who knows? Possibly the worst thing that could happen is that I start to talk like the dimwits who leave comments on there. Everything will be ‘gay’ or ‘retarded’ or other politically-incorrect terms, my spelling will erode back to phonetics that look like they were typed by someone operating the keyboard with shoes on their hands and I will end up arguing with anyone and everyone about the most pointless tripe.
God I hope it’s not too late dude. I might unplug my computor... Oh no, I said ‘dude’. Oh no, I spelt ‘computer’ wrong. Heeeellllllllpppppppp!!!!
Matt,
You'll start talking in computer talk on the show soon, saying things are 'lame', 'leet' or, even worse, saying 'lol' out loud. We're here for you, we feel your pain.
Morgan the only way you will get to the top of the search results is by doing a Paris Hilton type video! As for the addiction i think you need to do a cry for help may be the listeners can sort you problems out you wierdo. Searching for yourself online, you have some serious issues not just because you are a hypochondriac
The show is really good keep on going and make the podcasts longer. Also lonely women on Saturday night are so frustrating to listen to they must be banned, make them go out.
Could you put all G's poems on to one podcast please.
Matt, I agree with you that youtube is very addictive, but it can also be very educational. I recently searched for the video of Kate Bush's Cloudbusting, because I loved it when the song was out years ago. However, I had no idea that the song and video were based on real events and was inspired by a book called A book of dreams by Peter Reich. A fascinating fact and something I would never have known about if it weren't for the comments listed underneath Cloudbusting on youtube.
I feel your pain, Matt. I have often told myself, "I can quit anytime," and reassured myself that, "...one more video before bed, JUST ONE MORE!" will suffice. But it never does, does it?
My current drugs of choice are, not unlike yours, old childrens' television episodes, namely:
- Pob
- Superted
- Bagpuss
- The Clangers
So, I just did the Google test, and I got a mention on the second link in the search results list, and I'm not even famous! (pbase "artist", Lisa Sullivan - woohoo!). I totally beat you at the pointless ego-fuelling game!
What's your special gimmick, then? I think BBC Radio listeners can always count on you to ask, "WHAT?!" in utter confusion, bewilderment and shock when someone in the studio says something kooky. It's the best unsung catchphrase, in my opinion. You say, "WHAT?!" about ten times per show!
Work the steps, man. Work the steps.
~ Lisa x
Yes it certainly don't help with my grammer.
btw matt- can you pleease do less phone calls on the show. They're funny, but you, Trev and Russ are so effing hilarious when you're just chatting to each other, especially when you tumble into ''comedy riffs'' like in last weeks show (until the flipping phone caller interrupted!).
okay thats enough lovingly constructive
criticism. you guys effing RAWK!! xx
I can completely sympathise. I have spent many an hour on YouTube watching episodes of South Park and odd things like skateboarding dogs.
The most recent joy for me has been watching the clips of Big Brothers Big Mouth on their since I am apparently too much of a light weight to stay up and watch it these days.
Love the blog, Matt. Don't let old Rusty B get his hands on it, he has enough platforms for his propaganda already. Know where you're coming from with the YouTube addiction, I once spent 7 hours looking at old Daily Shows, A-ha videos and Eurovision clips. And I'm not ashamed. Much.
Saw this great little cartoon recently about the stupidy of YouTube comments:
https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/youtube.png
Now that's what I call a cry for help. This is the second week running that Matt has alluded to a life that is clearly devoid of the useful distraction that is the female species. Never mind Peter & Anita, I think Matthew Morgan is the one in need of Russell Brand's matchmaking skills. Women of Albion, heed this call!
I recently discovered You Tube when I was watching some past footage of ole Russ and since them have even uploaded video's of my own! And then endlessly watch the counter to see the how many watch my contribution to the site! Oh God, please can I join the help group too!
My name is Victoria and I'm an addict!
What I find even better about you tube is that you can watch footage and tv programmes from before I was born! And stuff that you thought you may have imagined seeing as a child and then to realise that the pigs who dressed in shorts and sang were 'real' and not some weird creation of the imagination! Google Video is also fantastic, though not as establised as You Tube, but with google video you can actually download it your ipod so that not only is it a part of my bedroom+computer life it is with me on my travels too!
Many a nights have I nearly burnt my duvet cover from the heat of my laptop due to the computer being on 24 hours and videos playing to myself!
Oh and the best thing about these websites is its free!!!! Owt for nowt in my upbringing is what I strive for in life!
So, you see, I'm not really in any position to offer some advice as it could soon be consuming the evenings of my life! I could say get a hobby, join a club or something, but
a) thats just patronising
and
b) Even if you are Mr popular and do go out alot, you(I) always seem to find time to fit in my 'addiction' meaning my hours spent sleeping decrease!
Well, off to You Tube it now, so hope the pre recordings go well!
Love Victoria xxx
PS_-Its good to advertise websites on the B B C !!
Oh yeah Matt, if you're bored you can check out my videos! By user name is victoriakate88 and you may find some videos you recognise!
xx
Matt Matt
Ou est le Podcast???????????
Ironically...I have just dragged mysef away from youtube to check this blog for updates :D
I use it mainly for watching footage of Russells tv shows - extremely helpful when away at university with no means of acquiring digital tv!!
Its also good for old footage and interviews of Freddie Mercury/Queen.
The only complain that I do have about youtube is that you cant download the videos :(
So anyway, im afraid i cant answer your cry for help Mr Morgan, i can only add to it as i myself am an addict! hellllllllp!
xx
Ironically...I have just dragged mysef away from youtube to check this blog for updates :D
I use it mainly for watching footage of Russells tv shows - extremely helpful when away at university with no means of acquiring digital tv!!
Its also good for old footage and interviews of Freddie Mercury/Queen.
The only complain that I do have about youtube is that you cant download the videos :(
So anyway, im afraid i cant answer your cry for help Mr Morgan, i can only add to it as i myself am an addict! hellllllllp!
xx
welcome to my world
*mwoahhhh*
I dunno if you've seen it, but I'd recommend this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Vaz9jW054&eurl=
a sincere, yet hilarious anti-war song by a Hungarian rapper.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external links etc
I dunno if you've seen it, but I'd recommend this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Vaz9jW054&eurl=
a sincere, yet hilarious anti-war song by a Hungarian rapper.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external links etc
I actually uploaded a video of myself back in the summer. I'm learning British Sign Language at college and thought it would be a fun way to practice and get some feedback.
One of my friends (who doesn't sign) said "You must be quite good Claire, you actually look as if you are deaf."
I wasn't quite sure what to make of that but chose to take it as a compliment.
i know a lot of people in need of this help group! i can go in to college and start talking about something off you tube and at least half the class will have seen it!
it is great though. i have often found myself re-living my gig experiences via other people's vidoes which is good because i actually get to just sit and watch the band on my computer instead of having to concentrate on not getting pushed over or squished by the huge person forcing their way to the front like when i was actually there :)
good lluck with your addiction. we will all fight it together!!!
love jojo
I do the same Matt, I spend hours watching footage of bands, mostly The Smiths. But I really don't liking watching people filming themselves doing 'whacky' things, especially those videos people do where they mime songs. Repulsive.
I thought YouTube was ointment for unmentionable places?
Vicki
Oh, Matt.
You are the one who makes me laugh the most on the old podcast, your quick witted answers and interesting impressions,
but when i see you with that long greasy mop on your head it puts me off.
You seem so cool on the show, but then when i look on flickr the image i have of the cool cat off of the old wireless is smashed.
I don't mean to sound insulting, and i don't mean to offend, but it seems you look much better with your hair short (as it appears with the beanie on) and you need to get it all cut off.
Regards
Kane
Hi Matt. My mother made me aware of the man that is Brand (the beautiful young man who wears women’s jeans. Isn’t he sweet?!) and I’ve always instinctively seen Russell as `Suzi`from the old Trio advert (with Trevor as the guitar player and you on Bongos). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l6hnqPrb4M
It’s worth seeing gems like David Lynch among other outpourings of digital vomit on YouTube. The Roy Orbison song (from Blue Velvet) in my opinion is the best thing you’ve ever played.
Matt, are you immersing yourself in Youtube in the effort to shun your hot water bottle lover? Its ok Matt, don’t be ashamed, let 2 Become 1.
Ione x
Matt, are you immersing yourself in Youtube in the effort to shun your hot water bottle lover? Its ok Matt, don’t be ashamed, let 2 Become 1.
Ione x
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqlygK9JvWk
Another classic.
xx
You know there's porn,. . .right?!!
I'm just kidding, youtube is self destructive after awhile., but i still love it.
xXx
Nice 2 be an obsessive compulsive.. x
I used youtube the other day and watched the episode of re-brand 'dadfight'.
Surprisingly serious episode!
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm a youtube geek as well.
I use it to search for Craig Ferguson- he has his own show in america and is so funny- YOUTUBE HIM!! HE'S SCOTTISH AND YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN FOR LAUGHS WITH THE SCOTS! I Also use it so listen to music. I managed to find that "how bizzare" song that was realised bout 10 years ago! Man that song is so crap but so nice to hear it again lol!
I also use youtube moderately for the purposes of revisiting all those lovely old cultish kids tv shows from way back in the mists...and I don't think searching for yourself on google is a bad thing. I think what is worse is using google as a verb. *shudder* If I thought ssomeone out their had written somehting about me on wikipedia or whathaveyou, I'd wanna read it and probably laugh about it. I have also been quite distressed to find the WCW man come up when I search for you. tutut. Must say, putting all G's poetry onto one podcast or blog would be a fantastic way to relive all those much loved shows of yours...and WHO IS IT that keeps tryuing to encourage you to chop off your mane? Scandellous! Hair makes you a man. If you cut it, you lose all your stregth. physical and mental. Also love the idea of Trev posting too...he seems so intimidated and lovable like a little badger.
Hey Matt - can totally relate to the youtube addiction... I myself spent a whole night watching last years BB Big Mouth shows thereby discovered the comedy stylings of a certain Mr Brand adn his ballbags saga... time well spent some might say. Others would say Get A Job but I don't listen to them 'haters'...!
The R.E.Brand shows are up there too - please persuade Russell to release these on DVD..truly before their time.
That David Lynch TM thing.. he actually wrote a whole book called 'Catching The Big Fish' on meditation and I got the audiobook of it - it's great! Check it out if you can...
PS If you think YouTube is addictive wait'll you discover BitTorrent...!!!
why do people moan about your blogs? russell already writes loads of stuff and you're really funny!!
anyway i think this addiction of which you speak appears endemic in its nature, as reading the comments alot of people are suffering a similar problem. i wouldnt call myself an addict, but i think it is very useful, as if ive missed anything through not having freeview earlier in the year i can catch up on, say the mighty boosh series.
anyway, you are amazing and you are totally right to wear your little hat, if it makes you happy and you aren't hurting anyone, why shouldn't you?
oh god i just remembered something - my friend said 'lol' out loud today.
you are brilliant - already looking forward to saturday evening!! byeeee xxx
p.s can you tell russell that the people who write kerrang magazine [the best rock magazine in the world][other rock magazines are available LOL] have been listening because in a recent review of a band they described someone as being in 'rude health' and they said something else like that too but i forgot what it was.
it annoyed me coz i read it on wednesday and downloaded the podcast on monday so when i read that on the bus i started laughing really wierdly and looked really quite strange. ah well lol xxx
god is real
this going to be hard, but, i am going to tell , you, i need to tell, you this, what i know you know. i am in an amazing place right now telling you, i am sorry , for saying £1 to be racist, i am sorry. i know why now. it could not be better, to say i am sorry. i try to stop myself from killing my self for years. i was not well. i still try not to now. but i like the wine and it is going to kill me i am trying to live but maybe will die at the same time. i have , to tell you that god said to me , the stuff about your video, that your material came from, he said you would come of the drugs, i think you must have, my soul is all i have, and it has taken alot to keep hold of it, god is real. and i could tell you all so much, how real he is. praise be to god , you will see, in time that this message is no joke, in the way, time shows the truth.
God, I LOVE Bagpuss.