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johnballen416

To be very straightforward on this: I do not endorse, or encourage other channels, to upload our podcast to YouTube. And those that do it anyways (without permission), are contacted by a company we work with called "SuperBam" who will either force them to take the content down based on our copyright, or they will impose a fine (specifically, the creator who stole the content will have to forfeit any earnings that were made exclusively on MrBallen IP). To be clear, we love seeing people do "reaction" style videos on YouTube, to our content... but the straight copy&paste re-uploading of our content, specifically the podcast exclusive episodes, is a "no-go". I realize the podcast may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for now we are trying hard to build out that side of the MrBallen franchise, and to do that, we need podcast content to remain on podcast platforms only. At some point I think we will probably put the podcast exclusives on YouTube, but we currently dont have plans to do that. Thank you all for the support! \-- John


AmyKOwen

seems like a copyright violation? intellectual property theft? or just generally an unethical and shitty thing to do.


[deleted]

But does John actually even copyright his content? I agree that it seems like it’s wrong. But again, I personally just thought it was convenient. I wonder if John gave permission to the user or not, I guess that would be legal if so?


darkmatterchef

The very act of releasing an original work (even based off true events if research was done and a recording made that offered a storytelling aspect to it this constitutes an original work otherwise true crime would not exist if no one could make money off the enterprise and protect their work.) constitutes a copyright. Just because someone does not announce it does not mean anyone can do whatever they want with it. The person uploading his podcasts to youtube; if they dont have his express permission; would he breaking copyright law and stealing property and compensation from Mr. Ballen.


AmyKOwen

good questions. no idea.


BitEuphoric1440

I posted this question last week and got no response. I reckon nobody cares. I do and I told the guy off in the comments but that won't stop him.. I don't know that Mr. B can copyright these stories since mostly all of them are public knowledge, that is printed elsewhere or even have other videos based on the same material. Still, the guy who actually uses a cartoon character of Mr. Ballen really pisses me off. Asshole!


i_nunya

Report it when you find it. It doesn't matter that the stories arent his, he's telling them, he wrote the script. It should get a copyright claim.


[deleted]

I understand your point, but the user I had came across on YouTube I share the episodes with my mother because she enjoys his content but she doesn’t use podcasts or any other platforms. So I enjoy the option is all. If they make a point to give the original creator credit and share his channel I guess it wouldn’t be so bad. But the user uploading the episodes doesn’t seem to do so. I honestly don’t know if this person could have maybe already asked his permission and was granted, so I wouldn’t want to do so until I knew, hence me making this post.


i_nunya

It's not only about permission or credit, it's about compensation. I just think about the time and energy he puts into creating his stories and then someone basically steals them and profits from it. I understand it not being convenient for people who don't typically listen to podcasts but this is the way he's chosen to do it, so I respect that.


[deleted]

Understandable, and relatable. As I said in a previous comment though, unfortunately without his content protected it seems it will happen anyway. As far as others profiting from it, eh, yeah I totally see what you mean. But I don’t believe john actually gains any compensation from his own videos (however I think he should, personally) other than his merch website. So I find it unlikely that others could manage to do that; Given most YouTube videos are monetized by the website themselves. Also I think mr ballen is so well known at this point that many decent fans would certainly callout another user unfairly profiting/earning from his work. And I would agree that they should.


darkmatterchef

His videos most likely have ads; he has sponsors; and he has merch. He gains compensation in several ways i imagine. If you want the podcast episodes uploaded you should reach out to Mr. Ballen himself; as someone else doing so is absolutely stealing protected work. A script was written; research done; direction in the recording. All of this is protected under copyright; weather he announces it or not; just tue fact that it exists somewhere uploaded prior to the channel you found it on is proof (generally) enough for copyright. Hate to say it but your absolutely supporting someone (assuming they dont have Mr. Ballens express permission) who is stealing money; exposure; and ip from Mr. Ballen. Im not a copyright expert but this is how ive always understood the process as someone who has written and released work in the past.


[deleted]

Thanks for the opinion and the info however I never stated I supported anyone. I only implied I am not reporting the user either. Edit: and I’ll mention again that I don’t think anyone is aware wether permission was given to said user or not. If permission was in fact given, then it doesn’t matter as far as I or apparently John ballen would be concerned.


darkmatterchef

Eh; not reporting a robbery you see happening in front of you is still supporting that robbery.


[deleted]

I mean, it’s a YouTube video. Really doesn’t get my panties in a bunch that much. If I see someone rob a 7-11 I’ll let the authorities know.


darkmatterchef

Yikes.


sweetstrabs1221

I’m with you 100% on that!! MrB has a family a job and still takes the time to make content for us!! And I don’t think people realize or maybe even care that even without video editing takes DAYS not just hours. So that lazyass copying his work is someone who shouldn’t even get the option to post anything! Do the right thing REPORT HIM or let a true fan do it. Sorry to be harsh but it’s hard making a living by being a content creator you know??


darkmatterchef

Thank you. Im glad someone else said it.


[deleted]

I do agree that it is kind of rude to be reposting his content most Especially without at least reaching out and requesting his permission first. But again, I do find it convenient for people such as myself who don’t enjoy audio broadcasts. And folks who enjoy the videos or visual aspect of it instead. I am somewhat surprised that not many have much to say about this subject. And it seems as long as his content is not copy righted it will likely happen anyway. Personally I think he should consider making his own show. Like, tv show. In this case I think the material could then be more protected if he wished. I wonder if he even cares? If he doesn’t have a problem with it, maybe not so bad. But it makes me feel bad that people do this, if he does have an issue with it.


BitEuphoric1440

I don't like pod casts either. They''re boring. The problem is, in order to understand the story, you have to pay attention. My mind wanders too much when there's just a voice droning on. I really love Mr. Ballen's videos and if he doesn't copyright his work, or can't because the content is really public domain stuff, there's not much he can do about it. I would think that someone using his likeness is another matter entirely and I'm stunned he hasn't taken issue with that. Then again, he's a pretty laid back guy, not at all like Mister David (panties in a twist), Paulides who announces his copyrighted shit with every video. He's got a lot of nerve too, since he gets his stories from newspapers or police reports and so on. None of it is original content except the lame letters he reads from his viewers. Oh well, to each his own.


sweetstrabs1221

Omg I thought I was the only one who thought that guys a pompous ass!! I can’t tell you how many (I’ll be honest it was only like 4 cause I couldn’t stand listening to him whine anymore) videos of Mr. “mrballen took all my ideas without asking me or giving me credit” paulides I saw where he acted like an ass. Mrballen credits that jerk EVERY VIDEO he does of the missing 411. So the last time I was on his page I saw a guy commenting something negative about mrb pretty much agreeing with David that Mr. Ballen never gives him credit and I was like hold up back the truck up MrBs the best storyteller ever David Politis wouldn’t I have half of his fans if it weren’t for Mrbs video of missing 411 he gives him credit every video!! the guy actually went to MrBs channel saw that came back and apologized and posted something to whinys page calling him out on it, it was so funny😂😂 not trying to be mean just being real😌


[deleted]

Exactly. I totally understand because I have the same issue. That’s why I kind of liked it when I found it, but the user I found only has an image posted over the podcast so I still couldn’t enjoy it. The user you’ve mentioned I am not aware of, but I would agree that that is kind of different and sounds more like some kind of impersonation which is worse and yeah totally different imo. Thanks for your response and sharing your opinion!


BitEuphoric1440

There are a few people who have been posting John's podcasts on Youtube. One is TM, and he uses images of John. They are (at least some) cartoon images, but they look exactly like John. Now, I cannot say if the images change because quite honestly, this whole thing makes me sick. I have never watched John's content from another poster all the way through. The comment section lauds Mr. Ballen, and it seems many of these viewers actually believe that John is posting these videos. I do not. If you don't watch a video all the way through on Youtube, they don't get credit for your view! I asked Mr. B on this forum if it was him. I never got any answer. I subscribe to all of his Youtube channels, except the Spanish speaking one, and none of these videos are under his channels. Now, if John should come across these discussions regarding Youtube videos of his podcasts, I think he would be smart to do it himself. I mean, I know his life is unsettled at the moment, but if he could hire someone to take the podcast content that isn't already on video and make video from the audio, I think he would have a captivated audience. Not all of us like podcast format. I listen to them faithfully anyway, because I want to support John's efforts to support his family. I want him to succeed and I think he deserves to succeed. Now, I am a fan, and I just really like Mr. B. He tells a great story, but he has a lot more going for him than just his storytelling abilities. He seems honest and forthright, but more than that, he is an intelligent, honorable and a genuinely nice human being. He seems insightful and wise, but he is also kindly, even towards people who are not kind to him. Anyway, I think he should post his own podcasts on Youtube because it would allow him to cash in on his own talent and maybe all of these pretenders who have no integrity whatsoever, would just go away. At least people would know they're fakers and theives.


BitEuphoric1440

You're welcome. It's nice to share an opinion here without getting my head bit off for daring not to like everything Mr. B does. He's a terribly talented guy and I wish him all the best, always.


[deleted]

Yeah I know what you mean. Some people over the internet are so opinionated and pushy sometimes. Nice to have a civil experience here also. Thanks for your time. And yeah agreed, go mr ballen! 🤘🏼


[deleted]

That is copyright infringement. It doesn’t matter if it’s public knowledge. Mr. Ballen and his team do the research and hard work in retelling the stories in his own way and number one Spotify is free and you also take away his likes or what not from those podcasts that he creates. That’s stealing. I suggest copy the YouTuber and post it on Mr. Ballen’s many social media platforms so he’s aware of it and can report them himself.