“Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.” Near Tokyo lived a great Samurai, now old, who decided to teach Zen Buddhism to young people. One afternoon, a warrior - known for his complete lack of scruples - arrived there. The young and impatient warrior had never lost a fight. Hearing of the Samurai’s reputation, he had come to defeat him, and increase his fame. All the students were against the idea, but the old man accepted the challenge. All gathered on the town square, and the young man started insulting the old master. He threw a few rocks in his direction, spat in his face, shouted every insult under the sun - he even insulted his ancestors. For hours, he did everything to provoke him, but the old man remained impassive. At the end of the afternoon, by now feeling exhausted and humiliated, the impetuous warrior left. Disappointed by the fact that the master had received so many insults and provocations, the students asked: “How could you bear such indignity? Why didn’t you use your sword, even knowing you might lose the fight, instead of displaying your cowardice in front of us all?” “If someone comes to you with a gift, and you do not accept it, who does the gift belong to?” - asked the old Samurai. “He who tried to deliver it.” - replied one of his disciples. “The same goes for envy, anger and insults.” - said the master. “When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to the one who carried them.”
+Jari Satta "Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." -- The Buddha (?)
I've been playing for over 35 yrs and I still like looking at your videos and often find interesting things to learn and try out. You also seem like a good man.
I would find it incredibly difficult to deal with that hate and negativity. By my own admission I am a very sensitive person. This is why I would never post a video on RUclips. I admire people like yourself that do, taking the time and effort to do it. Thank goodness that others have a much thicker skin than me, because I get a great deal of enjoyment out of watching your (and others) videos. Please don't ever stop making them everyone.
This is such a quality youtube channel where people can learn not only about playing guitar and how to be a good musician, but also some important life lessons. Keep up the good work, and thank you!
You are one of the best guitar teachers I have seen. I am 60 yrs old and have incorporated many of your techniques...keep it up, keep growing and keep the videos coming... I had no youtube when I started 50 yrs ago to play and wish you would have been around then!
I've been playing guitar for 53 years now, and still learning and tickled pink to have the internet today to continue learning and improving and YT videos are wonderful--so here's a positive for you: Your videos are excellent and I enjoy them. I'm self-taught, so all of you guys on YT are now my teachers, and greatly appreciated! BTW: Most negativity comes from the jealousy of those posters--hater is a strong word but it's often their own inability or progress that they hate--not guys like you. Your attitude is great! Keep it up!
Mike, one of the reasons for your success is that you give of so much of yourself freely, and that is why I subscribed to this channel and why I am a student at your website. Keep spreading the light. -Derek N.
Mike, I'm a songwriter (guitar) who is always looking to get better on my instrument, but sometimes I go to your channel simply to listen to what you have to say, which is usually quite insightful. From an older guy (me), to a young guy (you), you're really a nice young man who is sincere in wanting to be a good teacher (you are) and to help people. P.S. Excellent choice in Audrey Hepburn. Beautiful. Thanks for all you do!
You're an awesome guitarist. You seem like you're genuinely trying to help people. Your videos are helpful and informative. Ignore haters. Keep doing what you're doing.
I really appreciate your channel and think that you are one of the nicest out there. What I also have to mention is that it's easy to tell that you have respect for songs (deepness etc.) and your humbleness overall.
Anybody who knows Mike would easily say he’s the most non-arrogant, humble guy. The calm demeanor that we all see on the videos is Mike IRL. Keep up the great work!
Some people are just negative no matter what. Generally it's how they feel about their own lives and they're just looking for someone to take it out on without any come back.
You are an excellent guitar player. That's a big part of the hate as you know. Stay cool and believe in the next level you're bound to see! You are doing good.
I'm with you Mike, I respect your whole take on that. I watch your videos all the time, and if I ever met you in person I would sure shake your hand and warmly greet you for all the helps and good you have shared with me.
You take the time and effort to put out a lot of very helpful instructional videos completely free of charge. I'm struggling to see any arrogance in you. I think those who needlessly criticize you are the arrogant ones. They are obviously jealous trolls with nothing better to do. Look at all of the comments. Most here appreciate your generosity. Keep up the good work. You're obviously very passionate about it. Ignore the trolls.
Sorry about the haters. I think this is a unique and excellent channel. Keep up the good work. Haters are haters because they are missing part of their souls. Plus you will get the people who like the channel defend you. Peace and Rock on 🤘
I'll tell ya sometime constructive criticism stings, but it can be very helpful. I have this friend that is always brutally honest and when I first started knife making, I would get really salty, but then realize he was right for the most part & I improved by leaps and bounds. Then I had to figure out how to separate his opinion(like looks etc) and what would affect my progress as a builder. The old cliche " Misery loves company" is so true. People either just want to make other people as miserable as they are, or they are just truly bad people, that enjoy hurting other people. Either way, once you learn to seperate the things that will help you from the things that are just meant to hurt you, life will be so much better. Great video, take it easy.
Great mental outlook. There is darkness in the World. But it just makes the light ever the more bright and beautiful. Keep shining. That is what you are here for - like a flower striving to be beautiful no matter how little sunlight it gets. (Sorry about mixing metaphors). Great videos and lessons by you from a thoughtful, conscious person. Keep it up!!! Imagine all the angelic music through tens of thousands of people all over the world that you are helping to create every single day. Awesome.
I can't imagine why you could be hated, all the videos that I saw are great and you are very nice You-tuber. Once I heard this saying: "Who like the moon wants to shine must count on dogs barking"...keep going! Good job!
thanks for posting your video. Haters go far further than just comments sometimes and it can really hurt. You're right though, it's an extension of how dark they must feel. Its not you. (Now I gotta remember and repeat that to myself when I get real low) x
Really mature comments... I appreciate what you have to say. Don't try to change - that's where we fall into "the trap". Just be yourself; because you'll never find anything better. (Try to "be a better you" and you'll find your a fraud, try to "be a bad boy" and you'll find more of the same.)
Interesting,.because YOU are one of the best teachers online due to your taking your time and explain things at a pace just slow enough for midlevel players yet still fast enough for more established learners. I have only found TWO other guys online teaching at your pace. There are a whole lot of talented guitarist on youtube instructing but the pace of the playing really varies
There are trolls that enjoy being jerks. Its one thing if a person is giving consructive criticism. But some people just comment crazy mean shit that comes out of nowhere. It just comes with the territory. I like your videos; thanks for making them for us. Dont let the jerks dilute our appreciation for you.
Hey Man, just came across your vids and website. Your energy and teaching style is perfect for me! I've never played, and here we go, will be watching all of your vids to learn from you. I like how you split the screen for better camera angles, keep that!
Super, arrogant DB? Mike, you're bout the humblest instructor I've seen. Great video, too. Thanks, bro, for sharing the gift God gave you. People can take it or leave it.
well I was ranting on my sister about some RUclips videos getting hate for no reason, when it's all about positivity but some others just dislike the video and comment shit about it. but then she told me, if it isn't anger or dislike towards the video, it's probably envy so if something nice is disliked, it's just someone thinking you're better than them so they're hating on you and you don't have to feel about that since they're the ones degrading themselves:))
The reason why you have haters is because you have have great genetics and are a true guitar God amongst us mortals lol. Your a cool person dude. Those people that hate on others dont have anything to do but vent out their coward feeling too someone whose above them. Remember your YOU and their them, you can enjoy playing your guitar and they can't, you give us gifts in your way of teaching and they cant even give but their selfish idiocracy. Just be yourself and keep your head up. After all your a Guitar God dude😄😄😊
Hey Mike. I think your lessons are great and you’ve helped me with guitar quite a fair bit. Great channel. You make it look so easy, hope I can one day get to your level, so I could just play automatically and enjoy / feel the music.
What we should be teaching (how I was taught) is that words are just words. They only hurt if YOU let them. We need to also keep in mind that we are all different and everyone has different tastes. In other words, you won't make everyone happy. Once you accept that, it's easy to ignore and brush off the negativity, especially, from strangers. Some people spew negativity because they have a high opinion of themselves and are either threatened that someone is better than them at something or they just get off by putting those they see as inferior down; others do it because, as Mike said, they are unhappy with themselves and are projecting their unhappiness onto others. These lessons are especially important for younger people who are still trying to get a handle on life and how to react properly to it. These are the ones that are usually most vulnerable to suicide. It's definitely harder when things become physical, but when it's verbal, we can teach them to ignore it and move on. The bottomline is that, for whatever their reason, we will all encounter a jackass; that's life. We can either get worked up and stress ourselves out or just ignore them. I hope more RUclips personalities can take the time to do videos like this that can help their viewers.
Aloha Braddah!!! Thx for sharing as always...every point you made is VALID! Especially saying “don’t take it personally” People may perceive you in a certain way but they don’t “KNOW” you, nor do they know your journey. That said, as a completely uneducated player (all ear), who has been in a few crappy but fun bands, I have “perceived” you as a very patient & humble teacher that I wish I had years ago when I was 1st learning the instrument! When I get stuck on something i am trying to learn by ear, I turn to vids like your to hopefully move me forward in that process. And I am super grateful!🙏🏼 If most of these guys knew what it was like NOT to have RUclips and the like (and for FREE?!?), maybe they might be a lil more appreciative as well! Keep on ROCKIN bro!!! You’re a gift to the world!!!😎 Ps....I thought this was going to be a vid about fellow musicians hating on you...maybe some advice on that sometime?😇 MAHALO🤙🏽 Keoki from Hawaii
what a great video ! deal with haters in a very intelligent way ! Like that ! your videos are very inspiring for me - not only as a musician ! before internet some grumpy people sat at home and were abusing their walls or whatever...nowadays they can get a kinda public speech! absolutely cool way of thinking about that !!! and how the hating people are writing - you can also see their education! I think in the way you are writing - you show what you`ve learned in the childhood! Thx
Oh, every guitarist makes mistakes and learn through them over time! But I can't understand why some people cannot figure that out. Maybe they just aren't even involved with any musical instruments and all of these stuff. But yes, there are serious negative comments with people stating something that they just dislike about your channel and not insulting you for dump reasons. This helps you know what you do wrong and try to improve yourself. Anyways, By the time I discovered your channel, I have to say that you have become my youtube teacher. 😁 You encourage me in many ways to continue practicing guitar no matter how frustrating it gets from time to time. Thank you for that and keep up the good work!! 😊
You've never, ever, come across to me as arrogant. Unfortunately for them, much is reflecting off their own mindset. You've got a very healthy perception to sort it out. Some RUclips people struggle tremendously with their negative comments. It's the price to pay for putting yourself out there in front of millions of people sitting behind their devices in the privacy of their homes Got to distance yourself from it and keep moving forward:) Negativity can be contagious!
Great video. You have to understand not only the person watching the video, but also the way they watch it. One a phone, waiting between buses, you want a quick explanation of something, so a "thorough" explanation takes too long. Sitting at your desk, guitar on your knee, kids are in bed, wife is snuggled up on the sofa watching some black and white movie, your PC playing a YT video that is finally going to explain that concept you always struggled with ... and the guy skips over it all so fast that you have to rewind the video several times and eventually get fed up with it. Then you have to take into account a person's reasoning skills. (not a lack thereof, but the difference between people's experiences) You could explain something to 1,000 people and 999 will "get it". One guy, however, struggles and just can't make the mental connections to make it "stick". Some of those 999 people will look at the guy and think he's stupid, because the concept is so obvious ...to them. This is not down to intelligence (per se) but to linking the knowledge being offered with everything else they have learned. Usually, all it takes is for the concept to be explained in a slightly different way, relating it in terms the person is already familiar with. This is quite easy, in person, but impossible in a video because it is not interactive. Now, that struggling person may decide that the concept is not being explained very well, and post that the uploader sucks at teaching. Well, a 99.9% success rate doesn't back that up, but still the person doesn't "get" the video. So they go off and watch another video (which will obviously be different, either slightly or a lot) and suddenly they get it. Now, the thing is ... is the second video better? clearer? easier? or did the person subconsciously use the content of the first video and relate it to what he was seeing the second video (as well as his previous knowledge) and assimilate the information that way? Perhaps watching the second video first would have given him the same problem and the first video would have come to his aid. The thing is, you never really know. if a "hater" has watched enough of your video to form an opinion, then they have learned something, whether know/like it or not. So you always have to think, "maybe this video DOES suck .. for him/her, because they needs one more piece of information in order to make use of it and it's not here" You will probably never be able to figure out what that missing piece is, unless you speak in person, so perhaps (and this is aimed directly at Mike) instead of asking for comments about how the video helped .. ask what parts are causing problems .. you never know, you might get 30 people asking the same question .. and you've then got yourself a new video :) Please feel free to paraphrase this comment, if desired, in any future videos. Disclaimer: Masculine pronouns were used because a) most guitarists are guys, b) typing he/she/it/they etc would be tedious to read as well as to write. We all know that girls rock \m/
Others (including my family) have been struggling with their mispresceptions of me my whole life. I refuse to change who I am to what others want me to be. But then again I find myself living a lonely existence; i.e. the song Desperato.
Since you’re taking feedback, eliminate “umm” from your vocabulary. I key in on this because it’s something I’m also working on. Generally saying “umm” makes people come across as less articulate than they are.
@Steven Sullivan Still far better than "like", "you know?" and "right?" in my book. Mike is perfectly articulate as far as I can tell, he barely uses fillers. I remember meeting this Canadian girl 10 years ago. One time she was on the phone with a friend and I noticed that she had the worst case of "like" filleritis I've ever seen. It was so exaggerated that I actually started keeping count with my fingers (in front of her, in the hopes that she'd realize and stop), but she didn't get it ^^. After she was done talking, I decided to bring it up "you've used 'like' 30 times in a 2 minute conversation...". To my dismay, she thought it was normal "yes, that's the way we talk". (I'm a Spaniard, that's why she said "we". Unfortunately for her, my English isn't garbage, so I didn't buy her lame excuse). Bottom line, Mike's speech is fine! ^^
You seem like a mellow enough guy to me. Pleasant, and soft spoken... I don't think there are any YT channels I am subscribed to where there are no Trolls... Sometimes, I just don't know what is going on in their minds... Like at the time of this comment, I see three unlikes... Why?? I didn't see or hear anything out of sorts in this vid... I used to think that there is good in everyone, but sometime I think there are just genuine turds out there... If they hear or see something they don't approve of, just move on... Takes no more effort to be civil, than it does to be a turd... Thanks for the video... You are much kinder than I am!!! ;))
Ridiculous stuff these people. I just ignore them now...because we read the comments too out here on this side of things and see this crap they do. Trolls. It's kind of like tailgaters... I used to slam on the brakes....but now I pull over to the side of the road and let them simply go by. Just not worth my time.
You want negativity to come your way? YOU GOT IT! Here it comes.......yeah...just a second....umm..... Never mind. I got nothing. Good job so far. Keep it up!
99.9% of the comments I get are so encouraging and well meaning, it's just such a tiny minority that leave mean comments, and I actually enjoy them because you know for sure a hater can't even play guitar. I tend to pin the meanest comments because they're so cute.
What I find odd in most comment sections on RUclips is just how quickly things degenerate into a slanging match between people. Chuck a bit of religion in as well and its generally a recipe for disaster. Not usually here though. Some people are just haters and will always be unless they actively try to change. I came across your channel in my efforts to learn fingerpicking and have found your style and manner perfect for what I need. I also, quite by accident, got to hear Avri sing so, a great discovery all round. Please keep up the good work!
Good video and great tips! About a month ago I posted a video of a new amp I got, and the first comment I received was "sounds like shit". I removed the comment, but perhaps that was the wrong move? I figured that asking why probably wouldn't get anywhere and the person might simply not like Marshall amps or something and just felt the need to offer a not so very constructive criticism. In my endeavor to start and grow my channel I've had the thumbs down, and that negative comment but nothing too demoralizing. I'm thinking perhaps it was a troll, because if I think something sounds that bad, I'll try and offer a suggestion on what could be improved, as opposed to saying something sounds like fecal matter, but there was nothing but the negative comment. I think that people who feel the need to bring down others have something going on inside. They want the success and popularity, but don't want to put in the time and effort. Instead of being happy for the success of others, and being inspired by it, it triggers a stream spewing forth of negativity. Anyway, enough of my rambling. These are some solid bits of advice for not just guitarists, anyone who has encountered haters in different areas of life would probably get a lot out of this! Keep up the great work!
There's also psychological projection. People often attack others with hateful comments over the horrible image they have of themselves. As example, someone with a dog-ugly face, may say that *you* have a dog-ugly face. Usually, people that attack have something very wrong with themselves. Envy is a big one too. When someone wants to play guitar, but is too lazy to put in the work, they'll sometimes verbally assault those that are accomplished. Basically, *A LOT* of people just suck.
Usually haters are people who never do anything positive in their life, like helping others or even their own family members to become better in what they try to achieve. Total losers.
I'll narrate a short incident..i helped my 7 year old with a school project..felt very happy with the outcome so the next morning when I met a 'friend' at a park I usually go to..i showed her the picture hoping for an appreciation..she said 'oh, you stay at home all day, no big deal if you did that'..I said you're right..thanks..
I love your channel, and I think you're a great player and teacher. You also seem like a good guy. I have one piece of advice - try to resist the urge to uptalk. I only say this because you speak a lot on your videos.
Bless those that curse you. In doing so it's like heaping coals of fire upon their heads. The Exorcist Freaked me as kid just hearing the audio thru the wall. I still to this day have never watched it all the way thru. Haha Ozzy said he rented a theater out & watched it back to back for like 24 hours on LSD when he was w/Sabbath. Who knows w/Ozzy? It might have been like two viewings & he thought it was all day & night…but that might explain why he's a little crazy. Can you imagine that? No way man
Interesting POV. What gets me the most is not the people who criticize (like my wife) but those who don't, in a mealymouthed whitebread middle class sort of way - most often by ignoring, or by coming up with some less than honest reason not to include one in some musical offering. I am well aware of my own musical shortcomings, and unfortunately, I am willing to avoid conflict more often than not, so when I don't get honest feedback, it hurts more than when someone says " youre trying to pack in too many words in that line, folks won't be able to sing along" at least I can deal with that and hopefully find a way to address those concerns, but when I suspect that folks aren't being completely honest, it really destroys the respect one wishes to give and receive. So to criticize your title, i don't think of people as HATERS so much as critics, denegrators, and toxic attitudes, which might be similar to your categories.and smiley faces that are masking what they really mean. Haters is a stong word.
If you keep getting gigs, the haters are a non entity. I play my music for me and my Bud's in the band, if anyone else wants to come along, they're more than welcome. The world is full of assholes at times, just ignore them.
As the offspring of a father who was a total head-case who would happily shoot the messenger if he could not get at the message, I suggest you also remember that not all the haters are even rational. By all means examine what you've done to see if any truth in what they say (usually even the nastiest will put a sliver of truth as a technique to get to you) but if on honest examination it's OK then ignore the hate as demented ravings. And as you say anything written is better than silence.
"You don't mind some constructive criticism, do you?" "No of course not!'...."Right then...you're crap!" (A friend of mine who used to play in a very famous band, told me this story from his early days playing in working men's clubs in the north of England. I think of that every time I see a heckler. )
I heard recently Sarah Silverman looked into a negative comment and found that the person was going through a hard time and responded sympathetically to their pain driven hate, and it turned out better.
You hear about all the bad comments RUclipsrs get so it must be really bad... Do your best not to read them... Self reflection is OK but the ones that spread hate and negativity are never ending... avoid as much of it as you can... No use letting volcano ash settle on you. Watch you all the time... Thanks.
![Lethal Company Music Video 🎵 "Follow The Orders" [VERSION A]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QeooZB4Z7RA/mqdefault.jpg)
How can a guy like you have haters?
Jakob Keene lunatics
Some people just thrive on misery.
Jakob Keene yes exactly!
Its the internet lol
Jakob Keene You, sir, have made my day!
“Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”
Near Tokyo lived a great Samurai, now old, who decided to teach Zen Buddhism to young people.
One afternoon, a warrior - known for his complete lack of scruples - arrived there. The young and impatient warrior had never lost a fight. Hearing of the Samurai’s reputation, he had come to defeat him, and increase his fame.
All the students were against the idea, but the old man accepted the challenge.
All gathered on the town square, and the young man started insulting the old master. He threw a few rocks in his direction, spat in his face, shouted every insult under the sun - he even insulted his ancestors.
For hours, he did everything to provoke him, but the old man remained impassive. At the end of the afternoon, by now feeling exhausted and humiliated, the impetuous warrior left.
Disappointed by the fact that the master had received so many insults and provocations, the students asked: “How could you bear such indignity? Why didn’t you use your sword, even knowing you might lose the fight, instead of displaying your cowardice in front of us all?”
“If someone comes to you with a gift, and you do not accept it, who does the gift belong to?” - asked the old Samurai.
“He who tried to deliver it.” - replied one of his disciples.
“The same goes for envy, anger and insults.” - said the master. “When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to the one who carried them.”
Ah so, Master! ;)
Jari Satta ummm, that first line is not 100% true.
Grasshopper... when you can snatch the pebble from my hand it will be time for you to leave. Great comment though..thanks
+Jari Satta "Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." -- The Buddha (?)
thanks for posting this, I needed to read it. 🙏❤
You're not arrogant, you might be the nicest man on youtube.
This guy is one of my favourites, i watch others for the innuendo, and watch this one for the constructive lessons and soothing voice. 'tis a lullaby!
Hey, I'm arrogant and nice ... nuttin wrong wit dat!
I've been playing for over 35 yrs and I still like looking at your videos and often find interesting things to learn and try out. You also seem like a good man.
You know what I think you are........A truly introspective artist!!
I would find it incredibly difficult to deal with that hate and negativity. By my own admission I am a very sensitive person. This is why I would never post a video on RUclips. I admire people like yourself that do, taking the time and effort to do it. Thank goodness that others have a much thicker skin than me, because I get a great deal of enjoyment out of watching your (and others) videos. Please don't ever stop making them everyone.
Jem-7V i could teach you if you want
Dude. You are a guitar how do you type all that
Mike, you are one of the nicest people from RUclips and I think you have great attitude toward the hater. Thanks for this lesson.
This is such a quality youtube channel where people can learn not only about playing guitar and how to be a good musician, but also some important life lessons. Keep up the good work, and thank you!
I really hate that you helped me ;) keep the good vibes
Some people are pissed no matter what. Your an excellent guitarist and even better teacher! Thanks for your help
You are one of the best guitar teachers I have seen. I am 60 yrs old and have incorporated many of your techniques...keep it up, keep growing and keep the videos coming... I had no youtube when I started 50 yrs ago to play and wish you would have been around then!
I've been playing guitar for 53 years now, and still learning and tickled pink to have the internet today to continue learning and improving and YT videos are wonderful--so here's a positive for you: Your videos are excellent and I enjoy them. I'm self-taught, so all of you guys on YT are now my teachers, and greatly appreciated! BTW: Most negativity comes from the jealousy of those posters--hater is a strong word but it's often their own inability or progress that they hate--not guys like you. Your attitude is great! Keep it up!
Mike, one of the reasons for your success is that you give of so much of yourself freely, and that is why I subscribed to this channel and why I am a student at your website. Keep spreading the light. -Derek N.
Mike, I'm a songwriter (guitar) who is always looking to get better on my instrument, but sometimes I go to your channel simply to listen to what you have to say, which is usually quite insightful. From an older guy (me), to a young guy (you), you're really a nice young man who is sincere in wanting to be a good teacher (you are) and to help people. P.S. Excellent choice in Audrey Hepburn. Beautiful. Thanks for all you do!
You're an awesome guitarist. You seem like you're genuinely trying to help people. Your videos are helpful and informative. Ignore haters. Keep doing what you're doing.
Stay as you are. My favourite „serious“ guitar channel. 👍
I really appreciate your channel and think that you are one of the nicest out there. What I also have to mention is that it's easy to tell that you have respect for songs (deepness etc.) and your humbleness overall.
Anybody who knows Mike would easily say he’s the most non-arrogant, humble guy. The calm demeanor that we all see on the videos is Mike IRL. Keep up the great work!
Some people are just negative no matter what. Generally it's how they feel about their own lives and they're just looking for someone to take it out on without any come back.
you are a smart man & a great teacher.......keep up the good work!..............
Keep up the good work, you’re not only inspiring in guitar playing but life in general
You are an excellent guitar player. That's a big part of the hate as you know. Stay cool and believe in the next level you're bound to see! You are doing good.
learning from the negative comments...very wise and mature response, Mike. Keep up the great work!!!
Your guitar lessons often apply to the other arts and life in general. That's a rare and wonderful talent.
I'm with you Mike, I respect your whole take on that. I watch your videos all the time, and if I ever met you in person I would sure shake your hand and warmly greet you for all the helps and good you have shared with me.
You take the time and effort to put out a lot of very helpful instructional videos completely free of charge. I'm struggling to see any arrogance in you. I think those who needlessly criticize you are the arrogant ones. They are obviously jealous trolls with nothing better to do. Look at all of the comments. Most here appreciate your generosity. Keep up the good work. You're obviously very passionate about it. Ignore the trolls.
Great outlook, Mike. Thanks for what you do.
Sorry about the haters. I think this is a unique and excellent channel. Keep up the good work. Haters are haters because they are missing part of their souls. Plus you will get the people who like the channel defend you. Peace and Rock on 🤘
I've noticed you have some fantastic comebacks in the comments alot of the time. Exactly the attitude you need to have.
I'll tell ya sometime constructive criticism stings, but it can be very helpful. I have this friend that is always brutally honest and when I first started knife making, I would get really salty, but then realize he was right for the most part & I improved by leaps and bounds. Then I had to figure out how to separate his opinion(like looks etc) and what would affect my progress as a builder.
The old cliche " Misery loves company" is so true. People either just want to make other people as miserable as they are, or they are just truly bad people, that enjoy hurting other people. Either way, once you learn to seperate the things that will help you from the things that are just meant to hurt you, life will be so much better. Great video, take it easy.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luke 6:27 NIV
:D :D :D
Amen
is a book in the bible.
Great mental outlook. There is darkness in the World. But it just makes the light ever the more bright and beautiful. Keep shining. That is what you are here for - like a flower striving to be beautiful no matter how little sunlight it gets. (Sorry about mixing metaphors). Great videos and lessons by you from a thoughtful, conscious person. Keep it up!!! Imagine all the angelic music through tens of thousands of people all over the world that you are helping to create every single day. Awesome.
Just when I️ thought I️ couldn’t love this channel anymore, he goes and makes a video like this! :)
I can't imagine why you could be hated, all the videos that I saw are great and you are very nice You-tuber.
Once I heard this saying: "Who like the moon wants to shine must count on dogs barking"...keep going! Good job!
thanks for posting your video. Haters go far further than just comments sometimes and it can really hurt. You're right though, it's an extension of how dark they must feel. Its not you. (Now I gotta remember and repeat that to myself when I get real low) x
Really mature comments... I appreciate what you have to say. Don't try to change - that's where we fall into "the trap". Just be yourself; because you'll never find anything better. (Try to "be a better you" and you'll find your a fraud, try to "be a bad boy" and you'll find more of the same.)
Ok but ur comebacks are literally the best-
Interesting,.because YOU are one of the best teachers online due to your taking your time and explain things at a pace just slow enough for midlevel players yet still fast enough for more established learners. I have only found TWO other guys online teaching at your pace. There are a whole lot of talented guitarist on youtube instructing but the pace of the playing really varies
There are trolls that enjoy being jerks. Its one thing if a person is giving consructive criticism. But some people just comment crazy mean shit that comes out of nowhere. It just comes with the territory. I like your videos; thanks for making them for us. Dont let the jerks dilute our appreciation for you.
Hey Man, just came across your vids and website. Your energy and teaching style is perfect for me!
I've never played, and here we go, will be watching all of your vids to learn from you.
I like how you split the screen for better camera angles, keep that!
Super, arrogant DB? Mike, you're bout the humblest instructor I've seen. Great video, too. Thanks, bro, for sharing the gift God gave you. People can take it or leave it.
What you’re doing spreads the good vibes Mike. :)
I know teaching and playing can be a tough gig sometimes. It takes a lot of effort to put together all the different lessons, keep going man!
well I was ranting on my sister about some RUclips videos getting hate for no reason, when it's all about positivity but some others just dislike the video and comment shit about it.
but then she told me, if it isn't anger or dislike towards the video, it's probably envy
so if something nice is disliked, it's just someone thinking you're better than them so they're hating on you and you don't have to feel about that since they're the ones degrading themselves:))
The reason why you have haters is because you have have great genetics and are a true guitar God amongst us mortals lol. Your a cool person dude. Those people that hate on others dont have anything to do but vent out their coward feeling too someone whose above them. Remember your YOU and their them, you can enjoy playing your guitar and they can't, you give us gifts in your way of teaching and they cant even give but their selfish idiocracy. Just be yourself and keep your head up. After all your a Guitar God dude😄😄😊
The edit of the boxer on the ropes (Ali?) was such a brilliant illustration of your point at 3:10.
Vlad Jones that was, indeed, Ali
Hey Mike. I think your lessons are great and you’ve helped me with guitar quite a fair bit. Great channel. You make it look so easy, hope I can one day get to your level, so I could just play automatically and enjoy / feel the music.
Keep doing what you're doing man, great channel!
What we should be teaching (how I was taught) is that words are just words. They only hurt if YOU let them.
We need to also keep in mind that we are all different and everyone has different tastes. In other words, you won't make everyone happy. Once you accept that, it's easy to ignore and brush off the negativity, especially, from strangers.
Some people spew negativity because they have a high opinion of themselves and are either threatened that someone is better than them at something or they just get off by putting those they see as inferior down; others do it because, as Mike said, they are unhappy with themselves and are projecting their unhappiness onto others.
These lessons are especially important for younger people who are still trying to get a handle on life and how to react properly to it. These are the ones that are usually most vulnerable to suicide. It's definitely harder when things become physical, but when it's verbal, we can teach them to ignore it and move on.
The bottomline is that, for whatever their reason, we will all encounter a jackass; that's life. We can either get worked up and stress ourselves out or just ignore them.
I hope more RUclips personalities can take the time to do videos like this that can help their viewers.
Aloha Braddah!!! Thx for sharing as always...every point you made is VALID! Especially saying “don’t take it personally” People may perceive you in a certain way but they don’t “KNOW” you, nor do they know your journey. That said, as a completely uneducated player (all ear), who has been in a few crappy but fun bands, I have “perceived” you as a very patient & humble teacher that I wish I had years ago when I was 1st learning the instrument! When I get stuck on something i am trying to learn by ear, I turn to vids like your to hopefully move me forward in that process. And I am super grateful!🙏🏼 If most of these guys knew what it was like NOT to have RUclips and the like (and for FREE?!?), maybe they might be a lil more appreciative as well! Keep on ROCKIN bro!!! You’re a gift to the world!!!😎
Ps....I thought this was going to be a vid about fellow musicians hating on you...maybe some advice on that sometime?😇 MAHALO🤙🏽 Keoki from Hawaii
Thanks for this Mike. Wise words. Also, look at the % of negatives. Negatives are always a very small %.
what a great video ! deal with haters in a very intelligent way ! Like that ! your videos are very inspiring for me - not only as a musician ! before internet some grumpy people sat at home and were abusing their walls or whatever...nowadays they can get a kinda public speech! absolutely cool way of thinking about that !!! and how the hating people are writing - you can also see their education! I think in the way you are writing - you show what you`ve learned in the childhood! Thx
Oh, every guitarist makes mistakes and learn through them over time! But I can't understand why some people cannot figure that out. Maybe they just aren't even involved with any musical instruments and all of these stuff. But yes, there are serious negative comments with people stating something that they just dislike about your channel and not insulting you for dump reasons. This helps you know what you do wrong and try to improve yourself. Anyways, By the time I discovered your channel, I have to say that you have become my youtube teacher. 😁 You encourage me in many ways to continue practicing guitar no matter how frustrating it gets from time to time. Thank you for that and keep up the good work!! 😊
You've never, ever, come across to me as arrogant. Unfortunately for them, much is reflecting off their own mindset. You've got a very healthy perception to sort it out. Some RUclips people struggle tremendously with their negative comments. It's the price to pay for putting yourself out there in front of millions of people sitting behind their devices in the privacy of their homes
Got to distance yourself from it and keep moving forward:) Negativity can be contagious!
Great video.
You have to understand not only the person watching the video, but also the way they watch it.
One a phone, waiting between buses, you want a quick explanation of something, so a "thorough" explanation takes too long.
Sitting at your desk, guitar on your knee, kids are in bed, wife is snuggled up on the sofa watching some black and white movie, your PC playing a YT video that is finally going to explain that concept you always struggled with ... and the guy skips over it all so fast that you have to rewind the video several times and eventually get fed up with it.
Then you have to take into account a person's reasoning skills. (not a lack thereof, but the difference between people's experiences)
You could explain something to 1,000 people and 999 will "get it". One guy, however, struggles and just can't make the mental connections to make it "stick". Some of those 999 people will look at the guy and think he's stupid, because the concept is so obvious ...to them. This is not down to intelligence (per se) but to linking the knowledge being offered with everything else they have learned.
Usually, all it takes is for the concept to be explained in a slightly different way, relating it in terms the person is already familiar with. This is quite easy, in person, but impossible in a video because it is not interactive.
Now, that struggling person may decide that the concept is not being explained very well, and post that the uploader sucks at teaching. Well, a 99.9% success rate doesn't back that up, but still the person doesn't "get" the video. So they go off and watch another video (which will obviously be different, either slightly or a lot) and suddenly they get it.
Now, the thing is ... is the second video better? clearer? easier? or did the person subconsciously use the content of the first video and relate it to what he was seeing the second video (as well as his previous knowledge) and assimilate the information that way? Perhaps watching the second video first would have given him the same problem and the first video would have come to his aid.
The thing is, you never really know.
if a "hater" has watched enough of your video to form an opinion, then they have learned something, whether know/like it or not.
So you always have to think, "maybe this video DOES suck .. for him/her, because they needs one more piece of information in order to make use of it and it's not here"
You will probably never be able to figure out what that missing piece is, unless you speak in person, so perhaps (and this is aimed directly at Mike) instead of asking for comments about how the video helped .. ask what parts are causing problems .. you never know, you might get 30 people asking the same question .. and you've then got yourself a new video :)
Please feel free to paraphrase this comment, if desired, in any future videos.
Disclaimer: Masculine pronouns were used because a) most guitarists are guys, b) typing he/she/it/they etc would be tedious to read as well as to write. We all know that girls rock \m/
Others (including my family) have been struggling with their mispresceptions of me my whole life. I refuse to change who I am to what others want me to be. But then again I find myself living a lonely existence; i.e. the song Desperato.
How can you hate him, he is an awsome teacher.
Hey man i love your videos i am just glad that you teach guitar and music theory so well
Seus vídeos são os melhores cara!
Thumbs up from brazil bro
Since you’re taking feedback, eliminate “umm” from your vocabulary. I key in on this because it’s something I’m also working on. Generally saying “umm” makes people come across as less articulate than they are.
@Steven Sullivan
Still far better than "like", "you know?" and "right?" in my book.
Mike is perfectly articulate as far as I can tell, he barely uses fillers.
I remember meeting this Canadian girl 10 years ago. One time she was on the phone with a friend and I noticed that she had the worst case of "like" filleritis I've ever seen.
It was so exaggerated that I actually started keeping count with my fingers (in front of her, in the hopes that she'd realize and stop), but she didn't get it ^^.
After she was done talking, I decided to bring it up "you've used 'like' 30 times in a 2 minute conversation...". To my dismay, she thought it was normal "yes, that's the way we talk".
(I'm a Spaniard, that's why she said "we". Unfortunately for her, my English isn't garbage, so I didn't buy her lame excuse).
Bottom line, Mike's speech is fine! ^^
Keep spreading the light sensei guitar art
Thanks Bro... The most important lesson for everyone.👍👍👍
You seem like a mellow enough guy to me. Pleasant, and soft spoken... I don't think there are any YT channels I am subscribed to where there are no Trolls... Sometimes, I just don't know what is going on in their minds... Like at the time of this comment, I see three unlikes... Why?? I didn't see or hear anything out of sorts in this vid... I used to think that there is good in everyone, but sometime I think there are just genuine turds out there... If they hear or see something they don't approve of, just move on... Takes no more effort to be civil, than it does to be a turd... Thanks for the video... You are much kinder than I am!!! ;))
Wise words from such a young guy.
Ridiculous stuff these people. I just ignore them now...because we read the comments too out here on this side of things and see this crap they do. Trolls. It's kind of like tailgaters... I used to slam on the brakes....but now I pull over to the side of the road and let them simply go by. Just not worth my time.
You want negativity to come your way? YOU GOT IT! Here it comes.......yeah...just a second....umm.....
Never mind. I got nothing. Good job so far. Keep it up!
99.9% of the comments I get are so encouraging and well meaning, it's just such a tiny minority that leave mean comments, and I actually enjoy them because you know for sure a hater can't even play guitar. I tend to pin the meanest comments because they're so cute.
What I find odd in most comment sections on RUclips is just how quickly things degenerate into a slanging match between people. Chuck a bit of religion in as well and its generally a recipe for disaster. Not usually here though. Some people are just haters and will always be unless they actively try to change. I came across your channel in my efforts to learn fingerpicking and have found your style and manner perfect for what I need. I also, quite by accident, got to hear Avri sing so, a great discovery all round. Please keep up the good work!
people should get there own house in order before they have a go at others !
many thanks for all your hard work I really enjoy your lessons .
Good video and great tips!
About a month ago I posted a video of a new amp I got, and the first comment I received was "sounds like shit". I removed the comment, but perhaps that was the wrong move? I figured that asking why probably wouldn't get anywhere and the person might simply not like Marshall amps or something and just felt the need to offer a not so very constructive criticism.
In my endeavor to start and grow my channel I've had the thumbs down, and that negative comment but nothing too demoralizing.
I'm thinking perhaps it was a troll, because if I think something sounds that bad, I'll try and offer a suggestion on what could be improved, as opposed to saying something sounds like fecal matter, but there was nothing but the negative comment.
I think that people who feel the need to bring down others have something going on inside. They want the success and popularity, but don't want to put in the time and effort. Instead of being happy for the success of others, and being inspired by it, it triggers a stream spewing forth of negativity.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. These are some solid bits of advice for not just guitarists, anyone who has encountered haters in different areas of life would probably get a lot out of this!
Keep up the great work!
Thankfully, supporters going to support. ;-)
There's also psychological projection. People often attack others with hateful comments over the horrible image they have of themselves. As example, someone with a dog-ugly face, may say that *you* have a dog-ugly face. Usually, people that attack have something very wrong with themselves. Envy is a big one too. When someone wants to play guitar, but is too lazy to put in the work, they'll sometimes verbally assault those that are accomplished. Basically, *A LOT* of people just suck.
mister anderson...
so long as you dont mention the website over and over ur cool with me i like ur videos
Usually haters are people who never do anything positive in their life, like helping others or even their own family members to become better in what they try to achieve. Total losers.
Man, you should do a FAQ-vid.
I go first: How do you keep your hair so silky and shiny? Shampoo or good genes?
+Willy Wanka He washes it with Bovine Placenta.
Awesome video! Very insightful. Thanks
Well said bro! Rock on!!!
I'll narrate a short incident..i helped my 7 year old with a school project..felt very happy with the outcome so the next morning when I met a 'friend' at a park I usually go to..i showed her the picture hoping for an appreciation..she said 'oh, you stay at home all day, no big deal if you did that'..I said you're right..thanks..
Huge Audrey Hepburn fan here. Keep the legacy alive!
Your a spiritual guy perhaps from martial arts,but that spirit makes music that’s true.
You're Great Mike!
I love your channel, and I think you're a great player and teacher. You also seem like a good guy. I have one piece of advice - try to resist the urge to uptalk. I only say this because you speak a lot on your videos.
thanks you! excellent words.
Bless those that curse you. In doing so it's like heaping coals of fire upon their heads. The Exorcist Freaked me as kid just hearing the audio thru the wall. I still to this day have never watched it all the way thru. Haha Ozzy said he rented a theater out & watched it back to back for like 24 hours on LSD when he was w/Sabbath. Who knows w/Ozzy? It might have been like two viewings & he thought it was all day & night…but that might explain why he's a little crazy. Can you imagine that? No way man
Interesting POV. What gets me the most is not the people who criticize (like my wife) but those who don't, in a mealymouthed whitebread middle class sort of way - most often by ignoring, or by coming up with some less than honest reason not to include one in some musical offering. I am well aware of my own musical shortcomings, and unfortunately, I am willing to avoid conflict more often than not, so when I don't get honest feedback, it hurts more than when someone says " youre trying to pack in too many words in that line, folks won't be able to sing along" at least I can deal with that and hopefully find a way to address those concerns, but when I suspect that folks aren't being completely honest, it really destroys the respect one wishes to give and receive. So to criticize your title, i don't think of people as HATERS so much as critics, denegrators, and toxic attitudes, which might be similar to your categories.and smiley faces that are masking what they really mean. Haters is a stong word.
Great message, Sir.
I don't have open time patience but you do as a teacher!
If you keep getting gigs, the haters are a non entity. I play my music for me and my Bud's in the band, if anyone else wants to come along, they're more than welcome. The world is full of assholes at times, just ignore them.
You are awesome 🤠
I just want say.
Thank you
As the offspring of a father who was a total head-case who would happily shoot the messenger if he could not get at the message, I suggest you also remember that not all the haters are even rational. By all means examine what you've done to see if any truth in what they say (usually even the nastiest will put a sliver of truth as a technique to get to you) but if on honest examination it's OK then ignore the hate as demented ravings. And as you say anything written is better than silence.
"You don't mind some constructive criticism, do you?" "No of course not!'...."Right then...you're crap!" (A friend of mine who used to play in a very famous band, told me this story from his early days playing in working men's clubs in the north of England. I think of that every time I see a heckler. )
Great advice! Here's a positive comment. Your videos are fantastic very informative and easy to watch (well that Marathon one was a stretch :-))
Thanks. Great advice :)
I heard recently Sarah Silverman looked into a negative comment and found that the person was going through a hard time and responded sympathetically to their pain driven hate, and it turned out better.
Well said
You hear about all the bad comments RUclipsrs get so it must be really bad... Do your best not to read them... Self reflection is OK but the ones that spread hate and negativity are never ending... avoid as much of it as you can... No use letting volcano ash settle on you. Watch you all the time... Thanks.
I like your videos and you as a person 🇩🇰
This is why I don’t have a channel of my own.Ive played guitar for 35+ yrs. but I couldn’t take very well, I would be forced to hunt someone down 😂
Who thought you were arrogant? You always come across as super nice to me