Why I Left Buzzfeed

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 5. 10. 2022
  • Spoiler: I was fired.
    Find me on:
    Twitch | / willneff
    Twitter | / thewillneff
    Discord | / discord
    Instagram | / thewillneff
    End song: Harris Heller - The Grid
    Channel edited and managed by / neauxart
    #willneff #twitch #stream
  • Hry

Komentáře • 977

  • @Nihaas
    @Nihaas Před rokem +4895

    Will's an incredible storyteller. It's crazy buzzfeed were rewarding underpaid, overworked interns with valueless buttons for making million-view videos

    • @jennifervasquez
      @jennifervasquez Před rokem +76

      Its literally the same reward that mary kay gives to sellers... they rewarded their employees the same way an mlm "rewards" the people theyre scamming

    • @carlosandresat7641
      @carlosandresat7641 Před rokem +44

      While he was describing the way they worked the internship, I just realized, holy shit those are not interns, those were fully explotaded underpayed employees.
      It is crazy to me how much abuse he took all those years back, and speaks volumes of his relationships he build over those years.
      All I see is a man, that grew from those experiences and is doing his best to give a piece of his soul to the world.

    • @mialia15104
      @mialia15104 Před rokem +14

      He really is. I can't believe that was a whole hour, it felt like 15 minutes, genuinely

    • @kategillett3964
      @kategillett3964 Před rokem +4

      I was just about to comment this! Best storytelling I’ve ever heard

    • @psychening
      @psychening Před rokem +4

      MILLION VIEW VIDEOS. its insane. absolutely shit value to reward ratio.

  • @SuperMustache555
    @SuperMustache555 Před rokem +489

    Alex wasn't even a content creator, she was a producer at the Try Guys studio, 2nd Try. She was literally his employee

    • @bibi.kjartans
      @bibi.kjartans Před rokem +158

      Alex was his employee and Ned was also the HR guy at their company.. So the whole thig is not that the 'wife guy' cheated but the huge power imbalance and opening the company up to a huge lawsuit

    • @SuperMustache555
      @SuperMustache555 Před rokem +20

      @@bibi.kjartans Exactly

    • @yeahright3630
      @yeahright3630 Před 4 měsíci

      still a content creator. you work on the creation of content, you are a content creator. It's like saying Mick Gordon isnt a game developer for only making the music of Doom.

    • @SuperMustache555
      @SuperMustache555 Před 4 měsíci +11

      @@yeahright3630 I’m making a semantic argument: describing Alex as a “content creator” makes her seem self-employed. Being explicit about the fact that she is an employee of the man who she had an affair with is important toward acknowledging the power dynamics at play in their relationship

    • @gateauxq4604
      @gateauxq4604 Před 4 měsíci +1

      And he was the head of HR! How stupid do you have to be to think that was a good idea?? That stupid apparently. I hope Ariel and the kids are doing well and Ned is being dutiful and responsible and got a damn job.

  • @jamesreagan8175
    @jamesreagan8175 Před rokem +2073

    The worst part of this is Will explaining how desperate he was to stay at Buzzfeed despite the shitshow that it was. The story of Baked Alaska basically being bullied into right-wing radicalism FROM Buzzfeed who around 2016 was known as the inclusive and liberal company to the point of cringe is insane

    • @bbybee
      @bbybee Před rokem +100

      right???? I couldn’t believe that BLM story omg

    • @traplover6357
      @traplover6357 Před rokem +74

      Personal vendettas unfortunately make some people's politics aka contrarianism

    • @dannyburke1098
      @dannyburke1098 Před rokem

      To be fair 2016 buzzfeed was the catalyst for a fuck ton of teens to be sent down the alt right pipeline

    • @antlerbraum2881
      @antlerbraum2881 Před rokem +20

      That was insane

    • @polishpipebomb
      @polishpipebomb Před 11 měsíci

      Yeah, that's honestly the most insane thing about this whole story, full of insane shit. The dude was so successful, he tried to use his pull at the company to try and get them to back BLM?! Baked Alaska?! Bro, that's fucking insane. That's a living nightmare of modern media to learn then and look at him now. Jesus Christ.

  • @KA-gy3lz
    @KA-gy3lz Před rokem +3228

    Will is such a good story teller. I didn't even realize this video was an hour long until I was like 45 minutes in lol

    • @pawnshopblues
      @pawnshopblues Před rokem +19

      I didn't realize it was an hour long until the video finished and I read this comment. GOD DAMN.

    • @tragedyshero72
      @tragedyshero72 Před rokem +10

      “He can’t keep klucking” is incredibly funny.

    • @jacklafferty6654
      @jacklafferty6654 Před rokem +1

      @@ktw5141 the recent Internet Historian video had me hooked the whole way through. I also think Atrioc is incredible at telling stories

    • @aneutralopinion1712
      @aneutralopinion1712 Před rokem +1

      I thought it was 6 minutes long when i was at 23 minutes and only noticed because i was changing what i was watching it on

    • @shun1590
      @shun1590 Před rokem +2

      Bro I had the same realization as soon as you i read your comment i literally am 46 min in

  • @lezzleee
    @lezzleee Před rokem +1830

    A lot of people cope with their own abuse by trying to exert as sense of control by justifying their decisions at the time. But nobody signs up for their own exploitation. Nobody truly signs up to be used by a company that exploits or even illegally skirts labor laws and participates in hazing. Makes me upset to hear Will keep repeating that he "signed up for it" for a "prestigious" job. The financial abuse isn't justified just because you agreed to it. That's some labor propaganda B.S.

    • @tianacroaker7310
      @tianacroaker7310 Před rokem +171

      Yeah. Hearing him make the comment about doing the video he “signed up for” after getting into a car crash. Asking if he should go home because he feels nauseous and a bit out of it (which are indicators for possible internal problems including a concussion) and he’s literally BLEEDING. Having a superior say nah you have to is fairly abusive in that scenario to start with, but doing it on the day he had a job review is blatant abuse.

    • @biteofdog
      @biteofdog Před rokem +44

      @@tianacroaker7310 I think the bleeding was from the Brazilian wax at 15:35? But yeah, it was fucked up how he was exploited on buzzfeed, I never hear anything nice about the work environment there.

    • @c0ttage
      @c0ttage Před rokem +36

      oh yeah it should be acknowledged that is coercive and exploitation

    • @RealElongatedMuskrat
      @RealElongatedMuskrat Před rokem +46

      the reinforcement of "I signed up for this, I asked for this" is devastating and unfortunately so, so common. I don't need to repeat what you've already said, but you're spot on. When you're victimised, belittled and taken advantage of, it's devastating to your own psyche in so many ways. That feeling of losing your own autonomy, of things being "done to you" rather than things "you did," is an extra layer of harrowing. Trying to take back power in some way is very common, not to mention the coercive control aspect, which convinces you "you can leave at any time, the door is open... but you're strong enough to take it, right? You're not one of THOSE people who check out, right?"

    • @emilyorton6304
      @emilyorton6304 Před rokem +19

      This kind of work environment is common in the industry. People don't speak up because they all have dreams of making it in Hollywood some day, and the idea of the starving artist or suffering / sacrificing for your work before you get famous is romanticized and accepted as a ritual of coming up in the industry. People are hungry and companies take advantage. Things are slowly changing, but withholding pay is still pretty normalized. When I started out, I had my pay docked so often that when I signed on for a job, I just came to expect that I'd only be paid half the time, and if I was paid, I'd only get a portion of it after fighting for months.

  • @McMastersofficial
    @McMastersofficial Před rokem +943

    hearing this makes me amazed at how the unsolved boys not only made it through all of that sludge but were finally able to break free and do their own thing. really wish Will hadn't been fucked over and had gotten the same opportunities

    • @Okarine
      @Okarine Před rokem +103

      The best thing that can ever happen to a buzzfeed group is breaking free of buzzfeed

    • @Corabar
      @Corabar Před rokem +38

      I love Ryan and Shane and their new watcher series. Best content buzzfeed ever had. But the try guys is def next up. Buzzfeed continues to shoot themselves in the foot. They need a new marketing director

    • @coasterthekid8867
      @coasterthekid8867 Před 2 měsíci

      It’s really sad that nobody knows how many people worked on unsolved and everybody just credits Ryan and Shane, when it wasn’t even their idea in the first place.

  • @TheDanOsborne
    @TheDanOsborne Před rokem +621

    This shit happens even in places where you wouldn't expect it. Hosts/hostessess at a restaurant that I worked at were regularly working off the clock, working through their state-mandated breaks, paying for their own bartending classes to garner favor with the owner/managers in the hopes of being promoted to server/bartender. And then the owner would just promote relatives or family friends anyways.

    • @ladyj.9350
      @ladyj.9350 Před rokem +50

      Even regular employees get screwed over. I had a coworker who worked so hard for seven years to get a manager position in a bakery/cafe. Owner promised coworker the position for ages, then turned around and hired friends daughter who had never worked in food service and proceeded to break the coffee machine on her first day.

    • @eleventwelve2650
      @eleventwelve2650 Před rokem +22

      @@ladyj.9350 Did your friend leave? They deserve better.

    • @pasta-and-heroin
      @pasta-and-heroin Před rokem +16

      the hospitality industry, video game development & media content creation are the three most dangerous for employee rights; no matter where you live. Im an aussie - so we have many laws etc that america SHOULD have - but still, crunch *is* the industry.
      Sure, at the lower levels there are people who dont give a shit. But if you want to work in the top of your field… you HAVE to be willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING.

  • @sluggmom
    @sluggmom Před rokem +672

    I have seen other people say Ned was pretty resentful of coming in as talent and being hired for management. He is somewhat of a failed comedian and probably the least funny try guy. All that being said, I would not be surprised if he had a hand in will being fired, or if he just pretended to not know will for the sake of hurting will's ego. Will has charisma, is funny, and handsome all thing Ned could never replicate.

    • @SceneTurkey
      @SceneTurkey Před 3 měsíci +1

      I would bet money that Ned was the reason the Try Guys hard drive went "missing".

  • @wolborg105
    @wolborg105 Před rokem +804

    Much respect for sharing this, absolutely fuck buzzfeed. I think they're the perfect example of millennial grindset california capitalism. You're a fantastic storyteller man, hearing you narrate this was like watching a film about early 2010's exploitation.

  • @dannydethanos6994
    @dannydethanos6994 Před rokem +1128

    Could you imagine if they coerced a young female intern to get naked for a video after being in a collision and having their future in the company in question and then give them the conception that only 3 women would be in the room max and then it’s 5 men in a tight room while she’s getting drunk it sounds sketchy asf to me when you switch the rolls.

    • @ruminationstation4200
      @ruminationstation4200 Před rokem +374

      It sounds sketchy as hell when you keep the genders just as they are. The fact they were having people in competitive internships doing ANY of that is inappropriate tbh.

    • @potthethird
      @potthethird Před rokem +1

      @@ruminationstation4200 sad thing is for anyone to realise the gravity of it he had to rephrase it for a women’s perspective cuz nobody gives a shit about men

    • @trevor5933
      @trevor5933 Před rokem +49

      Both really do suck. I hope this goes to show people that, of course equality is for anyone and everyone, but every movement, label or identity shown in companies and media is almost entirely to ship content and make money. They do not care, they don't act with it in mind, its just to manipulate and it's disgusting. Please care about the people. Fight for people, but not in the name of products.

    • @teagenthetiefling5296
      @teagenthetiefling5296 Před rokem +66

      don't fool yourself, they do this shit to women all the time

    • @kimwhatmatters4085
      @kimwhatmatters4085 Před rokem +7

      Because if you switched it the women would be in danger women and men are different. It was a women set probably because of the naked women doing it too

  • @hermesthenerd9967
    @hermesthenerd9967 Před rokem +295

    DUDE THAT STORY AT THE END!!!!! Ariel is a homie, ned is trash, and buzzfeed is hot garbage. congrats on the immense success you have had since, and sticking true to your process!

  • @Altmetalpunk
    @Altmetalpunk Před rokem +781

    I've said since high school that anyone who bases their personality off of their relationship is either really unhappy in their relationship, is being mentally/emotionally/or physically abused, or they have no personality and it will ruin the relationship anyway. This isnt just with like talking about it like that but if every photo and post someone posts has some kind of reference to their partner then there's something wrong in the relationship. And I've yet to be wrong.

    • @mangoz3399
      @mangoz3399 Před rokem +35

      I agree, last night I got out of a relationship where my ex emotionally manipulated me. I had based most my personality off of her and most things I did and felt were because of her. I feel very lost but also extremely relived because I was able to get away from that.

    • @silversalmon9909
      @silversalmon9909 Před rokem +28

      @@mangoz3399 good for you getting out of that!! Some advice I would give on how to deal with feeling lost, is cultivate an image in your mind of the person you'd like to be. Use things such as virtues, or morals, abstract ideas such as "determined", "reliable". As long as you are taking steps towards being that person, you are doing the right thing. And this DOES NOT have to be who you are right now. You may think "well im not reliable at all, im not determined at all", and that may be true. But always have that vision in your mind, and know with certainty, as long as you are moving towards that person, you are on the right path.

    • @Chachixo
      @Chachixo Před rokem +17

      Yeah it kinda goes for anything - if your whole identity is wrapped up in one thing (especially another person) it's a disaster waiting to happen.

    • @mangoz3399
      @mangoz3399 Před rokem +9

      @@silversalmon9909 thank you so much, I’ll try my best!

    • @gentrifriedable
      @gentrifriedable Před rokem +3

      @@mangoz3399 you have a whole life to live as yourself and that is something to celebrate.

  • @benphish
    @benphish Před rokem +788

    Your content on twitch is orders of magnitude better than anything that was ever on buzzfeed. It's so much more genuine.
    Dude that internship program sounded like a fucking nightmare. What a bunch of scumbags

  • @yepitstiffany
    @yepitstiffany Před rokem +495

    This needs the attention all those other Why I Left Buzzfeed videos have gotten. Really speaks volumes to the exploitation that happened in Buzzfeed and a common issue in a lot of work places, especially in industries like these that prey on young people. Thanks for such an informative video!

    • @tamhuy10
      @tamhuy10 Před rokem +16

      this one is late, the others got attention bc bf still had a reputation back then

    • @simplicitylost
      @simplicitylost Před rokem +1

      @@tamhuy10Yeah but this is still an important thing to have people see because BuzzFeed was not the first and will not be the last to use these tactics.

    • @tamhuy10
      @tamhuy10 Před rokem +5

      @@simplicitylost I agree, was just speaking on why on an objective POV it won't get as much attention. When all the people left there was the drama factor and ppl who used to watch who would click on the why I left bf to understand what happened and then show support to ppl leaving. Now it's hardly novelty and bf doesn't have a lot of viewers or reputation anyway so there will be less views even if he brings new info.

  • @UnclePhil2k
    @UnclePhil2k Před rokem +1019

    Dude, I don't know how you went through that meat grinder and came out the other side still a good person & a fantastic entertainer. That reflects strongly on your character. You earned & 100% deserve your success.

  • @Glocktopus129
    @Glocktopus129 Před 6 měsíci +150

    Reducing adhd to “atleast you’re never bored” is INSANE and WAY more tone def and offensive then “guy try’s not to look at boobs at risk of coming off as gross” 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @SceneTurkey
      @SceneTurkey Před 3 měsíci

      I vaguely remember that video and feeling like the end was way too forced. A lot of their content at the time was just like that. Some amount of personality and realism, and then SPARKLES HAPPY MOMENT.

  • @apex24735
    @apex24735 Před rokem +101

    as an adhd woman (who also likes women) i can relate to the boobs thing SO HARD. it’s not even just about boobs though it’s the idea of looking at something that you’re not meant to be looking at, and it’s so difficult to manage in certain social situations.

    • @sunbeamless
      @sunbeamless Před 5 měsíci +1

      BRO SAME AND I DONT EVEN HAVE ADHD

  • @swiddy6556
    @swiddy6556 Před rokem +217

    I've known Will to be a brilliant storyteller but FUCKING HELL that bombshell 30 minutes in made me do the corniest sitcom 'WHAAAT' I have ever done.

  • @AvengedButUsed
    @AvengedButUsed Před rokem +85

    The fact Will was at Buzzfeed blows my mind. I’ve seen this man hundreds of times before I even knew it

  • @amorfatikhb
    @amorfatikhb Před rokem +194

    On the explanation of Ned’s identity/concept on the Try Guys: He was acting out the traditional American dream sans the religion. I’m of the mindset that Ned would be the most socially successful between the four of them in like mid-century America, and he would absolutely live in an ego-filled fever dream over it.

    • @greatminds1017
      @greatminds1017 Před rokem

      actually...they'd think Ned was weird for his "my wife" persona. It was his personality while people had personality other than their spouse back then.

    • @amorfatikhb
      @amorfatikhb Před rokem +30

      @@greatminds1017 You were seen as a secure and trustworthy person if you had a wife, and especially with kids. Part of Ned’s identity/concept was doing things that made him likable, and if talking about his wife didn’t get as much people to like and respect him, then he would have 0 qualms about changing it. Personality didn’t matter as long as you were accepted/subscribed to the same things as other people in heteronormativity-land.

    • @ruminationstation4200
      @ruminationstation4200 Před rokem +19

      I actually wonder if part of why he cheated was because he regretted getting locked into a super white, classic American couple. Ariel is so sweet, but as a couple they're like the embodiment of milquetoast. I saw an interview where someone asked him about bringing more diversity to try guys and you could practically see him wince. Even the fact they were making out at a night club... It's all screams "midlife crisis of a man who hates everything about who he is"

    • @amorfatikhb
      @amorfatikhb Před rokem +15

      ​@@ruminationstation4200 I think you're right that Ned had a sort of midlife crisis (at 35 ans). I've seen people citing YCSWU and their date night cookbook about how they were only together for 4-5 months before they got engaged in their very early 20s. This reminded me of Lily and Marshall from HIMYM actually, because they'd only been with each other, and for 9-10 years before getting married. They temporarily broke up to get a feel of single life IIRC, and Ned and Ariel did that for a week for a video at BF. Ariel missed Ned, but Ned was like, "Woo! Freedom!" imo lol
      Anyway, I understand the sentiment that you might feel inexperienced or feel like you're missing out, and want more excitement, but cheating ain't it.
      In addition, I think the diversity discussion (I've seen that interview clipped, but I never found the source), was a mix of not wanting to be overshadowed, bc he clearly very much desires the attention, and wanting to continue being socially successful, bc the typical nuclear family he's got had already begun to lose its appeal in the genpop since at least the 90s when women in the workforce and higher education rose and non-conventional lives became more normalized in the 21st century.

    • @mza2195
      @mza2195 Před rokem +3

      @@ruminationstation4200 it’s him cheating while his wife was pregnant (allegedly) that really pissed me off. I’ve been married for 26 years, over half my life. When we were dating we agreed that if one of us wanted someone else, we’d say so and break up first. We both knew how low cheating felt and didn’t want to feel like that or hurt like that ever again. It’s so easy to be honest with each other and so much harder to lie.

  • @iisabellasays
    @iisabellasays Před rokem +210

    damn im assuming the girl he mentioned who he worked with a lot on buzzfeed was kelsey. i guess the environment was dog eat dog. I'm sorry you had such a toxic experience and thanks for sharing. you're a fantastic storyteller and i wish for more poeple to realize how talented you are!

    • @lilgrannyari
      @lilgrannyari Před rokem +44

      I think you're right. It's sad because she always seemed so genuine...but when the chips come down she's looking out for #1.

    • @hannahhester8376
      @hannahhester8376 Před 10 měsíci +22

      ​@@lilgrannyariYeah but she was exploted just like him, wasn't her fault really

    • @Ari-ne2yb
      @Ari-ne2yb Před 9 měsíci +12

      @@hannahhester8376 It's the whole environment, not the fault of an individual person.
      Still doesn't justify shitty actions by individuals though

    • @bluerock1252
      @bluerock1252 Před 4 měsíci +1

      Was just looking for a comment like this. So many of the vids he showed had her and he mentioned that he did everything with this woman

  • @codymoore6765
    @codymoore6765 Před rokem +200

    Wow. What an amazing story. Will Neff is so captivating as a storyteller that I can understand how he’s so talented at everything else he does. Such a chill guy. I just feel like he’s a genuinely good hearted person. I wish this dude nothing but the best in life.

  • @kitten4me
    @kitten4me Před rokem +141

    After every horrible thing buzz feed did to you, I didn't think it would get worse and then you kept sharing more of your experiences. I can't get over how no one insisted you go to the hospital when you clearly seemed so unlike yourself. I'm glad you made it out okay and that you seem to be in a more supportive environment now. Thanks for sharing you story.

  • @LUV04111
    @LUV04111 Před rokem +156

    Will needs to hook us up with some more storytime videos because this was great

  • @NigerianMedic
    @NigerianMedic Před rokem +94

    Man, this story was a rollercoaster of emotion, especially halfway through since I didnt know a whole lot of details about BuzzFeed.
    That don't clock overtime and competitive / toxic environment gives me medical residency intern flashbacks.
    I appreciate you posting these story / advice clips on here cause I almost never can make it to your streams. Also appreciate the advice in the Hey Donna segments

  • @basquiatt
    @basquiatt Před rokem +511

    I loved to watch you on buzzfeed back in the day and I was pretty crushed when you were suddenly "gone". It makes me sad to know now how much hardship you and other people had to go through for these shitty videos :(

    • @tamhuy10
      @tamhuy10 Před rokem +6

      never knew he was in bf

    • @TennesseeGirl101
      @TennesseeGirl101 Před rokem +17

      Same here! I didn’t even put two & two together that this Will is the same Will from Buzzfeed until this! I absolutely adored seeing Will back then but I’m so sad to hear all the struggles a lot of buzzfeed workers are now coming out & saying ♥️. So glad Will made it to a better place in his life

    • @tamhuy10
      @tamhuy10 Před rokem +1

      @@TennesseeGirl101 do you know which videos he was in ? i probably watched it but didnt recognise him

  • @samuelyoung7856
    @samuelyoung7856 Před rokem +22

    I don’t want to think I was coerced, so anyway here’s the decision I was forced to make while deeply traumatized and possibly concussed, then exposed to sexual embarrassment. My guy, I respect you deeply

  • @xhandhele
    @xhandhele Před rokem +34

    This story was a greek tragedy from start to finish. HOLY SHIT, man. I see why it took 6 years to muster up the nerve to tell your story. When people treat you like shit, it weighs heavily on your soul. Don't let the haters keep you down!

  • @shootfrick
    @shootfrick Před rokem +90

    “Ohhh that right!” That’s a guy that was so violently insecure about another man talking to his wife that he had to pretend to not remember their name.

  • @joewheeler3220
    @joewheeler3220 Před rokem +191

    I get why he chooses not to see the piercing thing as super weird and abusive and I don’t equate the situation to one a woman might experience since what’s a whole different thing, but I do think if he were commenting on another person going through an extremely uncomfortable and pretty sexualized situation with/because of the understanding that it would possibly keep them from losing a job, especially a woman, he would have a very different opinion. Again not the same thing, but I don’t think he’s affording himself the same sympathy he would to others.

    • @ladyj.9350
      @ladyj.9350 Před rokem +73

      Bro I’m a chick who loves body mods and the idea that somebody would ask you to (potentially permanently) maim your genitalia for a short video stunt is horrific, man or woman.
      Like piercings are super cool and all but they can get infected, not heal up properly or scar. In areas that are important and/or sensitive, you really need to want it for yourself.
      I would say that his experience was just as bad as a female producer asking a female employee in a non sexual way. And honestly if he was asked with sexy undertones, then that’s just straight up sexual harassment.

    • @nunpho
      @nunpho Před rokem +4

      Wait... What makes you think he didn't see it as weird? That was the point he was making, that it was super dodgy. You must have just misunderstood what he was trying to stay.

  • @KennyMoffitt
    @KennyMoffitt Před rokem +16

    Hey Will, thanks for making this, not gonna lie I empathize with a lot of how you felt post-BF and you definitely illuminated some things from that time I was not aware of. I’m glad you felt the time was right for sharing

  • @iMdwag
    @iMdwag Před rokem +132

    I really appreciate this video Will. I am in a field that is also highly competitive and people can play favorites and some people genuinely want to watch you burn out of envy. This video reminds me to keep my eyes on the prize, and not to get caught up in the “devil wears prada” / “black swan” / “whiplash” nature of some of these toxic work places. Thanks for keepin it real.

  • @ralison23
    @ralison23 Před rokem +77

    I hate the air of hierarchy some on-camera people have, speaking from personal experience. It was genuinely horrific to realize working alongside people I thought would hopefully treat me with some levels of dignity, feel exactly like a stereotypical nerd jock high school relationship, even before I left the job. It’s always nice to know when a person understands and speaks out about that dichotomy, and I’m glad to see you overcame that hardship better than ever Will! 👏😤👏😎👏😁

  • @paolapaolapaolapaolalaola
    @paolapaolapaolapaolalaola Před rokem +258

    It’s so obvious hindsight that Ned was out to get you. I’m sorry Will! But you are prevailing and are so awesome at what you do. We’re all proud of you! Shoutout to Hasan who stayed true to you. That’s a real one. Sending you lots of light and wishing you the best!!
    Side note: the baked Alaska thing is so freaking crazy to contemplate

  • @fortehbirds
    @fortehbirds Před rokem +32

    I left a company that turned into a place that cranks out dog shit in an industry I care really deeply about. I left a year and a half ago and started my own business and I’m in a low moment in it currently. This all gives me faith to stay the course. Thanks for being vulnerable dude. Glad things turned out exactly the way they were supposed to for you.

  • @shahzebahmed5774
    @shahzebahmed5774 Před rokem +38

    its my first time watching will and i sat listening for the whole hour. He seems like such a genuine and nice guy. Definitely will have to keep up with his stuff now.

    • @iamporkychops
      @iamporkychops Před rokem +10

      would recommend watching Name Your Price, he's a fantastic host too!

    • @shahzebahmed5774
      @shahzebahmed5774 Před rokem +9

      @@iamporkychops will do and ty for the recommendation

  • @MaddyRose1998
    @MaddyRose1998 Před rokem +18

    I’m convinced Ned is who stole the hard drive and bought the iPhone. He had to pretend not to recognize Will to keep up the charade.

  • @mama_iri
    @mama_iri Před rokem +12

    Will Neff was introduced to me through Paymoneywubby and Ludwig game shows. The infectious humor and way he commanded any scene he was in was absolutely delightful to ingest.
    I had no idea Will was one of the victims in Buzzfeed's toxic workplace. Each story was more horrifying than the next. Even 6 years later, I can hear the lingering pain that was caused by people who betrayed him, when he just wanted to be a helpful and successful talent. There are no words or amount of compensation to satisfy the malicious negligence that Will suffered in his time there. Will just wanted everyone to succeed and truly looked for the good in his peers.
    It's humbling to hear Will say that Ned is an imperfect man. Will knows when to hold his tongue. I have a new respect for him and understand why people love him for more than his content persona.
    Will, I hope this video helps you find internal peace. I hope great opportunities are presented to you. You didn't deserve to be pressured to bare yourself naked in front of opposite sex strangers, or to perform after a traumatic accident. Good luck and blessings Will Neff.

  • @lilprolapse4206
    @lilprolapse4206 Před rokem +25

    This story captivated me. Wills ability to overcome the impossible, and in the end come out such an amazing and loving person really does inspire me. I don't get to catch the live a lot, so I'm grateful to have been able to hear this. Much love man, much fucking love ♥️

  • @h_does_living
    @h_does_living Před rokem +13

    this is the best "why I left buzzfeed" video.

  • @Maria_745
    @Maria_745 Před rokem +13

    48:37 sounds like this is about Kelsey Darragh... Will was in a lot of videos with her and she went on to be one of the most visible talents on the channel. She also was in a series with Ned after Will was fired

  • @thiagoareias76
    @thiagoareias76 Před rokem +19

    I watched this 1 hour video like it was 15 minutes. Great listening to your experience, WIll, and the little bits in pieces to which I can relate. Keep trucking!

  • @omars7951
    @omars7951 Před rokem +20

    It was tough to hear all the shit you had to go through, but its awesome to see you now thriving and doing amazing things now!

  • @bringurownvibe
    @bringurownvibe Před rokem +121

    It's disgusting that Buzzfeed did this shit, which was very known, not just because of how brutal and shitty it is, but also because their content was actual trash.

    • @whatwhatwhatttttt
      @whatwhatwhatttttt Před 11 měsíci

      kinda insane that you're calling their content "trash" after hearing will explain how much work went into them, often from overworked interns. yikes.
      the COMPANY is trash

    • @gomjabbar6246
      @gomjabbar6246 Před 10 měsíci +8

      @@whatwhatwhatttttt this video featured a segment in which buzzfeed interns drank their own piss.

  • @kyber9618
    @kyber9618 Před rokem +22

    i feel like more people need to hear stories like this. thank you for sharing your experience

  • @jackjae4thewin
    @jackjae4thewin Před rokem +28

    I didn't know who Will was until I saw him on Austin's show. Always saw Will as a funny dude who didn't show vulnerability, but seeing the heartache through his storytelling has been eye opening to me. I'm happy that Will is now passionate about what he does and I really enjoy seeing him continue to build his community. Keep being true to yourself Will :)

  • @Chachixo
    @Chachixo Před rokem +58

    Wow this was quite a ride. In all of the videos of this kind I've seen, I don't think anyone was ever this honest about everything. It's probably mostly a proximity thing - everyone described it as competitive but didn't really paint a picture of the manipulation or the cut throat nature of the machine. The implication that the company's practices may have played a role in radicalizing someone, the causal environment of office hookups and nudity and an ever-changing proverbial line that you must not cross...it sounds so awful and yet they convinced most people it was worth it. The lengths people went to to sabotage you makes my skin crawl, but that's corporate American isn't it? Congratulations on getting out of that dump.

  • @pablomedina4329
    @pablomedina4329 Před rokem +36

    Ariel is the GOAT and will you are the fucking GOAT, this is the most in depth story about the fuckedupness that went on there and it makes me understand you and this whole situation a lot better. tons of love to everyone man

  • @bboo1688
    @bboo1688 Před rokem +135

    Oh sweetie. You were exploited. I know you said you consented but no you were exploited.
    And that final Ariel story... thank you for adding it to show how nice she is even without a camera on.

  • @violetr7296
    @violetr7296 Před rokem +15

    love how this guy just casually dropped that buzzfeed is slightly responsible for the proliferation of Breitbart in the last few years and then just moved on 😂😅😔

  • @trytoxania7020
    @trytoxania7020 Před 11 měsíci +5

    I am discovering Will’s content tonight. This is my third video or so. I am so glad to have found my way here.

  • @TG-zb5tm
    @TG-zb5tm Před rokem +11

    I hope you tell more stories in this format Will, i feel like theres so much wisdom for you to share

  • @maddiemalacopa
    @maddiemalacopa Před 7 měsíci +5

    Aw my heart breaks for you will for that experience. None of us signs up for labor violations, coercion, extortion, exploitation and it’s always their bad. Bosses are so evil. I’ve been there where you can’t say “no” there’s no words for how horrible it is.

  • @laogon09
    @laogon09 Před rokem +13

    The Try Guys (separate from BuzzFeed) made a video about 9 months ago where the Try Moms were recreating Iconic magazine covers (with Playboy in the thumbnail), so I think that's why so many people in chat genuinely believed they watched Will's stolen/lost video

  • @TonyHanation
    @TonyHanation Před rokem +6

    Saw Will in some Lud videos, but never watched a video.
    Just listened to this whole thing. An hour gone by, and not one dull moment.
    Great story telling and great life lessons.
    Subbed and liked.

  • @zarfs_
    @zarfs_ Před rokem +17

    150k views in 3 days! Even though I watched this live, Will is a phenomenal story-teller and listening to him talk is always entrancing. Truly my favorite streamer. Neaux's editing is on-point as always, compressing this huge topic down into something easily digestible. Thank you for all the great content!

  • @jaredsarnie3712
    @jaredsarnie3712 Před rokem +24

    This was honestly a heartbreaking tale of treachery.

  • @cb-wi1cq
    @cb-wi1cq Před rokem +136

    Will is a national treasure who must be protected at all costs

  • @namegirl12
    @namegirl12 Před rokem +16

    Ew the fact that Ned is almost certainly a creep in the workplace and he was head of the interns gives me the heebie-jeebies

  • @xjmasterx0907
    @xjmasterx0907 Před rokem +19

    “we just kept goin” profound stuff. I’ve been feeling like how you did at that party everyday recently. I’ve gained a lot of weight over the pandemic and when I see people I once was closer to and they see how I look now I feel ashamed. The thought of more people seeing how I look now has stopped me from meeting up with friends and even going out in general. I’m not gonna pretend like the word you said at the end of the video are gonna change my entire life, but rather than letting this weight gain and self doubt stop me from living as it has been, I’ll just keep going. Whether it be going to the gym, going to meet up with friends or even just going outside in general. I will just keep going. Even though you’ll probably never see this, I felt like it needed to be said. Thank you Will.

  • @maccally1
    @maccally1 Před rokem +12

    This is an amazing video Will, your CZcams is beyond underrated. This was an incredible story and it had me captivated the entire time, really sorry that they chewed you up like that!

  • @yurihime9739
    @yurihime9739 Před rokem +7

    A one hour video has never felt shorter!! This was such an interesting video, not only in regards to your experience but also what creatives could experience/should be on the watch for in environments like this

  • @BreadRidge
    @BreadRidge Před 8 měsíci +6

    I never watch these story time videos but this is so good will is actually electric.

  • @qaleidoscope
    @qaleidoscope Před rokem +11

    I remember watching you on BuzzFeed and having a crush on you because you are so charismatic and likeable. You're a born entertainer and I'm so happy you've found a bigger audience!

  • @wildbouquet7941
    @wildbouquet7941 Před rokem +18

    I expected his experience to be bad but I didn’t expect it to be THIS bad😨

  • @helloliahi
    @helloliahi Před rokem +4

    super compelling storytelling, good shit right here will. happy youre in a better place now after going through all that shit ❤️

  • @maddieeich5717
    @maddieeich5717 Před rokem +9

    The videos you were in is what got me hooked on buzzfeed years ago at their peak. They majorly took advantage of your talent

  • @silly8917
    @silly8917 Před rokem +25

    i'll say it again, man: there's no one around doing it quite like you. you truly deserve the best

  • @jfgavyt555
    @jfgavyt555 Před rokem +17

    This might be the tightest, most interesting, and most engaging hour posted to this platform in years

  • @kokomoonie
    @kokomoonie Před 11 měsíci +6

    Great video!
    When I was 16, Baked Alaska followed me on Instagram and liked all my selfies. That is my contribution to this conversation.

  • @AdrianAye
    @AdrianAye Před rokem

    i really related to this a lot man. You deserve a lot more. Appreciate you sharing your story.

  • @polarberri
    @polarberri Před rokem +3

    What a horrifying experience. I'm so sorry for all they put you through; it feels gut-wrenching when someone has it out for you for no reason. Thank you for sharing and shedding light on this.

  • @cothikaju
    @cothikaju Před rokem +3

    Will.. I have not been following you for very long but this video truly moved me. I want to cry, laugh and celebrate with you for surviving that experience. I had something similar happen to me in the corporate world. I came into a very prestigious organisation through a competitive internship programme and then a management associate programme. But after nearly five gruelling years.. i left with nothing. I missed two promotions and was given very non substantive reasons. They tried to say that I didn’t achieve results, but refused to acknowledge that I didn’t have the right resources to produce those results. My peers have progressed well and far ahead of me. And it’s frankly a mystery why I’m so far behind when I’m just as intellectually capable, honest and hardworking. Like in your case, I’m pretty sure someone high up simply did not like me. I just wish I’d caught onto that fact earlier and left before my mental health really tanked. Also, I relate so hard to so many of your experiences. The CZcams party where you saw familiar faces and felt small.,, that made me feel SEEN. I don’t know what I’m really trying to say here Will, but I guess… thank you for making this video? And good luck for all the amazing things I know you’ll continue to do.

  • @dellarae
    @dellarae Před rokem +7

    Why I left buzzfeed is it's own youtube genre

  • @chillarypuff
    @chillarypuff Před rokem +3

    That was an amazing video, thank you for sharing!! I really enjoy the way you tell stories, you truly have a gift

  • @janine2313
    @janine2313 Před rokem +3

    never watched a single video or stream of Will, and this just single-handedly made me sub

  • @notanimportantperson
    @notanimportantperson Před rokem +9

    I worked at a suit fitting company in downtown San Francisco and experienced a little bit of this. I recognize the meaning of that "you have to clear overtime" line. You mean im supposed to just tell customers 'too bad your wedding is in a week, get fucked?' No, it meant i was hand delivering suits to angry customers on my fucking bike on my way home sometimes, among other things. God bless our tailors too. I will say though, my boss who had to utter that line was under a much similar pressure from his bosses. They were decent people who left the company too, and matter of fact my own bosses filed a lawsuit against the company and we all received some checks in the mail. Respect to everyone who worked there but fuck the higher higher ups who treated us all like ants.
    Much love Will. You deserve all the success and more. Also thanks for putting up an hour long video on youtube haha.

  • @Elch0l0duke
    @Elch0l0duke Před rokem +11

    The amount of work you put into your content is amazing. I’ve never seen an entertainer as fun and innovating as you. I hope even greater things for you Will!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎉🎉🎊🎊

  • @Ayafungamer
    @Ayafungamer Před rokem +2

    Honestly such an amazing story and I'm glad to see you get to somewhere great, I can't recommend watching this video enough

  • @WARofROSES
    @WARofROSES Před rokem +3

    Will is one of the best story tellers I've ever heard. I will never forget my first time learning about his livestreams. He told the most amazing story about him on shrooms at a wedding, and the way he detailed every little thing was just perfect. He really makes you feel enveloped like you were actually witnessing it happen in the moment. He's simply tantalizing. He's extremely wise as a result of the BS he's been through, and he ALWAYS has amazing advice. Will carries an amazing story and never fails to make me laugh, cry, and feel inspired.

  • @BAILOUTWRESTLING
    @BAILOUTWRESTLING Před rokem +24

    Never knew u was on buzzfeed but glad I know of you now

  • @chihuahuainacone
    @chihuahuainacone Před rokem +18

    Some really talented people came out of Buzzfeed's grinder, and that's the one silver lining of that dumpster fire of a company.
    Like Ryan and Shane from Buzzfeed Unsolved, love those guys!

  • @yoshita4140
    @yoshita4140 Před rokem

    you're a great story teller. i'm sorry you went through that shit

  • @pantomimegoose
    @pantomimegoose Před rokem +1

    This is probably one of the best of these I've seen, great analysis of the toxicity and seeming disregard for employee's wellbeing.

  • @isidorajovanovic2979
    @isidorajovanovic2979 Před 4 měsíci +3

    tell me why did I just watch a 1 hour long video without even being aware it was that long? this is the first time i've come across Will, but damn he's an amazing storyteller

  • @nixasteria
    @nixasteria Před 5 měsíci +3

    As an adhd straight woman I sometimes accidentally stare at boobs/ have a fear that I will stare at someone’s boobs

  • @Bitoru
    @Bitoru Před rokem +7

    I empathize with Will so damn much. I had very similar shit happen to me too. I’m sorry that it happened like that man.

  • @inhumANthropoid
    @inhumANthropoid Před rokem +4

    Love videos like this... Will has such a gift as a story teller

  • @Jigglexphysics
    @Jigglexphysics Před rokem +8

    Ngl as a person with ADHD-C, even as a woman, any “excessive” exposure of skin is distracting. It’s not even about sexual attraction. It’s literally just me wondering how that’s comfortable or noticing birthmarks and for some reason getting hyper focused on said birthmark. ADHD is hard as hell, especially working in a corporate environment where I have to conform to neurotypical standards

  • @jhbobcat1
    @jhbobcat1 Před rokem +47

    You often learn the most from the shittiest jobs in the world, a lot of what Will talks about happened at an old job of mine and I grew as a person from that horrible experience. Now I'm in a stable job and back in a place mentally were I can look to pursue my other passions and further my career. Glad to see you turned Buzzfeed into 100 Thieves and G4 Will. Its such an inspiration man.

  • @jonnycasual996
    @jonnycasual996 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great story. I am very glad you survived this experience and continued to become successful. Such resilience!

  • @RamenFrogu-zr2mc
    @RamenFrogu-zr2mc Před 11 měsíci +1

    Man, I love the way you tell stories, I can't step away. I love your voice and the way you carry yourself, thanks for existing! :]

  • @KurogueNine
    @KurogueNine Před rokem +3

    Hi! I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that hardship and I hope you're doing better now, at least it seems so to me (i'm a new viewer and found you through fear&/ hasan and ludwig). It's honestly inspiring how you went through all of that and still kept your passion. Wishing you all the best! 💜

  • @HarrisonDoyle
    @HarrisonDoyle Před rokem +26

    I would never have put 2 and 2 together about that being you at buzzfeed, I remember watching a lot of this stuff when I was deployed LOL
    Thank you for the content as it super fun to watch!

    • @Kenzieistired99
      @Kenzieistired99 Před rokem +4

      No same Im sitting here shocked and floored lollll

    • @tamhuy10
      @tamhuy10 Před rokem

      yeah i used to watch bf before it turned ti shit and started watching will for gta

  • @papasfritas5730
    @papasfritas5730 Před rokem

    Omg I remember you now that’s so crazy thanks for unlocking this memory 💆🏽‍♀️

  • @fatherof3537
    @fatherof3537 Před rokem +1

    Was hanging on every word. Appreciate you telling the story.

  • @Ticklestein
    @Ticklestein Před rokem +10

    1:00:00 - You were the only one who as an intern who went fellow, and he didn’t remember you? I call full BS on that. This guy had management meeting that went long because of you, he never will forget you.

  • @finaltime21
    @finaltime21 Před rokem +9

    .... bruh I was watching this and I was so intrigued in his storytelling that I didn't even realised its been over an hour. You are amazing

  • @aarons8711
    @aarons8711 Před rokem +1

    Omg, hit tweet-and also an incredibly clarifying comment on the whole of the drama

  • @amorfatikhb
    @amorfatikhb Před rokem +5

    I’m truthfully really glad that I got to know you outside of Buzzfeed. I think you’re a great entertainer and content maker, and I’m really happy that doing this makes *you* happy, too. I only wish you the best with your life and career.