I was going to stay out of this until I read Spencer’s attacks on a fan in the thread suggesting Jeff and Spencer start a spinoff. I feel there is something that needs to be stated here.

The ‘fanbase’ is not a collective entity. We don’t all agree with each other. Ever since this drama started, there has been a rapidly more aggressive trend where Spencer’s is saying ‘you guys’ and lumping everyone into his attacks. I purchased every season of Harmonquest, paid for subscriptions, bought the documentary, all because I’m such a big fan of everything this group does. But the way the entire fanbase is getting treated right now is disgusting. We empathize with you, Spencer. Online bullying sucks. But even I feel attacked when you are lashing out at other fans for posting ideas and simply having discussions.

You can’t possibly expect to share anything in the social media space and not expect fans to comment or have opinions. That is what fans do. And it isn’t the fault of the fans for discussing and forming opinions (however incorrect) about information you shared. Which brings me to my next point.

Harmontown was not monetized for the longest time, yes? Now it is. And in business, the biggest no-no is sharing what you make, especially with your customers. It doesn’t matter if the number is too high or too low. You just don’t talk about it. If someone tries to force you, block them. I’ve had to delete my reddit account before for sharing something I shouldn’t have. It blew up in my face and served as a breeding ground for hate toward a hurting family. The people that bully online should go to fucking hell. But it’s completely unreasonable to lash out at everyone collectively because a few hornets are stinging people. And it’s also unreasonable to not take any responsibility when you handed them the fuel, whether accidentally or not.

I think there is a severe misunderstanding here of what is expected from any online community. If that isn’t recognized and addressed, and if there is continued vitriolic behavior toward your fans as a whole, you’re going to alienate people and disenfranchise yourself from their respect.

So that’s where I’m at. I think the best thing is to bone out and find a new podcast because, as a longtime fan, there just isn’t a need for all this toxicity.