Monday - Update on Content
We will be providing daily updates to Patreon until we hear back from SAG-AFTRA and commit to any long-term plan.
We have reached out to SAG-AFTRA and we expect to hear back from them before Wednesday.
Our current expectation is that our content will fall under one or more of their exceptions and we will resume posting content as normal. However, we are also preparing for the case where we are informed that our covering of struck content will be detrimental to SAG-AFTRA’s efforts. If that is the case, know that we are working to make sure that other exciting content is taking its place.
While we have not yet received clarification, we have found some additional official information on the strike and what shows do and do not fall under the strike and have determined that the following shows do not fall under their guidelines for struck content and we will resume posting reactions to these shows*:
Ben 10: Alien Force – (Categorized by SAG-AFTRA as - Basic Cable Agreement for Animated Motion Pictures)
Batman the Animated Series – (Categorized by SAG-AFTRA as - Television Animation)
Here is a list of common questions and concerns we have seen in the comments. Please know that we are reading all comments in these posts, and will do our best to address them in future posts.
Is Blind Wave stopping all posting of new content?
No, we will continue to post reactions to the following. We are currently only expecting to pause content for less than a week while we receive clarification. If that is extended, different content will replace the struck content.
Assassination Classroom
Ben 10 Alien Force
Naruto Shippuden
Batman The Animated Series
Spy x Family (Anime Poll Winner)
Why are you doing this if you are not in SAG-AFTRA? Are considering joining SAG-AFTRA?
Some of our members are interested in potentially joining SAG-AFTRA in the future. Blind Wave as a whole also wishes to stand with the actors and writers who have worked hard to create great content that Blind Wave and our Waveriders have enjoyed watching, reviewing, and discussing.
How long will the pause be?
We expect to hear back from SAG-AFTRA before Wednesday. Depending on their clarifications the pause will either end as soon as we hear from them, or it will continue past that. If it does continue past that, we will be working on replacement content for the struck shows.
Is Blind Wave encouraging people to cancel their subscriptions to streaming services?
No. As far as we are aware SAG-AFTRA is not calling for a boycott of streaming services. Please refer to https://www.sagaftra.org/ for more information.
If struck companies haven’t been paying you to promote, are you actually promoting?
It’s true that we have not been paid to promote these shows. However, SAG-AFTRA’s stance on promotion is murky. There has been guidance given from SAG sources that you should not be promoting struck work even “organically.” We are unsure if our reaction content is to be considered under their influencer guidelines, their press/media guidelines, or something else altogether. So until we know for sure, we are pausing. https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/influencer-faqs
I’ve seen that SAG has instructed people to support already made content. Isn’t what you are doing hurting SAG?
We have seen messaging indicating both sides of this issue: they have specifically asked influencers and podcasters to not promote struck work. Reviews seem to be ok. We were unable to come to a conclusion, so we’ve reached out to SAG-AFTRA directly for clarification.
“Yes, they are considered promotional. Rewatch and companion shows drive people to the struck companies’ platforms to watch the shows promoted by your podcast. We must stand together to show those companies our power and influence so they will provide performers with a fair contract.” - https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/podcaster-faqs
Can I get a refund on Patreon?
We currently expect the delay in posted content to only last a few days. However, you can always directly message us here on Patreon for a refund. https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021113811-How-do-I-request-a-refund-
If you are reacting to non-struck content on a streaming service, doesn’t that defeat the purpose?
SAG-AFTRA has not called for a consumer, or any other type of boycott of streaming services as of this time.
Other reactors are continuing to post reactions and have not taken this stance. The Reel Rejects made a video that clarified this issue. Why are you halting reactions when other reactors are not?
We have seen direct communication from SAG-AFTRA to other reactors that have asked them in no uncertain terms to stop posting reactions of struck content. We have also seen the messaging that The Reel Rejects has received. There is no way that both of these positions can be true, so we are seeking clarification. The reason we chose to temporarily halt posting was because that if the stance of “you should not react to struck content” was their position it would equate to us crossing the picket line if we continued to do so. If what the Reel Rejects received that “reactions were fine” was correct and we temporarily halted reactions anyway it would not be crossing the picket line. So, we erred on the side of caution to do what we felt would have the least chance of hurting the strikes efforts.
Will we ever see the reactions to struck shows?
If we are directly informed by SAG-AFTRA that our reactions do not fall under their strike guidelines, reactions will be posted as soon as possible. If the information we receive is that our reactions to stuck content are hurting SAG-AFTRA’s efforts, our current plan would be to continue those reactions series at some point after the strike is over.
Why aren’t you reacting to older shows? Shouldn’t you just be pausing new shows?
We have seen direct contact from SAG-AFTRA to other reactors that specifically mention older shows. There is also this on their FAQ:
“Guests: Appearing as a guest on any podcast to promote struck work is not allowed under any circumstances. This includes promotion of work you did in the past. Remember, past work is just as important to the streamers’ bottom lines as upcoming work. Streaming services are putting performers’ work on their platforms to exist there forever without letting the performers share in the revenue they are receiving as a result of having an endless supply of content that performers like you made possible.” - https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/podcaster-faqs
*https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/Strike_Can_Work.pdf
If you have any further questions, please comment down below.
Comments (74)
Red Dwarf or some classic Who would be great
This makes me think of one of my favorite lines from the Expanse: "You were always trying to be a good man, not everyone does, thank you. It's nice to not having to worry about being on the right team" Whether your decisions are always right or not, you're always trying to do good, which is awesome. If the pause has to continue, I'll probably go watch the full lengths for the Expanse
Will it be possible to do double drops now cause of this? For like Naruto Shippuden
Naruto should be releasing anyway since it's an anime
Will you guys post all the content that we missed in one day or just continue the schedule as usual?
BEN MUTHA F-ING 10
Damn, spy family, not a terrible pick, but not something I'm eager to rewatch either, so guess this really is it for me when assclass ends. It's been a pleasure, I've enjoyed your content over the last 7 years, and will definitely keep an eye out on your channel for anything new in the future. Good luck with your endeavor here, and hope to be back in the near future.
my uninformed/ignorant guess on why they're giving contradicting info on reactions vs picket line is likely the same as to why they reject our boycot. Some of the writers/actors probably don't have any publicity/networking other than through struck content accessible through subscribing to the streaming services, while others may be lucky enough to still be involved in ongoing projects or hired for non-struck content/ fairer companies.
My guess is that this is typical SAG. Historically this has happened, where different people within the organization are giving different answers to the same question. Part of it is due to the organized disorganization that comes with almost any grouping of people while another part of it is designed strategy. Labor unions, in general, do this and it is arguably a decent tactic in their situation. They are vague and contradictory about certain elements of their strike purposely until they understand the perception in a live environment, from both their members and the general public. Labor unions need support of their members and they thrive if they have favorable public perception (or at least more favorable than the business they are in conflict with). Being vague and having contradicting information about how to strike allows them to feel it out as the strike progresses, ensuring they can always pivot based on reception through clarifying the direction they want to commit to. They also have no domain over anyone outside their membership, so they are in a spot where they might want reactors to stop all reactions to struck content but have to be careful because of the negative perception it could bring them. Despite that, they still try to establish control and authority over non-members through statements like, "Any non-member seeking future membership in SAG-AFTRA who performs covered work or services for a struck company during the strike will not be admitted into membership in SAG-AFTRA." They use that as a way to bully non-members into goose step with them without directly telling non-members that they can't do something (which would be received negatively in most cases). It is very effective, as you can see from so many non-members reaching out to SAG to find out if they can get permission to do something. Those people give authority to SAG in the present out of fear of possible exclusion in the future.
boys this is how we get more than one naruto reaction a week! lol jk. this is really cool thing to do! nobody likes scabs
How can wave riders help further support blind wave as a part of this strike?
Having never seen "Spy x Family", I'm looking forward to experiencing it for the first time with the Blindwave crew.
Love to see the solidarity and clarity. Without writers we don't have tv and movies, and without those we don't have reaction channels. Anyone feeling the chafe of this strike should look all the way up the chain to the executives who won't come to fair terms and let everyone get back to work!
If Battlestar Galactica doesn't fall in this category, now is the time to react. It's been on plenty of polls. ;)
BSG is one of my favs! 2nd only to The Expanse in terms of Sci-Fi shows. It spans 4 seasons with 76 episodes. If they react to that, they'll have me as a subscriber for at least another year or two.
SPY X FAMILY LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This is exactly what the studios want
Why do you think that?
I feel like this is a BS excuse for blind wave to take some time off
You keep posting the same comments. BlindWave have taken breaks before.
Thank god. Ben 10 is the highlight of my life rn
Thanks for the update, Team BW! Appreciate all that you do, in support of the strike and in general!
while I don't fully agree with the decision (I don't have a lot of love for Hollywood writers. SPECIALLY in recent years. that's not to say I'm siding with the companies. I have a "let them fight" kind of view in the most situation.). I do respect the transparency and the professionalism.
I respect Blind Wave's stance. My first reaction was, "what does Blind Wave and reactors have to do with the strike?" and while I've cooled down a bit I still understand the knee jerk reaction people are having to this news. I don't like idea of limited content from my fave reaction channel either. BUT Blind Wave has always been streets ahead when it come to professionalism on Youtube as Reactors. They were some of the first to take notes during reactions, and they also set the standard for how reaction channels interact with fans, i.e. Patreon and Discord. I was a bit shocked at first and am still a bit annoyed but Blind Wave has such strong integrity that I can't be mad at them.
I find it highly annoying, we pay for them to react just for them to say no, because some people are striking. Like seriously... make your patreon free until the strike ends ag least, waste of money else wise
Appreciate the update on the situation.
If needed will you be taking suggestions to replace struck content or assessing your option for this yourself?
Thank you Blind Wave. Thank you for sticking to your principles and supporting a cause that is right. Amidst all the backlash, you have many more of us who are in full support of your decision. This will all pass hopefully sooner, than later.
It's stupid to feel proud about something I have nothing to do with, but I feel it all the same. Hope the striking workers can have their demands met soon, but I'm with them (and you) for as long as it takes.
Honestly, I’m looking forward to catching up on some backlogged shows that I’ve always wanted to watch with you guys, but never got to because of scheduling.
So happy for Spy X Family to win 😁😁 once in a while having a slice of life type anime is fun too. I know not everyone likes it but lets all try to enjoy it together regardless 😁🥳
Would be possible for you guys to do reactions to foreign content much like with the animes?
So Happy that Spy x Family won and The Finale will be realise on December 19th and Season 2 of Spy x Family begins in October meaning that you can be Season 1 and 2 Back to back
Great to see you guys supporting what is right. Worst case scenario, we get more anime content lol
Glad you guys aren't buckling under the loud opposition from yesterday.
I haven’t gone back and counted (I’m not a masochist after all) but it feels like a vocal minority and most people, while they didn’t love it, understood what was happening and why. Those who didn’t… made damn sure everyone else knew they didn’t, repeatedly, on every single fucking comment.
I feel like someone at BlindWave read my comment and discussion with others and literally plopped them into the post. I appreciate the update whether it was personal or not. :D
We read all the comments on here, youtube, discord, etc. and tried to answer some of the major questions people have.
Just a quick head up that Post Credit Scenes begin from Ep7 (But don't appear in every Episode)
Truly appreaciate you doing the right thing, and keeping us updated about it.
Vinland?
I want Kaguya to win too y’all, but SpyxFamily will be a lot of fun! I’m really looking forward to seeing them enjoy it. And I appreciate BW standing beside the strikers and being so transparent with their plans and thought process.
I think y’all will enjoy Spy x Family a lot.
Please consider adding "Bleach" anime to your schedule. This is the perfect time to start it.
It's never a good time to start "Bleach". The Normies, who usually like fighting anime, are even lukewarm on it.
I think demon slayer and JJK should be okay
Spy x family 😔 I just want Samurai Champloo to get some love 😩
Shame the PR department didn’t strike with them, this could have all been handled much better. Choices like this will turn public opinion on what should have been a home run against greedy corporations.
Good luck getting clarification from SAG-AFTRA as it seems they’re confused too. A lot of conflicting messages from them. Which leaves me to believe they are still figuring it out themselves.
Let's see how long it takes for flashwave to start bitching again as he/she/they did in the previous comment section
YoU aRe suPpoRtiNg tHe StUdIOs 😂
Kaguya will never win :(
Thank you for your solidarity.
Spy x Family is great, will make for fun reactions, despite the naysayers =) As always, Blind Wave handle things very professionally and I appreciate the detailed and open communication with paying fanbase (and the free ones too; they're certainly keeping YouTube directly updated as well!)
What a refreshingly non-asshole reply. 💜
Not that important but might as well ask: when shows return, will you be posting them to the schedule you had before, or will they resume from that point forward (a new schedule basically)? Good luck in the following weeks. Great update post, you guys show time and time again why you're the best reactors out there!
Love the transparency and solidarity ya’ll are showing here. Appreciate you doing this even at your detriment, to help the strike end sooner and in favor of the actors and writers!
Spy Family winning the polls is worse news than the content being put on hold
We won't be commenting on all replies here directly (we'll save it for tomorrow's post), but we just wanted to let you know that we cracked up and Aaron almost spit out his drink.
Maybe we can get a suprize reaction to JJK season 2 in the meantime?
they will react to it when dub catches up to the sub which will be ep 6 of jjk after the two week break the show will be having.
boy you know this still isnt gonna be enough for some people
Hopefully those people can get a little perspective in their lives, if that’s the case. It’s a short, minor inconvenience, and the guys are just trying to do the right thing. I’m applauding them for their respect to the people working behind the scenes on these movies and shows, and their caution in the matter. I can’t wait to see them react to more Lasso and Always Sunny, but I also completely get it. Hopefully people will be able to calm down a little and realize a (hopefully brief) hiatus isn’t the end of the world.
Just wanna say, I appreciate the transparency through this and think you guys are doing what’s right 100%. No harm in searching out clarification in a difficult time for the medium you guys cover so heavily. Those who love you guys, myself included, will stick through and support you guys through that either way!
I’m curious how many subscribers you lost in the last few days?
Hopefully the problematic ones that threw a hissy fit, and the conservatives that hate people being paid fairly
For movie polls, you can watch from nonstruck production companies. Meaning you can watch Hunger Games which is produced by a nonstruck companies
How did spy family even win 💀
Got the most votes
Spy x Family won?! Don’t get me wrong it’s a good show but What’s it gotta take for Kaguya to get the W it deserves?!
It never will
Demon slayer?
the dub isnt out yet
The transparency on your thought process has been fantastic thank you