I'm completely gutted that Crystal from Bag-O-Day has decided to step back from hosting on YouTube. While I didn't agree with all of her opinions, what was clear to me, she had a passion for the yarn arts and learned a lot during the process.
In This Project
Opinions
Opinions are just that... opinions. You take in the position, examine it, and determine what you take from the messaging. Not everyone likes the projects, yarn, or teaching techniques, and there are people who are forceful in their opinions to ensure theirs is the only ones that matter. For me, I have had to learn not to take opinions so harshly or to push them aside when I agree to disagree. At the end of the day, when the noise settles, it's really just yarn. We are not trying to save the world... really... I know it may be hard to believe.
Crystal does something that I am scared to do. I am honest in my reviews, but if I don't like something, I won't let a negative review come out of my mouth on YouTube, as I don't want the blowback. That takes guts, and I don't have the mental capacity to deal with it. My personal belief is that my opinion on something may not align with that of another person, who may absolutely love the product and have good reasons of their own. To me, she is brave, but that bravery comes with negativity.
Breaking Through The Barrier
To break through on YouTube, you have a 0.13% chance of breaking through the noise to be suggested on a regular basis by YouTube for content. Only 13 channels out of 10,000 will ever get to her level. She spoke to the everyday crocheter.
When you break through, it creates jealousy and hatred from others without ever having spoken to the person directly. I learned this in my first year on YouTube, going hard after the pioneer of teaching Crochet Videos back in 2008. I was determined to beat her, and I couldn't get even close. My mistake was believing, for a short stint, that I was all that and a bag of chips. I had an awakening moment that there is room for all YouTube Hosts. Some hosts are more likable than others. Focus on the likeability and listen to what others have to say, not the trash, but the affirmation of what is being done right. Hone it, work it, and get better.
I've Seen Other YouTube Hosts Do Others Dirty
In 18 years of experience, I have seen so many hosts come and go. But in my world, there is a real mental strain on hosts who break through. They do it by staying true to their personality.
Yes, some people love to watch a train wreck but eventually get tired of the color of the train and move on. When you wallow in negativity, you are going to get in back ten-fold.
However, there are hosts that peddle negativity despite the damage it can do to another person's spirit. Let's face it, some thrive on that, but then cry out when it bounces back in their faces and claim to be victims. I have seen that so much, and I can tell pretty quickly if the host will ever make it, but they are too short-sighted to see the long-term damage they are doing to themselves. But I am usually ignoring them, and when they disappear, I will not have noticed.
There is room for everyone on YouTube; I will go to my grave believing it.
A Part of Her Continues
Crystal is most likely responsible for teaching millions of people to crochet and even explore the journey of yarn in her time. In ways people may never understand, she may have been ground zero for a family that started crocheting and continued into another generation and so on. They may not know her name, but her hands and voice were the inspiration to show them the way.
I've come to pieces several times over the past eighteen years, but I keep coming back to the same question that prevents me from moving on. "What other job can I do that is so creative and, besides the social media element that is tough, can keep me motivated and excited?" It comes back to The Crochet Crowd every time.
We Share the Same Community
According to my analytics reviews, I can see behind the scenes. Subscriber to subscriber, we both have the same subscriber base. The loss of her ongoing content will be noticed. I applaud her courage to speak to the truth about the pressure and drama that comes with being a public figure.
I do disagree with her on one element, though. She stated she no longer has influence. Her content is evergreen. You will be able to tune in to it for years and pick up knowledge and tips from her. She was skillful in the ways she taught online. She made a difference and will continue to do so in the years to come.
She May Do a Comeback
In many ways, a break may be needed — a mental reset — or this could be the end of a chapter and a chance to move on. Either way, she knows what is best for her and trusts her judgment.
I know that if a comeback ever happens, her community will embrace her, and her knowledge of thirst, her point of view, and her teaching style will be met with a warm welcome.
So I am not saying goodbye, but wishing Crystal a safe journey. Hosts like her come along once in a blue moon, and it's possible we will eclipse again in the future.
Pearl S RI says
I was so sad to hear Crystal resign from YouTube. I happened to be watching when Crystals and her family were put in danger. We also need to know that Crystal also has someone going on physical that prevents her from crocheting. Hopefully over time that will get better even if she doesn't do YouTube videos. always recommend the cricket crowd, yarnspirations and bag o day. Mikey was the first video I tried - crocodile stitch scarf and hooked 😂 because you where excited about the yarn you choose and the biggest thing is you made a mistake and didn't edit it out of the video. And bag o day have me the confidence to make a wearable and how to make it just perfect for me. I just pray that Crystal continues to find joy. I feel like YouTubers that I watch on a regular basis become a friend that I truly care about. Thank you Mikey for sharing yourself with us. You both helped me through a very dark time and now crochet is my anxiety med and my security blanket that i carry everyday everywhere.
Karen Robinson says
I love Crystal and I will really miss her videos. I pray everything goes well for her and that we may see her in the future. If not, I hope she lives a happy life with her family and knows that she made a huge impact on so many people and that we appreciate, love and will miss her.
Amy Koehnlein says
I’m so sad that Crystal feels she needs to do this! She has been my ‘go to’ for years❣️
I hope it’s her best decision’ 🤷♀️
Nancy G. says
I'm sad to see her stop doing videos on YT. I love her yarn reviews the best! We will all be here to support her if/when she decides to return. I do believe in karma and whatever someone did to her will bite them in the ***. I'm certain of it. Thanks for supporting her, Mikey, and keep being you!
Natascha says
Dear crystal, I hope you will be well soon, I’m from the Netherlands and you and your videos have helped me tremendously on learning how to crochet. You are and you’ve been a true blessing. ❤️
Susan Parker says
That was a fine tribute to Crystal, Mikey, nice job. To me you two have been the mainstay of our crocheting universe, I’ve always enjoyed you both. She will be missed, for sure.
Holly Marr says
Crystal...you taught me so much when it comes to learning how to crochet. I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for helping me and everyone who follows you. You're the best! Be well and take time to heal and do what you want to do. Enjoy your life! Hugs.
Elaine P Smith says
Dear Crystal;
You and Mikey are creative people and will find a way to make a come back if and when needed.
Crystal, you need to take a break and spend time with your family. You will know what's best for you as a YouTuber. You taught me so much and I love you for that.
Please find something your truly love and try YouTube again. Love you very much.
Melsa Bell says
I am so sorry. I am praying for you. I hope you have something else that gives you joy. I want to thank you. You taught me so much. Thank you!
Rose says
Crystal has always been a joy to watch- she has taught me so much. I’m sad that people have treated her horribly- I’d watch her even to just talk about random subjects.
What a great article you wrote Mikey
Katy says
Crystal is a lovely person who has overcome a serious mental illness, if I am not mistaken. The SWAT incident shattered her mentally, I believe, and she is spiraling just a bit. I can’t believe these MFing YouTube tormentors of ANYONE even mildly successful.
Good job! You destroyed a love.y woman, who teaches crochet better than anyone else, and I’d true to herself and her audience. I fucking hate yt