I don't know how many times I've said it but I'll say it again - I don't miss Dan's content. Besides a few examples, a lot of the times it felt like it left us frustrated and Dan as well, trying to explain some deeper point that was either miss by the audience or just plain simply not delivered. It's fine, it happens, communication is a difficult thing to do and do it right.
I miss him interacting with us, I miss him interacting with Phil on camera. I've not made a secret that I think Dan's future is off youtube. He feels constrained by the platform and what he should bring to be considered successful, but at the same time he wants to be because otherwise he would just upload whatever the fuck he wants, but it's obvious there's a baseline of wanting the content to be appreciated. I dream of him becoming a speaker, having a podcast, even writing a book and interacting with his audience during that.
Hell, I dream of them moving IRL from just merch to a digital fulfillment service that provides not just youtubers but all digital creators with marketing and coaching services to find your footing on the desired platform, I think Dan would be AMAZING at that.
So honestly, no, I don't think Dan is coming back on youtube this year - and honestly, I don't know if he's even thinking about it. I just wish he would talk to us, not about his plans, but just how he is, if he's watching anything, if he's bought any new candle, is Colin doing good? I've never been invested with him for his content, and it sure hasn't changed, so I can't justify the lack of communication with "oh he just doesn't want to tell us about his new cool incoming project"
That said, can we stop talking about his mental health every time some time passes between his interactions? Because that feels kind of intrusive to me, like speculating on his well being. Just because you have depression doesn't mean that every time you go quiet is because you're going through something, and at the same time just because you're NOT quiet it doesn't mean you're doing ok either
