Dan & Phil Part 96: AmazingPhil (and his cameraman)

[missemma]

I'm more interested to know WHY he decided to write something like this to be honest. What was the decision process and what made him go from " I'm kind of a comedic entertainer " to "hold onto your horses I will teach you how to survive depression™" like to me that is.. weird. And yes I know he is technically a mental health ambassador but he hasn't Ambassador-ed much except two merch releases and a campaign

I don’t think he’s doing that. He will probably (speculation as we have zero idea how this is going to pan out) do his usual style of humour mixed in with some more serious topics.

I quite like the fact, if it is something completely new for him, that he is trying new things (lol). If anyone can do something like this, it’s him. Now if Phil ever tried to do a book like this I would be raising my eyebrows but for Dan, it’s just him through and through. Someone who has had depression and has (hopefully) been dealing with it. It won’t be for everyone but if he can help one person then sign me up for that.

[missemma]

Also forgive the double post but you can now preorder the signed book with free bookmark at https://shop.danielhowell.com/

Confirmed release date of 18/05/21.

[kavat]

I'm really really excited about this! I trust Dan to give his all into this project, and I love that he has collaborated with an expert. His videos has always had a flavor of "learn from my mistakes and misery" so I think this fits perfectly into that. Dan is a wonderful storyteller so I'm really curious to see how that translates into book form.

I'm cautiously optimistic about what it means for his youtube channel but I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a couple of promo videos and not much more. And that's fine, he still has a wonderful legacy on youtube that's not going anywhere.

[LAshleigh]

Honestly I'm just excited to wake up to over a page worth of IDB posts! Even if I don't end up loving the book, it makes me happy to see all the engagement here.

I am curious about the format - the only books like these that I've read have felt shallow and overreaching, but I feel like Dan knows better than to do something like that? I guess we'll see.

[obvsly]

Hello! I’m crawling out of my cave just to tell you that I love Phil. How are we all on the moving hill? Good? Good!

I really hate that Phil’s cameraman decided to tweet at 6am my timezone and let loose all the book info in the early hours of the day. Look, mr Howell, how many times do I have to tell you that 4am is fine coz I’m a freak but 6am is just pure evil?

On a more serious note, I’m excited about the book! And this sentence in particular, “Written by Daniel Howell, in conjunction with a qualified psychologist, in an entertaining and personal way from the perspective of someone who has been through it all.”

For me, it checks all the important points that I’m looking for:

1. He wrote it
2. He had a psychologist to check its accuracy for the safety of readers
3. It shouldn’t be boring
4. It’s personal

I’m keen to experience his writing voice and perspective. Being (as he said) born in the fire of the internet, I think he knows really well of the harsh criticism that he would have to face even before the book release. I have high hopes that he is more or less prepared for it.

Can’t wait to see how he would communicate with us from this point onwards. Bring it on, Daniel!

[liola]

I'm more interested to know WHY he decided to write something like this to be honest. What was the decision process and what made him go from " I'm kind of a comedic entertainer " to "hold onto your horses I will teach you how to survive depression™" like to me that is.. weird. And yes I know he is technically a mental health ambassador but he hasn't Ambassador-ed much except two merch releases and a campaign

I don’t think he’s doing that. He will probably (speculation as we have zero idea how this is going to pan out) do his usual style of humour mixed in with some more serious topics.

I quite like the fact, if it is something completely new for him, that he is trying new things (lol). If anyone can do something like this, it’s him. Now if Phil ever tried to do a book like this I would be raising my eyebrows but for Dan, it’s just him through and through. Someone who has had depression and has (hopefully) been dealing with it. It won’t be for everyone but if he can help one person then sign me up for that.

I'm just speculating based on the book description. "You will laugh and learn" implies there's some kind of teaching (or at least perceived teaching) involved. The fact that there's some collaboration with a professional psychologist means it will have some advice or at least tools like the book says. So it does sound like a guide. That says, he seems to be the major credited author so how much involvement the professional will have is to be seen.

All in all, it doesn't sound like something Dan the entertainer would do, I mean he went to a comedy writing retreat and this sounds like the farthest thing from that. And I don't think Phil couldn't do something like it, I think he probably wouldn't want to cause that's not what he's about, but this kind of book sounds equally ooc from both to me

Anyway, it's amazing to me how the same people who were preaching to not spoil Dan's project when the good read listing went live are now already pre-ordering the book without waiting for Dan's official announcement guess they think it's fair game if they give him their money

[Phanshy]

I'm really curious to see how he promotes this to people outside the Phandom and how many people who either only know him vaguely but aren't fans or people who have no clue who he is.are going to buy it. I hope he gets some in-depth interviews with people who aren't completely ignorant about YouTube, who spend 90% of the time trying to work out how it's a career.

[lefthandedism]

It's fun to see so much discussion here--it's been so long since I've woken up to more than a page of new posts.

It's so striking though that 80% of the reaction to Dan's book is negative--from harshly critical to lukewarm at best. And then people wonder why he's largely ignoring this fandom.

I myself am looking forward to reading 250 pages from Dan, mediated through a consulting psychologist and various editors though they may be. I can totally see this book reaching new audiences, and you never know: it may wind up being one of those books therapists keep on their shelves and suggest to their clients with depression. I think if that happened in even a small way Dan would be thrilled.

I will say one negative thing though: forty bucks for a signed copy shipped to the US is too much for me! I expect this will go on my Kindle.

[glitterintheair]

It's so striking though that 80% of the reaction to Dan's book is negative--from harshly critical to lukewarm at best. And then people wonder why he's largely ignoring this fandom.

I mean I don’t think it’s fair to blame the fandom for everything. Maybe the fact that he’s ignoring his fandom is the reason why said fandom is so harsh towards him. Or maybe self-help is a genre of books that’s not that much appealing, so people are kind of.. side-eyeing the whole thing until they know better. Or maybe it’s neither because so many people are already pre-ording the book anyway.

[obvsly]

I will say one negative thing though: forty bucks for a signed copy shipped to the US is too much for me! I expect this will go on my Kindle.

It’s about the same for me to have it shipped to Thailand. Ashamed to say though that I have already preordered and will probably buy a Kindle copy as well. I’m weak. IM SO WEAK!!!

[casualsun]

I don’t love self-help books but I’ve been following Dan for so long that I will read it anyway. So I’ll withhold judgement until I’ve read it! I feel like assumptions are flying everywhere and I’m not really here for it; it’s totally fine to not be into the book but I don’t think we can accuse Dan of spreading harmful information, preaching to us, acting like he knows everything, etc. I think it’s a topic he’s clearly passionate about and has been working on for a long time and so I would hope he has taken his time to think carefully about things and consult with editors, clinical psychologists, friends etc and take feedback into account. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I’m not trying to invalidate anyone, but it does personally sadden me that everything Dan does is met with so much negativity.

[kavat]

I understand that people are hesitant about something that can be categorized as self-help, but I think that's not giving the genre enough credit. Just like any other genre there are great books and terrible books, big commercial hits and those who fly under the radar. "Youtuber self-help book" sounds awful on paper but i really do trust Dan to make it as good as he possibly can, with his perfectionist tendencies and all. He is not someone to print a bunch of inspirational quotes and slap his name on it, that's not the Dan i know.

[rizzo]

Two things I imagine will be in this book:
(1) Exercise. "I once tried to run a marathon. You don't have to do that..."
(2) Get off social media.

That latter point could be interesting insight into his disappearance, so I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm more interested to know WHY he decided to write something like this to be honest. What was the decision process and what made him go from " I'm kind of a comedic entertainer " to "hold onto your horses I will teach you how to survive depression™" like to me that is.. weird. And yes I know he is technically a mental health ambassador but he hasn't Ambassador-ed much except two merch releases and a campaign

While I'm more inclined to think Dan wanted to write this regardless, it could also be possible that a professional in mental health or relevant publishing came to him after the success of his Depression video and suggested partnering on the book?

I could see Dan enthusiastically taking something like that on, knowing he could write this book with someone educated on the topic.

IDK. He probs was the one to pitch it, but I don't think it's far off from his interests and as long as he's got a psychologist with him on this, I'm pleased.

[liola]

Two things I imagine will be in this book:
(1) Exercise. "I once tried to run a marathon. You don't have to do that..."
(2) Get off social media.

That latter point could be interesting insight into his disappearance, so I'm really looking forward to it.


While I'm more inclined to think Dan wanted to write this regardless, it could also be possible that a professional in mental health or relevant publishing came to him after the success of his Depression video and suggested partnering on the book?

I could see Dan enthusiastically taking something like that on, knowing he could write this book with someone educated on the topic.

IDK. He probs was the one to pitch it, but I don't think it's far off from his interests and as long as he's got a psychologist with him on this, I'm pleased.

Being approached by a publisher does sound possible actually, maybe with the intermediate of YoungMinds? It is a big enough charity that I think it's entirely possible there was some decision making on what collab to pitch actually, that's a good point!

About getting off social media, I actually expect it to be mentioned and it still wouldn't change the fact he could've announced a break/need to withdraw etc so I'm saying it now I hope I don't see a surge of "see that is why he disappeared now stop with it". Just putting my hands up in advance

[missemma]

I mean I don’t think it’s fair to blame the fandom for everything. Maybe the fact that he’s ignoring his fandom is the reason why said fandom is so harsh towards him.

I think sometimes it’s fair to blame the fandom. Think how invasive and aggressive it can be. The poor guy has taken some time away from social media (for reasons we don’t know) and yet people still are angry at him and hate on him for it. As someone who has needed to take breaks from social media at times, I don’t have the ability to always tell people but can you imagine if he did. He would get the messages of “what’s going on, tell us everything” and then so many people trying to armchair diagnose him.

Also It can be even harder to return to something you have needed to avoid. It’s hard let me tell you. To take all the time you need and then have to face people again? In his position having people question him as to why he needed a break. I’m tired just thinking about what it must be like.

None of us know why he didn’t say anything but I believe him enough not to have meant it in an unkind way or to upset anyone.

[autumnhearth]

Description taken from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HYKQYSL/ ... xFb412JX6Z

A practical guide to taking control of your mental health for today, tomorrow, and the days after, from the Sunday Times bestselling author and beloved entertainer

‘There’s a moment at the end of every day, where the world falls away and you are left alone with your thoughts. A reckoning, when the things you have been pushing to the background, come forward and demand your attention.’

Written by Daniel Howell, in conjunction with a qualified psychologist, in an entertaining and personal way from the perspective of someone who has been through it all – this no-nonsense book gives you the tools to understand your mind so you can be in control and really live. Split into three chapters for each stage of the journey:

• This Night – how to get through your toughest moments and be prepared to face anything.
• Tomorrow – small steps to change your thoughts and actions with a big impact on your life.
• The Days After – help to look after yourself in the long term and not just survive, but thrive.

You will laugh and learn – but most of all, this book will assure you that even in your darkest times, there is always hope.

You will get through this night.

Am I proud of Dan? So proud!

Am I excited for this book and all the engagement that goes with it? So excited!

Do I have some negative thoughts? Yes, and relates to this:

‘from the perspective of someone who has been through it all’

I wish I had the receipts for this, but I remember being very bothered by Dan stating ‘if I can get through this, anyone can’. I’ll have to rewatch Daniel and Depression and the following liveshows later today, but it’s the type of white male privilege mixed hyperbole that really rubs me the wrong way and both Howell brothers do it. Yes, Dan has been through his own hell and it doesn’t do any good to compare levels of human suffering, I just hope that he is more careful with his language.

[alittledizzy]

All in all, it doesn't sound like something Dan the entertainer would do, I mean he went to a comedy writing retreat and this sounds like the farthest thing from that. And I don't think Phil couldn't do something like it, I think he probably wouldn't want to cause that's not what he's about, but this kind of book sounds equally ooc from both to me

I agree that Phil definitely wouldn't want to do something like this.

But Dan? Yeah. To me this is absolutely the direction Dan the entertainer was going in for years. Something can be comedic and also genuine and helpful - which I think has always been his style. From Internet Support Group, to his depression video with sketches in between earnest conversation about his mental health, to liveshows ending with calm advice to his ducklings, to the sections in II at the end where they took audience questions and actually mixed in with the familiar questions once in a while tried to give some genuine advice, to BIG and his discussion of mental health and how his trauma played into that, to his mix of humor and political commentary and personal care advice on twitter... this is just the perfect Dan direction to me. It makes more sense than literally anything else would.

[glitterintheair]

I mean I don’t think it’s fair to blame the fandom for everything. Maybe the fact that he’s ignoring his fandom is the reason why said fandom is so harsh towards him.

I think sometimes it’s fair to blame the fandom. Think how invasive and aggressive it can be. The poor guy has taken some time away from social media (for reasons we don’t know) and yet people still are angry at him and hate on him for it. As someone who has needed to take breaks from social media at times, I don’t have the ability to always tell people but can you imagine if he did. He would get the messages of “what’s going on, tell us everything” and then so many people trying to armchair diagnose him.

See, that’s where I disagree. I don’t think anyone hates on him for taking a break. I think people don’t like ~ how he decided to do it. And people tried to armchair diagnose him anyway, if you think about it. In the past year, there has been a significant number of posts that were like “he’s not saying anything because he’s depressed”, “he’s not communicating because he’s going through a rough time”. I saw with my eyes people tweeting at him every day asking where he was or if he was okay. So really, I think that staying silent didn’t do less damage than being straightforward about his intentions.

[rizzo]

I think I'm just... not interested in continuing to wallow in my anger at Dan not communicating. Time can't be rewound, we can't make him clarify why he disappeared, so why bother continuing to be mad? Especially when the thing we were mad about: total silence, appears to be over? IMHO, this is the time to let it go and celebrate Dan releasing something he's clearly put a lot of love and work into.

I'm excited. Surely, he's got to post more today, given the site has an official presale. I'm really looking forward to whatever that is - be it video or just another tweet. DAN CONTENT DAN CONTENT DAN CONTENT - that is my truth right now.

[yellowsubmarine]

Soo yes I preordered the book and i can hardly wait honestly! I really wanna judge this with my own two eyes. I just wanna see how good are his writing skills, tbh. He's always being a good storyteller and funny. I wanna see how well that translates into paper. And the waiting begins..

Is it too much to hope for a video reveal of sorts?? Pleasee

[inanerat]

Overall, I am excited. While I'm not zazzed at the idea of the 'guide' aspect I feel like it's early and that could go so many ways, that I'm not going to bother being too worked up about it until we know more. I do think the tone surrounding that aspect will change a lot, a 'do this' kind of tone is gross, but I feel like a 'here's some things to try if you want' tone is handleable. I don't have a good enough idea to judge that at this point. I'm looking forward to hearing Dan's thoughts anyway.

My whole vibe at the minute is really 'chill out and be along for the ride 'cause I suspect we'll be getting more information imminently' but it does raise questions for me about what the future of Dan looks like. Is youtube even part of the picture? I kind of doubt it. If this book is successful would he want to write more? idk. Does he want to continue to do projects in a video medium, outside of youtube? like what? Does he want to do more work like what he did with young minds, reaching out and talking to youth in person? Will he ever return to more regular interaction beyond twitter? I hope so, but I also don't know what that would look like, makes me sad to think it might not happen.

Many questions, more for the sake of putting them out there than actually answering them. Now I'm going to go try to read the unread books I already have so maybe by the time Dan's is actually released I won't feel bad about buying another book when I have several others I haven't gotten around to reading yet.

[Amiaw]

I don’t see why we have to do this every time dan talks to us. Can people be happy about his release? Absolutely. Can people be skeptical or shy because of the last two years? Yes. Can people come to the conclusion that his silence isn’t over and that once he promotes he’ll go silent again? Yes. Can the people that aren’t excited still like dan even if they don’t love every decision? Sure.

But look. Support Dan and be excited. Nobody is telling you not to be thrilled about his book but please stop making this an unwelcome place for people who feel differently. We don’t need to see people say they don’t understand why we feel this way in every post. (and we don’t need to see our words used in passive aggressive posts on tumblr or Twitter either) I just want Idb to be a place people feel comfortable expressing themselves without someone trying to explain them out of their feelings.

Anyways I’m thinking there probably will be a video today since the book is up. I don’t even know what a dan video is going to be like now but I’m sure it’ll be interesting.

[alittledizzy]

judearaya pointed out on tumblr that authors generally have little control over the blurb and that most publishing companies put out blurbs just to ensure the books are put into the right categories.

That makes me even more excited to potentially soon hear what the book is about in Dan's own words, whether he just tweets or does something on instagram or actually makes a video.

[blahblahblah8]

When I read for enjoyment I’m really only attracted to fiction. I’ve never really been interested in self help so I won’t be preordering but I’ll probably reconsider once we find out more. I’m excited to finally see some of what Dan’s been working on. I’ve definitely missed him so even if I don’t enjoy the book I’m just happy to see more of him!

[noodlebum]

judearaya pointed out on tumblr that authors generally have little control over the blurb and that most publishing companies put out blurbs just to ensure the books are put into the right categories.

That makes me even more excited to potentially soon hear what the book is about in Dan's own words, whether he just tweets or does something on instagram or actually makes a video.

That's a good shout, some amazing books I've read have had dire blurbs that aren't even what the story is truly about.

I won't pre-order, I'll wait and see what people say here to decide if it's something I would enjoy reading.