Dearrowed Language
I've been using the Dearrow browser extension for a while now on most of my computers. The extension uses a crowdsourced database of "un-clickbaited" video names to replace the names you see while browsing YouTube.
This means that a video titled something like this Zac Builds video:
I built a nintendo switch oled PRO...
becomes this instead:
Modding a Nintendo Switch OLED with a Mod Chip, Cooling, Two Batteries, a Custom Dock, and Software
Meanwhile, this GeoWizard video:
How has it taken me this long to think of this (mental) idea…
becomes this:
Playing GeoGuesser Rural Europe (and Coming Up with an Idea to Combine Straight Line Missions and GeoGuesser)
I quite like this change, mostly because it does precisely what the extension promises: it makes it easier to understand what a video is going to be about. However, the crowdsourced titles that get upvoted do tend to be very, very "what it says on the tin"-ass titles. There is a sense in this tool's community that the most "honest" title is one that simply lists everything which occurs in the video, including things that are meant to be a surprise. (The Dearrow guidelines tell you not to do this... but what counts as "spoiling" a video is pretty subjective, actually.)
I'm not complaining. If I had to choose between "inscrutable" and "too explanatory," I think I'd choose the second one every time... while I'm searching for information, that is. And maybe while I'm looking to shovel slop down my own eye holes. It helps me find the right slop faster.
There is something extremely funny, however, about the pedantic quality that these Dearrowed titles possess. It's also funny how the community of people suggesting and rewriting these titles is very clearly focused on only specific YouTubers - popular ones, gaming and tech creators, etc. Meanwhile, a lot of the topics I'm interested in - bikes in particular - have comparatively little Dearrow activity.
This means I've had the opportunity to suggest several new titles myself. And I've been turning my hand at the pedantic, list-oriented, formal voice that Dearrow titles tend to go for. If you ever post a mid-reach video about cycling and discover that you have been assigned a Dearrow title that is as dull and ordinary and explanatory as possible, you are free to blame me. I probably didn't do it to you... but there's a chance I did. :)