One of the minor annoyances of YouTube is their superficial algorithm for predicting your preferences, so they can help you with recommendations for what to watch next. Oh, you watched a scathing takedown of Thunderf00t? Here’s the whole Thunderf00t catalog of obsessive inanity, you’ll like that.
So I’m very happy to see a Google Chrome addon that kills all that crap, Hbomb’s YouTube Censorship Chrome Addon. It also wipes out a whole bunch of other assholes. Recommended.
*By the way, it’s not actually censorship to voluntarily refuse to pay attention to someone; it would be censorship if the preferences of others were blocked against their will. It’s just fun to call it censorship because we’re refusing to watch the videos of precisely the kind of people who are unclear on that distinction.
HidariMak says
It also appears to be an add-on that’s available to those of us who prefer Firefox. Looking forward to trying it out.
Matthew Ostergren says
Definitely excited to have so much less crap in my recommendations.
Siobhan says
It’s BlockBot for YouTube! Brilliant. I’m sure it will get the same treatment.
Erlend Meyer says
Where’s the app that shoots random YouTube-posters in the face?
Marcus Ranum says
Some ad blockers allow you to hide youtube comments behind a button. Win/win!
microraptor says
I’d be more interested in this if I actually had a use for YouTube beyond watching 80s music videos.
busterggi says
YOU KEEP YOUR PAWS OFF MY CAT VIDEOS YOU DAMNED DIRTY APE!
Rich Woods says
@microraptor #6:
There’s a wealth of genres there beyond 80s music videos. Personally, I saw enough bad music vids in the 80s to make me glad that I stewed my brain in alcohol for the entire decade and can’t really remember them any more. No reminders, please!
timgueguen says
My YouTube recommendations are mainly ’70s and ’80s martial arts films these days.
William Brinkman says
This is one area where an AI would be helpful. Just as long as that AI doesn’t try to use your viewing habits to blackmail users. ;)