Boy, you just can't win if you have a store. It doesn't matter how many informational videos you make, or how many times you say NOT to buy a product in a video – you still get called a shill.
At the end of the day, yes, of course they provide for their families by selling stuff for our hobby. But they have been very clear that by putting their efforts into helping reefers succeed in the hobby (especially beginners) that their business succeeds as well – without ever having to "push" anything on anyone.
Regarding Randy, Ryan, and the "terrible" videos now that Bertram came along, I'm not the least bit worried about it. This is a period of transition. I do think that losing Randy was a big blow to their video production processes, and to Ryan's comfort level in making videos. It seemed pretty clear that Ryan loved having a partner on camera with him – even if all he did was agree with everything. It took years for Randy to grow into that supporting role and partner status for Ryan, and I think that it WILL take time until we start to see content like we're used to. And that's OK. I've got PLENTY of other stuff to watch until then.
I think that quality video content is priority number one to Ryan and BRS. Ryan pretty much put reefing industry videos on the map. The fact that we're seeing a lack of normal high quality content like BRS Investigates doesn't mean they're done with it. It means they're in transition. Anybody that has started a business or worked in decision-making role in a business knows that changes take time. Ecotech, Neptune and BRS are all in a state of change. And BRS isn't the only one that's a little "quiet" right now.
This thread is obviously one where everyone's gonna complain about Bertram, call Ryan a shill and just catastrophize in general. I just wanted to briefly interrupt and show a little BRS love. OK! Everybody back to complaining!