The WAN Show: Google Is Promoting Ad Blockers On YouTube – Episode Summary (April 25, 2025)

Hosts: Linus Sebastian, Luke Lafreniere, and Dan Tomic
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Duration: Approximately 152 minutes

1. Introduction

In this episode of The WAN Show, Linus and Luke delve into the perplexing issue of Google promoting ad blockers on YouTube, exploring the apparent contradictions and implications for content creators and viewers alike. Alongside this main topic, the hosts touch on a variety of other tech-related subjects, including Intel's CPU challenges, the remastering of the classic game Oblivion, leadership changes at Discord, and exciting merch announcements.

2. Google’s Contradictory Stance on Ad Blockers

Overview:
The primary discussion revolves around Google's contradictory actions concerning ad blockers on YouTube. While Google seemingly allows and promotes ads for ad blockers like PIE on YouTube, it simultaneously restricts content creators from discussing or educating viewers about ad blocking within their videos.

Key Points:

• Ad Blocker Ads on YouTube:

  • Linus expresses confusion: “How can Google unilaterally remove my video about ad blockers, but then run ads on YouTube for ad blockers? This does not make sense.” ([02:22])
  • The hosts notice an increase in advertisements for PIE, an ad blocker service, which Linus suspects might be a retaliatory measure by Google after their video removal.

• Content vs. Advertising Policies:

  • Linus shares his frustration with YouTube's policies: “What's the policy distinction between me posting a video, talking about ad blocking on YouTube versus an advertiser paying for positioning for their ad blocker on YouTube.” ([07:10])
  • YouTube’s response indicates a separation between ad policies and video content policies, leaving creators confused about the rationale.

• Impact on Content Creators:

  • Linus discusses the hypocritical nature of promoting tools that directly undermine the ad revenue that creators rely on: “What I'm upset about is the hypocrisy that we are seeing from.” ([09:25])
  • The conversation touches on the broader implications for content monetization and the sustainability of creator livelihoods in an ad-blocker-friendly environment.

• Community Reactions and Host Stance:

  • Linus clarifies his personal stance: “I don't use ad blockers because I am a content creator. And it would feel pretty hypocritical of me to use ad blockers when I am both aware of and educate people on the impact that it has on content creators.” ([09:25])
  • The hosts emphasize that while they provide information on ad blockers, they respect individual choices regarding ad usage.

Notable Quotes:

• Linus: “This does not make sense.” ([02:22])
• Dan: “So making people watch it, it's more okay than having it be optional if the content is bad.” ([08:10])
• Linus: “What I'm upset about is the hypocrisy that we are seeing from.” ([09:25])

3. Intel’s CPU Challenges and Market Position

Overview:
Shifting focus, the hosts discuss Intel’s recent struggles in the CPU market, highlighting the company's inability to captivate consumers with its latest offerings compared to previous generations.

Key Points:

• Classic Coke Moment:

  • Linus draws a parallel between Intel’s situation and Coca-Cola’s infamous New Coke fiasco: “Intel's having a bit of a classic Coke moment where the new Intel CPU is not nearly as beloved as the old Intel CPU that overheats and dies.” ([01:26])

• Performance Issues:

  • Concerns are raised about the overheating and durability of Intel’s newer CPUs, which are reportedly less reliable than their predecessors.

• Sales Performance:

  • Analysis of Intel’s CPU sales reveals disappointing rankings on platforms like Amazon, with older models outperforming the latest releases significantly. For instance, the Core Ultra 9 285K ranks poorly with only 37 reviews compared to AMD’s high-selling models.

• Leadership Changes and Workforce Reductions:

  • Intel CEO Lit Bhutan’s resignation and internal layoffs are discussed: “Bloomberg cited internal sources claiming as much as 20% of Intel's workforce could be laid off.” ([54:50])
  • These changes are part of Intel’s effort to streamline operations amid declining chip sales and production shortages.

• Market Impact:

  • The hosts speculate on Intel’s future, questioning whether upcoming products like Arrow Lake can reverse the company's fortunes or if deeper structural issues persist.

Notable Quotes:

• Linus: “No one's buying Intel's latest chips. Meanwhile, CEO Lit Bhutan announced undisclosed layoffs.” ([54:35])
• Dan: “20% of the workforce is like 20,000 jobs.” ([55:28])

4. Oblivion Remastered: Reception and Modding Community

Overview:
The conversation shifts to the remastered version of the classic game Oblivion, examining its reception, technical updates, and the enthusiastic response from the modding community.

Key Points:

• Launch Success:

  • Dan highlights the remaster's impressive Steam launch with over 150,000 concurrent players on the first day, despite minimal advertising and being free on Game Pass.

• Technical Enhancements:

  • The remastered Oblivion utilizes Unreal Engine 5 for graphics while retaining the Gamebryo engine for game logic, resulting in improved visuals while maintaining classic gameplay mechanics.

• Modding Community:

  • The game has quickly amassed over 500 mods, with players eagerly customizing their experiences. However, some mods have introduced issues like resolution bugs, though fixes are available through community-driven solutions.

• Skyblivion Project:

  • Dan expresses greater interest in the Skyblivion project, a fan-driven effort to recreate Oblivion using the newer Skyrim engine, anticipating superior enhancements and mod support.

• Misleading Information Concerns:

  • Confusion arises regarding the Deluxe Edition's inclusions, specifically the Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions. The hosts discuss how initial perceptions were misled by the packaging, only to later discover that the base game includes these expansions despite unclear promotional materials.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “Anthem dropped it for a while after making a kick ass video on it.” ([78:34])
• Linus: “Oblivion's great. Bethesda also gave free keys to the entire Skyblivion dev team.” ([82:28])

5. Leadership Changes at Discord

Overview:
A significant segment of the episode focuses on Discord's leadership transition, with co-founder Jason Citron stepping down as CEO and being succeeded by Human Sacchini amid speculations of an impending IPO.

Key Points:

• CEO Transition:

  • Dan reports that Discord CEO Jason Citron is stepping down to join a board and advisory role, with Human Sacchini, former Vice Chairman at Activision Blizzard and President of King Digital Entertainment, taking over as the new CEO. ([50:48])

• IPO Speculations:

  • The change in leadership occurs alongside rumors of Discord discussing an initial public offering (IPO), intent on expanding its user base and monetization strategies.

• Strategic Implications:

  • The hosts debate the potential impacts of these changes on Discord's future, including shifts in company culture, product direction, and competition in the chat and streaming market.

• Community Response:

  • Concerns are raised about the stability and future direction of Discord, especially with leadership from an executive known for creating Candy Crush, potentially altering the platform's focus.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “Jason Citron steps down to be replaced by former president of King, also known as the guys who made Candy Crush ahead of potential IPO.” ([100:48])
• Linus: “Why do you think 25 people type first? Surely if that other comment was there, they would be smart enough to not type first.” ([47:35])

6. Exciting Merch Announcements

Overview:
The episode features several announcements related to Linus Tech Tips merchandise, including ongoing sales, new product releases, and special promotions.

Key Points:

• Shipstorm Sale Extension:

  • Due to high demand, the Shipstorm sale event on LTT’s store has been extended. Customers can benefit from deals on open box and pre-owned goods under the “Power Outlet” section, promoting sustainability by reducing waste. ([37:20])

• New Products:

  • Introduction of mystery screwdrivers: Customers receive $20 off by purchasing a screwdriver without the standard box, emphasizing speed in shipping due to tariff concerns. ([39:38])
  • Launch of the “Big Nerd Gaming” shirt and cargo pants, available in various sizes and styles, with high enthusiasm from the hosts for the designs. ([41:11])

• Merchandise Interaction:

  • The hosts engage in a playful exchange regarding merch messages, encouraging listeners to leave personalized messages with their orders for a chance to receive special shout-outs or responses. ([43:37])

• Promotional Offers:

  • Free shipping extended to all orders over $150 until Monday, 10 AM Pacific Time.
  • Discounts on returning customers for select items, ensuring affordability despite high demand. ([37:20])

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “Here’s the question.” ([39:58])
• Linus: “With so many new deals and items, we extended free shipping to all orders over $150 until Monday, 10 AM Pacific Time.” ([42:30])

7. Other Tech Topics and Discussions

Overview:
Beyond the main topics, the hosts explore a variety of additional tech subjects, including regulatory actions against major tech companies, the evolution of email systems, and the cognitive impacts of modern social media platforms.

Key Points:

• Regulatory Fines in the EU:

  • Linus discusses recent fines by the European Commission against Apple (€500 million) and Meta (€200 million) for anti-competitive practices concerning app developers and user data. Facebook Marketplace was notably excluded from these regulations due to having fewer than 10,000 business users. ([70:10])

• Smartphone Labeling Requirements:

  • Starting June 20, EU mandates that all smartphones and tablets sold must display labels indicating battery life, energy efficiency, and repairability ratings, aiming to enhance consumer awareness and promote sustainable practices. ([70:35])

• Email System Inefficiencies:

  • The hosts debate the persistent frustrations with email as a communication tool, despite incremental improvements like priority inbox and AI-assisted replies. They emphasize the inefficiency of email threads and the challenge of effective organization, particularly for individuals with ADHD or similar attention-related challenges. ([74:14])

• Cognitive Impacts of Social Media:

  • Discussing studies on media literacy, Dan and Linus express concern over the gullibility of younger generations and the proliferation of disinformation on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, leading to what they term "brain rot." They advocate for increased media literacy and cautious consumption of information. ([24:01], [26:19])

• Email vs. Modern Messaging Apps:

  • The conversation highlights the merits and drawbacks of traditional email systems compared to modern messaging apps, with a focus on user interface improvements and the continued dominance of platforms like Discord despite stiff competition. ([74:14])

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “I don't think a privacy incident, almost no matter how big, is going to switch everyone because as much as people scream about it, I think most people unfortunately just don't care.” ([108:20])
• Linus: “Emails are still a major annoyance in business. Why hasn't anyone come up with a more efficient way to process email threads?” ([139:31])

8. After Dark and Community Interactions

Overview:
In the "After Dark" segment, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, respond to listener messages, and tease upcoming collaborations. This section showcases the camaraderie and unfiltered conversations typical of The WAN Show.

Key Points:

• Collaborations:

  • Announcement of upcoming collaborations with Kitboga and Badminton Insight, promising entertaining and engaging content for viewers. These collaborations involve unique formats, such as scamming interactions led by Kitboga. ([91:48])

• Community Engagement:

  • The hosts interact with humorous and sometimes tangential listener messages, including discussions on American cheese, misconceptions about the Fruit of the Loom logo, and the infamous Mandela Effect where listeners recall non-existent events or logos. ([115:10])

• Technical Troubleshooting:

  • An amusing segment where Linus and Luke attempt to troubleshoot display issues live, highlighting the challenges of technical problems in a spontaneous setting. ([95:02])

• Fun and Personal Stories:

  • The hosts share personal anecdotes and playful insults, maintaining an entertaining and relatable atmosphere for the audience. ([120:59])

Notable Quotes:

• Linus: “We shot a collab with Kitboga that was so much fun. There's gonna be videos on both of our channels.” ([91:52])
• Dan: “I'm gonna email, like, trying to find a university that has a psychologist that might work on something like this.” ([30:29])

9. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recap of the numerous topics discussed, emphasizing Google's contradictory stance on ad blockers and its broader implications for the YouTube creator economy. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their merchandise and participate in upcoming events like the SoCal Tech Fair. The blend of serious tech discussions with humorous and personal interactions underscores the multi-faceted nature of The WAN Show, catering to a diverse audience keen on both in-depth analysis and entertaining banter.

Final Thoughts:

• Google's Future with Ad Blockers:

  • The episode leaves audiences pondering the future of ad revenue for content creators and Google's strategic positioning in enabling ad blockers while maintaining its own advertising ecosystem.

• Tech Industry Dynamics:

  • Insights into Intel's market struggles, Discord's leadership changes, and the thriving modding community around Oblivion Remastered provide a snapshot of the ever-evolving tech landscape.

• Community and Engagement:

  • The hosts' lively interactions and responsiveness to community feedback reinforce the strong relationship between The WAN Show and its audience.

Takeaway:
This episode of The WAN Show offers a comprehensive examination of Google's paradoxical approach to ad blockers on YouTube, enriched by discussions on key industry developments and vibrant community interactions. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a content creator, or a casual listener, the episode delivers valuable insights wrapped in engaging dialogue and humor.

Notable Timestamped Quotes for Reference:

• Linus: “How can Google unilaterally remove my video about ad blockers, but then run ads on YouTube for ad blockers? This does not make sense.” ([02:22])
• Linus: “What I'm upset about is the hypocrisy that we are seeing from.” ([09:25])
• Dan: “20% of the workforce is like 20,000 jobs.” ([55:28])
• Linus: “Oblivion's great. Bethesda also gave free keys to the entire Skyblivion dev team.” ([82:28])
• Dan: “Jason Citron steps down to be replaced by former president of King, also known as the guys who made Candy Crush ahead of potential IPO.” ([100:48])
• Linus: “Emails are still a major annoyance in business. Why hasn't anyone come up with a more efficient way to process email threads?” ([139:31])
• Linus: “We shot a collab with Kitboga that was so much fun. There's gonna be videos on both of our channels.” ([91:52])

This summary encapsulates the breadth of discussions from the April 25, 2025 episode of The WAN Show, providing a structured and detailed account for those who seek to understand the episode's key themes and conversations.