You don’t have to create videos to know that the YouTube crowd is different than other social sites. Because YouTube makes it so easy to be anonymous, it opens the floodgates for trolling, immaturity, and all kinds of shenanigans that I’ll address below. 
I thought it would be fun to highlight a few YouTube profiles that I’m sure we’re all familiar with. Please know this is all in fun. So if you’re lacking a sense of humor, you might want to skip this post.
Also, I used the word “guy” for effect, but of course women are just as capable of fitting these profiles.
1. Captain Obvious
Almost every video maker has uploaded at least one video with a glowing visual error that is obviously too late to correct or do anything about. Never fear, Captain Obvious is here to bring that boo-boo to the forefront!
Yes, I see the unidentified debris on my shirt. Thanks for making sure everyone else does too. Smooches!
2. The Interpreter
This is that guy who comments on your video with nothing more than a summary of what you already said. Hey, who needs closed captions when you have commenters like this? 
Seriously, though. Just as some people like hearing themselves talk, I think some people like seeing their own comments.
3. The Background Checker
I understand why people buy screens or film in front of blank walls. Sometimes my office furniture in the background gets more attention than me!
I swear, Samsung ought to give me a referral fee because I’m quite sure I’ve referred a few 24″ monitors based on the questions and comments I receive about it.
4. The Corrections Officer
This guy gets a kick out of finding fault and loves to let you know about it. From your pronunciations to the fact that you pointed to the left when you meant the right.
No matter how insignificant, you better believe this guy is ready to act… locating and correcting all mistakes in a single bound! </End cheesy Superman reference>
5. The Political Pundit
This is the guy who takes every opportunity to make the video message political. I’ve seen some of the most inspiring videos that have nothing to do with politics, turn into the ugliest war of words between Democrats and Republicans.
6. The “Topic”ally Challenged
This one can also apply to blogs, Facebook, etc. Rest assured there will always be that one person who posts a comment that has absolutely nothing to do with the video topic. These are often the same people who get angry at you for ignoring their comments.
7. The Jumping Jack
This impatient commenter jumps to ask a question that will be answered later in the video. I often enjoy reading the “colorful” replies generated by several annoyed viewers who can’t understand why he didn’t wait to see if this question would be addressed.
I must admit. As a video maker, I often enjoy seeing the backlash this guy generates. <Insert evil laugh here.>
8. The Lobbyist
He likes to rally everyone around his comment by asking for a “thumbs up”. I guess seeing a comment earn the “Top Comment” accolade underneath the video is just too irresistible for some. 
9. The Stand-Up Comedian
I don’t care how serious a video is, there will be at least one person who tries to make light of it by cracking a joke. He usually means no harm, but is often a Lobbyist in training.
I will never forget the person who asked one video maker if she recorded her video with a calculator because the quality was so poor. You gotta admit, that is pretty funny.
10. The First Responder
You know exactly who I’m talking about. This is that guy who likes to announce he is the first one to comment.
He’s easily identified because his comment says nothing but “First!” Seriously? I guarantee he is that kid who will race you for everything!
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I’m sure there are more. Can you think of any I missed?
by Lisa Irby
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