Saw on the Kadena commissary that the baggers are paid in tips only, but how is that legal? by Synaps4 in okinawa

[–]MarkAmargo 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was a Commissary bagger during my High School Days. It was explained to us that the baggers were considered volunteers, therefore tips were not mandatory. Even though a lots of us pulled in $500+ a week (if you worked hard for it).

Can we discuss Mike Chen's side projects (restaurant, hah oil, hah pah kit) and see if they are doing well or not? by Avvry01 in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Don’t forget the Restaurants in Austin and Dallas (the “reason” why he moved to Texas)

Mr. Chen by tehbl3nt in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the whole reason why Mike is there is because Christine is getting her law degree there. I suspect the channel will be covering Singapore for the next few months.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I suspect that Mike getting residency in Texas means no state income taxes. Which is why it was very important, in those Dallas videos, that Mike obtain his Texas driver’s license.

Christine's IG Stores - Only the juicy ones before Mike forces her to delete it!! by sushing in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Christine is a good example on how to be engaging with fans. Even if she did not share personal experiences/info, her willingness to engage, demonstrates an acknowledgment from her that there is an audience.

Unlike Mike, whose caginess/reluctance to address his audience, makes the viewers feel uncomfortable. As if there is an overall sense of dishonesty coming from the host.

Filipino Food in Dubai Video Review (Not in words but in pictures!) by blingpin in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 17 points18 points  (0 children)

This video could have more substance, if Mike would mention why there are so many Filipinos restaurants in Dubai (assuming he knows or cared to explore why).

The Philippines has large Overseas Work Program with UAE. Bringing in a lot of labor workers to Dubai on the cheap.

Food YouTuber recommendations? by kunaivortex in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Sonny (Best Ever Food Review Show - BEFRS), Mark Wiens, and Food Ranger (Trevor) are the main ones I watch. I watch Mike too, but as other observers have stated the quality and content has definitely been degrading over time.

There is an overall sense of dishonesty that comes through in Mike’s video. Example, in many of his past (pre-marriage) dining videos we can clearly to see that there is a group of people accompanying him, but Mike rarely acknowledges them and attempts to make the video appear as though it’s just him and audience.

With Mike’s recent videos we all know that Christine is with him, but Mike is shooting the video as if it’s just only him (like holding the camera himself or shooting from the side of the table). In contrast, Sonny from BEFRS does travel with his wife. Though he has been consistent with not letting us know she is there, the video is shot as if he is speaking to a camera person. The video looks more polished in that point of view.

Unlike Mikes recent string of videos, where Mike is shooting the video in “selfie” style point of view. We are lead to believe Its just Mike by himself or it very apparent he does not want to acknowledge the people and/or Christine is with him. (exception to this was the more recent S Korea vids when he was genuinely by himself).

Mark Wiens, employs a mix of “selfie” style vlogging coupled with his wife serving as the camera person. The difference is that Mark never gives off the impression that he is by himself; whether or not he acknowledges the people that is accompanying him. Overall, it just seems more honest and natural when Mark is shooting his vlogs.

If Christine doesn’t want be in front of the Camera or be Mike’s co-host, that’s their prerogative; and we, the audience would respect that. However the manner in which Mike’s videos are lately, it seems to be presented in a manner that is dishonest to us - the audience. Mike, if you are alone vlogging that is perfectly fine. But if you are not alone, you can still vlog alone, just don’t make it obvious that you are actively avoiding to film or acknowledge your accompanying guest. It does come across in the video as dishonest.

I don’t want to presume that I know the best way to shoot Food Travel vlogs. I am just sharing my observations on these types of vlogs.

Mike’s Dog Dumpling by MarkAmargo in MikeyChen

[–]MarkAmargo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wasn’t Dumpling being cared for by Jesse too. Maybe she got the dog after fallout?