Not too long ago, I had the chance to interview an MTG Lore content creator with whom I have become friends, in MTGLoreseeker. I wanted to keep the series going, as I find it very interesting to get insight into the minds of fellow MTG content creators, and I hope it is for you as well. Today's interview is with one of my absolute favorite MTG Lore channels and that is Seiben of Aetherhub. So join me in picking this man's brain, and if you enjoyed the interview be sure to leave me a comment below.
Dice
Not many people know this but your channel was one of the main inspirations for me to start making content on Youtube. So needless to say I am happy to have this chance to chat with you and ask you a few questions. Now, I'm quite familiar with you and your channel, but there may be some of my readers who may not be. So could you just give us a quick rundown of who you are and what your content is all about?
Seiben
Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat! My name is Jeff but go by my YouTube name of Seiben. I started my channel almost 6 years ago when it was called Seiben Lore. I started making lore videos for my favorite games, World of Warcraft chief among them. Then I created a few videos about Magic: The Gathering lore, which I also loved, that caught a lot of attention. The rest is history. I've been making videos on the lore of Magic: The Gathering ever since.
Dice
Oh wow, I actually did not know you started off as a World of Warcraft channel, now there is another game with an expansive story. Well, I gotta ask then, what has been or is your favorite part of being a content creator in General? What is it about making Lore videos for Magic the Gathering that you enjoy most?
Seiben
I really like exploring fantasy and learning about different worlds. When I sit down to write a script or get an idea for a video, the drive to start it comes from me wanting to learn more about that topic. I look at making videos as a means for me to learn more about a story. Outside of that, I'm the annoying type of person at a party who will talk your ear off about a topic you may have no interest in. So if I'm going to blabber on about the Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria, I'm glad it's with a community who actually wants to hear it!
Dice
I like that, as I can understand that motivation completely. In a lot of ways, the amount of worlds and stories is really the greatest part of Magic. I'm curious then, what was it that got you started. Was there an influence you had? What was it that pushed you to make Lore content on YouTube?
Seiben
I did have an influence, someone who inspired me to make Magic videos. It's an older channel by the name Roxaboxen90. I watched his videos a lot while in college and he really made me think about maybe doing my own MTG content. Other influential channels were The Mana Source and Rogue Deck Builder.
I did not know these content creators personally, but their content inspired me to make my own! What inspired me to do lore? That's a trickier question. I really loved the story of MTG and fantasy/games in general. When I decided I was making a channel, I just realized there were not a lot of lore channels on MTG out there. I thought it would be a cool niche to fill and I was interested in it. It was the perfect fit!
Dice
I will have to check out Roxaboxen90 that's a new one for me. I suppose when you started you must have been one of the only ones out there doing MTG Lore and now you are one of the largest channels out there covering the stuff. There must have been a lot of ups and downs over the course of your time on Youtube. What would you say has been your biggest roadblock? Was there a time you almost gave up? and what kept you going even after hitting those roadblocks?
Seiben
The history of my channel is really crazy. I think there are, like 3 verifiable times I've "quit" the channel over the years. They were moments of frustration or reflection. I was either frustrated with the state of YouTube, Magic, or the community. Other times I reflected on what direction I wanted to take content creation, only for those ideas to fizzle out and Magic Lore content to return. I would say my biggest roadblock would be my fear of becoming irrelevant. I'm always looking for new ways to draw in an audience, but sometimes being consistent is more important.
I have to temper the creative side of me for a more pragmatic touch. That has been hard for me to balance.
I almost gave up, for real, I think a little over a year ago. I even announced I was done with YouTube. My channel went dormant and I lost about 1/6th of my subscribers. What made me come back, each time, was my love for the story and my audience. It's a cliche in YT now for content creators to fawn over their audience, but I genuinely care about them. We share a common, but niche interest. And while other (bigger and more professional) channels have now stepped into this market place, I still have my small group of dedicated watchers. It's very humbling and I don't want to let them down.
Dice
I can totally understand that. I by no means have as many subs as you but just having those returning viewers who love your work is so amazing. Alright, let's step away from Yoututube and just talk about Magic. I would love to know, of all the characters that you have covered who is your favorite?
Seiben
I think it would either be Garruk or Gideon. I identify with both characters a lot personally. Their journeys and sacrifices and struggles are all compelling in different ways. Gideon's final sacrifice was a key moment in Magics history while Garruk's story is still playing out.
Dice
Gideon was the true pure hero type and honestly, there aren't many those characters in Magic, at least with Planeswalkers. So then I'm curious, what is your favorite Plane?
Seiben
Hmmm I’d say I have two but in different categories. From a story perspective, you can’t beat Ravnica. It’s a beautifully designed world with so many built-in terms of lore. From a gameplay perspective, I’ve always loved Lorwyn. I’d be so happy if we returned there in future sets!
Dice
Man I totally agree I would love to return to Lorwyn. Alright, I just have one more question for you. I'm curious, what is one thing you would change about magic if you could. Anything from mechanics to the story or even the delivery of that story.
Seiben
I would say they need to deliver the story in a different way. The story is no longer told through the cards as much as it’s been in the past. Key story moments are missing. More than that though, they need to bring back professional web-based articles from those writers intimate with the story and characters. They have recently brought back web articles, which is a promising step. However, the story has been in a pretty dismal place for a long time, they lost so much credibility, I just hope they keep making positive decisions moving forward. Sorry if that was a ramble!
Dice
No, I think you hit the nail on the head, I completely agree. Well I just want to say thank you for doing this interview it's always great getting to hear from someone who's been doing this for a while, it gives me a lot of insight.
Seiben
Of course, any time my friend! I love talking shop or Magic in general. Have a good one!
If you enjoyed this article then be sure to stop by often for more original articles and interviews. Let me know what you thought of Seiben down below, are you a fan or will you be checking out his after reading this? SOCIAL MEDIA
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