A “phoenix” story (in the context of online creators/YouTubers/influencers) is when someone gets completely burned to the ground publicly — massive controversy, cancellation, doxxing, harassment, loss of all platforms and income — and then, after disappearing for a while, quietly rebuilds a new career (often under a new name/brand) and ends up happier, healthier, and frequently more successful than before.
It’s called a phoenix story because, like the mythical bird that dies in flames and rises from its own ashes, the person has to let their old online identity “die” completely, then rebirth themselves from whatever is left.
It’s called a phoenix story because, like the mythical bird that dies in flames and rises from its own ashes, the person has to let their old online identity “die” completely, then rebirth themselves from whatever is left.
Some well-known (or semi-known) examples of a phoenix story:
• Creators who were huge in the 2010–2015 era, got accused of something (true or false), lost everything, deleted all socials, and then years later came back as a totally different channel/niche and now have bigger audiences who have no idea about the old drama.
• People who used to be in drama-heavy circles (Skeptic YouTube, commentary community, etc.), got dog-piled, vanished, and resurfaced doing chill gaming, cooking, or educational content with a fraction of the old audience size but 10× the peace of mind and actual money.
• A few have even gone quasi-anonymous (avatar + voice changer at first) and built seven-figure businesses because they no longer have the baggage of their old name.
The key elements that make it a true phoenix (rather than just “they came back”) are usually:
1. They never really “clear their name” in the old space; the old controversy is still out there on Kiwi Farms or old Reddit threads.
2. The new audience is almost entirely unaware of the past (or doesn’t care).
3. The creator themselves says some version of “Getting canceled was the best thing that ever happened to me” because it forced them to escape a toxic ecosystem and build something sustainable.
• Creators who were huge in the 2010–2015 era, got accused of something (true or false), lost everything, deleted all socials, and then years later came back as a totally different channel/niche and now have bigger audiences who have no idea about the old drama.
• People who used to be in drama-heavy circles (Skeptic YouTube, commentary community, etc.), got dog-piled, vanished, and resurfaced doing chill gaming, cooking, or educational content with a fraction of the old audience size but 10× the peace of mind and actual money.
• A few have even gone quasi-anonymous (avatar + voice changer at first) and built seven-figure businesses because they no longer have the baggage of their old name.
The key elements that make it a true phoenix (rather than just “they came back”) are usually:
1. They never really “clear their name” in the old space; the old controversy is still out there on Kiwi Farms or old Reddit threads.
2. The new audience is almost entirely unaware of the past (or doesn’t care).
3. The creator themselves says some version of “Getting canceled was the best thing that ever happened to me” because it forced them to escape a toxic ecosystem and build something sustainable.
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there was a kid who lived in a house on his own
one day a guy broke in with a knife
you know what happens next...
...thats right, they had a pizza party!!
they ate so much pizza
the guy who broke in said the kid could have some candy in his white van
you know what happens next...
...you called it again!!!! :D they drove to the theme park and had fun on the rides XD
they were eating some cake and the guy approached the kid from behind with a knife...
...and cut the cake evenly so they both got a few slices!! :DDD
then they got back in the white van and drove somewhere...
...it was back to the kids home and he got into bed, ready to sleep
and then when he was sleeping the guy broke in through his window and kidnapped him :)
the end
there was a kid who lived in a house on his own
one day a guy broke in with a knife
you know what happens next...
...thats right, they had a pizza party!!
they ate so much pizza
the guy who broke in said the kid could have some candy in his white van
you know what happens next...
...you called it again!!!! :D they drove to the theme park and had fun on the rides XD
they were eating some cake and the guy approached the kid from behind with a knife...
...and cut the cake evenly so they both got a few slices!! :DDD
then they got back in the white van and drove somewhere...
...it was back to the kids home and he got into bed, ready to sleep
and then when he was sleeping the guy broke in through his window and kidnapped him :)
the end
Grandpa: "kids, dont eat pizza with grown men you dont know... or youll end up with a best friend for life!!!!! :D"
Kids: "that was the worst excuse of a story ive ever heard"
Kids: "that was the worst excuse of a story ive ever heard"
by naminaidk June 14, 2024
Get the A Story mug.The sickest band around. You should definetly check them out. They're metalcore.
Members:
Logan Barthomolew - vocals
Christian Grey - unclean vocals
Nick Totton - drums
Michael Ivers - guitar
Cody Pauly - guitar
Sean Wayne - bass
Members:
Logan Barthomolew - vocals
Christian Grey - unclean vocals
Nick Totton - drums
Michael Ivers - guitar
Cody Pauly - guitar
Sean Wayne - bass
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