The tech YouTube community has been buzzing with controversy recently as Gamers Nexus frontman Steve Burke has taken aim at Linus Tech Tips (LTT) over Linus’s response to allegations surrounding the popular Honey app. What started as a critique of Honey by YouTuber MegaLag has snowballed into a full-blown clash of ideologies, drawing attention from tech enthusiasts, creators, and consumers alike. Here’s how it all unfolded.
The Spark: Honey Allegations Shake the Community
Honey, the widely-used browser extension that promises to save users money by finding and applying coupons, is now facing heavy scrutiny. Allegations surfaced claiming that Honey has been involved in unethical practices, including “hijacking” affiliate links and negatively impacting creators, viewers, and vendors.
MegaLag, a tech YouTuber, opened Pandora’s box with his claims against Honey, accusing the app of questionable practices that allegedly hurt creators and consumers. Among those in the spotlight is Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips, who found himself criticized for not speaking out sooner.
According to MegaLag, Linus knew about the issues with Honey but chose not to publicly address them in a way that would have alerted consumers. Linus countered these claims, arguing that others had already reported on the issue and that he wasn’t fully aware of how it might have affected consumers.
This response didn’t sit well with Steve Burke from Gamers Nexus, who took a firm stance against Linus’s handling of the situation, calling it “unbelievably disrespectful.”
Gamers Nexus Fires Back
In a video explaining why Gamers Nexus is filing a class-action lawsuit against Honey, Burke included a segment dedicated to Linus’s response. He didn’t mince words, calling Linus’s approach harmful to consumers and smaller creators.
Burke specifically addressed a comment made by Linus during a WAN show episode. Linus had stated that making a video about Honey would have been akin to “hanging from the nearest tree”—implying that the backlash from speaking out wouldn’t have been worth it. Burke fired back with conviction:
“Well, that’s the video we’re making right now,” Burke said. “If that were to result in backlash like he thinks it would, then so be it. Because we think it’s the right thing to do.”
He continued, “It’s just unbelievably disrespectful to all the solo people and all the small companies who are affected by this, especially in a disproportionately bad way. This is an area where I fundamentally disagree with Linus Media Group’s take on the situation. He’s free to have his opinion, but we feel his opinion is harmful to the consumer and is harmful to newer reviewers and consumer advocates.”
Burke’s stance reflects his belief that creators, regardless of their size, have a responsibility to call out unethical practices—even when it’s inconvenient or potentially damaging to their brand.
A History of Tension
This isn’t the first time Gamers Nexus has called out Linus Tech Tips. Last year, Gamers Nexus released an investigative video criticizing Linus Media Group (LMG) for various internal issues. That video played a role in prompting LMG to conduct sweeping internal reviews and implement changes.
Although Linus stepped down as CEO of LMG in May 2023, handing the reins to Terren Tong, it’s clear that past tensions between Burke and Linus have left unresolved feelings. Burke’s latest critique seems to stem from a broader disagreement about creator responsibility and transparency.
Linus Responds: “I Could Have Done Better”
Linus has addressed the controversy in a follow-up episode of the WAN show, acknowledging his missteps in handling the Honey situation. “I did a terrible job of handling this segment last week, which is, you know, par for the course for me,” he admitted with his trademark self-deprecating humor.
He went on to provide additional context. While Linus acknowledged that he had suspicions about Honey’s practices, he claimed he wasn’t fully aware of the extent to which it affected consumers. He also reflected on whether making a video years ago could have made a difference.
“In hindsight, it is possible that, if we had made a video three years ago, it could have saved creators some money. Given that the vast majority of creators, however, stopped working with them around that same time, I don’t know that for sure,” Linus said.
He also explained why he chose not to make a video back then: “If I made a video imploring our audience to uninstall an extension that, purportedly… gets them a better deal because I wasn’t making enough money from it? Do you really, honestly… think that would have gone well for me?”
His co-host Luke chimed in, adding that the issue was largely viewed as “anti-creator, not anti-user” at the time. According to Luke, the team at LTT had distanced themselves from Honey and had been discussing the matter with other creators.
Differing Philosophies
The clash between Burke and Linus ultimately comes down to differing philosophies about creator responsibility. Burke’s stance is rooted in transparency and accountability, even when it comes at a personal or professional cost. Linus, on the other hand, has taken a more cautious approach, prioritizing the potential backlash from his audience.
This philosophical divide is evident in their respective content strategies. Gamers Nexus has built its brand on deep-dive investigative content, often taking on powerful entities in the tech world. Linus Tech Tips, while known for its high production value and engaging content, has leaned more toward entertainment and education rather than investigative journalism.
The Bigger Picture
The Honey controversy and the ensuing clash between Gamers Nexus and Linus Tech Tips highlight a broader issue within the creator community. As influencers and content creators gain more power and reach, their decisions—and indecisions—carry weight.
For Burke, calling out Honey and addressing Linus’s response is about more than just one app or one creator. It’s about setting a precedent for accountability and ensuring that creators, regardless of their size, prioritize their audiences over their own interests.
For Linus, the situation serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with being a prominent figure in the tech world. Every decision is scrutinized, and every misstep is amplified. While he’s acknowledged his shortcomings, the backlash from Gamers Nexus and others underscores the importance of transparency in building trust with an audience.
Moving Forward
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the tech YouTube community is undergoing a period of introspection. The Honey controversy has sparked important conversations about ethics, responsibility, and the role of creators in advocating for their audiences.
For viewers, this is a chance to see their favorite creators in a new light and to consider the broader implications of the content they consume. For creators, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their responsibilities and to find ways to balance transparency with the practical challenges of running a business.
Only time will tell how this situation will resolve and what lessons the community will take away. But one thing is certain: the dialogue between Gamers Nexus and Linus Tech Tips has ignited a much-needed discussion about ethics, accountability, and the power of creators to effect change.