Markiplier deleted Unus Annus because the channel's entire premise was to exist for a precise duration of one year before being permanently deleted. This act of deletion was not merely a conclusion but the fundamental artistic statement and legacy of the project.
The Ephemeral Concept of Unus Annus
Unus Annus, Latin for "one year," was a collaborative YouTube channel created by Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach and Ethan "CrankGameplays" Nestor. Launched on November 13, 2019, its core promise was that all content would be uploaded for exactly one year, after which the channel, along with all its videos, would be irretrievably deleted. This concept was designed to explore themes of mortality, impermanence, and the value of experiencing something while it lasts.
The Philosophy Behind the Deletion
The decision to delete Unus Annus was deliberate and central to its artistic integrity, driven by several key factors:
- Leaving a Specific Legacy: Markiplier stated that he and Ethan wanted to leave a legacy that was unique and impactful, but not in the conventional sense of enduring content. Instead, the legacy was about the experience of its finite existence. The deletion was the culmination of this idea, deeply considered and taken very seriously.
- The Deletion as the Point: Crucially, the videos themselves were never the point of Unus Annus. The true message and artistic statement lay in the deletion. This act emphasized the ephemeral nature of life and content, forcing viewers to engage with the present moment and the reality that everything eventually ends. It was about the journey towards inevitable obliteration.
- Embracing Impermanence: The project served as a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the impermanence of all things. By erasing the channel entirely, Markiplier and Ethan reinforced the idea of memento mori – "remember that you will die" – making the audience confront the finite nature of shared experiences.
Ensuring Finality: No Re-uploads
To ensure the integrity of this unique project and its core message, Markiplier has actively taken steps to prevent its return. He has made it clear that he will file takedown requests against anyone who attempts to re-upload the Unus Annus content to platforms like YouTube. This commitment underscores the seriousness with which they approach the channel's permanent removal, reinforcing that the deletion was not a gimmick but a foundational principle.
In summary, the deletion of Unus Annus was a profound artistic choice, an integral part of its identity, designed to create a legacy of impermanence and to make the act of deletion the ultimate point of the entire endeavor.
For more information on the project's unique marketing approach, you can refer to discussions around how Unus Annus succeeded on YouTube by being deleted: How Unus Annus Succeeded On YouTube By Being Deleted weirdmarketingtales.com