@LundukeJournal ↔ @theo conversation
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
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Oct 27, 2025
~4 min read
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The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
A YouTuber named @Theo is demanding that the @FFmpeg project (the open source video encoding tool used across the computer world) kick out a contributor (the person running their X account) — and has offered a $20,000 bounty to FFmpeg if they give in to @Theo’s demands.
Theo, who appears to have a personal vendetta against the person behind the @FFmpeg account, has released a YouTube video where Theo repeatedly screams that the FFmpeg account administrator is a “motherf***er”.
In response, a small number of FFmpeg contributors are proposing a “vote” on whether or not to remove X account access from that contributor (and collect the $20k bounty).
Other FFmpeg contributors are pointing out that @Theo’s actions are those of a bully (manipulating a project and attacking individuals with large bounties, screaming profanities and name calling).
Theo, who appears to have a personal vendetta against the person behind the @FFmpeg account, has released a YouTube video where Theo repeatedly screams that the FFmpeg account administrator is a “motherf***er”.
In response, a small number of FFmpeg contributors are proposing a “vote” on whether or not to remove X account access from that contributor (and collect the $20k bounty).
Other FFmpeg contributors are pointing out that @Theo’s actions are those of a bully (manipulating a project and attacking individuals with large bounties, screaming profanities and name calling).
Theo - t3.gg@theo
Never thought I'd get tone policed by Lunduke of all people.
Kind of wild that you didn't mention any of the reasons that the tech community is concerned about how the FFmpeg X account is run. You also didn't mention that this beef has since been squashed, nor that I've contributed $5,000 already.
Quality journalism as always 🫡
Kind of wild that you didn't mention any of the reasons that the tech community is concerned about how the FFmpeg X account is run. You also didn't mention that this beef has since been squashed, nor that I've contributed $5,000 already.
Quality journalism as always 🫡
Theo - t3.gg@theo
Privately settled things with a certain multimedia tool. Should be much less spicy for a bit :)
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
Oh come on, now, @theo. There’s no “tone policing” here.
Just a short summary of what I consider to be interesting points of the story.
Offering a substantial bounty for an Open Source project to get rid of a contributor is an interesting and noteworthy thing.
Whether you think it’s good or not.
Along those lines: How was this settled?
Just a short summary of what I consider to be interesting points of the story.
Offering a substantial bounty for an Open Source project to get rid of a contributor is an interesting and noteworthy thing.
Whether you think it’s good or not.
Along those lines: How was this settled?
Theo - t3.gg@theo
"Offering a substantial bounty...to get rid of a contributor" is a hilariously dishonest way of framing this.
According to email list, the poster isn't even a contributor, just a random person with delegate access.
According to email list, the poster isn't even a contributor, just a random person with delegate access.
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
Noted. You disagree with people doing public outreach (social media) being referred to as “contributors”.
Do you agree with the word “bounty” being used in this case?
Also, how was this issue resolved? Are you satisfied with the resolution?
Do you agree with the word “bounty” being used in this case?
Also, how was this issue resolved? Are you satisfied with the resolution?
Theo - t3.gg@theo
The team formally requested that things be toned down from all sides, which I agreed was our mutual goal. They said the tweets will stop, and I deleted mine in efforts to reduce the drama.
You are actively bringing the drama back up. You're working against their wishes.
You are actively bringing the drama back up. You're working against their wishes.
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
For clarification: Have you officially retracted the $20k bounty, or does that remain in effect?
Has any representative from FFmpeg contacted you privately in relation to the bounty?
Has any representative from FFmpeg contacted you privately in relation to the bounty?
Theo - t3.gg@theo
If I donate the $20k right now will you shut the fuck up?
Nobody has contacted me regarding the "bounty". Nobody has contacted me at all. I reached out to cc@ and a rep from VLC asked if we could tone everything down.
I just want what's best for the FFmpeg project.
Nobody has contacted me regarding the "bounty". Nobody has contacted me at all. I reached out to cc@ and a rep from VLC asked if we could tone everything down.
I just want what's best for the FFmpeg project.
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
Earlier when you said “The team formally requested that things be toned down”, was that referring to the VLC team and not the FFmpeg team (as you say you have had no contact with FFmpeg)?
Again, just so we’re clear (as you had not answered the question), is the monetary bounty still in effect or has that been withdrawn from the FFmpeg team.
Trying to get the details straight so I can accurately report on this.
Again, just so we’re clear (as you had not answered the question), is the monetary bounty still in effect or has that been withdrawn from the FFmpeg team.
Trying to get the details straight so I can accurately report on this.
Theo - t3.gg@theo
I will DM you the receipts if you agree to not share them publicly (I do not have the permission of the other people in the email thread).
The "bounty" was never a formal thing. I don't know what you want from me. This is way more complex than you're making it out to be.
Here, so you shut up:
I withdraw the bounty.
The "bounty" was never a formal thing. I don't know what you want from me. This is way more complex than you're making it out to be.
Here, so you shut up:
I withdraw the bounty.
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
Only share things with me if you are comfortable doing so.
Noted that the bounty has been withdrawn.
If there’s anything else you’d like to have included in my coverage of this, feel free to reach out (publicly or privately).
Noted that the bounty has been withdrawn.
If there’s anything else you’d like to have included in my coverage of this, feel free to reach out (publicly or privately).
Theo - t3.gg@theo
So to be clear, I can not share things with you to give context and expect them to not be published publicly?
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
While I always confirm with sources before publishing (and never reveal the identity of whistleblowers), it is a good practice to only share information, with a journalist, which you are comfortable being out in the world.
Theo - t3.gg@theo
As a journalist, I always honor requests to keep details private. This is pretty standard practice.
I often receive information I can not share. It helps a lot with forming the general structure of how I report on things.
I often receive information I can not share. It helps a lot with forming the general structure of how I report on things.
The Lunduke Journal@LundukeJournal
Considering the public nature of our discussion here — and the limited scope of people who may have access to whatever related material you may be looking to share with me — it seems possible that concealing both your identity and the contents of that material is likely to prove challenging… without ceasing to cover the story entirely.
With that in mind, only share what you are comfortable with sharing.
With that in mind, only share what you are comfortable with sharing.