The Rising Tide of Gaming Monetization: A Player's Perspective
The Rising Tide of Gaming Monetization: A Player's Perspective

JoshB · Thursday at 04:41 PM1 day

Hey there, waffle fam! Josh Bailey here, and today we need to have a serious chat about something that's been grinding my gears lately - the absolutely wild evolution of monetization in gaming. Let me tell you, things have gotten pretty crazy out there. The Shifting Landscape of Gaming Economics Remember when buying a game meant actually owning the whole game? Yeah, those were the days. Now, we're living in a world where the monetization strategy often takes priority over the actual gaming exper
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JoshB

Thursday at 04:41 PM1 day

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Thursday at 04:41 PM1 day
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Before We Leave - A Delightfully Relaxing City Builder That Reaches for the Stars
first 2 hours
Before We Leave - A Delightfully Relaxing City Builder That Reaches for the Stars

JoshB · Wednesday at 03:11 PM3 days

TL;DR: Before We Leave is a laid-back city builder that evolves from simple village management to interplanetary colonization. With charming hexagonal graphics, peaceful gameplay, and zero combat, it's perfect for relaxed strategy gaming sessions. Features include customizable planets, Steam Workshop support, and multiple scenarios. While the road-building system might feel restrictive and the soundtrack is limited, the overall experience is engaging and rewarding. The game expertly balances com
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Wednesday at 03:11 PM3 days

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This is a Test
This is a Test

JoshB · Wednesday at 12:18 AM3 days

Played by over 20 million Adventurers - Black Desert Online is an open-world, action MMORPG. Experience intense, action-packed combat, battle massive world bosses, fight alongside friends to siege and conquer castles, and train in professions such as fishing, trading, crafting, cooking, and more! Played by over 20 million Adventurers - Black Desert Online is an open-world, action MMORPG. Experience intense, action-packed combat, battle massive world bosses, fight alongside friends to siege and c
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JoshB

Wednesday at 12:18 AM3 days

JoshB

Wednesday at 12:18 AM3 days
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Black Book - First 2 Hours
Black Book - First 2 Hours

“Black Book” is a dark RPG Adventure, based on Slavic myths, in which you play as a young sorceress. Fight evil forces in card-based battles and explore the world, where humans live alongside mythological creatures.

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Challenges Faced by New Streaming Platforms

The Fall of LiveSpace: A Wake-Up Call for the Streaming Industry
Well folks, we need to talk about something that's been hitting our streaming community pretty hard lately - the sudden shutdown of LiveSpace. And when I say sudden, I mean they literally flipped the switch and turned off streaming capabilities without much warning. Let me tell you, this one stings.
For those who've been following the platform, there were some warning signs. The usually chatty Discord went quiet. Updates slowed to a crawl. That vibrant community engagement we'd all come to love? It just... faded away. Looking back, it was the classic calm before the storm.
What Really Happened?
From what we've gathered through the Discord grapevine, it all came down to funding - or rather, the lack of it. LiveSpace was in talks with some venture capitalists who were ready to dump millions into the platform, but there was a catch: they wanted AI integration. And here's where I've got to give props to Todd and Spencer - they stood their ground and said no.
Listen, I'm not anti-AI. Heck, I use it myself for show notes and content planning. But there's a difference between using AI as a tool and letting it take over your platform. LiveSpace chose principles over profit, and while that decision ultimately led to their demise, I respect the hell out of it.
The Bigger Picture: A Troubling Pattern
This isn't just about LiveSpace though. We've seen this movie before - Mixer's infamous text-message breakup with its community, Glimesh's quiet fade into obscurity, and now LiveSpace. Each shutdown leaves content creators scrambling and communities scattered to the wind.
What's really concerning is how these shutdowns are affecting the streaming ecosystem as a whole. We're seeing a kind of "platform fatigue" setting in. Content creators are becoming increasingly hesitant to try new platforms, and who can blame them? When you've had the rug pulled out from under you multiple times, you start getting pretty picky about where you put your feet.
The Innovation Paradox
Here's the real kicker - LiveSpace was doing something special. They were successfully blending social networking with live streaming in a way that actually worked. Their focus on creative streams, community building, and genuine interaction was refreshing in a landscape dominated by gaming content.
But they also had their struggles. The constant UI changes, while well-intentioned, probably scared away some potential users. It's that classic startup dilemma - move fast and break things, or provide stability for your user base? LiveSpace chose the former, and well, we know how that turned out.
The Future of Streaming Platforms
So where does this leave us? New platforms like Beam, Arena, and SharePlay are facing an uphill battle steeper than ever before. They're not just competing with Twitch and YouTube anymore - they're fighting against creator skepticism and community exhaustion.
I love what SharePlay is doing, but I've got to be real with you - their job just got a lot harder. Same goes for PeerTube, Owncast, and all the other alternative platforms out there. The LiveSpace shutdown is going to make creators think twice, maybe three times, before taking a chance on a new platform.
What Can We Learn?
Sustainability Over Speed: Platforms need to focus on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion. LiveSpace's aggressive development schedule might have contributed to their downfall.
Community First: The real value of any platform isn't in fancy features - it's in the communities they foster. LiveSpace got this right, even if they couldn't make it work financially.
Transparent Communication: When things go south, clear communication can make a world of difference. The silence before LiveSpace's shutdown only added to the community's anxiety.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Look, I'm not here to tell you where to stream. Stick with Twitch, try YouTube, experiment with SharePlay - that's your call to make. What I will say is this: don't let platform shutdowns kill your creative spirit.
If you're feeling burned by LiveSpace's closure, that's totally valid. But remember why you started streaming in the first place. It wasn't about the platform - it was about connecting with people, sharing your passions, and building something meaningful.
For those interested in exploring alternatives, I'll keep doing what I do best - covering the independent platform space and keeping you informed about your options. You can catch all that info in my weekly newsletter over at 2tonwaffle.com (shameless plug, I know, but hey, it's free!).
The Bottom Line
The streaming landscape is changing, and not always in ways we'd like. But change also brings opportunity. Maybe the next great streaming platform is just around the corner. Maybe it's time for a completely new approach to content creation and community building.
Whatever comes next, we'll face it together. Because that's what this community does - we adapt, we grow, and we keep creating, no matter what challenges come our way.
Stay creative, folks. And as always, later taters! 🌟

By JoshB · Posted Yesterday at 03:21 PM1 day
The One-Way Nature of Mainstream Platforms

What Do We Really Want From Our Platforms?
Hey everyone! Hope you're having a great day. I've been thinking a lot lately about our relationship with content platforms, and I want to have an honest conversation about what we – both creators and viewers – actually want from these services.
You know, it's funny. We spend so much time trying to figure out how to "make it" on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Twitter, but we rarely step back and ask ourselves what we really need from these spaces. And I'm not talking about fame or fortune here (though hey, that would be nice). I'm talking about the actual value exchange between platforms and people.
Here's the thing that keeps bouncing around in my head: most platforms don't really care about us. I know that sounds harsh, but let's be real for a minute. These big platforms only care if we bring value to them – through ad revenue, through bringing more eyeballs to their platform, through generating data they can sell. As the saying goes, "if you're getting something for free, you're the product."
Take YouTube, for example. Sure, it's great for learning stuff, and there's tons of amazing content. But at its core, YouTube isn't providing that service out of the goodness of their heart. They're serving you ads and collecting your data. That's the real transaction happening. Same deal with Twitter (or X, or whatever we're calling it these days). You're looking at ads, they're collecting data, and that's pretty much the whole relationship.
But here's where it gets interesting – and why I'm actually pretty excited about where things might be heading. We're seeing this shift toward decentralized platforms, and it's completely changing the game. Let's talk about Mastodon for a second.
On Mastodon, there's no algorithm shoving content in your face. You're not getting the "We think you might like cats, so here's 47 cat videos" treatment. Instead, you're in control. You tell the platform what you want to see. You choose who to follow. You pick your interests. It's actually a two-way street, which is pretty refreshing after years of being force-fed content.
And that's what I think we actually want from our platforms – control. Real control, not the illusion of it. We want to be able to say, "Hey, this is what interests me" and actually get that content, without some algorithm deciding what we "really" want to see.
Look at PeerTube – another great example. There's no algorithm there either. You get what you ask for, nothing more, nothing less. It's simple, and that's what makes it beautiful. We've gotten so used to these complex algorithms that we sometimes forget how nice it is to just... get what we asked for.
Now, let's talk about live streaming for a minute, because this is where things get really interesting. Twitch has this whole system where they're basically forcing creators to run ads every hour, and it's creating this weird situation where streamers have to completely change how they run their shows. Think about it – you're in the middle of an awesome moment, and suddenly: ads. It breaks the flow, it frustrates viewers, and it's just not a great experience for anyone involved.
And don't even get me started on the whole "Twitch provides you a stage" argument. Sorry, Dan Clancy, but we need more than just a stage. We need tools that actually help us create better content and build stronger communities. The "stream together" feature? That's nice and all, but most of us have been using Discord or other services for years to collaborate. We don't need fancy new features – we need the basics to work better.
This is why I'm actually pretty excited about alternatives like Owncast. It's a single-channel live streaming service where you have complete control. Want to run an ad? Hit a button. Don't want ads? Don't run them. Simple as that. It's about giving power back to the creators and the community.
Here's another thing we need to talk about: monetization. A lot of us creators – myself included – sometimes feel weird about asking for support. I rarely mention my tip jar or subscriptions because it feels... I don't know, kind of icky? But the reality is, creating content isn't free. Most of us are either doing this for free or actually losing money on it. We do it because we love building communities and creating content that helps people.
But platforms need to find better ways to help creators monetize without destroying the viewer experience. The current model of "here's three minutes of ads every hour whether you like it or not" isn't working. It's pushing viewers away and making it harder for creators to maintain the quality of their content.
You know what I think would be amazing? If platforms actually listened to their communities. And I mean really listened – not just had a suggestion box that goes into the void. Live Space is doing some interesting things in this direction, but we need more. We need platforms that understand that both creators and viewers are essential parts of the ecosystem.
And let's talk about the elephant in the room: advertising. Yes, platforms need to make money. Yes, creators need to make money. But there has to be a better way than interrupting content every few minutes with ads. YouTube's model, where creators can choose when to place ads, at least gives some control over the viewing experience. But even that could be better.
So what do we actually want from our platforms? Here's my list:
Real control over our content and feeds
Better ways to monetize that don't destroy the viewer experience
Tools that actually help us create better content
A genuine two-way relationship where our feedback matters
Transparency about how things work and why changes are made
Is that too much to ask? Maybe. But I think we're starting to see platforms emerge that understand these needs. The decentralized movement is showing us that there are alternatives to the big, algorithm-driven platforms.
For those of you who've been following my content (and if you're new here, welcome!), you know I'm always experimenting with different platforms and trying to find better ways to create and share content. That's why I stream to multiple platforms – it gives viewers options. Don't like ads on Twitch? Watch on YouTube. Want a completely ad-free experience? Check out my Owncast server.
The point is, we don't have to accept the status quo. We can experiment, try new platforms, and support services that align with what we actually want. And as more creators and viewers do this, platforms will have to adapt.
If you're interested in exploring some of these alternatives, come join our community! We've got a great Discord server where we discuss this stuff all the time, plus forums and a weekly newsletter (just head over to 2tonwaffle.com to sign up). We're always sharing information about new platforms and better ways to create and consume content.
At the end of the day, what we want from our platforms isn't complicated. We want tools that help us create and share content, ways to build genuine communities, and systems that respect both creators and viewers. The technology exists – now it's just a matter of supporting platforms that align with these values.
What do you think? What do you want from your platforms? Drop a comment below or join us in the Discord to continue the conversation. And as always, thanks for reading, and I'll catch you in the next one!
Later taters!
Josh

By JoshB · Posted Thursday at 10:54 PM1 day
AI and Content Creation - Embracing the Future

AI Tools for Content Creators: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Hey there, fellow creators! Josh Bailey here from 2tonwaffle.com, and today we're diving into a topic that's been buzzing everywhere – AI. But don't worry, this isn't another doom-and-gloom piece about robots taking our jobs. Instead, I want to show you how AI can be your secret weapon for streamlining your content creation workflow.
Let's Talk Tools That Actually Work
First up, let's look at Descript, a game-changer for video editing. Think of it as editing a Word document, but for video. Upload your content, and it'll automatically remove silence, filler words, and "ums." The coolest part? You can edit by deleting text, and the video follows suit. They even have this wild feature where you can create an AI version of your voice – yeah, it's a bit creepy, but incredibly useful for quick fixes.
For my gaming streamers out there, services like CapCut and River.com are revolutionizing clip generation. Remember Athena Scope? These new tools are carrying that torch, automatically pulling out those clutch plays and epic moments from your streams.
Podcast Magic with AI
For my podcast people, let me introduce you to Podium. This bad boy takes your audio file and transforms it into:
Complete transcripts
Episode summaries
Show notes (in multiple styles)
Chapter markers
Keywords for SEO
Blog posts
Yes, it costs money ($47/month for 10 hours), but think about the time you're saving. What would take you hours of manual work gets done in about 30 minutes.
Riverside: The Browser-Based Beast
If you're just starting and don't want to invest in expensive equipment, Riverside.FM is your friend. For $30/month, you get:
15 hours of recording
4K video capability
AI transcription
Subtitle generation
Silent part removal
Smart clip creation
The Human Touch Still Matters
Here's the thing – AI isn't perfect. It'll misspell words, miss context, and sometimes just get things plain wrong. That's why we need to use it as a tool, not a replacement. You still need to:
Review and edit AI-generated content
Ensure brand consistency
Add your personal touch
Verify accuracy
Embracing AI Wisely
The key is finding the right balance. Let AI handle the tedious stuff while you focus on creativity and strategy. It's about working smarter, not harder. Use AI for:
Initial drafts and ideas
Repetitive tasks
Time-consuming transcription
Basic editing
Content organization
Remember, just like computers didn't actually give us more leisure time (they just let us do more work), AI won't replace content creators. Instead, it's another tool in our arsenal to create better content more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Don't fear AI – embrace it as a helper, not a replacement. Used wisely, it can cut your workflow in half and free you up to focus on what really matters: creating awesome content that connects with your audience.
Want to stay updated on more content creation tips and tricks? Head over to twotonewaffle.com and sign up for my Weekly Waffle newsletter. And hey, if you're feeling generous, drop a review on Apple Podcasts – even if it's just an emoji!
Later taters! 🥔

By JoshB · Posted Thursday at 10:12 PM1 day
Revisiting Guilded

Why Guilded is Actually Better Than Discord (And Why That Matters)
Let's talk about something that's been on my mind lately - Guilded vs Discord. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Oh great, another Discord clone!" But hear me out, because Guilded isn't just different - it's actually better in pretty much every way that matters.
The Free Factor
First things first - everything that you'd normally pay for with Discord Nitro? It's completely free on Guilded. I'm talking unlimited emotes (both static and animated), high-quality voice chat, banners, custom avatars - all of it. Zero dollars. No arbitrary server boost requirements, no premium subscriptions, just straight-up functionality ready to go from day one.
Look, I get it. Discord's got the mindshare. It's comfortable. People know it. But that's exactly why we need to talk about Guilded, because most folks are leaving some seriously powerful community tools on the table by not even giving it a chance.
Superior Channel Types and Organization
Guilded gives you 10 different channel types right out of the gate. Sure, you've got your basic text and voice channels, but you also get:
Forums (which Discord only recently copied)
Document channels for wiki-style pages
Calendar channels with built-in scheduling
Media channels optimized for sharing content
List channels for task management
Announcement channels
And more
But here's where it gets really interesting - Guilded has this concept called "Groups" that completely changes how you organize your community. Instead of endless scrolling through categories, you can create logical groupings that keep things clean and accessible. It's like Discord's folders system, but actually useful and intuitive.
Built-in Bot Functionality
Remember how on Discord you need to add a bunch of different bots for basic functionality? With Guilded, most of that stuff is built right in. Want Twitch notifications? Built-in. YouTube alerts? Yep. XP/leveling system? It's there.
The flow bot system is particularly sweet - it's basically "if this then that" for your server. You can set up custom triggers and actions without needing to know any code or rely on third-party services. No more paying for premium bot features or juggling multiple bot dashboards.
The Roblox Factor
Now, I know what some of you are thinking - "Isn't Guilded owned by Roblox now?" Yes, it is. And that seems to be a sticking point for some people. But here's the thing - that acquisition hasn't changed what makes Guilded great. If anything, it's given them more resources to keep building and improving the platform.
The Real Challenge
The biggest hurdle Guilded faces isn't technical - it's social. Discord has become the default, and getting people to try something new is tough. I've seen it firsthand - you can show people all these amazing features, but the minute they hear "it's not Discord," some folks just check out mentally.
And look, I get it. If you've got an established Discord community, making the switch is a big ask. Your community might straight-up refuse, and that's something you've got to respect. You can lead a horse to water and all that.
But here's the thing - if you're starting fresh? There's absolutely no reason not to give Guilded a shot. You're getting more features, better organization tools, and zero cost. The platform is solid, stable, and constantly improving.
What's Missing?
To be fair, there are some gaps. The third-party bot ecosystem isn't as robust as Discord's (though you need fewer bots anyway). And yes, some developers have scaled back their Guilded projects lately. But the core platform is so feature-rich that most communities won't even notice these limitations.
The Bottom Line
Here's the deal - Guilded isn't perfect, but it's better than Discord in almost every way that matters for actually running a community. The tools are better, the features are free, and the platform is built with community management in mind from the ground up.
If you're starting a new community, give Guilded a serious look. If you're running an existing Discord server, maybe set up a Guilded server in parallel and see how it feels. You might be surprised at just how much better the experience can be.
Like I always say - I can lead you to water, but I can't make you drink. But at least take a look at the water before deciding it's not for you. Because right now, a lot of folks are paying good money for features they could get for free, just because they're stuck in their ways.
And hey, if you want to see Guilded in action, swing by the Two-Ton Waffle community on Guilded. I'd be happy to show you around and demonstrate why I'm so excited about this platform.
Remember - sometimes the best tool for the job isn't the most popular one. It's worth taking the time to explore your options, especially when those options come with so many advantages and zero downsides.
That's my take on Guilded vs Discord. What's your experience been? Have you given Guilded a try? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to join our community at 2tonwaffle.com for more content creation tips and platform comparisons.

By JoshB · Posted Thursday at 09:46 PM1 day
Elevating Your Creative Brand with Personalized Merch and Exclusive Content

FourthWall Review: A Complete Monetization Solution for Creators

Hey everyone! Josh here - I wanted to share my experience with FourthWall and break down why it might be worth considering for your creator business.
WHAT IS FOURTHWALL? It's an all-in-one monetization platform that includes:
• Custom website builder • Merch store (print-on-demand) • Membership system • Integration with major platforms • Zero monthly fees
KEY FEATURES:
📱 Website & Store
9 customizable themes
Custom domain support (example: shop.twotonwaffle.com)
Built-in link management (like Linktree)
Mobile-friendly design

👕 Merch Store
No minimum orders
Wide product range (shirts, hoodies, mugs, etc.)
Print-on-demand fulfillment
Both printed and embroidered options
Digital product support

💎 Membership System
Custom tier creation
Discord integration
Members-only products
Private RSS feeds
Automated management

PRICING BREAKDOWN:
• No monthly fees • 3% fee on digital products • 0% on physical products • 5% on memberships • Customers pay shipping costs

PLATFORM INTEGRATION:
Twitch
YouTube
TikTok
Instagram
Discord
StreamLabs/StreamElements
Many more

COOL EXTRA FEATURES:
Giveaway system
Detailed analytics
Personalized thank you notes
AI-assisted product descriptions
Promo code system

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I've been using it for my own shop and particularly love:
Easy product setup
Seamless Discord integration
Comprehensive analytics
User-friendly interface

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS:
Some minimum quantities for specific items (like plushies)
Currently more Twitch-focused
Limited custom alert system options

RECOMMENDED FOR:
• Content creators • Streamers • Digital artists • Community builders • Anyone looking to monetize content

GETTING STARTED TIPS:
Start with basic products/memberships
Use their pre-built themes initially
Connect your social platforms early
Price products strategically
Utilize their analytics

Questions? I'm happy to share more specific details about my experience or answer any questions about particular features!
Note: I can provide my referral link if anyone's interested - we both get $10 after you make your first three sales https://link.fourthwall.com/ref/2tonwaffle
What's your experience with creator monetization platforms? Have you tried FourthWall or considering making the switch?
Elevating Your Creative Brand wi...
Elevating Your Creative Brand with Personalized Merch and...
Ever felt like the digital tides are changing for content creators? Get ready to navigate the vast ocean of possibilities with FourthWall, your new beac...

By JoshB · Posted Thursday at 07:26 PM1 day

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