Episode Discussion

Have you noticed how AI has suddenly become the elephant in every creative room? It feels like we've gone from "Hey, that's neat" to "Wait, it's everywhere!" practically overnight. As creators, we're all trying to figure out where we stand in this brave new world. Let's talk about the recent Coca-Cola holiday ad fiasco. You know the one - with six-fingered people and mangled logos that looked like they were designed in a fever dream. It's the perfect example of what happens when companies try to replace human creativity with AI just to save a buck. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well. But here's the thing - AI isn't inherently evil. It's like any other tool in our creative…

The Fall of LiveSpace: A Wake-Up Call for the Streaming IndustryWell 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…

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…

AI Tools for Content Creators: Work Smarter, Not HarderHey 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 WorkFirst 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 te…

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 FactorFirst 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 functi…

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.…

Building a Community as an Independent Creator: Lessons Learned Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of The Independent Creator. Today, we're taking a little break from our usual discussions about projects, software, or platforms. Instead, we're going to dive deep into the hard lessons learned when trying to build a community around your project. This is also a moment of self-reflection for me, as I know many of you face similar challenges and roadblocks in your journeys. Creating a community around your project is undoubtedly one of the toughest tasks out there. Whether you're a creator, a community manager, or just someone…

The Value of Forums in the Age of Discord Welcome to another exciting edition of the Independent Creator podcast. Today, we're taking a little break from our usual livestream topics to dive deep into the fascinating world of forums and community-building software. If you're interested in creating a space for your community, whether it's for discussion, collaboration, or sharing ideas, this episode is definitely for you. Why Forums Still Matter Forums are often overlooked in favor of platforms like Discord, which has gained immense popularity due to its ease of use and real-time communication capabilities. While Discord is indeed popular for …

Welcome back to another episode of the Cliche Crow Podcast! We've hit a milestone with this being our seventh episode, and we're thrilled to keep pushing forward. Most podcasts don’t make it this far, but here we are, ready to dive into yet another intriguing topic in the ever-evolving world of live streaming. What is Kick? Let me catch you up if you’ve been out of the loop or simply living under a rock. Kick is a relatively new player in the live-streaming arena, positioning itself as an alternative to Twitch. But, as with any new platform, Kick is not without its share of controversies. Today, we'll explore what Kick is, why it's stirring up so much debate, an…

In recent years, the live streaming industry has been largely dominated by tech giants Twitch and YouTube. However, as content creators seek more flexibility and viewer-friendly options, new platforms are emerging to challenge this duopoly. Two noteworthy contenders currently in beta are Share Play and Live Space, both aiming to provide fresh alternatives in the increasingly competitive live streaming market. Share Play: A New Player in the Game Share Play (shareplay.tv) entered beta approximately a month ago, bringing a familiar yet innovative approach to live streaming. At first glance, the platform's layout resembles Twitch, which helps use…

Welcome to another edition of The Cliche Crow Podcast! I'm Josh, Two Town Waffle on any Creator Hub network. Tonight, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of content submission to various services and platforms, focusing on the streaming apps and encoders we use to broadcast ourselves to the world. Whether you're an experienced streamer or just starting, understanding the evolution and options available in streaming software is key to enhancing your content creation journey. A Brief History of Streaming Software The world of streaming encoders has undergone significant changes since the early days. Back then, the options were limited to tools like XSplit and OBS (…

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on the significant shifts in the digital landscape for independent creators. This year has seen a remarkable surge in interest and development of alternative platforms, offering creators more control and flexibility over their content. Let's dive into the key developments that shaped this exciting space. Own Cast: Empowering Livestreamers Own Cast, the open-source, self-hosted livestreaming platform, made significant strides in 2023. The release of version 1.0 brought a host of improvements, including: Enhanced appearance customization Custom emoji and chat colors External action buttons for be…

Welcome to another insightful episode of Cliched Crow! Tonight, we're diving into a topic that's been stirring the tech community—APIs, their usage in social networking and live streaming platforms, and the recent changes that have shaken up the digital landscape. The Twitter API Rollercoaster Twitter has been on a wild ride over the past few months, making significant changes to its API access. For years, third-party developers have relied on Twitter's API to bring the platform's timeline into apps on iOS and Android devices. This access allowed users to customize their Twitter experience, often bypassing ads and enhancing functionality. However, in a move that…

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, many of us are on the hunt for perfect gifts for our loved ones. If you have a content creator in your circle, finding the right gift can be a meaningful way to support their passion. In this blog post, we explore thoughtful gift ideas for content creators, ranging from affordable basics to more premium investments. The Importance of Audio Quality One of the most critical aspects of content creation is audio quality. A clear, crisp sound can significantly enhance a creator's videos or streams, making microphones a valuable gift. Here are a few options to consider: Budget-Friendly Microphones: F…

Welcome to another episode of The Clichéd Crow, where we explore the world of independent creators and live streamers, covering everything from hardware and software to resources that can enhance your content creation journey. This time, we’re diving into a topic on the mind of almost every content creator: monetization strategies. The Reality of Monetization: There’s No Quick Fix When you embark on the content creation journey, it’s tempting to ask, "How can I make money now?" Unfortunately, there’s no quick, easy way to turn your content into cash. Monetization is a grind, requiring patience, long-term thinking, and the willingness to explore different strateg…

Hey there, welcome back to another edition of the Independent Creator podcast! I'm your humble host, and I'm excited to chat with you all today about some really interesting developments in the world of online content creation. First up, let's talk about Owncast - this awesome open source, free live-streaming platform that just launched. Now, I know a lot of us have gotten used to the big social platforms like Twitch and YouTube for our live streaming needs, but Owncast is a game-changer. The beauty of it is that it puts you in full control of your content. No more relying on algorithms or platform policies - with Owncast, you get to host your serv…

Welcome to another episode of the Cliched Crow Podcast—your go-to source for all things related to content creation, live streaming, and the tools and platforms that help independent creators thrive. If you're an independent creator looking for insights into the ever-evolving world of social media, you've come to the right place. Tonight, we’re diving into the current state of social networking, particularly focusing on the monumental changes following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, and how these shifts have rippled across the digital landscape. The Twitter Exodus: Where Are We Now? Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably aware that Elo…

Out with the Old, In with the New: Changes to the Independent Creator Podcast Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Independent Creator Podcast. It's been a while. Just enough time to make the heart grow fonder, right? Today, we're diving into some exciting changes for the show. As the title suggests, it's out with the old and in with the new. New Format, Same Great Content We're shaking things up a bit. Each episode will be a little different, but not too much. The goal is to streamline the process while expanding our reach. Instead of a lengthy pre-show, we'll jump right into the episode after a brief five-minute countdown. This means more c…

My Journey as a Content Creator: From Twitch to Indie Games Welcome to another edition of the Independent Creator podcast. Tonight, we're diving into my personal journey as a content creator, exploring the platforms I've used, and sharing some tools and techniques that have worked for me. Let's jump in and get started. The Early Days My journey began years ago as a small-time broadcaster on Twitch. I started with an account called Scrodember, focusing on family-friendly content. I played games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and Overwatch. I found some success and even collaborated with a group called The Shed. However, Twitch's discove…

Understanding the Importance of Chat Bots for Content Creators Welcome to another edition of the Independent Creator podcast. I'm your host, Josh. Today, we're diving into the world of chatbots. We'll discuss what they are, whether to install them locally or use a cloud-based version, and explore some popular options like Beatport and Mix It Up. What Are Chat Bots? Chatbots are your unsung heroes in the streaming world. They handle everything from interacting with your viewers to automating repetitive tasks. For example, if you want to share your Discord server link, you can set up a command like !discord. When a viewer types this in chat, the bot automa…

Exploring Monetization Options for Streamers Welcome to another edition of the Independent Creative Podcast. Tonight, we're diving into different monetization options for streamers and discussing if there's such a thing as too much monetization. Let's get into it. Twitch Affiliate Program You can sign up for the Twitch Affiliate Program if you're on Twitch. While it's a good way to make money, remember that Twitch takes 50% of your sub revenue. Running ads can give you a 55% cut if you use the Twitch ad scheduler, but only 33% if you don't. Outside Monetization Options Streamloots Streamloots allows your audience to buy card packs to in…

Navigating DMCA Free Music for Content Creators Welcome to another episode of the Independent Creator Podcast. I'm your host, Josh. Tonight, we're diving into DMCA-free or copyright-free music. We'll explore the options available for streamers and YouTubers and discuss the dangers of YouTube playlists that could get you into trouble. Let's get into it. Understanding DMCA-Free Music As a content creator, you need to decide whether to use regular music from top artists or opt for royalty-free or DMCA-free music. Using copyrighted music can lead to demonetization or even copyright strikes, especially on YouTube. Three strikes, and your channel is gone…

Owning Your Content: A Guide for Independent Creators In today's digital landscape, content creators face a significant challenge: maintaining ownership and control over their work while reaching their audience. As the host of the Independent Creator podcast, I want to address this crucial issue and offer some practical advice on how to take charge of your content. The Problem with Social Media Dependence Many creators have become overly reliant on centralized social media platforms to share their work and engage with their audience. While these platforms offer vast reach, they come with several drawbacks: Loss of control over your content Exposur…

Exploring Owncast: A Free and Open-Source Live Streaming Platform Welcome to another edition of the Independent Creator Podcast. I'm your host, Josh, and today we're diving into the world of alternative platforms for independent creators. Tonight, we're talking about Owncast, a free and open-source live video streaming service that you can control and set up on your own. What is Owncast? Owncast is a platform that allows you to create your private live-streaming service. Unlike Twitch, you have full control over your content and how it's streamed. It's been around for a few years and offers a lot of features for very little cost. All y…

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Online Community In today's digital age, building and nurturing an online community is crucial for content creators, businesses, and organizations. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the right one? Let's explore some popular options and their pros and cons. Forums: The Classic Community Builder Forums have been around since the early days of the internet, and for good reason. They offer several advantages: Ownership: You have full control over your community and its data. SEO Benefits: Forum content is easily searchable, helping to attract new members. Organized Dis…