Cup of Jones - August 24, 2020

You gave networking tips such as the intro, smile, and exit. I want to know how you’re approaching networking during covid. Gotta have some tips for these virtual coffee chats.

Logan Young

Heya Jones, I mean, look, if that's what people want, there's not really anything I can say, is there? But if Easy Allies had feelings for someone they weren't sure about, would they bring them down, scream and shout or speak of love and let their feelings out?

Asbo Zappruder

I think you put too much weight in what you perceive the audience reception would be on decisions. Something you have said in varying ways is 'We wont do that because then people would expect it every week'. I can tell you for myself, and therefore a cross section of fans, that is not true. Personally, I'm smart enough to understand that if someone does something in the studio, it's an edge case unless there's some announcement. Using the example of flat out not making something (Trailer Jones) because people would expect it on a schedule. Hands down, the best, most intelligent, most thought out content, that I watch on Youtube, arrives in an adhoc 'when it's done style', and the audience are fine with that. So, I guess what I'm driving at is, don't be afraid to test if the audience are smarter / more forgiving than you anticipate, and maybe if you experiment some real gems (Box Peak) will come out. I would say, more understandable reasons are, 'you don't think they'll get enough views, so there's no point'. 'Even if they came out 1 per year, there's not enough time, especially now that guy left'. 'Everyone is happy with their work and doesn't want to branch out'.

Kif

Hi Brandon, What is your thought process when deciding what content is or is not exclusive to Patreon? In todays digital content world where everyone expects free free free, even small prices scare some people away. Is that a constant struggle with trying to increase the Easy Allies audience? How do you decide which content does or does not deserve to be behind a pay wall?

Matt Igleski

Hey Jones, The editorial really resonated this week. It's good to be reminded to forgive ourself. Thanks!

Alec Church

Brandon, I don't think that you talk very fast. I watch your videos at 1.7x speed and I have absolutely zero problems understanding what you say even though English is not my native language.

Alexander Zyryanov

Hey allIf Brandon’s editorial resonated with you, you might be interested in the work of Shirzad Charmin. What Jones calls the bully, he calls our Judge and the Saboteurs, they are our thoughts we hear most often when we are stressed, angry or frustrated and our Sage which is the voice we hear when we are feeling creative, empathetic, confident and compassionate. Using these ideas to differentiate between our survival instinct and our higher/innovative selves, he has developed exercises grounded in meditation and mindfulness techniques that can be done on the spot, anytime, anywhere to switch our thoughts and feelings from Saboteur to Sage to diminish the negative thoughts and responses we have to our lives and strengthen the constructive thoughts and responses and treat all experience as a gift no matter the outcome. He is the ex-CEO of the Coach Training Institute, one of the premier professional coach training organisations in the world and a Stanford University professor. The effectiveness of his work is backed up by reliable scientific data and the exercises are based in traditions from around the world. Check out his book “Positive Intelligence” or his website www.positiveintelligence.com it is honestly life changing and as you can imagine is especially relevant now. Brandon if it resonates with you and you have the opportunity to check it out you might mention it on the next Cup? Love and Respect. Elliot

Elliot Moscow

Hey Brandon, No question here but just a comment I meant to make before this show and missed it. I honestly thought your last podcast (8/21) was the best/my favorite so far with you as moderator. Not sure why, but you just seemed more relaxed, had more fun, and it was more you and your show. That's all. Love and respect, ~Matt

Matt Galeza

Brandon I think you qualify as a cool friend. Also I found EZA through when you went on KF content years ago before EZA formed. Had only casually watched some final bosman/reviews from GT previously. Your appearance converted me from someone who barely watched GT content to a day 1 $5 patron. L&R, Alex

Alex Bailey

Safety from being eaten

Spinexel

Hey Jones, Recently I've been thinking about how content creators can catch a potential viewers attention. After reading an article stating Netflix viewers spend an average of 1.8 seconds considering a show before moving on, I paid much more attention to the videos people watch on youtube. Based on the popular videos I examined, the two most important factors when viewers choose a video are the conciseness of the title, and simplicity of the thumbnail. Both of these things, when it comes to the Easy Allies channel, fluctuate drastically. For example, the recent Don't Skip on "Destroy All Humans!" is a perfect example of what pulls in a viewer. Meanwhile, although all great videos, the recent betting specials have had thumbnails which seemingly try to actively push the viewer away, especially when compared to specials of the past. I have also found that videos with the most views, on the Easy Allies channel and beyond, do not have their title as sentences, but rather 6 word at most descriptors. This is in contrast to the Reaction Shots on anime films, which has a title so long that only about half is actually seen by the viewer on the Youtube website. One example would be shortening the title "Anime Films! With Special Guest Yssa Badiola! - Reaction Shots Movie Podcast", to "Anime Films - Reaction Shots Podcast | ft. Yssa Badiola". This brings me to my question, do you believe Easy Allies could do more to bring in new viewers, through thumbnails and titles? Love & Respect, Spinexel

Spinexel

He should totally bring back Trailer Jones for this! It's such a perfect candidate. I would have loved to see a live reaction to that trailer...I know it's not a video game, but I feel like it was a bit of a missed opportunity that they didn't live react to the The Batman trailer on stream.

Well I'm no surgeon but I'd be happy to review surgeon simulator with you guys anytime

Mango

Hi Brandon I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the new The Batman trailer. Personally I think it looks fantastic! I’m a sucker for the perfect type of dark mood in films so I can’t help but be excited. With Batman being one of your favorites I would love to hear what you think of the trailer. Thanks!

Objective! That was the word, objective.

Hey Mr. Jones! As you read off last week, this was going to be a two-part question, but as I intimated, Mr. Bloodworth thoroughly answered both what I asked (which you so kindly read, which again didn’t necessarily need to, but I thank you all the same), and pre-emptively got ahead on the second part, so I’m changing it up, and ask something I’m not sure you can answer: From your view, what is the perception of EZA by the industry? When the name “Easy Allies” is brought up, do you believe many developers, publishers, PR, etc. respond positively? Conversely, has the group or a specific Ally (without naming anyone, Ally or otherwise) been blacklisted for something an Ally has previewed/reviewed? I’m sure it’s been mostly positive for EZA and GameTrailers before that, but I just wanted to know with your perspective if EZA is as respected as I hope it is. Thanks as always for reading and have a wonderful rest of your day! Cheers! QUESTION: Since Mr. Bloodworth not only answered my question last week, and pre-emptively answered the second part I was going to ask this week, I’m changing it up to: From your view, what is the perception of EZA by the industry? When the name “Easy Allies” is brought up, do you believe many developers, publishers, PR, etc. respond positively? Conversely, has the group or a specific Ally (without naming anyone, Ally or otherwise) been blacklisted for something an Ally has previewed/reviewed? I’m sure it’s been mostly positive for EZA and GameTrailers before that, but I just wanted to know with your perspective if EZA is as respected as I hope it is.

Brandon K Gann