Cup of Jones - June 1, 2020

Of course. Everyone is expressing their quarantine fatigue in different ways. Rest assured, there are plenty of pep-talk-style conversations that happen in our Slack in regards to our current state of living, and Huber often starts them or is the loudest ally involved. I'll keep an eye on him, always, but I think he's doing okay. - Jones

Easy Allies

On a recent tweet I made about this issue Ian replied there's about a month left of spreadshirt ordering. They have a lot more selection on there than they will have when the new vendor opens up. You might want to check it out if you're looking for something show-specific.

JessieBlu

One problem is when they do have guests, people on other shows like Easy Update and Fiasconauts for example, theres always a contingent of people that post "we tune in to see you guys, not so-and-so"... I know they want to have guests, they have said scheduling is usually an issue. I personally would like to see more female representation but every time I get an episode of Easy Update like the one this weekend, people post that it was bad (which I don't agree with) or in the past said things like "i wanna see more of the Allies in these". I LIKE when Ian's friends are on the show and wish people would stop hating on Easy Update so much.

JessieBlu

Hey Jones, recently Huber seems to be very stressed out. I've noticed he's been less active on podcasts along with Huber Syndrome. I assume that quarantine has really been getting to him as he is a really big extrovert. It seems like he's been active in the protests. That along with that big LOU2 review seems to be a lot for him. Knowing this I just wanted to make sure you check up on him. L&R, Spinexel

Spinexel

Assuming you intend to continue the quarterly game release preview segment, any thoughts on whether or not you'll preserve Kyle's dichotomy of pop tarts and toaster strudels? The punch behind that odd pairing and its reactions from the community seem to be lost without Kyle's support. I'd honestly be more interested to know what you'd do to make the segment your own if you're okay with bucking traditions. L&R!

Kirbu

Hey Jones! I always eagerly await the podcast to drop on Fridays. Listening to you and the guys talk about the latest and greatest in videogame news always cheers my heart up. The last podcast however, it was different, because of the whole racial issue that is currently taking over the world it seems. I get that because of the cancellation of some events you can't get around mentioning it but the issue is really complex and has a lot of nuances that you can't possibly fit into a couple of minutes (more like 30 minutes in this case but you get the point). I really like you guys but politics are a hard pass for me, at least in a gaming/tech podcast. Love & Respect Stefan

Stefan Vlemmix

Heya Jones, Oh, tell me about it. But, you know, if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing. Anyway, if Easy Allies were men of distinction, would they be looking for fun, a few laughs, or a good time?

Asbo Zappruder

Mr. Jones, I hope all is well, no question this week because I had two last time. Keep up the great work. Respectfully, Morgan Mohalla

Morgan Mohalla

I wanna feel good while I'm driving. Sign me up for a BMW 500. Also, editorials bother me, the name, it just doesn't have a good ring to it. They are the final thing you do in CoJ, and, you are essentially the boss of EZA, who also happens to male. Please rebrand them to Final Boss Mans.

Kif

Safety

Nextgenheff

Hey Jones, Its been a while. No batman updates and my animal crossing island is still under construction. But I have recently been playing clubhouse 51 games with my younger brother and it has been a blast. I would like to recommend you guys try to stream it playing 2-4 player games if you guys are able too. You could even have your Texas Holdem game you guys wanted to play. (Sure its not as good as real texas holdem, there are some limitations but it is still fun). See you here again next week Sean

Nextgenheff

Hi Jones! Since the Patreon has been on a steady decline, have the allies been thinking of ways to BOOST IT? I'm mainly thinking of a Patreon drive or some other big event for when you get back to the office. Unfortunately patreon drives have the nasty downside of being easily manipulated with people pledging and then pulling the pledge. All I want is for the Patreon to stay healthy and sustainable. All the Love and Respect.

Zael Stormborn

Jones, CLS(Colin's Last Stand) has now past you in Patrons to become the number 1 gaming and nerd culture Patreon in the world. I was just wondering if you lost a lot of Patrons because of a combination of Kyle leaving and pandemic(loss of jobs)? Your content has always been a bright spot for me during the week, so I get concerned when you start losing a lot of people. I just want you to know that I will support you guys as long as I'm able. Your positivity is infectious and helps me try and take a more positive stance in my everyday life L&R!

strawhatninja

Hi Jones. Any update or timeline on EZA merch? I was wearing my original black Easy Allies shirt out and was asked why I was wearing an old faded tshirt out in public (a friend). I want to rep EZA but also want to wear nice shirts. L&R, Alex

Alex Bailey

Hi Jones. New patron here with a bit of a silly question: Have you thought about building the studio in Animal Crossing, and doing a podcast from there, in a similar manner to Animal Talking, while stuck at home? If not in a serious manner, it would be fun for an Aprils Fools joke (if only it wasn't 10 months away haha) Stay safe and L&R, Rebecca

Rebecca Heegaard

Hi Jones. Noticed that the patreon has dipped below $40k and patron number at just under 8700. Is this a cause for concern? L&R

Lucid Ludwig

Hey Jones, Just wanted to say I'm very surprised at how quick you guys started a charity stream for BLM. Usually I find EZA very slow to react where charity events would come and the community would ask why you guys aren't part of it and you would give excuses about review season blah blah blah. Thank you. Question: With COVID changing the world I thought I would remind EZA that when they ease restrictions that EZA would be ready. For example, the podcast might become a 3 person on the table and 1 person in the booth podcast to ensure a larger gap between each other or to have some ready to ensure more people in the podcast. Group Streams to be limited to X amount of people. I'm sure you can figure out more stuff. Have you guys started talking about strategies on coming back to the studio? More cleaning duties? L&R iboshow P.S another message with the below youtube video ;) sorry for cheating :P https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiweaZQ8g5U&ab_channel=KhaledAlshikh

Ibrahim Sozer

Do you have any recommendations for none microtransaction mobile games? If you haven't heard of Mini Metro I would recommend checking it out, it's a nice puzzle game with great aesthetics, they provide free support to the game with no microtransactions.

Varun Kachhwaha

Hey Brandon, hope you're doing well. Not really a question but more of a request. I would really like to see more Jess, Sofia, Kinda Funny guys (especially Greg/Bless/Tim) or even Gamexplain people on shows related to videogames, the podcast or frame trap. I know you're always saying you have to leave it to the other allies to decide, but I think, without being too pushy, you should mention to them how little (outside of Fiasconauts and Friend Code) we see partnerships or simply friends coming by. Just a thought to add to many others who ask for more guests, in a time when you're doing all shows from home, so if the schedule is right for them and they're up for it, it's just a Zoom call away ! Have a great week and stay safe. Terence.

Térence Caron

Hey Brandon! I had a ton of fun watching you guys rediscover Sea of Thieves this week. Any chance of more Sea of Thieves in the future? Weekly Voyages!

Andy Goergen

Morning Jones! I just want to say that I think EZA is doing a great job in spite of all the current circumstances. I know that there are calls within the community to keep innovating and striving for growth, but 2020 has been tough. I bet you all had ideas in the works since you learned Kyle intended to leave, only to be completely diverted by the pandemic. Still producing compelling content during the quarantine is really hard! I'm a composer and not being able to go outside and experience things beyond the window in my office really deadens my creativity and inspiration. I miss seeing everyone together in the studio, laughing during the group streams, but just know that whatever you're doing is enough. I love you guys, and have always been proud to be a patron. L&R, Brian Denu

Brian Denu

Hello Brandon. On last episode you’ve said that you don’t want to include a topic in the podcast when you feel like it was already fully covered by others and you can’t add any value to it. I think that there’s a value in bringing up any topic, because we all have our own communication bubbles and if all your contacts talk about something, it doesn’t mean that other’s contacts do the same. For example on last episode you’ve mentioned Sony’s reaction to Last of Us Part II leak and this was the first time I’ve heard about that story. This reminds me “use left joystick to move your character” tutorials that may feel unnecessary, but are extremely useful for a few newcomers. I’m not saying that it’s your job to educate your audience, but if you think that some story is important and you doubt that you can say anything new about it, try mentioning it during “Also This Week...” segment. To finish on positive note, I think that you are a great podcast host, and if something isn’t working you quickly fix it. I had several complains after your first podcast, and now I can’t even remember what they were about.

Alexander Zyryanov

Hey Jones, I hope you're doing well and staying safe. First time writing in for quite some time. I've been thinking about the recent discussion you had regarding the community feeling like things have felt stagnant for quite some time, and some frustration with the general direction of Easy A. I have to admit, as someone who's been a Patron from day 1, I've also had some of these same feelings recently. I wanted to bring up something I and several others have suggested again, despite the reservations I know you have about it. I honestly feel like Easy Allies doing a Daily show akin to Kinda Funny Games daily would be incredibly beneficial and something the community would really respond to. It could maybe start 3 days a week and then potentially turn into a full, Monday through Friday show. A few reasons why: -You could have a two person co-host approach and get different combinations with the Allies who are willing to do it. This would allow those who don't normally get hosting duties a chance to experience this, (Brad comes to mind) without having to be the host the entire time. Who knows, maybe this could turn into a starting point for one of the Allies to do new things and create their own show down the line? -This format could target being a little shorter than the EZA podcast, somewhere between 45 to 50 minutes depending on the news topics of the day. -This isn't just strictly news and community questions. An example on a recent Kinda Funny Games Daily had the headline "How Big is too Big for an Open World Game?" So to me this could create an opportunity to get more interesting topics from multiple allies and have a discussion. This type of format could allow for a discussion where opinions can be discussed and even debated in some cases. I love the idea of getting certain Allies paired up on a given day and having them challenge each other's opinions on some topics. I believe Kinda Funny Games Daily has the blueprint you could easily follow here, while still putting your own spin on it. This format will create a lot of interesting conversations, and push the co-hosts to give their show on that particular day an identity based on the topic they've brought to the table. This whole concept seems exciting because I think seeing different combos of the Allies and guests on the show could be a lot of fun. -This would allow more folks who submit to L&R and don't get their question read on the weekly podcast a chance to interact with you all, even if the subsequent discussion isn't as long as it would be on the podcast -You guys could also incorporate guests here which I believe is still a major opportunity to improve upon. Credit to Damiani for his recent Friend Code by the way. Really good lineup last week. -This format allows you to briefly touch on topics that might otherwise be days late on the podcast and/or Frame Trap. Again, doesn't need to be a meaty discussion but this also allows more Allies to discuss something especially noteworthy on a given week. -While one drawback to this show from a Patron standpoint is you can't really do it early access, maybe the compromise there is Patrons at the $5 tier can ask questions for each show. *I saw someone suggest on the EZA subreddit that having Frame Trap go to a Weekly show would make a lot of sense as well. I tend to agree, but I realize that's a bigger time commitment for Ben and Co. So apologies this is a LONG comment and I know this subject isn't anything new. I just genuinely believe doing this type of format would cater to your strengths, be fresh and different, and the community would respond well to seeing different combos of Allies every day on the official Easy Allies (Almost) Daily Show! P. S. - Keep up the great work on the podcast. I can tell you're getting more and more comfortable as moderator each week! -Jared B.

Jared Barzee

Hey Jones, I was thinking of accessibility on live streams. I recently found out about this web browser app that in real time add captions to your speech. I thought this might be a neat idea for live streams for people who are hard of hearing or just like reading. The program is called webcaptioner if interested. Also DGD on the podcast so far. L&R

Dai Nguyen

Jones, I just wanted to say I stand behind the decision to post about the horrendous events. This isn't about something happening in a little microcosm like a gaming company. This is a global movement because of a problem that has been festering under the surface for decades since the last major race movements in the '60s. I grew up a "poor dirty white girl" in a predominantly black neighborhood and had (and still have) several mixed race friends and saw how terrible racism and prejudice can be. I've seen it from the inside. I stood at the front of the bus waiting for kids to move because no one wanted my siblings or I to sit with them because of the color of our skin. I saw both sides shun my friends because they were either "too white" or "too black". A person should be judged NOT by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have worked really hard to raise myself above the poverty in which I was born and now I can afford to financially support whomever I chose. Your group's message of Love , inclusion, Respect and tolerance is important. I know for this past few years when you were first getting a foothold back in the industry you might have been afraid that position was tenuous and were afraid to speak too loudly in support of one side of an issue for fear of excluding a large chunk of financial support from the "other side" but I feel that this issue is one where there actually is a right and wrong side. You are on the right side and as long you use those voices and avenues available to you in support of human rights and freedom, against oppression, anyone who disagrees with you and pulls their support is better off gone. The rest that remain will lift you up. May I suggest a couple more "Shout out" tier slots, just to see if someone else is interested in filling the gap? Just a thought... L&R JessieBlu

JessieBlu

P.S. No need to read this. Just wanted to say I support you guys having opinions on things.

Raven Perez

It's funny.. because (and I don't mean this as a slight), but you guys say almost nothing most of the time anyway. I can TELL Ian and Damiani and even Kyle (hell Ben too here and there) have things to say and they bite their tongue. It's DUMB to hold you guys to such a stringent standard. You're people. Not a brand. It'd be different if I cracked open a magazine and in the middle of a game review hit a political jag--but streamers? Youtube personalities? These are people, man. THey're human. They're gonna feel ways about things. I'm willing to bet all you guys really dip your toes into this GLOBAL EVENT that has the headspace of people ALL OVER THE WORLD is that single tweet and that single stream--- and you'll still have belly aching. People need to relax. I haven't loved everything EZA says about certain topics, but so what? People disagree. If you want mindless entertainment there are plenty of places to get it. EZA is made up of actual people. And they're going to have opinions you may not love. It's fine. You'll be ok.

Raven Perez

Comments saver. Also I am behind on episodes, so if this was already talked about....whoops

Parasitepaladin

Hey Jones! Thank you for that anti racism and black lives matter tweet. Good on you guys. But seriously, you have to make a strong stance on hate. I understand escapism, but that excuse only goes so far. I know you want to keep EZA free of anything political or avoid talking about anything that can be a major downer since you are a gaming group, and that isn't what you do. Sure, it makes people uncomfortable, and you are saving a lot of people trying to avoid it by having fun with EZA. And that is what I always thought. But I just sadly realized, that by avoiding that stuff, are you attracting a bad crowd. And by attract, I suppose I more mean; not pushing the bad crowd away. You are a bunch of (mostly) straight, and white men. While everybody knows you are nice dudes that hate racism and homophobia and the like, you don't speak up often to remind people how bad the bad dudes are. Ian and Damiani speak up their mind against bullshit publicly, more than the other allies from what I can tell. And from what is very obvious, Ian and Damiani receive the most hate from shitty trolls. Not saying they two things are related, but they might be? What if all the allies spoke up like they did? Would the trolls make shitty comments on every video that EZA makes? Or would they finally just give up and stop watching EZA because they know they are not welcome. Again, I know you say you guys cover games and want to be an escape from it all, but you have to do something a little different. Sorry for the ranting, I saw some unfortunate replies to the EZA tweet and couldn't hold it in any longer.

Parasitepaladin

It went out about 15 minutes after it ended.

TurboChickenMan

excellent bro.

OK, I'm really late to this, but I just saw the Twitter post that EZA put up regarding the current situation in the country. Clearly you have already spoken up about it, and all I have to say is that I think you just exposed a lot of individuals. Specifically, individuals who for some reason can't see that police brutality affects everyone, and are also unable to see that there are different types of protestors, some peaceful and some violent. If only the world was not always viewed in binary terms... In fact, there are plenty of pictures and videos of police officers marching peacefully alongside people as a way to protest unfairness. Anyway, I applaud your post. I'm still saving up for that $10k tier.

Daryl Rodriguez

Is the studio in a safe place from all the rioting? I'd imagine that must have you pretty concerned!

Kitsunelaine

Ain't it Counting Crows? Though you gotta love the Talking Heads.

Jeremy Farbman

Mr. Jones (coincidentally also the title of an awesome Talking Heads song), with the state of California reopening, what does this mean for the Allies? Where do you feel your group exists among the 4 phases of reopening? If you have no idea or don't feel comfortable saying yet, then that's fine, simply curious. If all that comes from you reading my question is more people listening to the groovy genius of the Talking Heads, then I'm grateful for you acknowledging this question!

RanchoCucamunga

Just saw the tweet from Sony delaying the PS5 event that was scheduled for Thursday. I guess it went out before CoJ ended

Karl Williams

We don't determine how something gets taxed, but just try to determine how much each benefit matters to each tier based on pre-defined categories Patreon has set up that align with various tax laws. General support (which is not taxable) is always the largest piece of the pie, but every tier includes something taxable such as exclusive episodes like Cup of Jones and audio downloads. The only way to avoid taxes entirely would be to give us your support without choosing any of the reward tiers. -Bloodworth

Easy Allies

Question regarding the taxable benefits from the Patreon. What does easy allies consider the taxable benefit of early access to shows/exclusive shows? I always considered that to be a perk of contributing to the Patreon and not the purpose of the contribution. My personal take is that our contributions are really donations and shouldn’t be taxed since you don’t monetize the exclusive content and therefore don’t profit off it. Just my two cents curious to see how you choose to go about it. I would gladly give at a level that did not provide taxable benefits if that was the only choice to avoid excessive taxation. I know a couple of cents here and there isn’t a big loss to many but I would rather not give any additional money to taxes considering the current state of how some of our tax supported entities interface with the people they’re supposed to be serving.

Benjamin Shultz

Jones, thanks for the music library explanation, totally makes sense and I learned something. LnR4L

Jeffrey Tessar

Hey Mr. Jones. In light of current events in the country over the last couple of weeks and months, and inspired slightly by your most recent editorial, I wanted to ask you something I know you can’t answer on behalf of the other Allies, but only for yourself: Does Easy Allies have any regrets? Any statement made you wish you could rework, a statement you wish was made, or perhaps content you wish EZA never made? Apologies if this appears to be a negative question. My headspace hasn’t been great considering what’s been going on. As always, thank you very much for taking my question. Have a wonderful rest of your day and Cheers! QUESTION: Inspired by current events and your most recent editorial, does Easy Allies have any regrets? Any statement made you wish you could rework, a statement you wish was made, or perhaps content you wish EZA never made?

Brandon K Gann

You don't have to talk about it. If I wanted to know what was going on in the world, I could load up Apple News, or I could drive to downtown Miami and watch history with my own eyes. I'm looking forward to the PS5 reveal on Thursday, and I hope everyone else is too. Besides, the $10,000 political discourse tier has enough politics, we don't need more of it in the lower tiers.

Daryl Rodriguez