(I apologize in advance for the word vomit. I just had a decent amount of time where I had to wait around and couldn't do much else and I haven't listened yet to the pod where they maybe(?) discussed changes...)
I just really don't think their Patreon numbers would take a negative hit in the least if they removed past and future show goals as rewards. Like I said earlier, I strongly believe the draw to their Patreon is to "support" them and for the exclusive shows/early access and community participation. Just make their goal something like, "with your financial assistance, Easy Allies will continue making the shows you expect from us along with completely new ideas."
And in my instance, it's directly dissuaded me from giving them more money as things can be taken from us on a whim through no personal fault and also devaluing the money that I do give as others lower their pledges (not meant as a slight for people doing that, it's just the reality that the average $ amount has gone down as more have joined).
To illustrate my point, I gladly would have pledged a hefty amount of $ (in addition to my normal Patreon pledge) if they held a fundraiser for Mysterious Monsters. I'm wayyy more comfortable with that funding method then something that is consistently teetering on the edge of cancellation at all times. It's just awkward, and frankly, I really disliked how they dealt with it in the past when these forced show hiatus' have happened and it just induces the least "jolly of vibes." On the other hand, fundraisers (when done sparingly) can be fun as hell! Last time we got shiny new tech improvements and one of the most fun streams EZA has ever done.
(Sidenote: I really liked the suggestion of Mysterious Monsters being released in a "seasonal" format rather than just once a month. Once a month does that show and the Easy Allies channel no favors by being released so infrequently.
With all that said, here's some more miscellaneous constructive criticisms/suggestions/who the hell knows whats:
-Their group stream night is an extreme relic from the past. While I'll take a group stream over a solo stream 10/10 times, a once-a-week 2-hourish 9 person chaos stream that starts "late" (for basically everyone not in the Pacific timezone) on a Tuesday night makes just zero sense. It might have made sense when they were new and working out of Jones' garage, but now, not so much.
-Marathon filming days should also be a thing of the past. I know they don't intend this to be a typical "9-5" job, but I can't think of a good reason why they can't all "work" from the office 2/3 times per week. Everyone would be available for smaller group streams/filming podcasts in other rooms/filming miscellaneous things and having person to person group interaction and being able to offer assistance. Easy Allies is the overwhelming source of their incomes for 8 out of 9 of them, and I can't roll my eyes hard enough when I hear people talking about LA traffic and whatnot as reasons to work from home instead of at their incredible studio a few times per week. I'm not talking constant broadcasting during these days, but more "all hands on deck" for planning, filming, or to be flexible to make something timely and relevant when news breaks.
To be crystal clear here, I'm not calling them "lazy" or anything in that orbit here. They're just operating like Easy Allies is still in its infancy and are slow to change. They have a studio that is all theirs and the resources to collaborate on something great.
- I about coughed up something earlier when someone said Kyle would be working on his Gameboy Game for another year or so. I f'n love Kyle, but he's 25+ months in to Box Peek and is on episode 7. Box Peek, I extremely enjoy(!), but at this point he just needs to get it done as he's almost assuredly not making season 2 (or is it 3?). He's one of the main driving forces of creativity for this group and he's unfortunately made himself a bit of a hermit for the past 2+ years.
Obviously, streaming at midnight on Friday nights is likely not taking away "EZA time," I just wish/hope his next thing is something in the studio and with the rest of the group that they find some immediate success with. Also, I really miss watching him play games.
(Also hurts that he isn't doing this in Dreams so we could play it. Yeah...I know his feelings on Dreams. A shame)
- Podcast/show/sponsors. While there are some f'n legends in the EZA community throwing out the big bucks each month, is there a reason why they don't have more "official" sponsors. I listen to many podcasts with wayyy less viewers/listeners than EZA has, and they have more "traditional" sponsors. Hah, this isn't me clamoring for that!, but it seems dicey to rely on individuals with absolutely nothing to promote to be at the highest tier Patreon level. I adore them for it, but it's tough and it causes drastic swings obviously in the Patreon #''s.
- Like I said up top, I think the future success in their Patreon isn't locking shows behind goals, but instead improving on their exclusive shows, early access and community participation rewards. This is something I hope they seriously brainstorm as I think it's key to taking them to bigger and better things. Here's some of my half-baked recommendations:
-Easier said then done: but ALWAYS having a Patreon exclusive show besides Cup of Jones going. Here's some suggestions: 1) a somewhat regular show/podcast that discusses all things next gen consoles and their hopes and dreams for them. 2) Watch old E3 or major game press conferences and talk over them. 3) Behind the scenes office shenanigans.
-Bring back the EZA Group Stream Committee tier. Yeah, last time it was a bit of a mess, but how about Patrons of that tier are able to submit stream ideas and then the powers that be at EZA pick their 5 or so favorite suggestions out of the all the suggestions (not necessarily the most popular) and then it is put to a Patron vote about once per month.
...(next one is bad)...
-The $1 tier is a steal! In a bad way for them! Getting spoiler modes, Cup of Jones and exclusive shows for a buck is a helluva deal to basically have access to "all" Easy Allies produces. I know they just want to get people "in the door," but you basically get the entire smorgasbord of everything they have ever made for a buck. As someone who has zero creativity and doesn't get his jollies by Jones reading his name at the end of podcasts, I'd basically be losing out on "nothing" but lowering my pledge to a dollar.
