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Cup of Jones - 05/28/17

Time for me to pour out some Cups before we get into the madness of E3. I had planned for this to be two separate episodes, but wanted to get this stuff out ASAP. Lots to update you on - stretch goals, E3 plans, and improvements to EZA HQ. I'll be producing an editorial and a Q&A episode in the coming days. Hard to believe we've hit 45K. But then it feels like anything is possible with this community. Thank you.

- Brandon

Cup of Jones - 05/28/17

Comments

You now have 9 Podcast Sponsors who can also play D&D. Isn't it too much for poor Ben?

Alexander Zyryanov

I absolutely love Brand Manager and he totally deserves his own show. I'm thinking couple minutes long, Between Two Ferns type talk show with guest from the gaming industry (devs, journalists, writers, voice actors etc). "Corporate Time with Brand Manager" :D

the_finnish_ally

How do I view previous episodes?

Cliff Boyd

Great video Jones! Thanks for the studio tour part two!

Any chance you could upload an audio version of Cup of Jones if it's not too much trouble? I don't always have time to watch, but I have all the time in the world to listen. Not sure if anyone else has ever brought it up, but I'm sure someone else out there would like that too.

Chachzilla

Well, it's June 2nd and we're above $45k. Let's all go to the trailers!!!

Brian Denu

Aww - hadn't heard about the E3 changes till now. Will be sad to not have you around for the conferences Jones, but I understand what you're doing and am happy for you to give it a shot.

selfconfessedcynic

I'm really bummed out that Jones was right about the income. It even dipped below box peek. Upping my donation to 10 to see if I can offset it some.

Daniel Askew

Loved having Ashly Burch on the latest Fiasconauts. Do the Allies have relationships with other big names in the industry that could come in for videos like that or special one off videos or even streams? Is that even a desire or would it potentially dilute the brand?

Dale Payne

Don't know if you will see this Brandon but you should try to get on giant bombs nightly post e3 show. It's always a fun laid back time and a good opportunity for some cross promotion.

klastical

I think what he was getting at, was that some people have been asking for more scripted shows, along the lines of a Game Sleuth, or what The Final Bossman or Mandatory Nights used to be, not just sketches. They are something that have been less common at EZA for obvious reasons.

BeatenDownBrian

I've got to admit I'm baffled by the "you guys talk too much" complaint. Almost everyone in games media I watch plays games and talks about them. I wasn't aware there was anything else you could reasonably expect. Maybe Giantbomb or TotalBiscuit having been doing sketches for years and I missed them all. It wouldn't surprise me if they have and I've blocked it out to this point, I have to admit I generally find that kind of thing a little cringey due to the iffy acting skills.

I fully support a 30 minute show analyzing soccer trailers.

Fluffhead108

I'll miss you during the conferences but sounds like you're doing worthwhile work networking. I'm guessing during the tour the smaller tv with the logo on is what you use for chat? I wonder if a vertical screen would be better!

sam

Hey Jones :) How are you going? It must be both amazing and exhauting to be where you are in just over a year :) Also, is there anything we can do, besides monetary support to help the Easy Allies? L&R Mumble Mumbleton PS: After all this time, I really appreciate the continuation of Cup of Jones, good luck at E3 brother!

Mumble Mumbleton

Awesome stuff! I hope we reach 50K before E3 :3

chocolate_prophet

He was sent them as a gift to protect himself while opening the boxes with a knife!

Skankman

Does anyone know why Jones wears gloves while opening packages?

Jones, thank you for supporting my argument on the L&R segment of the podcast. While I do agree with both perspectives that you provided, I was referring to the latter. I appreciate the expressions you made while Kyle was reading my post. L&R. (In you case you forgot, my post was regarding not writing off games easily for GOTY when the year is not over). P.S. Please finish Persona 5. For the last 2 years, there were games that you had to finish for GOTY reasons (MGSV and Uncharted 4). Ironically, Huber was the one that called you out to finish both of them. I'm not doing a call out, but a plea because I personally believe this game is a strong GOTY candidate. Very strong. You'll know why when you hit the turning point in the game. All I will say is....you'll never see it coming.

It's pretty obvious why Jones was invited to attend the EA press conference: EA hired goons to "take care" of Brand Manager after the conference was complete. Stay safe, Jones!

Karl Williams

I can't believe it's that time of year again! I'm so excited for E3, Bets and the future of EZA!

Jason Walstrom

Look forward to bets! Jones you go and make that money! Love you guys you make my week.

Eric V

Thanks for the update, sir! Always nice to hear about the ins and outs of everything. Maybe I'm just super naïve , but I never knew that the word "jones" had any sexual connotation to it. I've only ever heard it used when referring to drug addiction. You learn something new every day, I guess. You hit 45K!! It's so cool to see you hit these goals! Hopefully we can keep you there, and eventually hit 50k and beyond. L&R

It is important that you touch bases with the industry people and spread the EZA word. One advice that help me on those situations: I aways have a ~5 slide "PPT" on my phone with the top5 most important things about my company/project ready to show to anyone that does not know it yet. Most of the times those slides are filled with an image, video or phrase.

Lucas Patricio

Ahh, it always feels cozy when a new Cup of Jones drops! Thanks Brandon, and good luck at E3! -Julian/FUNKNOWN

I'm sure you guys are always thinking about things you could do specifically with the Patreon element of EZA, so I wanna throw an idea at you. I'd love to see some EZA bonus features. Maybe some creator commentary for Box Peek, or initial blind trailer reactions to supplement a given week's episode of Trailer Jones. I know that producing those shows will be a lot of work to begin with, so it might be an unreasonable suggestion to add unnecessary elements on top of that, but I think it'd be a cool way to offer something special to Patrons (and encourage new potential Patrons) without holding entire shows hostage.

Cool, cool man

You didn't explain the $2 tier very well, but I assume when the time comes, we'll fully know what we're getting.

TurboChickenMan

CUBBY HOLES! YOU DID IT! =)

ZyloWolfBane

Tascam DP-24/32 baby! We use that one to record our band :D

To me this E3 arrangement sounds really great, EZA gets it's name out, we still get the reactions from Hype Maestro himself, and perhaps this way we'll get even more interesting stuff out of E3 than what we previously thought. Let's hope all goes well, and *I pick up my water bottle* Cheers!

I've noticed that there is some understandable frustration from people who continuously can't submit their questions to live Q&A. There were several community suggestions about improving the system and there are some changes from your side as well. But I'm still afraid that with increasing number of patrons this tier will be devalued. Do you see a way to increase general happiness without increasing Q&A session length?

Alexander Zyryanov

bumping because as a budding content creator i feel this way as well :(

Nut Kon

I agree. It's the pre-E3 craze, so things are getting hectic and free time gets rarer every day. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine, though. He seems to be pretty self-conscious about his health and general well being.

Geoff Keighley impersonation perfected!

Howdy Jones! I was just thinking (not sure if this is the best spot to ask this) But hypothetical, what happens after you have reached the 50k goal and stay there? Do you have ideas for more patreon goals in order to reach out for more donations? Will there be more onetime goals? (like Box peak) When do you reach a fysical limit of how many different shows you and the others actually can produce? As much as I love all of the EZA content I would hate to see you guys burn out over work! (I already worry about you and your sleep!) Endless Love & Respect Sebastian //Lotias

Sebastian Hall

Why do they need to do a Playstation or Xbox Podcast

Ibrahim Sozer

you should get a new TV before E3

Ahmad Naqi

Hithere jones, Congrats to 45k! on that subject I'd love to hear your thoughts on Number obsession. I'm having a lot of that lately, whenever I post something I've done (something I'm proud of and have worked insanely hard on) on Fb or Instagram, I get tears of joy whenever I 'get' 50-60 likes, and then when get 5 likes or 2 likes I feel a HARD stab of disappointment. I simply can't find that 'do it for yourself and don't care’-attitude that you’re ’supposed’ to have as a creator. I want the attention and I need it and without it, I don’t see the point in creating or sharing what I do. I feel greedy and arrogant, but also to be honest with my self, I love it when people call me a genius or say that I’m talented. I know as patreons, numbers can mean a lot to you, because that’s how you go around financially. But I’d love to hear your more personal thoughts & feelings on numbers, likes and attention on social media. Love & Respect and Cup of jones is so awesome and inspiring . Erica.

irene035

I would up my pledge to $2 or even $3 in a second.

oh, also, we know you'll be greasing those palms at E3 and we're grateful that you are, but you can chime in from time to time by calling in! or texting in! or typing in chat on twitch! Just because you're not there in the garage doesn't mean you can't be... there! One of my favorite moments in the weekly podcast in the past few months was when they called Ben to confirm somethings~

Nut Kon

Hola Brandon Please please please take care of yourself. You look more tired as the days go by. Health is first! Trailer Jones looks like a winner show. I would recommend a bi weekly show. You really need rest. L&R Rob

Love your updates, Jones. Have a good time at E3. :)

Novus Operandi

E3 starts right now.

bymanus

Brandon Jones, your rundown of Trailer Jones stopped me from lowering my patreon contribution of $20 this month. I am so looking forward to have that show every week! $20 might not be a lot to most of you, but $20 can buy me a whole week's worth of meals where I am at, so I was thinking of lowering it but it will break my heart if we dip below 45k in a few days :( On the other hand, your $2 tier doesn't sound that enticing to me. I'm sorry I can't give any constructive criticism or alternate ideas for it, but I just gotta let you know that I'm not feeling it'll drive that many people at $1 to double their contribution. Hyped for E3 and thanks for the tour :D

Nut Kon

Since Blood was given such a hard time for it... Nice humble brag on the Far Cry 5 knowledge Jones! Way to name drop the Hastag0nist! Fancy parties! So much Smug Jones! Totally kidding obviously, I'm glad EZA is going to have you running around at E3 mixing, mingling, and greasing palms. It will be exciting to hear all the details post convention!

Brittany Fuller

Nothing better than waking up to a fresh brew! Cup of Jones hype!

It's great that they are aware of how many long talky shows they have. I do love Kyle and Ben's podcasts but it would improve the brand to have more shorter shows like Don's, Ian's or this new show by Kyle. Bite-size shows are easier to share with others who are not familiar with EZA.

LeeLore

I love the podcasts you guys do hearing you all talk about games is why im here more is better friend code kinda pisses me off wheres the PlayStation and xbox love whys nintendo the only console specific podcast

Kc Wright

First off I wanted to say that I was having a rough morning, and this Cup of Jones couldn't have come at a better time to relax me. Thank you for that. Also, really appreciate the upcoming $2 tier. I'm one of the people who have fluttered between $1 and $5 depending on what I feel I can afford, but having that level in-between will feel very comfortable​, and I'm happy to support anything to do with Trailer Jones! Lastly, I'm sure I'm not alone is saying I'll miss your presence during E3. Having said that, I think you're making a difficult but excellent decision to go out and try to further build the Easy Allies brand. A bigger Easy Allies is better for everyone, so I hope it works out. Love and Respect!

Eric Mitchell

Hey Mr. Jones! Another great episode, and I wanted to leave a couple of quick responses on some of your points: On trailers: I'm someone who has always wanted to see Trailer Jones happen because Trailer Score was my favorite GT show, so I'm one of the few who anticipates it more than Box Peek (Though I completely agree with your assessment between a lot of off-the-cuff talking and something scripted). On your availability during E3: Allow me to posit a way to look at it - To build Easy Allies, you need to do all that you can for the company to grow and you're available to the other Allies and the community most every other day (minus holidays and personal days of course) of the year. So don't sweat it! Being an E3 judge (Congrats again by the way!) is a BIG deal, so if you have to do stuff away from EZAHQ to accomplish it, no worries! (But honestly, I think you will see the returns you're seeking) Finally: I'll be in SF as well, so if you see a nerd in gaming related clothing, glasses, and talking waaaaayyyyy too much about, you guessed it, games, the invitation to say hello is likewise reciprocated.

Brandon K Gann

I'm really excited to get Trailer Score back in the form of Trailer Jones. ;) I do hope you are scoring movie trailers as well. Also, I wonder how you score it, guess you will use the star system here as well? I'd still prefer the 10 point system, but I'd be happy either way.

RedVIII

Few questions for the Q&A: 1) If Brad and Blood are battling for the EZA championship belt, could we get a (smaller) Final Bets show for The Slusser Cup in the undercard? E3 really isn't the same without Kyle vs Huber. 2) I really love the Hall of Greats idea. Are you planning to add HoG to your website at some point?

the_finnish_ally

Jones can I suggest that after your next questions based episode of COJ, that you create a separate post for gathering all the COJ questions for the following episodes. The reason i'm suggesting this is because with the inclusion of this episode, you now have three comments sections to look through and gather questions from, which seems like extra work you don't need.

BeatenDownBrian

first of all, thank you for a new cup of Jones. always love these types of updates. I love that the patreon is getting more and more popular and raising more money. The idea with a 2$ tier sound ok but what I thing is missing the most is actually something in between the 20 and 50$ tier. I hope at some point in time that gab can be filled. I think its great that kyle is doing something new but I personaly will probably be skipping that and watching the already great content you guys make and thats because it just doesn't sound like it for me and Kyles humor and jokes doesn't really click for me (I don't like final bosmen) but my question or my worry right now is that you Mr jones said in this video that you promis to make a trailerjones each week. I think that's great but as what you found it with cup of jones doing something like that every week is a huge commitment. Are you sure that you can live up to something like this. I am just trying to look at things realistically. L&R Fettouhi

Christophe Fettouhi

Doctor Jones! I know you're a busy man these days but have you had a chance to check out the new Twin Peaks episodes? Life-changing stuff. L&R!

A tier between 1$ and 5$ is something I've been waiting for a while. Trailer Jones + new 2$ tier + E3 could be a nice step towards the new studio.

the_finnish_ally

It would be cool to make references to movie trailers, but I think the focus should remain games oriented

Had to up my pledge. I started at $5, then a few months ago went down to $1, but hearing Jones talk about how he thinks Trailer Jones isn't going to happen made me sad. Plus, I really really want to see the Allies get their own studio finally. It really feels like the light is visible, and it's just so damn exciting.

Jones, if you get the opportunity please do the world a favor and tell someone with influence at EA to stop making their E3 keynotes so bad! Imagine an E3 where every keynote held Sonys E3 2016 standard. Our minds would melt... and doesn't that sound great? Anyways. We're getting close. The hype is building!

GermanScientist

I do appreciate you brought up the concerns of having too many shows where the allies simply sit around and talk a lot, in particular the number of podcasts that has been created, which can be a bit overwhelming to watch every single one of them. Hopefully, the new show that Kyle is creating would be something that is completely different and maybe, it would be possible if you can create a EZA comedy sketch

My favorite thing from EZA is just listening to you guys talk. I could have one podcast for each day of the week and be even happier. That's why I love Gundam Construction so much, not only I get to see awesome plastic toys (I love Gundams) but it's a chance to hear you guys talk for 3 or 4 hours straight!

Thanks Jones for the EZA headquaters tour. I'm still new to the Patreon. I always wondered what was all around you guys.

Swordfish00830

Jones, do you ever just go sit in the booth? No recording or anything, just get in there, close the door, have a little sensory deprivation in your life? It looks cosy.

Tygre

Thanks for the new Cup of Jones, hope E3 goes well. I will miss you during the E3 streams but also know that you need to do what is needed for the sake of EZA. I won't gripe about it and hope no one else does as well. Keep up the good work but don't overwork ^^b

I totally agree with this, although perhaps an E3 "branded" episode of Frame Trap would be the best way. I'm sure Ben would be up for ceding the floor to Judge Jones for one episode and let Brandon go at it. E3 is such a huge thing for EZA, so I think the most important thing is to keep the E3 - EZA brand game strong.

Tygre

Grease those palms, Brand Manager! You'll be missed during the live coverage, but I'm definitely looking forward to getting your judge's perspective after the fact.

Ray Aldiar

One of the best shows from EZA :) It's relaxing me so much

I LOVE CUP OF JONES 😍

Mike Dengel

Brandon, I want to say thank you for this Cup of Jones and for all the hard work that you and the other Allies have been putting in. I would also want to say the following, although we all pay in order for you guys to produce content, "we" don't own you or any other one of the Allies. We can make suggestions, we can observe and give -hopefully- constructive criticism but we don't own EZA. I struggle sometimes when I see you -yes, you Jones- searching for the "right" words to make sure you don't offend or marginalize any of us patrons. Be yourself, creatively don't be afraid to do what EZA wants. Screw the perpetually offended brigade. Keep up the great work.

Gustavo

Yessssss, been waiting for this... thx Jones.

Brad Russell [Toukz]

I'd suggest not putting the "judge's reporting" into an episode of Frametrap. It'd get lost in the episode and people specifially looking for EZA dedicated E3 coverage will have a harder time finding it. If it's possible I'd grab another Ally or two and just bounce off them for a bit, sort of like a few episodes of "Just Played" combined together. Maybe even do it the week after E3, since we'll probably have an info overload anyway by the end of the show.

Andreas Köther

I agree. That would be the way to go.

MaxVSTheGames

Thanks for the awesome "Cup of jones" episode!

This is so amazing I am so happy for you guys. Lets keep the good vibes rolling for as long as possible!

hsapin

Trailer Jones will cover all trailers? Or just game trailers? ie movie trailers?

Matt Brookbank

Nice beefy episode! Can't wait for Trailer Jones

The Hashtagonist

Jones how about you start that $2 tier now so we can get Trailer Jones.

Ibrahim Sozer

Thank you Brandon! A really nice tour at the end. And I'm just happy that you're so happy of your success in Patreon and all. :) Go make Easy Allies even stronger by networking around E3! In addition, I found it cool that you acknowledged the amount of long streams of you all talking and how that could need a little something to spice things up. (There was that thread on the forum and all.) I already love you guys the way you are, but some new formats are always welcome as well. L&R

Ville Ranto

TV not big enough and not enough K's

Ibrahim Sozer

Why are you missing SONY

Ibrahim Sozer

My wish is that box peak includes some kind of hidden commentary about the video game business.

That means, Trailer Jones, Trailer Jones, Trailer Jones!!!!

Please please please dont do that! The whole point of being on Patreon is that they dont need all those views and subs. Please instead create a deep and interesting trailer show. Something we haven't seen before.

Jones, trailer reaction videos are HUGE on YouTube. People like Tyrone Magnus, Reel Rejects and Collider get massive views doing "live reactions" to new trailers. I know you guys want to get into the analysis of the trailers and basically review them, but live trailer reactions would get you a lot more views/exposure. Try it : the next time a big trailer hits (let's say the next Thor Ragnorak trailer) just grab Kyle and Bloodworth as soon as you can and watch it together and do a live reaction.....there are channels on YouTube with 1 million+ subs who literally only do that.

Adam Mullany

Buckle in! Thanks Jones, 40 minutes is so generous :) Congrats on 45k, I really hope it follows through to next month and beyond :)

Mumble Mumbleton


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