Cup of Jones - 10/06/16

Hey Jones, I've just discovered Kyle's on YouTube Gaming Live with Geoff, have you seen any sort of increase in traffic to your videos since Kyle is 'advertised' as part of Easy Allies?

I'd sure like a trailer jones of this Final Fantasy trailer : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZymd6r4wGg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZymd6r4wGg</a> ;)

chocolate_prophet

Hi Brandon, I've humbly supported Easy Allies from the start because I wanted to help you start your new project. When it became clear that the amount of support you get through Patreon was enough for you to continue, I opted for the lowest tier since my revenues don't really allow me any frivolous expense. I could simply have cut my support to you but I chose to keep committing to a tiny buck a month to be able to watch your then-monthly casual talk. You once answered a question of mine concerning the irregularity of Cup of Jones. Since then, you made it clear that Cup of Jones had become something you'd only do when you have spare time. Now that it's not regular anymore, and since all the other content you guys produce will be available on YouTube one day or the other, I'm sorry to tell you that I have no incentive to keep supporting you anymore. I'm aware that a buck less a month won't change much things for you guys, but I think there are other people like me who want to humbly support you but still expect the little extra (that Cup of Jones was) as a thank you. Is there anything you could do to fill this void or is the lowest tier of Patrons condemned to this sad situation?

Dear Mr Jones, with regard to the current strike of video game voice actors, would it not be interesting to learn more about the background of said strike, perspectives, demands and goals of those voice actors? Would you not agree that such information was interesting to the EZA community? If only you knew someone in the voice acting community who lives in close enough proximity to be featured in one of your videos and could enlighten us. If you can find such a person, you might consider inviting her to your next Cup of Jones. Yours,

Hey Jones, Is there a specific media outlet that you trust more than others to get reviews that you know will resonate with your personal preference in games? Also if you've never been to Denali National Park in Alaska, get there. It was the only time I have ever been awed by nature.

OMG I LOVED THIS COJ-ENTRY SO MUCH. Thanks Brandon, for picking up this theme for a segment. Speaking the truth. Hit me in the heart. So inspired by your work, personality and general outlook on life. Kept smiling every time you referenced Red Dead (after Rockstar dropped THE RD2 BOMB, this week). I was actually searching the EZA channels for your reaction video, and found this gem of an open letter to the community. Thank you for this episode. Thank you for hosting and administrating the EZA. And most of all, thank you for being you. Love and respect Aslak Bjercke @alslax

Aslak Bjercke

Hey Jones, Slowly catching up on EZA content as I’m travelling myself. Really enjoyed this episode and had to mention that I’ve been doing a load of hiking and trekking around Argentina and Chile over the last month, in particular around the Patagonia region. I’ve been doing some blog posts over at the forums with some more detail but I reckon you’d love that area if you ever managed to get a week or 2 off to check out Torres Del Paine or go to El Chalten. Hikers paradise!

Tim O'Keeffe

I live right in the middle of the countryside in the UK, right by a river. I love it. Taking walks by the river and across the fields never gets old. Seeing animals like foxes and birds like kingfishers is always a special treat when I go for a walk. Wonderful Cup of Jones. Loved the vibes. Makes me think that having a "Campfire with Allies" thing would be so cool. Like if the Allies told a story each while sitting by the campfire.

Alex Bowcutt

Hey Brandon, I've recently noticed that the audience of EZA tends to skew much older than most other gaming groups. Why do you think that is? Keep up the great work! -Noam

on ytv

I was never much of an outdoors person, but this past spring I was pressured into buying a bicycle and I have no regrets. We have a lot of old rail trails (train rail lines converted to walking/bike trails) and I love checking out the sights on these trails. It also fascinates me to imagine what it must have been like when those rail lines were active a hundred years ago. My parents got bikes too and we'll often ride together. It's a nice little bonding moment and something we can enjoy together despite our difference in age and interests. I was really hesitant to spend the money at first, but I'm glad I did. It's been worth while for sure.

Chachzilla

Hi Brandon. Sorry for very specific question, but I really want to know: do you take extra effort to move camera smoothly while playing for capture?

Alexander Zyryanov

I spent most of my childhood summer vacations on my grandparents farm, and loved the freedom I had there compared to the citylife. Obviously highlight of those summers were that my uncle also lived there and had his Amiga set up with tons of games to play, but having been out there, having been on top of many hills and seen so many beautiful views, been on the beach and seen the lake and what's beyond it etc. Has given me different look on things. Seeing these on video games make me reflect not only those memories I have, but, when done right, immerse me even more to the game, knowing what it would smell like, and how it feels to walk hours on end in the woods or fields with only few human made structures on sight. That's one of the reasons I absolutely love Skyrim. Living in Northern Europe (Finland to be specific) and having seen similiar views that the ones you can see in the game. The Rift especially looks like it could be anywhere in western Finland, while other areas are more in style of what it's like in the northern Norway or Lapland here in Finland. Those views are just gorgeous, and if anyone is interested, just check out images of Lapland. That said, loved this episode of Cup of Jones. And definitely keep these "weirder" episodes coming. Don't just stick to one format, switch it up every once in a while, and maybe even surprise us every once in a while.

Keep it weird!

JT

That was wonderful! Good message Jones!

Great episode! I really liked the atmosphere of this one, being outdoors with a warm fire made it feel extra cozy.

MarziiBarks

I couldn't agree more Brandon. As someone who works outside every day as an archaeologist, I just wanted to add that it's great to get involved in community activities outdoors. Often there are local hike meet ups, and keep an eye out for public archaeology events! Archaeology is a fun way to get engaged with the outdoors and your past. You could think of it as finding little historical easter eggs.

Amazing bit Dr. Jones! I really agree with you. I am myself an outdoor guy (I'm from Spain by the way). Spent a lot of years trekking, and now I'm into scuba diving, which I deeply recomend (no pun intended). I've been to several countries in diving travels and you get to go visit some terrific environments on the ground too. Nice coincidence: I'm heading Costa Rica this December! Nature is powerful and awesome, and make those Skyrim moments in the wild a greater experience.

Nice Episode Brandon. I would like to hike in nature sometime. But the problem is we have no mountains here, terrible weather, no big forests only small parks constructed by men and lots of concrete. Maybe someday a trip to Cali or some place else to experience true nature.

1:10 "...at the same time" so we have to take turns to go camping with Jones, got it, looking forward to that Patreon tier

Nicholas Poer

ScrewAttack used to do a show like this called The Best Ever, they'd get different people to give their opinion and stories about some topic, was pretty interesting most times. I wouldn't mind EZA doing a similar show. (Difference being it sounds like you're suggesting it as a group discussion, ScrewAttack's show was each person recorded individually and cut together)

Nicholas Poer

Agree with the point delivered. Here in Sweden almost everyone is fortunate to live close to nature (and sea). I live in a not-so-populated town with ~3000 people while though having a big city (~250,000 people) 45-minutes away. So yet again nature is important, particularly (for me) if you want to relax after a busy day of impressions. Take a walk for an hour around nature, listen to the birds and the sea and you feel invigorated!

Yo Brandon, have u guys considered adding the second screen up during the podcast like u have the press conferences? Reason I ask, you guys were discussing the Amazon twitch games and talking about the trailers and it was weird without having a visual of the trailer as u guys talked about it. Idk if this the right place to ask the question

Great episode, Brandon! Way to keep it classy with a great message. In our geek oriented video game culture it's easy to dismiss a healthy and active lifestyle. My most cherished memories involve traveling and being active. Not to mention, being healthy feels great. Take care of yourselves allies. L&amp;R

Now that Brandon Jones has begun watching anime, one must know, who is Brandon Jones' waifu?

This was great Brandon!

MLegend (SmoothGradient)

loved it! after a long week, having a mellow cup of jones was just right. Good call!

Love this Jones, I actually wanted to bring up an earlier point you made on about an Allies meet up for a hike. I just moved into LA county and have yet to see any trails and would love to meet up to see one. If the logistics on that are too hard, then do you have any recommendations for a quick weekend hike? I like scrambling, but if I am out there by myself I think I would prefer an easier and more scenic path.

So I get that countdowns are gone. They take a team to put together, they're an over saturated style of video, and you've probably done so many at gt there's not any topics left to discuss. But have you considered doing something akin to it, like maybe pick a topic like favorite snes games or best jrpgs, sit a couple people down, and have em just discuss which they feel are the best. Dunno about everyone else, but I would watch the hell outta that.

Matt Currin

Only my 2nd ep. so can't speak to the change of scene too much, but fireside chats had always been a part of the podcast beyond experience and this was pretty rad. Location wise...I'm in a metropolitan area with flat lands, so a trip north with fam is to be planned

Manny

I love the weird ones Jones. Campfire vibes, so cozy.

So jolly. I loved this episode.

Morgan Mohalla

Great vibes this episode

Hi Brandon, I dont really have a question for you but I just wanted to let you know that I really loved this episode of Cup of Jones and all the other good stuff Easy Allies are producing. L&amp;R Jordy

FreeDoM

Think this was my favorite CoJ yet ... The right message at the right time.

I personally loved you trying out this new format for CoJ. The hour long Q&amp;A shows are great, but a bite-sized look into your world and one that isn't necessarily focused so heavily on games was refreshing, especially as I watched this right after the podcast. I work in film post production in the UK and can definitely relate to escaping the computer screen regularly to reconnect to nature. Great job!

Loved it, once you get the travel bug you don't want to stop :)

Weird episodes = good

Good episode Jones! It felt very personal en intimate. Keep up the good work.

Keep on doing these vids jone, this was so different (like how the final bosman was so different) and entertaining! I am so happy with what you all have become. Keep on keeping on and happy to be an ally.

Arjun Kathir

Back in 2007 when I climbed a nice mountain : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaToxX6jWks" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaToxX6jWks</a> You see my back around the 11 seconds mark ^^ At work I often take a 30 minutes walk during my lunch break on the Plains of Abraham and there is a nice trail in front of my apartment that is semi-city semi-nature oriented.

chocolate_prophet

Would be great if we could get a gopro on one of you allies and you all go for a nature hike with jones, have a big group bonding thing. Least you wouldn't roast out there now with the weather changes!

ZyloWolfBane

About a year ago I moved further into the city I live in. I used to be able to take strolls around my old neighborhood, and we even had some little secluded bike trails and such going through areas between people's houses. It was all pretty cozy and good for taking a walk and clearing your head. Now I live in a place with a bunch of houses bunched up, touching one another, and walking around, especially at night is sort of discouraged. I've even gotten caught in the sprinklers a couple of times coming back home really late at night. Because of that, I'm not really able to get out anymore, and I miss it. The silver lining is that I live on a second floor now and have a balcony, so when it starts getting cooler I like to open up my door to the balcony around sunset and get some fresh air in my room with the added bonus of being able to watch the sunset and sometimes squirrels playing around on neighbor's rooftops from my computer chair. I've also started keeping plants on my balcony ever since Ben got Godfrey, and that's been a good way to squeeze a little nature into my hopelessly wedged urban life. I know that's not really the level of nature you're talking about Jones, but that's what I've been able to feasibly fit into my current circumstances.

MBUN

Easily my favorite CoJ so far. Great stuff.

You're speaking my language, Brandon! I wrote a couple stories down in this comment and deleted all of them because it's just too hard to put into words the effect being in nature can have on one's physical and mental well-being. I'll just say this, if any of the allies or any of the patrons find themselves in Austin, Texas, please let me know! I would love to show yall around the rural outskirts of my hometown. The earth is an extremely beautiful place and it's right there for you to be a part of. It's RIGHT THERE! Thanks for the episode, Brandon! Keep being you!

Matt McCarthy

As the "Voice" of EZA, do you take any steps to preserve your voice like a vocalist would? Do you avoid certain foods when you know you're going to stream or record VO?

Jones, this was the most insightful Cup of Jones episode that you have ever created. While we know that you're a very positive guy, you showed us a side that you rarely show. From your voice and demeanor, it was obvious that this topic was very important to you. I encourage you to continue producing episodes that help us understand you more. Personally, I saw a more human side of you than I ever had since I started watching you in GT.

Jones, you need to go public with your opinions. Seriously, there is so much great stuff you have to say. The world is listening... Good Job on this special edition of Cup of Jones! -GermanEfficiency P.S: I really enjoyed the, dare I say.. "somber" atmosphere of this episode.

German Efficiency

Since this episode just discussed travelling, what's the farthest from home you've ever travelled?

Noah Weinstein

This was a super comfy episode. Though it didn't want to make me go hiking or camping, I do want to play a survival style game now. hahaha

Felt like I was there. I could feel the warmth.

Mikehook1

Great episode Jones, I want more of these! :) I really do enjoy walking outside, I just don't take time to do it so often as I should... I will get better at it though! :)

LOVED this Video Brandon. This really mixed up the show and I think that sometimes we as humans need to just stop for a moment in our stressful lives and apprechiate whats around us. I would love for a chance to hear your oppinion on more "everyday" things than just games, like camping! :D

Sebastian Hall

Good stuff Jones! Its always nice to get a little variety where the focus isn't 100% gaming stuff.

miggity

Thank you, Brandon! This was inspirational, really. And I have started to go out more in the last few years, studying maps of my region and picking interesting spots to visit. A lot of coastal region and archipelago here in the Finnish westcoast. I'll think about what you said the next time I'm in some new, cool spot.

Ville Ranto

Having a conversation about nature, with Papa Jones in the back yard, by a fire. It doesn't get much better than this, seriously Jones I could have watched this for hours. I challenge anyone to show me a different gaming outlet that does stuff like this, it's why you guys are the best in the biz. L+R

Good vibes, great episode. I've gotta make the time to get out there like I used to when I was a kid (I also grew up a scout.) ANYWAY... Are you normally the type to go media blackout, or are you only avoiding Pokemon Sun and Moon news because Kyle is? As one of my most anticipated games of the year, it's a bit of a bummer that I can't get any sort of hype reactions or discussions from the EZA crew since no one really cares about Pokemon, apart from Kyle (who obviously just avoids updates) and you (who doesn't really have any way to talk about the news in a setting that doesn't also have Kyle there.) Basically, can I blame Bosman for the absolutely woeful lack of Pokemon-related content on EZA, or would you be avoiding Sun and Moon news even if he wasn't?

Well said. Like the laid back NPR style Jones every now and then. I'll take you up on your advice. Though suburban Baltimore, Maryland won't make it easy.. This kind of editorial is what sets EZA apart. Even from GT. You and the guys are doing the best work you've done to date over the past six months. Are you (Brandon) able to thoroughly enjoy it yet, or does the job of creating/growing a brand keep you from taking a breath?

Gan Khef

Cool episode, very inspiring for sure. I am a 3d artist so I usually just sit at my computer all day and night creating 3d art. Most of the time I dont want to go outside. I do like to play basketball or tennis and hiking but sometimes I dont feel productive if im not at my computer creating , it just feels like I am wasting time. So lately I have been trying to be more active.Anyway just wanted to say I liked the episode and the message.

YourOwnSkills

Wait. You can have a fire pit in CA?!?!!?!

Shane Sanders

GREAT vibes here. Happy Octoberween, Jones! I do have a quick question: is there any way to get Huber a green screen? I loved the style of his former shows where he could throw up any old image he liked to illustrate his point. It's great being invited into his home to be bombarded by his enthusiasm, but I kind of miss the colour of bygone days. Love &amp; Respect

James McCoy

Really appreciate the vibes of this episode Brandon, thank you.

Brandon Patton

Started the video for two seconds and I can already tell you: love the setting!

Backlog Crusader

As an Eagle Scout myself congrats on your accomplishment. Camping/nature is my favorite non-gaming activity. Got engaged in a MN state park and went to Sequoia National Park on our 5th year anniversary (from MN) so nature has always been the thing to do when we want to do something special. Nice episode. A question for CoJ. It seems from my listening and viewing that tech issues happen at a fairly common occurrence. Not all the time by any means but enough to take notice. Lost shows, are a bummer for you and for fans and voice balance and levels are up and down and can be hard when listening to audio. Times like turning heads while talking or like last Frame Trap Bloodworth was pretty quiet compared to the rest. EZA is very transparent about those mishaps which is nice but do you consider EZA to smooth out those issues or is that business as usual being their are so many variables to keep track of. I've done theatre production before so I get how crazy show biz stuff can be but never on a multimedia scale like you have. Cheers!

Zugdar

I love you Jones! Excellent job. My friends and I used to go camping in Algonquin Park here in Ontario every summer. Unfortunately work and life has made that a much harder tradition to continue than we would like. Fortunately we managed to make a trip this summer, unfortunately though, I found out something new about myself this time around. I'm absolutely terrified about getting attack by bears now. I don't know why. I've never seen a bear while camping, the largest animal I've seen has been a moose across a lake. Any advice on dealing with this new found and completely irrational fear? Thanks!

Joetown

(If this is too personal you don't have to answer it) Have you ever regretted selling GameTrailers off to Viacom 11 years ago? Would you have wanted to maintain some decision making power towards the end?

David Kenyon

Enjoyed the fire-side chat. Good episode.

Novus Operandi

Really love the vibe in this episode! I love camping and hiking where I live. QUESTION: If you could move with all of the Allies to a new location/studio besides California, where would it be? L&amp;R

I really appreciate the change of scenery. Whenever you have the chance you should definitely do that.

Kasper

The irony of watching Jones talking about staying healthy and going hiking while eating Pozole, one day Jones one day.

Eric Estrada

Hey Mr. Jones. This post is NOT a question, but I wanted to two points to be made known: EPISODE FEEDBACK: I'm all about these different types of CoJ. In what ever way you wish to do episodes is fine. I can only speak for myself, but it is much appreciated that you can find the time between editing, exporting, and other EZA business to put these together. QUESTION REFERENCE: My question is in the last episode's comment section and rereading it, (3 weeks ago, wow) I just wanted to remind you my question is in the context of potentially making the EZA GOTYs multiple livestreams. Keep up the great work (nice fire pit by the way) and stay Easy fellow Ally.

Brandon K Gann

Loved the cozy vibes of this episode.

Jones, now that you've had a chance to try VR, where do you stand?. Expensive gimmick or the future of gaming? Cheers!

Adam Mullany

When I leave the extra noisy environment that I am working in right now, and after the meeting I have with an esports restaurant, and after a long bus ride, I will set myself on my sofa with a glass of water and relax as I indulge in a fine episode of Cup of Jones. Question : How do you feel having people enjoying your work day after day?

chocolate_prophet

Just changed it to Unlisted. Sorry! D'oh.

Easy Allies