Cup of Jones - Episode 5 - 04/25/16

I love to hear the story behind the name Easy Allies, and what it means to everyone. Was the channel always going to be called EZA or were their other names left on the cutting room floor?

In light of the extremely positive feedback towards Bosman At Home, are you hoping to get Kyle on full time and make that a weekly show for EZA?

Are the monthly letters from a random ally every month and it rotates?

Robert I.

What's Matt Blair up to?

Tyler Travis

Less of a question and more of a hope. I'd love to see more pictures on Patreon of you guys, especially different angles and behind the scenes stuff. Maybe like a "picture Sunday" where you post 2 or 3 pics you took of EZA during the week and post them on Patreon.

Michael Rymar

Do you plan to release the Q&A stream for public viewing?

the_finnish_ally

As we pass the second "charge" period, it seems another group of patrons have dropped. As this will likely be a monthly occurrence (a roller coaster of subscriber numbers), what will you do to keep team morale up and focused on the numbers you have vs the numbers you've lost or will lose?

Brandon Patton

can you discuss the differences between starting GT and starting EZA. I'm very curious to see how the evolution of GT went vs the direction EZA is headed.

Tony

Hello Brandon!

Tony

In Damiani's update he mentioned that Mode Select was doing the graphics. Have you guys considered working with them to develop the graphics for all of Easy Allies shows? I loved the stuff that they did for GT's reviews and E3 coverage; I think it really bumps up the production values!

Keep up the good work Jones!

Hi Jones, I love collecting merchandise, but it's even better if it supports the allies, so I'm just wondering if you can say how much the merchandise sells supports the team?

I understand completely where Brandon is coming from and not wanting to do trailer stuff anymore. but at the same time trailer score was absolutely fantastic and I do miss it a whole lot.

Hi Brandon, can you explain the story (if there is one) behind the final fantasy 13 lightning large standee that you have? I saw it in the final gt stream and the ezallies initial trailer. Thanks!

Derek Allan

Hey Brandon. How long does an episode of Cup of Jones take to shoot? Just wandering as you can see on this episode that when you started it was daylight outside your garage door windows and by the time it got to the editorial section it had started to get dark? Much love.

When you finish the Pokemon series with Kyle you should take in someone that has never played Final Fantasy VI, or another game that is close to your heart

Hi Brandon! This question is about journalism. Is it, to your knowledge common to get paid to speak well of a game, giving the impression that it is your own opinion? Is it something you have come in contact with? Have fun in disneyworld man! L&R /Mike

Enjoy Disneyworld, you've earned it! :)

Ashley H

You don't need an entire database of trailers to just score a cool/crap trailer people are interested to hear your opinion on. Check the announcement video for Easy Allies when you score civil war, people and me liked that stuff.

sam

Hey Brandon, do you personally edit everything? How do you plan on handling post workflows in the future when the allies grow larger but are still under the $50,000 studio mark? Thanks!

Colin Cooper

Great episode!! Although, the camera didn't have complete focus on your face and it peeved me. Other than that, I really enjoyed it!

It is no hyperbole to say that Don is the best.

Jason Stamatyades

Dear Mr. Jones, where do you see Easy Allies in 5 years? PS: so happy to have you back on the internet :)

Mumble Mumbleton

Is the money provided by the subscribers on Twitch considered "extra" or is it used towards the goal of having a new studio?

Hi Brandon. First of all, I'm so extremely happy to see you guys doing so well. I have been a fan of the site for almost 12 years (since late 2004), and to see a community that's been such a huge part of my teenage and young adult life continue on brings me joy beyond words. Thank you so much for everything you do! My question is: have you thought about opening up more slots for the $200 and $500 tiers, and/or maybe introducing a higher tier ($750, $1000)? I feel like doing so will help tremendously with helping EZA with reaching $40,000 or even that $50,000 goal. Thanks!

Heya brandon, you are best known for your iconic voice in GT's game reviews and other shows. How do you take care and preserve your great voice? And more power to you Guys! Cheers for a great future for EasyAllies!

Angelo Torres

Will one of the EZA's be at Gamescom?

Mark Gekko

Brandon, what if the dedicated allies make a google doc with links to several new trailers?

Hi Brandon, I understand the importance of EZA wanting to maintain its brand as a games-focused company. But most of us do not only have this one interest, and I'm sure the community would love to hear more about those other things that are of interest to the team. Would the Allies consider doing a show for interests outside of the games category such as movies, TV, comics, music and more? Love and Respect, Kevin Also, I just listened to Ep. 2 of Frame Trap, and appreciated the GoT discussion. I understand FT is a show about video games where non-games things may be discussed. What I am asking for is a non-games show where games are barely or rarely discussed.

Thnx for the spoiler :/

Go Brandon Go!

Hi Brandon! Amazing work with this startup, you all are doing a great job and it great to finally pay you for the stuff that I couldn't pay you for in the past (and often joked was worth less due to low view count in the past. On to my point.... Countdowns... Last episode you told us that count downs due to the change in the environment. However I'm calling bullshit, but hear me out, the change in environment is a good thing and you all need to think outside the box. Ask the community, I got the impression that this was part of the idea from earlier video, make a small system to collect the votes via a form (survey monkey can do this for free) and you can even get the community to send in video content for their favourite pick, crediting them in the corner for the footage as its counting down. Your community is now a resource that wants to see you succeed, use them.

The more Jones, the better! That goes for all shows and run times.

NeO JD

XD Love the graphics. Slow Spearow fade...

Gan Khef

Congrats on the second month woo hoo!!! lets keep this train going! Thanks for the deep explanation about trailers too, its quite understandable, allright, gotta go watch that FT episode now *rubs hands together*

Was I the only one expecting to see Button's head pop up behind Brandon? Man, I miss Buttons.

Thanks for these Jones. When I signed up for the $5 tier I have to admit I didn't think I'd care so much for Cup of Jones so, thanks for proving me wrong . One of my other favorite things about EZA has been watching Brandon Plays. In regards to the question you answered in this episode, I would like to suggest that this kind of show could extend to anyone as long as the person playing and describing their experiences is accompannied by someone that loves the franchise being played (maybe not even necessarily only games, I could see this working with shows/books like GoT/SoIaF). Just find a subject/franchise that someone on EZA is deeply in love with and someone else has not experienced and agrees to try with an open heart. I know I would love to have hear you guys relate first experiences with Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Civilization...

Angelo D'Elia

Not sure if its the right place for the question but i hope it gets answered in a following episode. I really loved the huber/bosman comedy/segments. Are you guys thinking of maybe doing something akin to those in the future? Id love a weekly story-driven crazy adventure of sort!!

Totally understand the trailer show concerns Jones. Maybe during E3 consider doing a one-off show with some other Allies scoring/talking about some of the best trailers of E3?

Im not fussed if you don't do a trailers show myself.look forward to the new website and forums. So I can be corrected on my poor spelling and grammar by someone

How come your reviews aren't being counted towards metacritic?

I love the cozy atmosphere this show has! I think all thanks to the cup, the warm room and voice!

Where is bloodworth!?

I can confirm that this released on Monday! :p

Minamik

@BrandonJones Can you do a brief review of Disney World and Universal Studios when you get back from Florida? My brother and i are considering going. I'd like your opinion on the experience.

Thorfkin

Let Buttons have his show!!

I would love 30 minute episodes. Honestly I'd get sad when I'd see a video from GT under 20. (Reviews and top 10s being an exception). Please, don't worry about keeping it 20 or under!

With the release of Dark Souls 3 and the fact that most of the guys are playing it or have already beat it. Do you want to incorporate review discussions into the podcasts?

Another great ep Brandon. My question would be regarding how much of an international audience you guys have and how aware or how much do you care about it? As someone from the UK I know you have followings on British forums but a lot of what you talk about and your audience wants answers for or timings geared towards is VERY America-centric. Obviously I understand the big time difference and have no qualms about getting my Cup of Jones on Tuesdays or a certain focus on the American market. But sometimes it feels like the Allies are 100% focused on the US rather than even a 80% US to 20% Rest of World divide. How about a show with Blood looking at international games happenings? Cheers and keep up the good work.

Rhys Simons

Jones did Buttons just ninja his way into the show on the left second to top shelf or am I mistaken?

Is there a audio version of cup of jones?

Any update on Matt Blair is he alright?

Just an idea Brandon! I completely understand that you can't do trailer scores or a trailer show like you used to, not having some of those resources, like Matt Blair, is obviously going to hinder your abilities to pump out certain shows. I respect your decision not to do them anymore for the reasons you gave, however, if you were to start it again at some point, why not just do it once a month? And rather than having to go through all the trailers that are released to find the best ones, just get together with a few of the Allies and talk about 4 or 5 of them that you liked from the past month? Although you don't have them sitting in a folder anymore, you obviously still watch trailers, so like at the end of April, you could do a say... 20 minute video of you, Bosman, Bloodworth and anyone else interested just having a discussion about YOUR favourite trailers that you happened to have seen that month, I don't think many people are going to be offended if you don't talk about one that they liked, or if you missed one. But yeah, just a thought, maybe something for the future :) Later Jones!

Do any of the other Allies have an interest in narrating reviews or shows?

ParaCanKor

Tagging on to the forum question: do you think a forum could be all you need for a site?

Richard Goetz

Mr. Jones, just a few personal comments and one question this week. Going in reverse of the video, I can see how much it hurts you about not discussing trailers, since you are TRAILERJones ( ;-] ), know that its cool. You've got a great thing going and all of us support you. Second, to your comment on being gone for a week, have fun! Third, on the subject of full time, my one question actually involves an addition: Have you considered asking your trainer Sean on being a member? In the two times I've seen him on an EZA stream, he is very personable and would seem like an excellent addition to your team! Fourth, in terms of email and forums, I prefer to post comments and questions to you and the other Allies in this format because I believe this is the best place for communicating with you and everyone else, so instituting a forum sounds like an excellent idea. As exciting as having an Ally's personal email seems, I don't think it would be optimal to have that close of a direct link (even though it seems like an awesome way to get in touch). Fifth, it seems that question amount is a topic of concern and I just want to say I love how you (every one else for that matter) field questions, but dedicating half your show and having a monthly Q&A (which sadly I do not have enough to give to be a part of <:-T ) to address all of the community is awesome and appreciated. Even though I have not any question of mine answered in any show, I still feel as if you are reading and for that I have immeasurable gratitude. Finally, I'm about to jump onto the group stream and just wanted to say Congratulations on one month and I'm looking forward to many, MANY more. AND SUPER SORRY for the long comment.

Brandon K Gann

Question for next (or a future) week: What are the Allies plans for E3? Obviously, you guys are well known for your press conference reactions and my hope is this year is more of the same. W/Love & Respect - Thomas Rogers

Do you guys ever consider reviewing or at least taking a look back on games that were released prior to Easy Allies? There have been several games in the gap between GT and EZA that I would've loved to hear your opinions on.

Brandon keep this setup its real comfy nice depth of field

confusedhulk

I really enjoyed how often Brandon danced around saying "GameTrailers" with the GT logo hanging in the background. -@nintendom

What if we fellow patreons plucked the fresh ones from the trees and put them into baskets for you? You obviously have the respect not to half ass it and we obviously have the passion to get them into the spotlight. A simple weekly thread containing trailers suggested by us and you pick from them. Or we could pick them for you too? I think the ones insisting you are feeling like the children who know the daddy cannot be persuaded to buy the ice cream, not today. We understand, but it is too tasty to give up! We just want to go to the trailers :)

I like the idea of you switching mugs every episode. Rather than have you spend money on new mugs all the time, have you ever considered taking mug donations? It could be a fun way to interact with the EZA community.

totally cool with you guys not doing trailer stuff anymore. Just let it go.

alan roosen

I think you and Kyle should do a show for kids where you talk about Disney, Nintendo, toys-to-life and Pokemon. It could have the puppets. Lots of us are trying to raise good boys & girls instead of little Minecraft-loving jump-scare-sleazeballs.

Question: What is the first VR game you guys would like to review and/or stream for all of us to laugh at? And are you in the process of figuring out how to incorporate VR into your shows? - Darth Smurf X

Shane Sanders

Nice episode again Brandon! I'm glad there's a chance Buttons (not his father) could be joining ESA. Now to only get in contact with his lawyers, that's going to be difficult I guess, we will see.

Hey Brandon, as always a great enjoyable episode. I very much appreciate how you handle our patron requests and questions and you are doing a remarkable job in answering them. Have a nice week!

Is that the Slusser Cup on the wall in the background? It looks a little smaller but it's hard to tell. Also, I imagine the Cup won't be making an appearance on the future Huber vs. Bosman bets show, any idea what the trophy will be? Finally, I'm sad about Trailer Score, but I respect your decision. You guys have brought us so much so far with the promise already of a lot more, so thanks! Buuuut, there are some good ideas by other Allies in this thread about community involvement to help filter/discover trailers. What about a monthly stream (an hour maybe) where patrons can nominate trailers from that month, and you guys pick a few (whatever number you think would work in the time allotted) to critique and score?

OMG That The Walking Dead painting in the background :-O

Hey Brandon, I have a question for the show. Sorry if this has been addressed already but is there any plans to bring back "Just Played" as I like not only hearing about new games but old ones too? Just whatever the allies happen to be playing. I know this is touched upon somewhat with Frame Trap but wasn't sure if you guys had plans to develop it into it's own editorial?

What Joaquin says: Let's involve the community. We could filter all the crap and come up with maybe 3 trailers a week or every other week and you guys talk about them / rate them. I LOVED The Final Bosman but the "trailer shows" (Trailer Academy, Let's all go to the trailers, Trailer score) are probably the most interesting shows you guys did. And its something you are way better in than others. Could also be a USP since I'm not aware of any other trailer shows.

I can totally understand not doing trailer score but I think mostly ignoring them isn't the way to go either. Look at Kinda Funny, when a new massive trailer hits you know full well there will be a "Reacts" video from them. I would love a EZA reacts with Brad and Jones when a Kingdom Hearts trailer happens or EZA reacts with Kyle and Jones when a Pokemon trailer drops.

Hey Brandon, do you have any "big ideas" that you want to materialise with EZA but can't because of monetary reasons etc.?

We support EZA through Patreon for their content and personalities. Even if a sponsor pays them a million dollars for flashing their logo once a week, it's none of our business. We still get the same content for the same amount of support if not more.

mjw

I wish Cup of Jones would come out earlier, I stayed up till 4am (mostly working) but a bit of that was waiting for Cup of Jones, which came out 5am GMT -3, by that time I had given up and went to bed :(

Eduardo

Damn fine Cup of Jones!

Neale Genereux

Great show Jones! Hope you have fun in Disney World!

Thanks for breaking it down about the trailers. It's cool to remind people just how much work goes into that kind of thing. I never realized that people would go out and gather all these trailers for you, and the amount of time that must take. I had been wondering about trailers as well but I totally get it! Onwards!

Max Miller

Thanks for the update Jones! Have fun in Florida. Been there two times myself Orlando 2006 was my best vacation ever! Hopefully i can go back in the near future

Kyle does have a show, but he produces it himself. Brandon talked about this a couple of weeks ago. Kyle wants to focus his work for EZA on the podcast. His personal show is called 'Bosman at home' and can be found on youtube.

Cup Game strong. I won't be surprised if by episode 20 of Cup of Jones Brandon is cupping water with both hands and drinking out of them just to keep up diversity.

He's probably nervous about reception.

iconmaster

About the trailers scoring show. What if the EZA community did a group effort on the future forum (or some other place) to provide you with a selection of the latest trailers so you could have that folder of "fresh" trailers like on the GT days? Would that help? Really want that show back...

Great show, I always look forward to Cup of Jones. Brandon I can understand your feelings on the trailer show certainly, it's a past chapter of your life which is why you could re-think the entire trailer thing. First of all it could become a 40k goal if reached a new trailer show is born BUT it's nothing like previous show, you're not covering every single trailer but just one that has caught your eye. Just an idea. I'm happy with whatever you and EZA choose to do now and in the future.

Jason Walstrom

this community is just beautiful. im stunned

I think that was an eternal question, who indeed is the boss? I say Mona was always the real one pulling the strings lol.

Jason Walstrom

i agree with vincent it doesnt have to be weekly or complicated you could almost do it as a live stream as a kind of "fresh eyes on" where maybe patreons suggest the trailers, some of you do a media blackout and the show would be more about the reactions to the trailer then a score. if its a trailer for a series it would also be very cool to have someone who played the series talk and guess about certain elements us norms would overlook on a different note i really enjoyed the trailers that were worked in the last podcast. i love to watch the panel but there are so many shows focusing on people talking that some actual game or trailer visuals are a nice way to break the flow

Why is it that Kyle doesn't write reviews? Is he not qualified, doesn't have time, or does he simply not want to?

Derrick DesRoches

Hey Brandon, love the show as always. About the Trailer Score successor... how would you feel about having a live stream, say once a month, dedicated to talking about trailers? It could be very casual, just throwing the most talked about trailers of the month up on the screen and talking about them? Your notes on advertising in games are always super interesting to me, and I always enjoyed the Trailer Score episodes where you reacted to trailers upon watching them for the first time. I wouldn't consider that half-assed in any way and I would personally really value it. If that's something doable, maybe it's worth considering? :) Thanks for the show, congrats on the one month anniversary, and long live EZA!

Vincent

~~CORRECTION~~ Tony Danza was not the boss, Angela was the boss, but I believe you will be The Boss to surpass Big Boss

Sean Dupree

Awesome Tardis sticky on your laptop!

I'm actually currently working as a lifeguard at the Art of Animation Resorts at Disney World. Would love the chance to meet you somewhere at Disney just to say hi and thanks for everything you've done.

Brandon, For the forum, you should consider using Discourse: <a href="https://www.discourse.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.discourse.org/</a> It's basically what you'd expect a forum made in 2016 to be like -- nice to look at, mobile-friendly, and having lots of modern conveniences.

Awesome show Jones, love hearing what you've got to say :)

Dizcrowell

Hi Brandon, thanks for the great video as always. Will you consider doing occasional spoilercast shows for big releases? I think it was mentioned during Frame Trap that they'd like to do a separate show to discuss Dark Souls 3, which I'd love to see. Similarly I'd like this for other big games like Uncharted 4, maybe 2 or 3 weeks after release. I appreciate it's difficult getting everyone together, but it's nice to hear a very detailed discussion on games like this.

Hey Brandon, You mentioned the Live Q &amp; A on Saturday, which I assume is for the $20 Patreon goal, but I wanted to ask when we should expect the community video for the $10 goal. Thanks!

Eric Mitchell

Hi Brandon. Loving the Cup of Jones show! I've been quite late to the party with GT, but you guys really kept me coming back. Seeing GT being closed down felt like loosing real friends to me and I wondered if I'll ever see you guys again. Luckily EZA has been established and it does feel like a new beginning which is great and exciting. What I really wanted to say is: You're all doing a fantastic job! Remember first finding out about GT I was stunned at the level of professionalism and you guys just being yourself at the same time. I'm glad this continues with EZA and even though you're limited by time and money the content you all put out is fun and interesting to watch and maybe because of that more intimate, which is a good thing in my book. I really wanna thank you guys for your work and determination. I don't care whether all the shows from GT will appear on EZA. It's actually exciting to watch what you'll come up with and up until now you didn't disappoint. Only one thing bugs me - how on earth a channel like EZA or even GT for that matter has only as many subscribers? Is ranting and bashing the only way to go? Is there really that little space for weighted opinions, for smart and funny content without the usual negativity? Wish you guys all the best. P.S. please tell Kyle that people are really waiting for his show. I love the man and I think he's a great podcast host, still love me some one on one Bossman though.

Brandon, this may be a question for the other Allies as well but I'm curious to hear your take: given how much closer the creator/fan relationship when using Patreon rather than the previous situation, what do you want to see that relationship become between the creators and the fanbase? Not just in terms of chats, support, or Q&amp;As like this (which are great of course), but do you think this arrangement lends itself to more in-game interaction between the creators and the fans, and is that something you want to see the Allies explore? Thinking specifically about things like MMOs, Disney Infinity multiplayer, Street Fighter V etc.. Do you want to see the group have more organized in game interaction with fans beyond just ad hoc "I'm streaming, join me if you want" and have organized teams, tournaments, whatever? And what would that look like to you ideally? I realize that is extra work to set up and it's hard to lock yourself in to anything regular even for streams, but it also seems to me something the community itself could take the lead on (as with the subreddit).

Bradley Spies

Hi Jones considering that Red Dead is your most popular stream on EZplayz would you think about committing to a weekly show I no your busy but what's two hours

Hey, my name is in the video =D

Andrew Chalmers

I was just about to write a comment on the last video with a question and I find this, Love it! Question: I love sophie, what breed is she and how old is she?

Hey Brandon, don't you think not talking to everyone about sponsor-ships aside from Patreon, and not including those sponsors on the Easy Allies page is kind of a little back-door-shady? I would hope you guys would be incredible open to those who chose to sponsor the group.

If you want a place to talk in the meantime before the forum, we have a subreddit <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/UneasyAlliance" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.reddit.com/r/UneasyAlliance</a>

Loving the T.A.R.D.I.S. decal. Also, I'm afraid you have a leak in the EZA ship -- Buttons is in the background feeding everything you say to his lawyers. And THEY...AREN'T...PATRONS! A shame about Trailer Score, but I understand your reticence. Maybe we'll wait until a studio materialises before we'll bug you about it again and eventually wear you down!

So I'm thinking of getting into making online content with a group of friends. Things like let's plays, group discussions and the occasional sketch. I already have a few mics but all of my current software is geared up for music production as opposed to video. I was wondering what editing software it is you guys use and if you have any recommendations for other equipment. Thanks!

I'm going to disneyworld the same week for my honeymoon! Cheers. P.S. That probably means ezafan.site won't be updated much during that period either. Maybe I'll try to stick it on autopilot and hope for the best before then.

Enjoyed the episode. My highlight was the Lee and Clementine picture though in the background :D

Zan

You're the business, Jones.

RoleMouse

That sucks let me know if you want something asked

I'd like to know where you get all your music from? Is it self-produced by one of your members (I'm thinking about Ian) or are they free tracks from a specific website etc? Thanks!

Timo Arnken

Why didn't Matt Blair join you guys from GT to EZA?

When you started talking about Trailer Score I got a big grin on my face because I thought you are about to announce the comeback of my favorite show of GT. Kinda disappointed to hear it's not happening, but I suppport you guys with whatever decisions you make, and if it doesn't feel right for you to do it, then don't. However, I don't think you need to know or watch all the trailers out there to do a Trailer Score, certainly there might be a trailer that everyone is talking about (for example a new Star Wars movie trailer) that's worth talking about, it doesn't necessarily have to be a weekly show IMO (Trailer Score wasn't that consistent either). Also, what I liked about Trailer Score so much, is, that you had a show where you focused on just one videogame and talked only about that and we got to see gameplay from it or a CGI trailer, I just liked the way it was presented, the fact that is was such a focused show. I mean, like I said, if you don't feel comfortable doing it, then you shouldn't do it, but I still cross my fingers that it might change sometime in the future.

RedVIII

First off, thanks for reading my question from last week! Second, I understand the difficulty of creating a show like Let's All Go to the Trailers again, but what Trailer Score was by the end, intermittent scoring of popular/important trailers, is that just as difficult to recreate? By the end, I never had a day I expected a TS episode, like a The Final Bosman or Huber Hype, etc, show. And finally, I love trailers too, can we be friends and talk about trailers? Lol

Joseph La Russa

Have fun in Disney World Jones! :D My absolute favourite place to be &lt;3 .. Really loving Cup of Jones! I'm so excited for E3 with you guys again :)

Hesperus84

Yes. This is what I needed

I am so sad I'm gonna be busy the day of the Q&amp;A. :(

Steven Blomkamp

Cup of Papa Jones!