In this episode of the Independent Creator podcast, I discuss the recent shutdown of the live-streaming platform LifeSpace and its impact on content creators. I reflect on the lack of communication leading up to the shutdown and the challenges faced by new streaming platforms. Our conversation also touches on the role of AI in live streaming and the potential benefits and drawbacks. I emphasize the importance of finding a stable and reliable platform for content creators and encourage the exploration of alternative platforms.

In this episode of the Independent Creator Podcast, I discuss what content creators and viewers want from live-streaming platforms. Highlighting the one-way nature of many platforms, where users are the product and platforms prioritize ad revenue and data collection. I explore decentralized platforms like Mastodon and PeerTube, which allow users to have more control over their content and the content they see. The host also discusses the challenges of running ads during live streams and the importance of platforms listening to the needs and suggestions of content creators and viewers.

Welcome to the Independent Creator Podcast. In this episode, Josh dives into a topic that's been on everyone's lips: Artificial Intelligence (AI). He demystifies AI, explaining how it can be an asset rather than a threat to our jobs, especially for content creators.

Key Points Discussed:

• Understanding AI: Josh breaks down what AI is and its relevance in today's digital landscape.
• AI in Video Editing: Tools like Descript are highlighted for their ability to streamline video editing, making it as easy as editing a text document.
• AI in Live Streaming: Services like CapCut and Rivr.stream use AI to create engaging clips from live streams.
• The Cost of Convenience: While AI services save time, they come at a financial cost. Josh discusses the pricing of various AI tools and weighs them against the value of time saved.
• AI in Podcasting: The use of AI for generating transcripts, summaries, and even blog posts from podcast episodes is explored.
• Riverside.fm: A browser-based service that integrates AI for recording and live streaming, offering transcription and editing features.
• Writing with AI: Josh talks about using AI for writing assistance, including title generation and content ideas.
• The Human Touch: Despite the efficiency of AI, Josh emphasizes the importance of human oversight to ensure quality control.

Memorable Quote:

Resources Mentioned:

• Descript
• CapCut
• Rivr.stream
• Podium
• Riverside.fm
• Magi AI

00:00 - Introduction

05:07 - Talks about how Descript uses AI to copy voice mannerisms.

06:13 - Discuss DaVinci Resolve's one-time payment for video editing.

07:07 - Mentions CapCut and others that use AI to make highlight clips from live streams.

08:45 - Reflects on AthenaScope's shutdown, an AI service for streamers.

10:03 - Stresses that AI is a tool, not a threat or a replacement for human creativity.

11:15 - Suggests smartly using AI, like CapCut for short videos.

12:25 - Explains AI's help in podcasting, like making transcripts and chapter markers.

14:03 - Describes Podium's podcast features, such as summaries and keyword lists.

16:33 - Compares AI service costs to the time they save in making content.

18:44 - Highlights how AI processes podcast episodes fast.

19:45 - Advises that creators still need to edit and ensure quality, even with AI.

21:24 - Recommends Riverside.fm for those with limited computer power for podcasting.

25:31 - Talks about Riverside.fm's affordable plans and features.

28:40 - Introduces Magi AI for writing help and content ideas.

33:00 - Encourages using AI to better workflows and content creation.

36:07 - Warns against letting fear of AI control how we create and interact.

39:16 - Shares how AI helps him with tasks like summarizing and finding keywords.

41:03 - Asks listeners to subscribe to the Weekly Waffle newsletter and review on Apple Podcasts.

Call to Action:

Listeners are encouraged to embrace AI as a tool to improve their content creation process. They're also invited to subscribe to the Weekly Waffle newsletter for insights on content creation, alternative platforms, and indie gaming.

Remember to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts on the episode using #IndependentCreatorPodcast.

Thank you for tuning in, and catch us next time on the Independent Creator Podcast. Later, taters!

In this episode, I explore the features and advantages of Guilded, a chat app that offers a range of options for free. I compare Guilded with Discord and highlight the benefits of using Guilded, such as the availability of built-in bots and a variety of channel types. I also discuss the challenges of migrating a community from Discord to Guilded and encourage listeners to give Guilded a chance. The episode concludes with updates on the T2TonWaffle community and an invitation to join.

00:00 Introduction
02:59 Overview of Guilded
03:56 Signing up and accessing Guilded
04:46 Exploring a Guilded server
08:07 Comparison with Discord
10:30 Different channel types in Guilded
14:52 Media sharing in Guilded
20:36 Setting up a Twitch bot in Guilded
25:49 Bot development in Guilded
29:39 Community migration to Guilded
32:19 Gilded Partner program
38:12 2TonWaffle community updates
41:01 Invitation to join the 2TonWaffle community
41:55 Conclusion

Ever felt like the digital tides are changing for content creators? Get ready to navigate the vast ocean of possibilities with FourthWall, your new beacon of monetization! Our latest episode is a treasure map for creators and live streamers looking to craft a distinctive brand that stands out from the sea of first-party services like Twitch. We're spilling the secrets of customizing your website with ease, diving into print-on-demand merchandise to keep your inventory as fluid as your content, and sharing how to integrate platforms like LiveSpace and Owncast into your strategy. Plus, we've got the scoop on personalizing those special touches that make your fans feel like part of the crew.

Ahoy, mateys of merch and membership! Set sail with us as we explore the uncharted waters of creating a unique product line without the anchor of minimum orders—well, except for those exclusive treasures like lapel pins and plushies. We're charting a course through the creation of tiered membership systems, complete with Discord integration and subscriber perks, that will have your community hoisting the sails of engagement. Ready your spyglass, because we're also spotting how fellow creators are using these strategies to connect with their audience on a whole new level.

Finally, it's all hands on deck as we steer into the business horizon with innovative strategies to maximize your earnings. We're navigating the currents of catchy discount codes, email campaigns, and the vital logistics of shipping, ensuring not a single piece of Eight is left unclaimed. With a sprinkle of AI magic for product descriptions and a dose of personalization, learn how to balance the art of automation with the human touch. Join us, and let's set forth on this thrilling voyage to turn your content into gold!

00:00 Monetize Content With FourthWall
11:58 Exploring Merchandise and Membership Options
20:31 Membership Strategies for Content Creators
32:42 Maximizing Business Opportunities Through Fourth Wall

Navigating the labyrinth of content creation and community building can feel akin to orchestrating a symphony with a hundred instruments, each vying for attention. I've walked this path, grappling with self-promotion and the dizzying array of skills it demands, and today I'm peeling back the curtain to share the raw truths of this journey. We take a hard look at the fallacy of a universal blueprint for success, shattering the illusion that virality is just a catchy hashtag away. Instead, we advocate for embracing a tailored, realistic approach, one that honors the unique trials and victories of every independent creator.

As we steer the conversation toward the realm of streaming platforms, the episode becomes a testament to the art of perseverance. Finding a home for your content isn't about hopping from one platform to another at the first sign of struggle. It's about setting roots, nurturing your space, and giving it time to flourish. Whether it's dissecting the significance of Twitch's multi-streaming policy or reflecting on my odyssey from Twitch to Mixer and the subsequent shifts that followed, this episode is a reminder that the quest for the right fit is as personal as the content itself.

Ending on a note of celebration and solidarity, the episode zooms out to the broader picture of fostering an indie creator community. I recount the technical tribulations and triumphs of integrating disparate platforms like PeerTube with S3 storage, and the joy of watching a community come alive, connecting creators from game developers to animators. I also discuss the personal challenge of juggling multiple domains, before expressing heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners, for joining us on this adventure. The conversation isn't over; it's just getting started, and I can't wait for you to tune in to the next bi-weekly broadcast.

00:00 Lessons Learned in Building a Community
11:57 Explore Streaming Platforms, Find What Works
17:39 Content Creation and Finding Your Platform
32:40 Reflections on Trying Different Streaming Platforms
39:44 Building an Indie Creator Community
56:06 Multiple Domains and Future Episodes

Unlock the secrets of thriving online communities as we traverse the evolving digital landscape, contrasting the enduring value of forums with the dynamic nature of Discord. Discover why forums like SMF remain essential archives of knowledge, while Discord's fleeting conversations risk losing decades of community wisdom. We delve into the RuneScape community's shift from forums to Discord, probing the broader implications of such a move on content preservation and accessibility. Moreover, we dissect the intricacies of various forum software, evaluating their design and functionality to reveal how each shapes the user experience and community engagement.

Journey with us through the nostalgic pathways of internet forums and their transformation over time, guided by the steadfast dedication of volunteer developers. We scrutinize popular platforms such as MyBB, SMF, Discourse, and Invision Community, each with its unique fingerprint on the web. The discussion further illuminates the latest updates to phpBB, the accessibility of one-click installs, and the challenges of theme installation, all while comparing the communal support structures that underpin these platforms. Our conversation extends to modern forum systems like Discourse and Flarum, spotlighting their integrations with blogging platforms and the allure of customizable themes and plugins.

In our pursuit of the cutting edge, we examine the premium offerings of ZenForo and Invision Community, which boast media galleries, resource management, and a hybrid posting model. Sharing personal experiences with these paid software solutions, we highlight their frequent updates and integrated services such as e-commerce and custom CMS. As we wrap up, we cordially invite you to partake in the live recording of our next episode, where your insights will enrich the narrative. Catch the continued dialogue on your preferred podcast platform or YouTube, and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of online forums and community-building.

(00:00) The Importance of Forums vs Discord
(13:32) Comparing Forum Software
(20:05) Comparison of Forum Platforms
(36:42) Comparing Forum Software
(43:01) Comparison of Forum Software
(01:00:41) Episode Release and Future Expectations

Welcome to the first podcast of the year, where we navigate the turbulent waters of live-streaming platforms. The tides are shifting, and content creators are actively seeking new harbors away from the likes of Twitch, with its growing ad demands, and YouTube, which often sidelines live streamers. Remember the fleeting success of platforms like Mixer and Glimmish? As history cycles, we’re now turning our gaze to the new kids on the block: SharePlay and LiveSpace. Listen in as we explore what these emerging services are bringing to the table in their beta phases, and how they might just become the sanctuaries streamers are searching for.

In our journey through the digital sea, we cast our net on SharePlay, scrutinizing the features that have become the bedrock of live streaming. Striking the right chord between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of innovation is a balancing act, and it’s one that Trovo has played well, but what about SharePlay? I share my first-hand experience with their beta testing, tackling the non-OBS streaming challenges, and the importance of a platform’s quick response to user feedback. Discover how analytics tools and payment system integrations like Stripe are crucial for creators who are charting their course through these international waters.

But the expedition doesn’t end there. LiveSpace beckons with its unique fusion of streaming and social networking, creating a tapestry of interaction that rivals Twitter. For those who prioritize stability and a robust community feed, this might just be your port of call. We’ll navigate through their various content categories, subscriber perks, and the implications of the shift from PayPal to Stripe for transactions. Anchoring our discussion is the user-friendly dashboard, which sets a course for essential streaming analytics without the stringent targets set by giants like Twitch. So hoist your sails, join the conversation, and let’s set sail towards the horizons of SharePlay and LiveSpace, the potential new stars in the streaming constellation.