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In conversation with community member LadyKDA

I recently had a conversation with LadyKDA, or Lady, who is a member of the streaming community and someone thinking about becoming a streamer. LadyKDA is a member of the newly formed FoxFyre gaming and streaming community and was selected as Featured Fox for December 2018, a recognition of involvement in that community. You should also check out LadyKDA’s Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Take a moment to introduce yourself! Who are you?

Community member and future streamer LadyKDA

Hiya! I’m Lady. I’m an aspiring content creator and soon to be streamer. I’m a tired mommy to a gremlin. Gamer. Smartass. Let’s 1v1.

What’s KDA stand for in LadyKDA?

Okay, so when I first played SMITE, right, everything was about your Kill Death Assist, or KDA. “Omg! you suck! Your KDA is negative” “Oh my god, I have so many assists because you keep kill stealing” “My KDA is better than yours”. That like … haunted me lmao. And then I played Overwatch. The KDA didn’t matter? It’s a team based game, kill everyone and get to the point. So KDA finally subsided from my brain. Until I started playing Call of Duty. Then here it is again “Omg! Your KD ratio is awful” “You’re a girl you can’t play video games” … And then boom. K/DA. A virtual K-pop group about the females in League of Legends. A fire ignited in me. My KDA mattered again and now it’s time to show these little boys who came to play. And, honestly, I’ve never been more focused. That song woke something up in me and I have actually grown as a gamer in the small amount of time that it’s been out.

How’d you find the FoxFyre community?

I was friends with Sideshow and he brought my long lost twin Veroicone around. We clicked instantly and it was only a matter of time before I was invited to join FoxFyre.

What does being a Fox mean to you? What are you hoping for as part of the community?

Honestly, I’ve never seen a community so caring and tight knit. Everyone cares about everyone. Being a Fox has changed my outlook on the gaming community. This is what a gaming community should be. No matter the skill level, the gender, the age; everyone gets along and has a great time together. I’ve already received what I wanted out of it. I received friends, teammates, and lifelong memories (and dank memes).

I hear the community has inspired an interest in starting to stream? Are you going to take the jump?

Absolutely! Everyone seems to have so much fun streaming and it’s so freaking cool to jump in a stream to just have fun, cheer them on and chat. And, if I’m being honest, I’m a stay at home mom who spends her time cleaning, tending to my daughter, watching cooking shows and playing games. Why not try and stream? I spend so much of my time on the computer anyway.

One of the things, for me, about gaming, that I don’t like is spending tons of time and not having anything to show for it, so, like what you said, I feel like, if I’m going to spend time on something, I should have something to show for it. Basically, I want some creative output, so, for gaming, that means streaming and archiving videos of my streams. It’s kind of a deal I make with myself so I feel like the time I spend on the games wasn’t simply lost. So, hey, yeah! Do it!

There’s a part of me that used to care a ton about Skill Rating, or SR, gain and stuff but now I just like to play it purely for the enjoyment. It kinda sucks the fun out of the experience when someone is going full try-hard mode and being kind of a dick about it. Know what I mean? I have several friends who get insanely competitive when I just wanna play and learn to get better. But not necessarily on a competitive level, if that makes sense and/or answers your question lol.

Who are you hoping to be as a streamer?

I just want to make someone’s day. Even if it’s just one, I’m content with that. I don’t care about being good at whatever game I’m playing (though winning is always fun lol).

Heck yeah, I don’t think I’m good at most of the games I play either, but I think the discovery of the game as I play it is my story, for most of the time. I mean, if people only streamed games they were super good at, all streams would be speed runs and only last 10 minutes or less! Ha!

Basically yeah! like I play quick play in overwatch almost exclusively to see what kind of plays I can get. Can i get 3 people plus in this shatter? Can i get play of the game with this dva bomb? With this solo queueing dva combo with my emp if i get the whole team? I don’t know but we’re about to find out! PRESS Q!

If I can laugh, and make the you laugh in the process, my job is done.

I’m not laughing. Oh, wait. Now I am.

Hehehe, glad you got a giggle in. <3

Any projects other than streaming you want to mention? Any hobbies or interests you want to mention?

I’m in the artsy stuff. Though I’ve never been too proud of it. Here lately I’ve found that spark again and I would want to do some make arts and crafts type streams. I think that would be pretty cool.

Do it!

What’s your current setup like for streaming? Or, what stuff are you hoping to have for your streaming setup?

I have literally nothing for it so far. I’m currently playing on a 720p TV and a tiny $20 microsoft office mouse. But once I get all the things I want to do for it, I’ll send you a “hey look at this!” email. ;)

Cool beans! And, definitely, I agree: stream with the gear you’ve got, for sure. I recently got an Nvidia Shield TV to try out, to play games I can’t on my main machine. I play that on an old TV with mouse and keyboard on the TV cabinet, and I sit on a milk crate turned over with a pillow on it! Totes janky! It’s DIY-awesome! So, I’m right there with you. I think that kind of stuff is part of the journey, part of the story worth telling, too.

Yes exactly! i kind want to do the whole “started from the bottom, not we’re here” kinda transformation picture. I’m excited for it!

What have been your primary resources for information as you’ve been getting ready to stream regularly, on how to do it and set it all up?

Veroicone has been a huge source of help when it has come to my youtube channel setup. She even helped me with editing my first video! Cayden has also a huge help when it comes to info about Twitch.

Cool beans! That’s definitely a cool part of being in a community with other streamers. Figuring things out can be a struggle! Not just when one’s getting started either, as I’ve joked about something breaking every time I start streaming … and it’s not really a joke. I mean, it’s a joke on me, to be sure. But, Murphy is every streamer’s co-pilot!

Oh, good ole Murphy’s Law. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t lol.

Have you gotten any advice about starting to stream that you’ve taken to heart?

Take comments about appearance with a grain of salt. Everyone has their self confidence issues. And people rip you apart on the internet. Also, if you’re looking to stream to only make money, you’re doing it wrong.

Pretty good advice, to be sure, and unfortunately too true. But, hopefully always more fun for you than the other thing as you keep doing it!

I’ve also just understood that blocking someone is way less stressful than being trolled.

Hell yes. No one is owed your attention or has a license to abuse, even if you’re a public live streamer. I must admit that I’ve personally, for various reasons, ended up with a hair trigger and no patience at all. Block quickly and forget easily. I’ve come to believe that is a primary tool to being online, even beyond Twitch. On Twitch I’ve stopped including chat on-stream and have automatic filters turned on at least low. I dread the time I may ever require mods, but, wow, it will be nice to have someone else see it before I do, and ban hammer it flat. I’m happy for interaction from viewers and soever, but that’s got to be a privilege that can be unilaterally revoked or else insanity prevails.

I have thickish skin now that I’ve been apart of the good ole internet for a while now. It took a lot out of me in the beginning. Lots of nasty things said. I will hold a conversation with whomever. But you will not degrade me. That’s not what this is for or about. Let’s just game and have some fun.

What stuff have you played, and what are you playing now?

My very first online multiplayer game to play was Smite. Smite will always have a special place in my heart and I always return after every or every other god drops. I then attempted to learn the ways of World of Warcraft, When the Warlords of Draenor expansion dropped, it just wasn’t for me. I’ve been addicted to Overwatch since the moment it came out. I play Call of Duty pretty often these days too. The Forest is getting a huge update just now actually and I already have it re-downloaded. I don’t really have a “type” when it comes to games. If it catches my interest, I’m normally always down to try it.

Heck, yeah. Play what is interesting and fun for you, and share that with others.

What goals do you have for the future with your stream and in the community?

Even being able to hit Affiliate would be super cool. That’s first on my little goal ladder. I’ll probably cry on my first donation lol. I want my stream to be somewhere a person can be like “Ah! Lady’s on!” and just come and chill. To just like feel at peace to just hang out and have a good time. I used to watch YouTuber GassyMexican’s stream for that reason. They had a segmant called Fu*ked up Fridays and me and my boyfriend would watch it every week. (This was pre-baby of course, so now our TV gets taken over by Frozen and Trolls.)

Oh wow, I’ve lost more TVs that way! I hate having to melt and bury a perfectly good TV when the frozen trolls infest … wait, what? Oh. Never mind.

This was so exciting! Brought me back to the Myspace days when you did surveys on your bulletin board lol!

Oh, you think we’re done, do you?! Muahahahaha. This conversation is an escape room. Good luck getting out.

Hehehe more questions! More more more!

No, sorry. I lied. This interview is as over as Myspace. You’re free to go. Please exit through the Gift Shop.

Awwww, RIP Myspace. Yay Gift Shop!! :D

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In conversation with streamer JDensey

JDensey, or Jacob, is a relatively new streamer. I had the chance to have a conversation about streaming with him recently. JDensey is a member of the newly formed FoxFyre gaming and streaming community and was selected as Featured Fox for November 2018, a recognition of involvement in that community. You should also check out JDensey’s Discord, Twitter, and YouTube.

Take a moment to say howdy and introduce yourself!

Streamer JDensey

I’m Jacob aka JDensey, im a fairly new streamer. I’ve always loved gaming, but only recently gotten into PC gaming. I’m a Cuban American, and I’ve lived a lot of places growing up.

What was the reason for the mobility? Military? And, I wonder where have been your favorite places to live?

Yes, military family, and most definitely Alaska! It’s definitely my favorite place. I miss living there.

I’ve been once, and got to fly into a tiny fishing village and then ride a fishing boat coming down the inside passage to Seattle on the way back! Were you close in to civilization? Did you get out to the wilds much? Or, I mean, put another way, what’s the part you miss most?

I lived in the biggest city, but we went out into the wilds very often. I spent most of my childhood fishing for halibut and salmon, and being on the water out there is easily my best experiences. You see a lot of amazing things out there, scenery and wildlife, etc. One experience that stands out is when we came across blue whales and one surfaced about 5 yards off the starboard side. You never really realize how big they are until they are that close.

Awesome experience!

You mentioned only recently getting into PC gaming, were you a console gamer before this?

I have played different consoles from Nintendo to Playstation 1 to Xbox and most recently Playstation 4. My main console games were Overwatch and Rocket League.

I keep thinking about hooking up some old consoles again. I lost most of my Nintendo 64 carts over the years, but I still have a few. You should do a retro day of streaming!

I don’t think I have my Nintendo anymore unfortunately, but I have thought of streaming some older games like Knights of the Old Republic.

Doooooo-eeeet!

So, then, who are you as a streamer?

I’m a pretty new streamer, as I just got into PC gaming recently. I like to try to be as interactive with viewers as possible, while attempting to give them entertaining gameplay.

How long have you been streaming?

Hmm, maybe six months off and on? Maybe two months so far of more regular streams.

Oh, hey, that’s cool. Good luck on the adventure! Where are you on your Twitch Achievements?!

Not very far! Haha. Coming up close to Twitch Affiliate though!

Huzzah! And, being Featured Fox should help a bit with that too.

How’d you find the FoxFyre community, and what’s your involvement?

I found FoxFyre through Rafthree, a fellow Twitch streamer and FoxFyre community member, who was one of my main influences to start streaming. I try to stay very involved in the Discord and now through my stream as well, because the people of FoxFyre are very cool cats, and they throw a lot of support my way.

Hey, yeah, Raf and I got to talk before. And, it’s been great to watch the FoxFyre community start up and keep growing. Having that kind of group for mutual support seems great.

Any projects other than streaming you want to mention? Any hobbies or interests you want to mention?

I’m a big racquetball player, although I don’t play as much as I used to. I’m also trying to get into graphic design as a hobby. Also I’m a huge trivia buff, and I have a knack for memorizing useless movie quotes and song lyrics.

Yeah, not sure how to work racquetball into streaming, unless you do VR or maybe a Wii! Have you thought about doing something like that?

Haha! Maybe someday.

Sure, sure. Okay, I hear you. But, I’ll just say: what’s a home without room-scale VR? A house. That’s what. Just a house. And, you need a moat. Just sayin’. Priorities!

Can’t disagree with you there!

What’s your current setup like for streaming?

JDensey streamer desk

Very basic! Just got a new desk and a new mic (Thanks, Raf!) and hopefully I will be upgrading my single monitor setup to dual. I have plans to get a new mouse and keyboard soon.

If you want my PC specs they are as follows: 1060 graphics card, 250GB SSD M.2, Intel core i7-7700, 16GB (2x8GB) Ripjaws.

Haha! Cool cactus lamp. I think a good quality mic can really step things up, so glad to hear you got that going. Going to go with a blinky keyboard and mouse? Extra buttons on your mouse can really help in some games too!

Haha! The lamp doesn’t quite work without a shade on it, just a bit too bright. I want to get a Redragon brown switch keyboard soon and I just bought a Logitech g502, it hasn’t come in yet, but that will have 11 buttons on it.

This mouse goes to 11!

What do you know now about streaming that you wish you’d known earlier? Or, best advice about streaming you’ve gotten?

Investing time into improving your overlay is tough stuff, and finding the time to stream is always hard. I would say make sure that you are willing to dedicate the time and effort into it!

Putting time and effort can mean different things, but yeah! Having a regular schedule is something I’ve struggled with myself, and I think it’s a big one. I’ll probably never be a streamer that’s live for 6 hours every day, but I have a strong feeling that a regular schedule, when I’ve managed it, has been a very good step.

Most definitely. Working a full-time job and balancing time between work, streaming, and spending time with friends and loved ones is a challenge, to say the least. I try to stream regularly after work on weekdays, but things come up to prevent it sometimes.

What stuff are you streaming now?

I stream Overwatch, my favorite game, and Call of Duty 4 Blackout.

Anything coming up that you’re looking forward to?

Not really, although I may give Fortnite another chance.

I hear that’s popular with the kids!

What goals do you have for the future with your stream?

I would like to build a community of friends that can come to my stream to interact and just have a place that people feel welcome.

Being involved in a streamer community, like FoxFyre, seems like a good way to work toward that, but what other ways are you thinking about creating that for your stream?

I have a few ideas, but nothing concrete. I just try to be myself and stay positive, and eventually I’ll introduce new things to the stream.

We’ll look forward to seeing how you develop your stream.

Thanks to JDensey for talking with me. I hope you’ll go check out his stream!

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Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album 2018 – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

GIT COMMIT GLITCH, the 2017 album from the Odd Order Anthology project is now released for immediate digital download.

Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE

 

Please join Rigaroga and the Odd Order in promoting these artists who have contributed their work to this benefit anthology album project. Please also spread the word about these anthology albums to people you think may be interested in the work of artists who are inspired by technology and geek culture.

This is the third release from the Odd Order Anthology project. Consider picking up the digital download of this album to help support the continued geekery of Rigaroga and the Odd Order!

 

 

The full tracklist for the 2018 anthology album consists of 5 tracks by 4 artists:

  1. Chris Stibrany – Attic 02:50
  2. Ace of Space – House Spider 02:59
  3. relayer – We Are Anonymous 03:14
  4. Chris Stibrany – Shiny Cars 01:39
  5. Robert Furtkamp – The Unspeakable Plan 07:38

 

BIT NIBBLE BYTE, the one and only issue for 2018 from the Odd Order Anthology Project, is a tight but mighty playlist of 5 tracks by 4 artists, new and returning voices for this issue.

Please join Rigaroga and the Odd Order in promoting these artists who have contributed their work to this benefit anthology album project. Please also spread the word about these anthology albums to people you think may be interested in the work of artists who are inspired by technology and geek culture.

The best way to add this anthology, as well as previous releases and future Odd Order albums, to your personal music collection is through the Patron campaign at Patreon. New Patrons receive a gratis download code for a previous anthology release of their choice in addition to all the other patronage rewards they may receive. Consider becoming a Patron today!

Odd Order is a place for Rigaroga and friends to explore and share geekery without gravitas, the arts & letters & whatevers of geekery and nerdy mishegoss.

I encourage you to check out Rigaroga’s Odd Order, if you haven’t already, as that’s the reason this project exists.

Rigaroga’s Odd Order
Odd Order Anthology Project
Become a Patron

Production by John Griogair Bell

All songs used with permission. All rights reserved.

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The Unspeakable Plan

 

The Unspeakable Plan
(Furtkamp)

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. And in those sounds, the proto-sounds that came out of the void, the first form from formlessness, there is beauty.

Music for me has always been a spiritual pursuit — before I ever picked up an instrument, I found the ever-living spirit of the void in a fountain pen. And as I wrote, and read the works of Crowley and Spare and whatever a young man could scrounge before the Internet was young, words began to fail at times to convey the spirit of the Voice in the Void.

It wasn’t about verse-chorus-verse or format or key or even a definite note — if the Voice wanted to speak in those terms, it would just use words. But there were things I found, things I woke up with dancing in between my ears, that would not stop until I committed them to tape, that led to years of work with “automatic music”, the equivalent of automatic writing or drawing but with sound.

Sometimes it’s harsh, sometimes it’s beautiful. Sometimes the Angel sings. And sometimes it’s smaller than the moment and bigger than me. Hook up the recorder, plug in an instrument, hit record, bell, book, and candle, and it’s there.

The best things that come from my hands and my lips and my eyes aren’t mine. I don’t dare claim them as anything but the literal product of the Work. Even as my body has failed me and blessed formlessness is near, the Voice and the music and the echo is there.

These days I am a magician and musician and dreamer, mystic and idiot, effectively locked away from the world by the curse of failed flesh, but in the Voice and the sound and the music, I am free.

I have played absolutely free for twenty years — I have only broken this rule once, just to break it. I do not play covers or set songs or even my own material twice. It is a thing of the moment, living, breathing, dying, and remaining as a record of that thing, that intent. It is a sigil of the pain, the joy of existence, the sound of the moment.

It is generally recorded live or as live as it can be given that there are times when to satisfy the piece and the moment I cannot clone myself. Overdubs are limited to complete passes and what I call “pseudo-live” in that it’s “use what’s committed to record” or “scrap the whole thing” to prevent losing the moment in the pursuit of perfection.

If at all possible, I record live in one pass, 24 tracks available at a time to allow me to focus on performance rather than mixing (and to use totally wet processing where needed live, not in post production).

Robert Furtkamp

Follow Robert Furtkamp via Website.

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Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE
Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

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Shiny Cars

 

Shiny Cars
(Stibrany)

A kind of tribute to those electronica artists I grew up with back in the 90’s. A mix of Aphex Twin, Alec Empire and old Dutch hardcore. Flashy cars or at least very loud ones, driving through the old Dutch benighted streets, blaring their noise for all to hear.

 

Raised for half of his life in The Netherlands and Germany , Chris also spent much time studying and working in Japan and Korea. After many various jobs and a short time in the Army, he currently resides with his wife in Colorado. Besides magick and meditation with a focus on Thelema, his hobbies are reading (fiction (horror, sci fi, classic lit), history, metaphysics/occult) playing the drums, and hiking and swimming.

Chris Stibrany Terborgh my summer home

Follow Chris Stibrany via Soundcloud.

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Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE
Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

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We Are Anonymous

 

We Are Anonymous
(relayer)

“We Are Anonymous” uses the sounds of the internet & telecommunication equipment with a driving bass for maximum ear massage. Down in the layers, math will help you :D

 

relayer has been making cut-up/sample pieces since he was 9 years old, when he ran around with his dad’s portable reel-to-reel tape recorder recording the wind, trees creaking, car engines, birds, rivers and many other sound sources, then spending huge amounts of time with a splicer making what is now called “ambient” pieces.

He was instrumental in the release of the underground classics “Merlin’s Muse #3” and “Listen!” the bootleg scatalogical Terrance and Phillip EP.

relayer

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Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE
Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

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House Spider

 

House Spider
(Ace of Space/Paul Le Hat)

A previously unreleased track

 

Discontent is unavailable …

One man wave of cinematic electronica from Northumbria. Has so far produced five full length albums.

Whatever it means to Ace of Space it means capturing the moment, just like taking a photograph or snapshot, in musical terms. These eclectic collections are a mixture of old school electronica and guitar instrumentals and atmospheric soundtrack work.

Ace of Space

Follow Ace of Space via Blog, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.

Follow news and posts about this anthology artist via Ace of Space.

 

Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE
Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

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Attic

 

Attic
(Stibrany)

Those thoughts you thought you had removed. Those memories you thought were long gone. But like a bad penny, the sickness and dust in your old mind come crawling back. The decay creeps to the forefront of your ego and you realise you can never truly exorcise the events that meant so much to your development.

 

Raised for half of his life in The Netherlands and Germany , Chris also spent much time studying and working in Japan and Korea. After many various jobs and a short time in the Army, he currently resides with his wife in Colorado. Besides magick and meditation with a focus on Thelema, his hobbies are reading (fiction (horror, sci fi, classic lit), history, metaphysics/occult) playing the drums, and hiking and swimming.

Chris Stibrany Terborgh my summer home

Follow Chris Stibrany via Soundcloud.

Follow news and posts about this anthology artist via Chris Stibrany.

 

Odd Order Anthology 2018 BIT NIBBLE BYTE
Rigaroga’s Odd Order Anthology Album – BIT NIBBLE BYTE

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In conversation with community member Eeyore

Eeyore, or Tim, is a member of the the newly formed FoxFyre gaming and streaming community. He was selected as Featured Fox for October 2018, a recognition of involvement in that community. I had the chance to have a conversation about that with him recently. Eeyore is just starting to stream on Twitch, so be sure to check him out with encouragement. You should also check out Eeyore’s Twitter and Instagram.

Take a moment to introduce yourself! Who are you?

Community member and new streamer Eeyore

I am Eeyore, just a person who would rather stay home all day to play video games than be at work.

Haha, well, bless your heart. There’s the dream, yeah?

How’d you find the FoxFyre community?

I was invited to FoxFyre by Cayden Vierra, who I met a few years ago playing video games.

Wait. In real life you mean? You met a wild Cayden in her natural habitat?

I met her through a mutual friend playing Destiny when it first came out. I have met her in person and she has been a great friend, especially since she introduced me to Vanilla Bear, aka her husband.

Hey, that’s cool. I’ve met some other streamers in real life, I mean, other than myself. I meet myself a lot. It’s kinda crazy how often I run into myself, when I think about it. Have you met any other streamers? Thought about doing any meetups or anything?

It would cool to meet up some of the people in this group but there is nothing planned.

There was a bunch of local areas trying to organize meetups, so its worth checking if there’s one in your area. Or, start one up!

What does being a Fox mean to you? What are you hoping for as part of the community?

This is a tough question, What being a fox means to me, well lets see. At first I thought this is just going to be another Discord I put on mute and forget about, but after talking to and getting to know the people that I didn’t know yet I haven’t muted my discord at all. I really enjoy talking to people in there and they make anyone feel welcome. It is just another family community. This group has brought me out of part of my shell, which is good. So, in all, being a Fox is a special thing. It feels good to be a part of a community.

For the second question, what am I hoping for as part of the community, I am hoping that we get a full squad for raids in World of Warcraft.

What sort of stuff have you been doing in the community that got you recognized as Featured Fox this month?

When they started the World of Warcraft guild, I reinstalled the game and set up a new character on that server. Ever since then I would ask people if they want to join for dungeons and help out.

You’re thinking of starting to stream regularly! Have you seen a doctor about curing that?

No doctors involved! Haha.

But, hey, there’s your way to stay home from work and play video games all day … by turning that into work! Haha!

If I was an epic streamer then that is the way, unfortunately for me I am not yet.

Ah, see, you just got to step up your merch game! Residual passive income is the FuTuRe! Haha.

What else is it about streaming that you feel drawn to, as you’re just starting?

The potential of making new friends.

Ah! So, who are you hoping to be as a streamer, what kind of community do you want to build to attract potential friends?

I am hoping to be someone who people enjoy watching play. I am not the greatest at playing games but I really enjoy it. So, I hope others can enjoy watching when they aren’t able to play themselves.

Any projects other than streaming you want to mention? Any hobbies or interests you want to mention?

The only hobbies that I have besides playing video games is playing pool. Which I cut back on doing for a little bit.

Ah ha! Are you a pool shark? Do you play the rubes like fiddles? Are you a Newman or a Gleason in The Hustler?

Just like video games, I am not the greatest at it. It is just another hobby I enjoy most of the time. I have a few friends that are the best in the state I am in and they have taught me a lot.

What’s your current setup like for streaming?

Eeyore's streaming setup

My setup is a 17″ HP Envy laptop. I have the HP Omen Reactor for my mouse, and a HP Omen Sequencer for my keyboard

Oh! Hey, that’s not something that I usually hear. I also tend to stream using an odd setup myself, so it’s interesting to hear you’re using a laptop. How’s that working for you?

So far it is working, It is temporary until I can build a better PC so I can have all the games!

Have you tried something like Nvidia Geforce NOW or have an eye on Google’s Project Stream? I thought about using a Nvidia Shield TV with that service, with keyboard, mouse, and camera, to play Steam games I couldn’t run locally, but they removed the built-in streaming function; though I understand that’s finally back, at least until they remove it again! Or, do you definitely want to go with a full streaming PC?

I just want a high end computer that won’t crap out on me in a couple years and I can run games on the best quality without issue.

The struggle is real!

What have been your primary resources for information as you’ve been getting ready to stream regularly, on how to do it and set it all up?

FoxFyre has been my primary resource, I have done a couple test streams where Raf stopped by and helped me get it set up and Shammy as well since he knows about WoW and that was the game I was setting up for.

Hey, that’s cool, and a great community can be awesome for the mutual support and solidarity, for sure!

Wait. Also in real life, you mean? Raf and Shammy stopped by, you say?

I don’t know them in real life, they stopped by my test stream and we chatted in Discord where they helped me fix certain settings and get things set up to where I could minimize the lag.

Oh, right! That’s a good thing too. Having other streamers you know that can be an external eye and help is cool. That’s another thing that communities of streamers are great for when they hang out and lurk in each others streams and so on.

Have you gotten any advice about starting to stream that you’ve taken to heart?

I have! Just being told to enjoy it and have fun and don’t let one bad stream ruin it for you.

Pretty good. I’d add: if you’re thinking about doing it, just do it. You’ll find out if it is something you like doing or not. Then, do what you can with what you’ve got for as long as you are able to do better than the time before. Being cool with being scrappy is a good way to go; just look at fun stuff like, for a couple examples, classic Doctor Who, MST3K, and Elvira! And, yeah, “enjoy it!” … or really, I mean, most of us are essentially unpaid interns on our streaming platforms, so why else do it?

One of the reasons I want to stream is so I can come out of my shell to be a more energetic person and not someone who just sits back and watches. There is a reason why I have the nickname Eeyore.

Oh yeah! Put up a sticky note to remind yourself of that goal and try improving each stream just a little bit!

What stuff are you playing now? I see you’ve got some past videos from streaming Fortnite, Overwatch and World of Warcraft. Are those your jam?

I enjoy playing Fortnite and WoW a lot. I got Overwatch to play and slowly starting to enjoy playing it more. I also have played Hearthstone a little bit but not as much as I used to. I will try any game out once if I like it i will play it until I get bored or find a better game. Also any game that has a long story I am down for, not a huge fan of a game I can beat in 3 or 4 hours. That to me is just a huge waste of money and time.

Any stuff you’ve seen that’s upcoming that you’re interested in playing? Anything that sounds really entertaining or with lots of story coming up that you’ve got your eye on?

Nothing in particular that is coming out that I am looking forward to. I honestly don’t know of any games besides of Call of Duty that are coming out in the near future.

I’ve been watching things like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 which both seem like a lot of story and gameplay value, and cool. I’m sure there’s others!

What goals do you have for the future with your stream?

Realistic goal is just to have fun playing the games I enjoy, Unrealistic, make all the money where I can get paid doing something I enjoy.

Haha, it’s like an uncanny valley of streaming! Well, it can’t happen if you don’t give it a try; but, yeah, do it to enjoy it!

Thanks to Eeyore for talking with me. I hope you’ll go check out his stream and drop in and get active in chat to show some encouragement!

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In conversation with streamer RafThree

RafThree, or Raf, is a streamer I’ve known for a few months. I had the chance to have a conversation about streaming with him recently. RafThree is a Twitch Affiliate and member of the newly formed FoxFyre gaming and streaming community. He was selected for September 2018 as Featured Fox, a recognition of involvement in the community. You should also check out RafThree’s Discord, Twitter, and Instagram.

Who are you as a streamer?

Streamer and Twitch Affiliate RafThree

Well, I’m RafThree but you can call me Raf. I mainly stream Overwatch but I like to play other games especially games with a story to play through so I can enjoy or poke fun at them, a la Mystery Science Theater 3000. I’ve been told that I have “Dry Humor” and I only play games that I have fun playing. So currently I’m doing Destiny 2, Overwatch, and >observer_.

Any projects other than streaming you want to mention?

I’m planning a charity stream soon for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. It’s a foundation to help raise awareness of Childhood Cancers as well as help those affected by Childhood Cancers. St. Baldrick’s raises money for their cause and also hold “head shaving” events to show solidarity to those children that lose their hair due to treatment. I came across the foundation because my niece was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma when she was about 15 years old. She’s 21 now and cancer free. I’ve been doing my best to keep doing mini fundraising attempts each year in September. I’m having some scheduling issues this year, but I’ll be announcing this soon.

I’ll look forward to hearing when that happens, and will help get the word out. That sounds like a cool event, and for a great cause. Glad your niece is doing well. And, good on you. So you’ve done fundraisers before, but this will be the first one as a streamer? What do you have in mind for the event?

Since it’s my first time doing this as a stream I don’t want to get too ambitious as to doing anything too new. I’m hoping I’ll be able to set up the donation link correctly atm. I would like notifications to go off for each donation. It’ll be on the day that I do my long stream so I hope for more exposure to the foundation in doing so.

The streaming community has been really active in charity fundraising events, and done a lot of great work helping causes like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I hope you have much success for that event!

What’s your setup like for streaming?

RafThree streaming setup

My setup is very resourceful, you could say lol. My main monitor is a Hannspree 720p 60hz that I bought about 7 years ago. The second monitor is actually a TV 720p I bought about 5 or 6 years ago that has HDMI so I use it as my left monitor to help with streaming and reading chat or working on OBS while playing. My cam is a Logitech c920 which is great for the price. The mic is a Blue Yeti Silver that was gifted by GameThesis which I’m very thankful for as well as for the chromakey green screen and Elgato HD 60.

Yeti Blue Silver 4 lyfe! Haha!

My mechanical keyboard is a Red Dragon that I got for $30 bucks and is great. My mouse is a Combaterwing CW-80 that was gifted to me by my sister in law that she got for $20 and it’s awesome. The little wing on the mouse helps me from bumping the mouse pad since my hands shake so much.

This is my first PC that I do not build myself in over 10+ years. It’s an iBuyPower build that was a good price especially with how expensive GPUs can run now because of the crypto miners. The huge tower on the left is my old build that’s pretty much just there as a memory. LOL! In the pic I couldn’t show my green screen since it was packed up. As for lighting I use two night stand lamps that’s part of the room, I bounce that desk light lamp off the white blinds and use that LED lamp for face light. During the day I’d open the blinds and use the sun as my third light and not use the desk lamp. Yes I know that’s a big no no but hey gotta stream with what you got ;)

Heck yes, I agree! Do the best that you can with what you’ve got for as long as you are able. I think that’s especially true about streaming, which is something one can spend unlimited money on equipment. But, we’re real people, not television stations or movie production companies! Wait until you need a thing, instead of trying to buy everything up front before you really need it. Stream with the equipment you’ve got!

Since we’re on great advice, what do you know now about streaming that you wish you’d known earlier? Or, best advice about streaming you’ve gotten?

What I know now that I wish I knew about streaming that I wish I knew earlier… Nothing really. I feel I’m learning things at the right pace and researching and learning as I go so I’m in no rush but I’m not just sitting on my butt (streamer pun intended) just playing games. The best advice I’ve gotten about streaming is to just do it. Just start streaming. Don’t just say you want to do this, or that, just do it already. No stream will be perfect and mistakes, disconnects, bad sound, all of that will happen. As you said with Tbone’s interview, Murphy’s Law is still in effect. Don’t let the goal of perfection prevent you from streaming. Striving for perfection is a sign of insecurity and that will never be quenched until you finally just jump on stream and stream. Also keep in mind that “imperfection” might be what helps you stand out from all the other streamers and your viewers might see as your best trait that keeps them on. I learned more from my test streams and met so many of my current friends/followers from test streams. So to make a long story even longer, just stream.

How long have you been streaming?

I started streaming about near January 2018 and became affiliate about 5 months ago so I think it was in May 2018.

Oh wow, another baby streamer! That’s cool! Welcome to the circus. Ha!

You mention that you only play games you enjoy, and that seems like a really good idea. Maybe that’s even something that one could call advice for people wanting to stream! Of course, a lot of streamers play what gets them viewers, or try to make that balance out. Personally, I struggle with that, but feel I stream only what I’m drawn to play, as well.

Are there games that you’ve enjoyed a lot that you’re not playing now? Maybe this is a question about old favorites!

I really loved playing Shadowrun for the SNES and the new Shadowrun Returns but it’s not so fun to play on stream. If I play an RPG I prefer it to have voice acting in it so it’s not just me reading all the time. I also really like Destiny but I haven’t played much of Destiny 2 at all so I’m trying to get back into it.

Cool! Since you mention it, I pitched in to the Shadowrun Returns crowdfunding, way back. Anything you’re looking forward to that’s coming up?

I’m really looking forward to Red Dead 2. It looks interesting since it’s a story game and deep. I’d love to play that through with everyone. I really liked playing the Black Ops 4 Blackout BR as well.

What goals do you have for the future with your stream?

My goal for the future and to be my continued goal is to stream content that my viewers enjoy and I enjoy as well. So I want to entertain and have fun with my current peeps in the Raf Pack and to those new buddies that join. Partner or anything like that is a bonus it’s on my “that’ll be cool list” but I want to end each stream feeling “Damn that chat was popping” or “Wow that was so damn fun”. If I ever end a stream not feeling like that then I gotta change things up.

Seems to me streaming can get tough sometimes too, and it can be hard to keep one’s spirits up; having a hoppin’ chat really helps! But, every streamer, I think, should keep their health in mind and listen to themselves about that. So, more good advice about switching things up! Do you do anything else to keep yourself in good spirits, before or after stream?

Just starting up a stream gets me in good spirits and I’m always reluctant to end the stream since I have so much fun with it. I don’t run into any issues starting a stream or ending. What keeps me in that good mood is that I start each stream not expecting anyone to show up. For me each stream is set to be just me with electric skateboard and electric longboard lol. When I see that first person chat I’m already exceeding expectations and I’m boosted. I tend to be the one chatting in streams so when I see someone chatting with me on stream I get excited and want to chat too.

Streaming can be tough, but it can also be its own reward! Haha!

Thanks to RafThree for talking with me. I hope you’ll go check out his stream and watch for his announcement about his upcoming charity event for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and help make that a success!