Easy Allies |OT| The New Era

TheDarkKnight said:

My take is the following. No problem with the gift sent. But put me in the camp that felt having it presented and opened live on the EZA group stream was in poor taste. The allies handled it well. Ian showed support for the book/gift itself, Kyle jumped in early knowing it could have gotten awkward or tense and kept the mood light with a joke, Huber also followed suit, And jones himself kepted it smooth.

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That's pretty much how I feel about it, too. I think it would have been better if it had a note attached asking for it to be opened off-stream. Jones did express interest in learning more about these issues, but I don't think the group stream is the best place for that to happen. All in all, it made the atmosphere a bit awkward, even if the sender didn't have any bad intentions.

rochellepaws said:

I might be mistaken but wasn't there no name attached to the "gift", which seems like an odd thing for something that was intended to be positive. I'm not sure on no harm done either, I'd wonder how Amanda felt to see her husband's attitude towards women questioned in such a public way. It all seemed very disrespectful and inconsiderate.

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I don't think Jones' attitude towards women and minorities is the reason the gift was sent, or at least nothing in the note suggested that. Jones expressed several times that as a white man, he isn't really able to relate or understand what marginalised people have to go through, so I think it was sent with those comments in mind.

Feels like the person who sent the gift wasn't being critical towards Jones, actually the opposite imho. It was just a joke, but the live streaming effect made it much more awkward and poorer in taste. But yes, i agree they handled it pretty well, and i don't think Jones took it as an offense.

Wow, people really are reading this much into the gift? Kinda weird. It's a bad book or something?

All this talk about the book and nothing about the sweet mic flags?

Bloodworth said:

All this talk about the book and nothing about the sweet mic flags?

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That was a really thoughtful present, especially since it seemed like something that was really needed.

Bloodworth said:

All this talk about the book and nothing about the sweet mic flags?

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Controversy sells/gets attention. It's a big problem with the world right now.

saw the clip and thought it was hilarious just for the brazenness of it lol

(not saying it is necessarily intended as brazen, I don't actually think so at least).

Bloodworth said:

All this talk about the book and nothing about the sweet mic flags?

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Can't wait to see Huber hype them up in his PSX Syndrome! It was a nice & thoughtful gift.

Oh wow, Keighley and Bosman really do have such great chemistry. I love the character Geoff becomes when around Kyle. He's exactly like that teenaged older brother always screwing with his younger sibling.

On the topic of the group stream, I really enjoyed it. I thought Gang Beasts wouldn't be entertaining for more than 30 minutes, but I'm glad I was proven wrong. A lot of hilarious moments throughout the night.

Don Draper's Hat said:

He doesn't read books, but I think hate is a bit far. I think he overstates his dislike for them for comedic purposes in all honesty. During that off the cuff Ask Kyle stream he did a while back he was asked about what he was currently reading or something and he came out with "Chat, do you know how bored I would have to be to read a book?" Reading books just doesn't seem to be his cup of tea. The little weirdo.

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Bosman really is a unique kinda person. I was also taken aback when he never read books.

I wouldn't be surprised if Bosman got caught in a bad book once when he was younger. Hell, I was always an avid reader, but I just could not read the last 50 pages of the last book of this one trilogy in 2015 and I haven't been able to read anything since. I wanted to finish it before I moved on, but I just couldn't do it. I just took the book back to the library last week. I think I renewed it some 60 odd times over the last two years just to get it done and over with, but it felt literally impossible. Now I need to find something to read again. I just don't have the desire right now though. I think having a kid last year and having another on the way within the next month may also contribute to that lack of desire though.

jett said:

Bosman really is a unique kinda person. I was also taken aback when he never read books.

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Hopefully Magic puppy will turn him into a book lover.

Murasaki said:

Easy Allies |OT2| On The Town

Kamurocho was at its best in Yakuza 4. FACT.

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Yakuza 3 was the one with rooftop paths, while Yakuza 4 had underground paths, right? It's been so long since I've played those two games, they all kinda blend together to me.

Nav said:

As someone new to the streams...what's the deal with presents? The Allies get so many gifts from fans that it's its own segment? I don't think I've ever seen that from another group before. People send in some really cool stuff looks like.

And what is the etiquette surrounding presents? It doesn't seem bad to me unless someone sends something mean-spirited or illegal.

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It's not THAT rare, Giantbomb occasionally put up videos of the stuff people send them but they're all based in an office, whereas EZA only meets up a couple times a week (if that), so it makes sense to group things together.

As for the etiquette, I think most people stick with food (particularly unique non-American food) and fan projects. I think the segment is at its worst when the sender gets way too elaborate/bossy with their instructions, like there was one time a sender ordered Bosman to open a package like it was a treasure chest from Zelda, which had a "dance, monkey, dance" feel to it.

I haven't watched the group stream but based on the clip ourghostsofwar posted, it seems to me like people are way over thinking the book. No surprise who it's somehow offended in this thread though.

The book was fine. Jones made the conscious decision to read the letter and reveal the gift. My only worry would actually be retaliatory gifts but I think he makes an effort every time to see what a gift is before revealing it to everyone for that reason.

Gang beasts was a great stream. Everyone was really into it

Nav said:

As someone new to the streams...what's the deal with presents? The Allies get so many gifts from fans that it's its own segment? I don't think I've ever seen that from another group before. People send in some really cool stuff looks like.

And what is the etiquette surrounding presents? It doesn't seem bad to me unless someone sends something mean-spirited or illegal.

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It is actually fairly common. Critical role started receiving so many gifts they had to stop opening them up every stream because they kept the cast and crew for an extra hour or two every stream

False Witness said:

I wouldn't be surprised if Bosman got caught in a bad book once when he was younger. Hell, I was always an avid reader, but I just could not read the last 50 pages of the last book of this one trilogy in 2015 and I haven't been able to read anything since. I wanted to finish it before I moved on, but I just couldn't do it. I just took the book back to the library last week. I think I renewed it some 60 odd times over the last two years just to get it done and over with, but it felt literally impossible. Now I need to find something to read again. I just don't have the desire right now though. I think having a kid last year and having another on the way within the next month may also contribute to that lack of desire though.

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I go through stages where I consume books ravenously, and some where I just can't do it.

Just saying "I don't read" sounds really strange to me XD

Nbz said:

Kyle features heavily in this new Road to the Game Awards Episode

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Bosman's monologue on Geoff is killing me here!

Don Draper's Hat said:

Yeah, I'm sure whoever sent that book did so because they truly want Jones to read it and become a better man. It certainly wasn't sent so they could say "lol look what I done did lol!". Nope.

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rochellepaws said:

I might be mistaken but wasn't there no name attached to the "gift", which seems like an odd thing for something that was intended to be positive. I'm not sure on no harm done either, I'd wonder how Amanda felt to see her husband's attitude towards women questioned in such a public way. It all seemed very disrespectful and inconsiderate.

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These are my thoughts. Given how antagonistic a very vocal minority has been to Jones, I can't help but be cynical with the reason for the gift. While I won't completely deny the possibility that it was sent in good faith, it just feels more like it was meant to be taken as a sign of disrespect.

ohyescoolgreat said:

To add to the etiquette on gifts, don't send in baked goods because we don't want to encourage bad habits such as eating unsealed food that gets sent by mail from people they don't know. I had a mini heart attack when Huber dived into the homemade baked goods that got sent some time ago.

I generally find the gifts segment a little weird when the gifts get really elaborate. We got multiple sets of the prove it ticket (and the added levels Kyle made up), that Sophie cup thing, the gift card for Kyle etc. I know that different people have their own way of showing appreciation, sometimes it comes off in a weird way on live stream.

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I agree entirely with the baked goods issue. I find it better to send a recipe card instead (alongside money so they can purchase the ingredients themselves) so they can ensure that no tampering/bacterial growth could have occured. Always better to be safe than sorry.

I'm glad I've recently watched a lot of 8 players Gang Beasts, otherwise I would've been real angry over <4.

MrMette said:

It got it's own segment because they received more and more presents each stream and now they usually do it at the end instead of the middle of the stream because some people disliked watching them opening presents and complained about it.
I like watching them receiving and opening presents, but I think it is a good thing it is at the end of the stream now so people who don't like it don't have to watch it.

I'm not sure if there is etiquette surrounding the presents per se, but I guess mean-spirited and/or illegal stuff could happen (not sure if they vet them or not, but it doesn't seem that way as they open the packages on stream).

I am not sure why they get so many more presents than other groups. They never specifically asked for presents but it just happened.

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LiquidSolid said:

It's not THAT rare, Giantbomb occasionally put up videos of the stuff people send them but they're all based in an office, whereas EZA only meets up a couple times a week (if that), so it makes sense to group things together.

As for the etiquette, I think most people stick with food (particularly unique non-American food) and fan projects. I think the segment is at its worst when the sender gets way too elaborate/bossy with their instructions, like there was one time a sender ordered Bosman to open a package like it was a treasure chest from Zelda, which had a "dance, monkey, dance" feel to it.

I haven't watched the group stream but based on the clip ourghostsofwar posted, it seems to me like people are way over thinking the book. No surprise who it's somehow offended in this thread though.

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Lexad said:

It is actually fairly common. Critical role started receiving so many gifts they had to stop opening them up every stream because they kept the cast and crew for an extra hour or two every stream

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That's cool. It shows the love the community has for the allies. I haven't ever watched Giant Bomb or heard of Critical Role.

I like the segment. It feels like I can live vicariously through it. Sort of like those videos where people open a ton of lootboxes. Except generally way more meaningful and thoughtful in terms of the gifts.

As for the book, it seems like a fine present to me. I don't know why the sender said "those who have power only use to oppress." That part came off very confrontational. Maybe that's one of the main ideas of Angela Davis' book. That's the only explanation I can see which would contextualize that claim.

issa said:

I'm glad I've recently watched a lot of 8 players Gang Beasts, otherwise I would've been real angry over <4.

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Honestly. There's nine of them taking in turns of three playing an eight player game.

Sort yourselves out, lads!

Tabletop Escapades - Episode 85 Season Finale

ilium said:

Tabletop Escapades - Episode 85 Season Finale

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Time to catch up I guess. I fell off an episode or two after

Really cool art in this TTE Fan Art Special. I really liked the It was very inventive.

In a certain other piece of fan art
Just a shame that Kyle couldn't be there. Would've loved to see his reaction to all those Yogalla and Fame creations. Even that stupid drawing I done made and did.

I really don't understand why people thought the book was meant to be antagonistic. If someone asks for your opinion on political issues one of the smartest things you can do is recommend them a book or article because:
1: Most people are not good about explaining there political views so a book presents an Easy way to get your views across.

2: people get defensive whenever politics are are brought up. It's easier to accept someone's views when they are presented in a book via in conversation.

3: If the person hates the book they can just stop reading it and leave it at that. It's less confrontational.

The letter was a tiny bit aggressive but I really don't think anyone would have noticed if it wasnt for all of the Colin stuff.

the note was a little aggressive but it's nowhere near as bad as the pizza they were sent at the beach house. now that was messed up

Alucrid said:

the note was a little aggressive but it's nowhere near as bad as the pizza they were sent at the beach house. now that was messed up

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???

Alucrid said:

the note was a little aggressive but it's nowhere near as bad as the pizza they were sent at the beach house. now that was messed up

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What was that about?

jett said:

Bosman really is a unique kinda person. I was also taken aback when he never read books.

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I'm surprised there hasn't been bet stakes yet where Kyle has to read a book.

Silfer said:

???

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jett said:

What was that about?

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Someone, presumably from chat, sent a pizza to the beach house they were staying at during Easy Livin'. Like, someone just figured out where they were staying.

Alucrid said:

the note was a little aggressive but it's nowhere near as bad as the pizza they were sent at the beach house. now that was messed up

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I forgot about that. It was pretty stalkery.

They were doing full weekend stream at undisclosed beach house location, someone apparently figured out where because they knew general location and searched rental houses to crossreference where they were staying and sent them a pizza. Probably in good faith, but like, they went out of their way to not give address.

ShadyK54 said:

Someone, presumably from chat, sent a pizza to the beach house they were staying at during Easy Livin'. Like, someone just figured out where they were staying.

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Damn, that's kinda scary. How did they react to that.

Love the book gift, well done if it was from anybody here (or lurking)

It's a pretty good study too.

It was very easy to figure out where they did the beach stream. Took me less than 3 minutes to get the adress. I obviously didn't post it anywhere or send a pizza because that's weird and you shouldn't do that. I just like puzzles like that.

klastical said:

I really don't understand why people thought the book was meant to be antagonistic...

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Something something vocal minority something something am I doing it right?(just being snarky, honestly the vocal minority meme is of absolutely no consequence when it comes to these issues. When someone gets harassed and complains about it as the victim the person will always be the vocal minority. Total nonsense to downplay/dismiss that stuff on basis of the vocal minority argument, which is just heartless)
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I love the fanart episodes of TTE it's so cool to see people put their own interpretations of events it's also nice since I can appreciate it despite falling off.

Dipro said:

It was very easy to figure out where they did the beach stream. Took me less than 3 minutes to get the adress. I obviously didn't post it anywhere or send a pizza because that's weird and you shouldn't do that. I just like puzzles like that.

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Why did you even try to find the adress though? That alone seems slightly creepy to me.
Edit: nevermind, last sentence answers it. I can't read.

I won't say vocal minority, but there sure are a few people that certainly seem like they have to make sure there's drama as much as possible in this thread

dickroach said:

I won't say vocal minority, but there sure are a few people that certainly seem like they have to make sure there's drama as much as possible in this thread

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Yeah I wonder what the reason is.

dickroach said:

I won't say vocal minority, but there sure are a few people that certainly seem like they have to make sure there's drama as much as possible in this thread

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like this guy?

Alucrid said:

the note was a little aggressive but it's nowhere near as bad as the pizza they were sent at the beach house. now that was messed up

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Oh yeah, I forgot about that. You are right, that was probably the most creepy thing sent to them.
That said, I would still consider that a win in the almost 2 years they are getting gifts.

TC McQueen said:

Controversy sells/gets attention. It's a big problem with the world right now.

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Kinda overstating things don't you think? No-one should discuss significant things because they're 'controversial'?

dickroach said:

I won't say vocal minority, but there sure are a few people that certainly seem like they have to make sure there's drama as much as possible in this thread

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Nah, I don't think there is any drama to be seen. It's not worth to go back and forth on something like this. As long as it stays with this one time it is probably fine.

Dmax3901 said:

Kinda overstating things don't you think? No-one should discuss significant things because they're 'controversial'?

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The gift wasn't significant. But significant things absolutely should be discussed, wouldn't mind if Allies did so too.

With how great last night's stream was, I hope that starts to take some of the heat off the Group Stream Selection Committee. I think it's hitting its stride and has really led to a run of really fun streams lately. With some gaps between high-profile releases coming at the start of 2018, there should be some good chances to nominate older multiplayer games instead of focusing on nominating the latest new release. Looking forward to see how it progresses into the future!

I'm not sure why there's been heat on the group stream selection committee, other than the Peach Beach Splash stuff. I don't remember every game that won, but off the top of my head Pokemon Stadium 2 was great, DDR was great, Jackbox was great, The Mole was great, Gang Beasts was great. Have there been bad group stream selection streams?

Budi said:

The gift wasn't significant. But significant things absolutely should be discussed, wouldn't mind if Allies did so too.

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You don't get to decide what is and isn't significant. If there's enough people with thoughts on it, it will get discussed in this thread. As long no rules are broken, there's no problem with that. I get sick of people (not you, more like those who say "uhh so much draaama" and the more subtle but still dismissive "does such and such have good towns?") who just wanna ignore anything that's even vaguely contentious.

dickroach said:

I won't say vocal minority, but there sure are a few people that certainly seem like they have to make sure there's drama as much as possible in this thread

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Like this right here. You're basically saying "I don't care about this topic and I think people who do are silly for continuing to discuss it". At best it just stirs up MORE of the exact thing you're complaining about, at worst it's straight up thread-shitting.

klastical said:

I really don't understand why people thought the book was meant to be antagonistic. If someone asks for your opinion on political issues one of the smartest things you can do is recommend them a book or article because:
1: Most people are not good about explaining there political views so a book presents an Easy way to get your views across.

2: people get defensive whenever politics are are brought up. It's easier to accept someone's views when they are presented in a book via in conversation.

3: If the person hates the book they can just stop reading it and leave it at that. It's less confrontational.

The letter was a tiny bit aggressive but I really don't think anyone would have noticed if it wasnt for all of the Colin stuff.

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I get all these points but in the context of it being a recent touchy issue, with it being presented on a group stream with a live audience and surrounded by friends... You can see how it got uncomfortable. If the note was like "Hey Jones I'm blah blah please read and open this in private I genuinely want to help you learn about this stuff..." Literally no harm done.

Dmax3901 said:

You don't get to decide what is and isn't significant. If there's enough people with thoughts on it, it will get discussed in this thread. As long no rules are broken, there's no problem with that. I get sick of people (not you, more like those who say "uhh so much draaama" and the more subtle but still dismissive "does such and such have good towns?") who just wanna ignore anything that's even vaguely contentious.

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Eeeh, it was entirely different thing to discuss the Jones visit to the podcast and such. But now people are taking guesses if the gift was malicious or not, how they interpret each invidual Ally's reaction to the gift and so on. It's really childish approach. It's a book that probably is a good read to anyone, even though it was published in 1981 I'm sure it's still topical. Please by all means, talk about important issues. I want to participate too. But the discussion around the book is just silly. Because we aren't talking about actual issues adressed in the book (important stuff), but creating internet drama around how it was received by the Allies.

But sure, it's not against the rules to talk about the book. If people consider the motives of the sender to be significant, then place your bets. Don't mean to stop discussions, but I can voice my opinion on it atleast.

i think the fact that 30 pages on we havent been able to come to an agreement, even though i assume we're all reasonable people, shows how ineffective and toxic discussing politics on the internet can be.

abrack said:

I'm not sure why there's been heat on the group stream selection committee, other than the Peach Beach Splash stuff. I don't remember every game that won, but off the top of my head Pokemon Stadium 2 was great, DDR was great, Jackbox was great, The Mole was great, Gang Beasts was great. Have there been bad group stream selection streams?

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I completely agree, I just know some within the Patreon still find it annoying and are looking for something else. It has been addressed a few times on Cup of Jones as well, people wishing they'd abandon the committee and go back to the previous method.