Patreon-Exclusive Podcast (December, 2018): The Great CLS "Stockholder" Meeting of 2018

Looked back at the exclusives on this list and picked this first based on title alone

Alex Lawrence

How did I miss this? T_T

Lokideos

How did I miss this!?!?!?! I've never been so late for a meeting. I'll get RIGHT(!) on this!

Lou & Rei Loper

If there's one thing I'm pleased the Moriarty Boys have spread into this world, it's Sons of Bitch. Such a ridiculous and random saying. LOL. Thank you for your support and kind words!

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, we got some corrections on that point already. I don't think I knew you could make the transfer via PS3 to Vita! Thanks for letting me know.

Colin Moriarty

No worries. It’s a series of small books based on albums. <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/33%E2%85%93" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/33%E2%85%93</a>

Ivan Hornett

This was pretty great! I was behind on my listening as I usually listen at work and we were on holiday break. But I dug it. Totally understand the wanting to keep sports for your escape. I don’t ask much on Sacred Symbols just because time-wise my game playing is limited right now so I don’t bank as much PS4 time as I’d like to stay current, but I love listening. You and Chris have developed great chemistry IMO. KnockBack is my go-to. I just love you and Dagan, it’s just such an enjoyable listen that it makes me smile. I find myself using “hi guyyyyyys” and “sons of bitch” fairly regularly and I thank you both. :) You guys bring me a lot of joy and I totally appreciate the work you do and sincerely am happy to hear you guys get to reconnect, family is everything. &lt;3

Luke Tucker

Colin, I wanted to comment on the Metal Gear Knockback episode. You mentioned that you weren't sure if you could play Metal Gear Solid on Vita. Not sure if you looked into that, but there is a way you can get the original MGS on Vita. It isn't available via download from the Vita PlayStation store, but you can transfer a download from the PS3 to the Vita. I remember being at my brother-in-law's house in 2015 specifically just to get the game as I only had a PS4 and they had a PS3. (Took forever BTW) I also want to comment on the Psycho Mantis boss fight using the Vita. If I'm remembering correctly, you had to hold the PS button on the Vita to change to player 2 so he couldn't read your mind. I was happy to play and beat the game again as it is one of my all-time favorites, and the only reason I would potentially buy a PlayStation Classic. Anyway, hope this helps (if you already haven't heard this information). Thanks for all the content you put out! It's been great seeing you flourish in the gaming space once again!

I dunno what that means. =\

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

I'll see what I can do!

Colin Moriarty

I care a great deal about all of you! Without you guys and gals, I'd be doing something radically different with my life right now, I suspect.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! It's my pleasure to be an open book. Glad it's resonating.

Colin Moriarty

Not sure if it was this episode, but I hope you do a 33 1/3 book!!

Ivan Hornett

Keep it up dude.

This was one of my favorite eposides you have done! Was so insightful and I loved learning about your world and how this all works. I cannot wait for the merch. I hope you are able to have 4-5xl sizes for shirts for us big guys lol

Luke

Awesome show man! Its awesome to see you care so much about us to do something like this. Thanks man!

Nick Z

This was a great episode. It is very nice to have someone speak open and honestly about the product you are giving money to support. Keep up the good work and can't wait to see where 2019 brings CLS!

Jonathan Broussard

More money is great, but I want to get more people through the door, too. I think both will happen if I just stay the course; we'll see. The meet and greet should be interesting. Gotta think about that as we get closer to spring and summer.

Colin Moriarty

Totally down for the meetup in LA! Also, if plans move forward for filming Sacred Symbols, I'm happy to up my pledge to make it happen. Great episode as usual!

Korey Burns

Until we know what the source (or sources) of all of this are (which I agree are far beyond Patreon, and perhaps even PayPal itself), any attempts to change the status quo will be futile. I believe strongly in an anything-goes creative ecosystem, and it sucks that's being stymied. But I just don't think any of us yet grasp the reach of how and why this is happening, and we have to understand more before we really get to the bottom of it.

Colin Moriarty

We shall see. =)

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, for sure. I'm not saying that I agree with what they did, but I'm also definitively saying that it's a bigger problem than Patreon, which is why you STILL haven't heard a fucking peep from the rabblerousers about an alternative. Because one doesn't exist.

Colin Moriarty

Hey dude, I see you got help in the Community section, which is great. Talk soon!

Colin Moriarty

That's certainly something to consider if and when I scale. If I had a couple of more collaborators, more space, and more capital, we could make that happen. But remember... I don't think growing too big is in the best interest of me, the business, or you. So it's gotta be a balance.

Colin Moriarty

I think so. I think Dagan would be great on Sacred Symbols. The idea is balance, though. Dagan doesn't play new PlayStation games almost at all; much of his modern play is on Switch. So I dunno how and when he'd fit, but I'm confident he will fit at some point. Thank you for your kind words!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support, Ryan! I appreciate you.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! Yeah, Dagan and I have something special with KnockBack, I think. I'm proud of all of my shows, but I think it's the one CLS offering that absolutely deserves a bigger audience, and that it will find one if we can just get people to listen first. That's a big initiative for me in 2019.

Colin Moriarty

I think a lot of the problem isn't with patreon itself, or paypal itself, but that there are people who are swarming both of them and threatening them to get people dropped. They both folded like a wet towel. Maybe we need to find a way to do the same sort of swarming in favor of not dropping people for speech in the same way?

Kaz Redclaw

I would love a PAX West 2019 meetup, and if you don’t wanna do it I understand but I would love seeing Chris as well and other CLS fans

Tyson Williams

My problem with the Sargon of Akkad ban was just the inconsistency and betrayal of their own terms of service and the spontaneous irresponsible handling of their actions. But I don’t think it’s patreon’s doings, it seems clear to me PayPal forced their hand. But I’m sticking around anyway for multiple reasons :)

Tyson Williams

Hey colin , you told me to DM you but I can't seem to find the right way to do it ! Have googled it to see how but it doesn't seem to work , any help from the cls community or you would be much appreciated !:-)

Matthew Perry

Hi Colin. I agree with what you said on the most recent Sacred Symbols in regards to the relative sophistication of this audience. So, while keeping with your philosophy of not wanting to get too broad, and without compromising or making redundant Sacred Symbols, I would love to see you (and/or a cohort or two.) a general gaming podcast to the fold. --edit-- I should say that I enjoy the shit out of Sacred Symbols and I don't even have a Playstation.

Ryan Cook

Really great episode hearing what all the community thoughts are. Would it be at all possible to bring Dagan onto Sacred Symbols for special milestone episodes like the first anniversary etc? I understand this could be difficult with scheduling for Chris &amp; Dagan but think would be a cool way to celebrate the milestones. Let's hope 2019 sees continued growth for the CLS shows and that the year bring us more great games and maybe even a few surprises Happy New Year

Tony Colton

Great podcast. I like hearing your strategy and ideas laid out like that, was really great insight into your thought process and what to expect for the future of CLS. Happy to continue supporting this Collin, it sounds like you have a solid vision for the future and I look forward to what is to come!

Ryan Thiessen

I’m happy you’re back and making content. I have always appreciated the vast knowledge you have on Japanese games (I first heard of NIS from you). I consider Chris to be similar to me, in terms of what games he has and has not played. I think he is able to ask you the right questions and bring out what you know. He is certainly not harming the podcast in any way. I have to admire the hard work you guys put in. Especially when you talk about your recording schedules. I’m glad you’re working with your brother as well. That is very unique and relatable. I don’t think anyone else is doing that.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode. Thank you so much for listening! &lt;3

Colin Moriarty

To be perfectly fair, a vast majority of Sacred Symbols' feedback is positive (the show has 1,500+ iTunes reviews, for instance, of which 18 are one star). So I don't want to make it sound calamitous, because it isn't. But, yeah, I've seen a handful of feedback (particularly on YouTube) saying Chris lacks knowledge every so often, and I find it bothersome simply because I don't think those people are looking at our show through the right lens. As you said, Chris brings something different. Different perspectives, a different experience, from a different generation and era. I don't know how anyone can listen to his opinions and insight and think he doesn't know what he's talking about. That's insane to me. No, Chris doesn't know the ins and outs of the video game industry or the PlayStation brand like I do. No offense to my old co-hosts, but neither did/do they. So I'm puzzled why it would be a problem for anyone now if and when it wasn't then, other than in an unfair spirit towards Chris. And that kind of mean-spiritedness is grating to me. (And my observations aren't meant in a disrespectful way, whatsoever, to my old co-hosts. They all brought amazing and vital things to the table that made those respective shows work, just like Chris brings something special to the new show, and also helps to make it work. Everyone knows about Greg's hosting chops, Clements' penchant for thoughtfulness, etc., and I learned a great deal by being around both of them.) I listen to each episode closely, because I'm the one who edits 'em! Every second of every episode has filtered through me. Chris is finding his footing more and more each time we record. He's become more confident, more authoritative, and more comfortable, and I really hope it's showing through to the audience at large as much as it's showing through to me. I'm proud of him, because it's not easy to podcast. It really isn't. Now, I think we both have a lot to work on, because for as good as I think the show is now, I think it could be better! I give him feedback, and he provides me with some, too. I'd like us to improve at certain things and in certain areas. But we're still a new team, and I like to think about how good our show is going to become -- and how much more natural it's going to be for us to do it -- once it's 50, 100, 200, etc. episodes in, as opposed to only 26 (and two specials)! Thank you for your kind words and support. I appreciate you.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! Even if you disagree with my point of view, I'm glad you were able to hear it and digest it. And I like that about those shows too, particularly KnockBack. Indeed, that was the idea, to give things to people that they could kinda binge when they were ready or inclined to. The traffic for KnockBack shows that people continuously go back and start from the beginning, and that's pretty cool for us.

Colin Moriarty

I absolutely LOVED this episode, and all the other ones where you talk about running your business. I'm also a business owner/operator (and creator on the side) and I could listen to you talk about this all day long. Thanks so much for the look behind the scenes, and I personally would love more content like this.

Finn

Really loved this Colin. I’ve gotta say I agree Chris is doing a great job. I didn’t know you were getting feedback saying he didn’t have knowledge. I don’t want to be negative about people but I consider myself extremely knowledgeable for someone not in the industry. I’m about your age and frankly I’ve been impressed with chris’ knowledge especially for someone his age because the current landscape has a lot of people his age who work in games “journalism” who have terrible knowledge, and also, I’d agree with what you said about with KF you were the center of knowledge, it’s why a PS podcast wouldn’t work there after you left. That being said Colin, love the product and hope that your business continues to thrive

John Lynch

I really enjoyed this. Good questions, straight-forward answers. While I don't agree with you on the Sargon situation it was good to hear your point of view on it as a business-owner based on patreon. That's really all you can ask. People can make up their own minds beyond that. The breadth of the answers over the shows and the development of the company. One thing I like about the podcasts is that you don't have to listen to fireside chats or knockback when they go up if you're busy. You can listen to them at your own pace when you get the time.

Peter Campbell

I'm glad to hear that the article did well for you! Thank you for your support.

Colin Moriarty

I wish them the best -- I really do -- but I try to keep my eyes peeled and my mind open to whatever's going on around me. Fact is, KF's Patreon support and traffic were demonstrably and significantly higher our first two years than it is now, and I think that's because we kept that pioneering, rugged spirit. At least, that's my interpretation. So, with that interpretation in mind, I'm doing my best to deliver what I think our little portion of the Internet wants. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong. We shall see!

Colin Moriarty

It's really not that hard. I'm just dumb.

Colin Moriarty

Sorry to see you go, but as I said in the podcast, those who just expect me to blow up my business to make their point for them are sadly mistaken. Take care!

Colin Moriarty

Hey Colin, I feel despondent to have to write this. But I do have to say something, and not just take my ball and leave. I switched my patronage from Kinda Funny to you when I saw the injustice of how you were treated by the outrage culture. That fake outrage that was used to cover up the fact that they just don't agree with your politics and wanted to silence you. You were an early victim of the Deplatforming era. After so many people accepted the racist/sexist article title written about you, I kind of cringed that you would call Sargon "right wing". At best he's a centrist. At worst, he's super left, but doesn't approve of identity politics, which seems to be the minimum standard for Deplatforming these days. I can go into the fact that it was the racists that actually reported him to Patreon, and who are lauging themselves silly as the far left attacks the center left, but I don't have the time to get into all the details here. Although I did make the time to learn them for myself. I wish you had, and that you weren't making claims based on the lies you've been fed. Such as that people on the right defend the baker on the basis of his liberty, but not Patreon. That's a baldfaced lie. The baker honestly stated his position. Patreon has through its own actions and words admitted its ToS is wrong and made decisions irrespective of it. It has lied that it issued warnings, which it didn't, has lied that it rejects that language, which it supports on its own platform, has lied that it decries hate, while it supports terrorist groups, and has lied about discussing specifics about other creators in the middle of discussions with creators about other creators. There is no right wing argument that Patreon does not have the right to associate with whomever it pleases. The argument is that they are dishonest, clearly in support of identity politics, and lying to apply double standards. They can freely do so, if they were honest about it like the baker. But they want to have their cake and eat it too. I understand your position economically, and do not you begrudge you remaining where your bread is buttered without a convincing alternative. I don't expect you to leave. But I did come to expect you to do all your own homework when it comes to the platform that you are financially dependent on, and be honest about its shortcomings. I can appreciate you have given it a lot of thought, but it seems your research is wanting here. For one, Milo and a 3rd creator were also summarily removed at the same time as Sargon, just that no one is talking about them, because you could see it coming with Milo, and the third creator has a much smaller audience. Also the hypocrisy of the public, and private, statements specifically about Sargon from Patreon, fanned the flames of incredulity. So it seems to me you misread the situation, accepted bad information, or just don't fully understand what is happening. You may feel differently, I get that. I just disagree that you have a full grasp here because I believe a man of your intelligence and opinions would say and act differently if he were fully informed. Nonetheless, I guess what I was hoping to hear was some plan for your exit strategy, as it seems that you're a marked man, having already been deplatformed once. I hope that you survive this Damocles sword. I love your content, Dagan and Chris are great, and I'll continue to listen and extol your virtues to my friends and family. But I can no longer support you through Patreon. I have to put my money where my mouth is and not do business with a company that I feel supports the eradication of my values and principles: honesty, integrity, and equal opportunity. Good luck, Colin. And Godspeed.

Finally listened to this episode today, it was great. Thanks for being so open and welcoming to different voices on your shows. Thanks as well for allowing me to interview you during my short trip to LA, your article is still by far my most successful. Keep up the great content, but also remember to take some time just for yourself, Lola and Erin.

Preach it to the Josh that talked about KF growing too big. I was just talking with my bud about that. I'm a fan but it almost feels like the members of KF have gotten really big heads. They only seem to respond to comments that are nose deep up butts and any feedback I ever give is completely drowned out. CLS is super personal, I really appreciate it. Also more Monster Rancher content please.

Mitch G

Thanks for the shout out. Wow...you really butchered my last name lol Yeah it's a hard one. I'll make it easy. Say it like this. Pass - Qual - Li - Chio

Michael Pasqualicchio

I will see what I can do! Thinking spring or summer may work.

Colin Moriarty

Lookin forward to the meet and greet in 2019

Will Caldwell

Thank you, Nick! Glad you found my explanation(s) valid. =) I will certainly relay everyone's love for Dagan, as I always do!

Colin Moriarty

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Hi Colin, Thanks for the the thoughts on the Patreon ordeal. Straight to the point and informative! Keep up the great work! I look forward to Knock Back and Fireside every week. Not sure if Dagan can read these or not but tell him thanks from all of us! He is an integral part of some of your best content. Looking forward to all the fun topics in 2019!

Nick DeBoer

I really appreciated this episode. Keep being you Col.❤

Marcus Brown

I can tell you this: There will be no more pillars or shows unless I hire more help. CLS it is what it is so long as I'm the sole creative force.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you, Matthew! I've been trying to take a little time for myself recently, and am both succeeding and failing, depending on the day. =)

Colin Moriarty

If there is a Patreon more engaged with its fanbase than this one is, I've certainly not heard about it, and I'm super proud of that. Yeah, I never told that story! And I'm not gonna say who it is. It is what it is, and it worked out for the best. For me, anyway.

Colin Moriarty

No, because then I'd have to expose my earnings, and I want to keep my financial information private (as I am a privately held company). Thank you for understanding!

Colin Moriarty

I'm totally happy to be open about it. More people should be, so we can continue to remove that stigma!

Colin Moriarty

=)

Colin Moriarty

No fears! I'm not leaving.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you, Tom! I'm wishing you and yours the best, too.

Colin Moriarty

Sure, but you should probably DM me with more specific instructions. =)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you, Jason!

Colin Moriarty

Thanks, Jeremy!

Colin Moriarty

You can always count on me to tell you exactly what I think, and how I feel. I can promise you that. Such a mantra has certainly cost me relationships with some publishers and developers, but oh well. I can just buy their games when they come out.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you, Jeff! I appreciate you.

Colin Moriarty

I’m actively listening to the episode (and will probably comment more as I listen) and had a thought re: the 5 year plan for CLS. I like many of us want to see the content grow and prosper, I just worry about spreading yourself too thin. Knockback, Side Quests, Sacred Symbols are your three pillars CLS has been successful with, and my fear is that if you start a fourth or fifth pillar, the quality of the content will suffer and/or if you hired a replacement for KB, SQ, or SS to focus on 4 or 5 that 1, 2, or 3 would suffer.

Joey Rawlings

One of the best podcasts you've done thus far, Colin. Your honesty, integrity, and the way you value your patrons shines through. Keep it up. But don't forget to look after yourself too. :)

TrackyMatts

I’d bet the house that there’s not another patreon account in the world that includes their audience the way you do, Colin. Thank you as always for making us feel like valued members of the community. It stood out to me when you said you had a partner for a games podcast lined up and they pulled out. Obviously you weren’t comfortable sharing the person’s name, otherwise you would have told the story, but now I’m so curious as to what the plan was, why the person pulled out and whether it ended the relationship between you two. I know I’d feel pretty miffed if that happened to me. As always my dude, have a great day and thanks for the content. I pay more to your Patreon than I do to Netflix and Hulu combined, and that’s because I get the most value out of your content. I look forward to every show, every week. Best in the biz.

Ian (616Entertainment)

Hey Colin! Any chance that increased pledges would be taken into account regarding Sacred Symbols video? I would be happy to pay a bit more to see how depressed you both are instead of just hearing about it. Love the product and really enjoyed your take on Patreon. It was refreshing in the current sea of hypocrisy some of the other creators are currently wading in.

This! All day long! That was hilarious

Ben

Colin, love your content! I have also really appreciated your candor around anxiety / depression. I have worked in the mental health files for about 8 years and it’s nice hearing your perspective. I’m sure it goes a long way in helping people to know other people struggle too.

Ben

“It’s just two depressed people talking about PlayStation” put that on a t shirt with the sacred symbols logo hahah

Kenneth Oms

Memory card 👍

Andrew Hess

Great episode, so glad you did this. I was really worried about you leaving Patreon, super glad you aren't!

Tanner Brant

I agree he brought up great points mentioning how the boycott hurts innocent creators and how Sargon's comments were disgusting despite the context.

Appreciate the candidness Colin, you truly do provide a one of a kind experience here. All the best you and yours

Tom Brown

Happy new years Colin's mum ;-) I hope you all have a fun time !

Matthew Perry

Hey colin X i'm proposing to my girlfriend whilst we are on holiday and would love it if you mentioned it on Your podcast so that I could show it to her ?! I fly us out on the 23rd of January and will pop the question then x

Matthew Perry

Thank you, bud, for taking the time to update us and answer such wonderful ‘patron’ questions. Your obvious candor and thoughtful responses are very much appreciated. This really is the best community of folks that I’ve ever been a part of. I love you, Col. And Happy New Year, one and all. 😘❤️

BettyAnn Moriarty

❤️

BettyAnn Moriarty

Nice to hear all the news regarding CLS. Here's to an exponentially successful new year!

Jason Bolla

Hey Colin, I have been a CLS listener since you left KF and I just became a Patreon backer. It was the least I could do to thank you for your content. This message is a little long winded but bear with me as I hope this means a lot to you, and can show that why what you’re doing is so much more than just creating content. In the “Stockholder Meeting” podcast you mentioned that you love doing Knockback, as it allows you to reconnect with Dagan on a regular basis. Knockback means so much to me because I am 31 and I lost my brother when I was 13. He was 8 years older than me, similar to the age gap between yourself and Dagan. I find that episodes about old game consoles and music especially remind me of my brother. It can make me a little emotional while listening, wishing I could sit down and reminisce about our childhood the way that you guys do. As the years pass on, the memories of him are fading away slowly but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing back many more memories that I would have never remembered without listening to your Knockback episodes. I know I can’t be alone in this and with it being the holiday season, I really wanted to take the time to share this with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you, Dagan, your family and the rest of the CLS community! Blair

Blair Toms

Thanks for answering my question and I totally get where you're coming from, completely fair. CLS 4 Life lol. :-)

Jeremy Cochran

As long as you stay genuine, you have support from me. A lot of other video game/nerd culture programming has become just the same thoughts and opinions in what you even referred to in this episode as a “celebratory echo chamber”. It’s sad now that these shows have become so predictable as far as stances on issues, likes/dislikes of games, etc etc. I know you’ve stated you don’t really watch or listen to other video game content. Take my word that both Sacred Symbols and Knockback are both so far superior than most of the competition out there. Keep doing what you’re doing and I don’t expect this to change.

Zack E

I really enjoyed listening to this!! It's great to hear things are going well and you should be very proud of what you've been able to accomplish so far. I'm a VERY happy "stockholder" and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2019. Thanks for all you do, Colin!!

Jeff Pollard

This was a fantastic episode, and I really appreciate your opinion on the whole Patreon drama. I feel like that rational takes like that are far too far and inbetween so good on you for sticking to your guns and taking the perhaps less "popular" road.

Addiholic

I'm pleased this episode could be motivational for you. Thank you for listening, and for your support!

Colin Moriarty

This was a great episode to listen to while I edit a video for my YouTube channel. Hearing how the year came together for CLS and where it's going in the future is really motivating for my own endeavors and I can't wait to see what's in store for us both!

Jimmy Champane

If CLS still exists in a year (and I don't see why it wouldn't), I'll do it again. =)

Colin Moriarty

Let's hope this becomes tradition.

David Graham