Today, Colin's Last Stand Turns One
Added 2018-03-20 18:44:07 +0000 UTC“Do you think we can get them to shut it off?”
It’s a quote my lovely girlfriend Erin still brings up from time to time when reminiscing about Colin’s Last Stand’s launch on March 20, 2017. My goal was to reach 1,000 Patrons in a year (by today, March 20, 2018) -- a goal I actually figured was far too aggressive -- but I ended up with six times that level of support after a week or so. I was so scared that I was literally seeking out if there was a way to freeze everything, so that new supporters couldn’t join. That’s how unexpected it all was. It’s one of the greatest Patreon success stories of all-time, and I still can’t believe it happened to me, especially in light of co-founding Kinda Funny, basically the first major Patreon success story, one I’m so proud of having been a part of.
In other words, Patreon -- and all of you -- changed my life twice. That’s why I commissioned my sister Ali to create this painting that hangs in Patreon’s San Francisco HQ as we speak, and that’s why I’m writing to you today to reflect on what’s been, and to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done (and continue to do) for me.
Founding, running, and sustaining Colin’s Last Stand has been the hardest, most all-consuming endeavor I’ve ever undertaken in my life. It’s the first time I’ve ever had to rely solely on myself to get everything done. If a video goes unwritten, unedited, or unposted, it’ll stay that way. If I don’t seek out guests for Fireside Chats or assemble the newest KnockBack episode, the shows will die. If I don’t answer that e-mail from my lawyer, or go to that meeting with my accountant, or tend to those bills, that e-mail will go unanswered, that meeting unattended, those bills unpaid. No one is going to step into the void and help me. CLS lives or dies by me. It’s injected pressure, stress, and heightened anxiety into my life, but eclipsing that is all the good Colin’s Last Stand has provided me with: A purpose, a mission, a reason to try my absolute hardest. It's also provided me with incredible security. Sometimes, I get stuck in a rut. Other times, I’m flying high. But every day, all of my emotion, grit, determination, worry, success, failure, pride, and everything else is experienced through the prism of CLS.
Now that we’re a year out from launch, much is (obviously) different. CLS was once one show, posted twice a week. Now it’s three shows posted three times a week. Support is at two-thirds of what it was a year ago -- four times in excess of my goal, so still awesome -- but with those adjustments come some sense of creeping certainty, as everything slowly settles in and become more predictable and reliable. Hell, when I founded CLS, I was entering my tenth year in San Francisco; now, I’ve lived in a sunny beachside community in Santa Monica for nearly a year (though I don’t have the chance to enjoy it that much). When I take a moment to look back, I’m astounded by how much has happened in only 365 days. Sometimes, that flash in time seems like 365 seconds. Other times, it seems impossible that all of that happened in such a short period. Maybe 365 years really passed.
A week before CLS launched -- on March 13, 2017 -- I quit my job with no plan in place, and no idea where I would go or what I would do. Leaving Kinda Funny was the second-hardest decision I’ve ever had to make (quitting IGN certainly tops the list), but I felt like it had to be done out of respect for the vision Greg, Nick, and company wanted to pursue, and out of respect for myself, too. It may be hard for some people to understand, but I was increasingly out of place in an organization I helped create and owned a part of. I always felt like (and, in reality, was) the odd man out, and my vision for what we should be doing wasn’t finding its way forward, especially once we moved into the studio. The dynamic between us was eroding behind the scenes, and some conversations became increasingly tense, terse, and uncomfortable. It wasn’t yet untenable, but I felt like it was getting there, and a choice had to be made. So I made what I thought was the best decision, and with a year’s hindsight, I think it was the right one for me to make.
See, from my perspective, it would have been selfish of me to stay. Even if “The Joke” never happened, rest assured I likely would have left at some other point. Feigning enthusiasm for something I no longer fully believed in would have been the epitome of selfish -- selfish to the guys, and selfish to the fans -- and you can call me a lot of things, but I don’t think selfish is an accurate descriptor. It’s not to say I didn’t have fun at Kinda Funny, and didn’t enjoy anything about it. Of course that’s not true. That’s impossibly far from true, actually, because those times were some of the best of my life. I’ll always carry those Spare Bedroom Glory Days with me and look back on them fondly. And, of course, I continue to root the guys on from my little corner of the Internet as they pursue their own course.
These days, I feel freer and more myself -- alongside being perpetually exhausted, never without something to do -- but looking back, there are things I miss about what once was, too, like my dry rapport with Kevin, or Nick’s sick humor. And I of course miss my unique dynamic with Greg, which we built over nearly a decade of working together. Our closeness was something truly special to both of us, at least at one time, and I think the decay of that -- through the lens of Kinda Funny and the drama that was building there -- is something I wish didn’t happen the way it did. We both let our bond get obliterated. We both had an equal hand in that, in our own, uniquely Colin and Greg way. To succeed on my own, I’ve had to keep my head forward and avoid distractions, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t wish some of the pieces landed a little differently than they did. Because I do. Nothing can be exactly the way we’d want it, right? Nothing can be done but to place those times, those memories, and those relationships -- frozen in ember -- in our hearts and minds, only to tap into them every once in a while.
I learned a lot as I struck out on my own. I honestly didn’t know I had the capacity to understand some of the things I now do. Some of the lessons have bludgeoned me in the face, and have been hard to accept; others I look back upon and wonder why I didn’t know more when I most needed to. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I wish I did some things a little differently (sometimes very differently). But in quiet, reflective times, I also try to give myself the benefit of the doubt, and allow myself to enjoy what I’ve worked so hard to build and get off the ground, and to be grateful for the inordinate amount of things that have gone right.
I’ve always had a really hard time settling down and settling in, and I’ve always suffered from Imposter Syndrome and the idea that I can never truly earn all that I’ve acquired. So when doubt and stress creep in, as they do on a daily basis, I try to remind myself what I managed to do on my own, with virtually no help, guidance, or inherent know-how whatsoever. And I must admit, through what I’ve accomplished with CLS, I find little glimmers of much-needed pride buried within me somewhere. Doing this isn’t easy, and at times, doing this alone seems downright impossible. Running your own business can be lonely, daunting, frustrating, and scary. I’m still here, though. In my world, that itself is a small victory.
The future of Colin’s Last Stand is, from my perspective, very bright, and I’m immensely excited about what’s to come. Starting at such high highs means that I’ve had to discover what’s normal from a support perspective, and I think I’m still finding that plateau from which to scale and grow. Sometimes, I get discouraged and feel like I’m failing; then I remember that I’ve been here before, that I've been fortunate enough to have more success both in a group and out on my own than most others lucky enough to do what I do, and that I need to stop beating myself up with perpetual self-doubt. I try not to let my emotions rise and fall with the rise and fall of things that are ultimately beyond my control. What’s most important to me now is to make the fans happy, and to make Colin’s Last Stand the absolute best it can be. Like I always say, you can count on me to leave it all on the field. If CLS doesn’t deliver, or if it ultimately goes away, or whatever else, I never want it to be because I didn’t do all I could. That’s all I really care about. The rest, I believe, will come, and as Erin has reminded me in the past, “would you rather have found your balance starting from zero Patrons, or would you rather have found it starting at 6,200 Patrons?” Salient point as always, my dear.
2018 is going to hopefully hold some new surprises and fun additions that keeps CLS cycling. After all, I want Colin’s Last Stand to keep you on your toes, and to never remain stagnant or unchanging. To that end, Dagan and I are going to extend KnockBack to Side Quest’s YouTube channel with retro Let’s Plays beginning in April. I’m toying around with the idea of doing more than one video a week on Side Quest when I can, including the occasional review or Let’s Play. A new Subreddit will be created soon for CLS, and I'll be working harder to elevate the audience, on social media and beyond. I’m even considering a spiritual successor to 2008-2014’s Podcast Beyond and PS I Love You XOXO with a new co-host, a co-host chosen in an expansive contest that’s voted on by CLS fans. And yes, I’m plotting CLS Prime’s comeback, too, probably in very sporadic and longer form. But those are just ideas right now, and as always, I’d love your feedback on what should be next. I make no promises, other than that CLS is like a Pokémon: Always evolving. Like Magikarp into Gyrados.
For now, though, I’m head-down and working hard on what’s in front of me. Fireside Chats is growing in popularity, and I authentically love doing it (in fact, a guest should be here in mere moments to record a new episode). KnockBack is growing, too, and it’s been such a pleasure to get to finally work in an official capacity with my brother (I’ll be in Philadelphia for nearly a week in early April to record the next round). And Side Quest is CLS’ most popular show, and I love producing it week in and week out. My plate is already very full, yet I’m eager to pile on even more when I can. So stand by for all of that. We’ll see how everything shakes out.
In the meantime -- if you’ll allow it -- I want to take a brief moment to thank some people that have proven so instrumental in Colin’s Last Stand’s first year, because even though this is a one-man operation at its core, I’m only as strong as those around me help me to be.
Erin: I mentioned Erin a couple of times already, but she has to be at the very top of the list. She has been by my side, day in and day out, since more than a year before I left Kinda Funny, and she’s seen each and every step of Colin’s Last Stand’s development first hand. She has put up with my mood swings and my increasingly irritable nature and the fact that I work constantly. CLS has absolutely strained our relationship at times, but she is a happy warrior, and I am lucky to have her in my life.
Dagan: My brother Dagan is the only true collaborator of any kind I’ve had with Colin’s Last Stand, and he’s done an extraordinary job, considering all of the help he’s provided me has come on the side, in addition to his full-time job at Sesame Workshop (not to mention his other freelance work, for which he is in constant demand). CLS’ branding is all him. Its logos, its art direction, all of it. The compliments I get on CLS’ various logos are seemingly endless, and that all comes through his talent. Oh, and can we talk about how awesome he is on KnockBack, too? Dude has never done a podcast in his life, which is impossible to believe when you listen to the show. What an immense honor it is for me to be able to talk to and see my brother more these days than we have in the last decade or more, all because of CLS (and you!). Helping unlock a hidden portion of my brother’s potential for the world to see, enjoy, and consume has been, as he might say, a treat.
The Rest of My Family: You wanna talk about unending loyalty and a support structure that refuses to crumble? That’s my family. Mom and Dad, my sisters Dana and Ali, my uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and everyone else… I have noticed your increased presence in my life. Your pride in me helps keep me going, and it never, ever goes unnoticed. Thank you so much for believing in me, and doubling-down on me when I needed you to the most. I’m sorry that I don’t call much these days, and that we don’t see each other nearly as much as I’d like. Just know it’s because I’m working hard, and trying to do our name and our family proud.
Patreon: I have to thank Patreon, and in reality, I have to thank my liaison Heather the most, who is always eager to answer my questions, help me out with my problems, and provide an ear to listen. Patreon has treated me like one of their biggest creators (my Patreon is in the Top 50 in the world, so perhaps I’ve earned a tiny portion of that treatment), and I am so deeply appreciative of that. They’ve put me in betas (some of which you don’t even know exist yet!) to help them gather data and information, they invite me to cool meetings to bounce stuff off of me (sorry I couldn’t make the one in San Francisco earlier this year, but I will be at the next one!), and they even do me one-off favors, like when I asked them to shut off push notifications and e-mails so that I could go back and add tags to all of my posts (thanks for that!). What’s most relevant to me, though, is that they treat me like a human being, not a political activist whom they likely disagree with on some issues. My experience with Patreon has been nothing short of world class, and I owe the team a great deal.
Kinda Funny and IGN: A lot of what I know how to do in this world comes from years of nurturing at Kinda Funny, and before that, at IGN. I owe a lot to both brands, and to the people that help make them run. From the IGN orbit, I’d like to thank some folks that are there, and others that aren’t anymore, including Peer Schneider, Tal Blevins, Mark Ryan Sallee, Chris Carle, Hilary Goldstein, and many others, and at Kinda Funny, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to Greg, Nick, Tim, Kevin, and the rest of the squad. I’d also like to tip my cap to two people I helped hire, yet never got to work with -- Joey and Andy -- and hope they’re having as much fun as I knew they would when I voted to bring them on-board in the first place!
All of You: You -- yes, you -- are the lifeblood of Colin’s Last Stand. Without you, it wouldn’t exist. I try to take the time to thank you as much as I can, and I hope it never gets redundant… and with that said, allow me to do it again. Thank you. Thank you so much, for all that you’ve given me, and allowed me to do with my life. No matter what happens with CLS -- whether it sustains itself, grows, or withers into nothing -- I will be forever grateful for this experience. You will always get nothing less than my best, and if you think you’re not getting my best, I expect that you’ll let me know.
I suppose there’s nothing more to say, other than that I hope you’re enjoying the content, and I hope you’re excited for what the future brings. And, hey, if you haven't yet, please consider joining Colin’s Last Stand here on Patreon, and help me keep this dream alive. The perks are awesome, the people here love it, and what we’re building is, I believe, something special.
Welcome to Year 2.
Sincerely, and with love. -Colin
Comments
I'm late to this post, but thank you. Your writing is always a pleasure to read and your content to consume. Year 2 has certainly already shown some gems!
Daniel Schiffer
2018-07-10 15:15:19 +0000 UTCHey Colin! I've been reading/watching your gaming content for over 5 years now. I still remember looking forward to Podcast Beyond on every Tuesday. Also, I am still a proud citizen of Vita Island. A spiritual successor to Beyond! and PS I LOVE YOU XOXO would definitely be something that I would watch and/or listen to every week! I hope to hear more about it soon! Keep up the great work!
Jeremy K
2018-03-28 03:29:25 +0000 UTCSo proud of your accomplishments! I’ve been following you and your work since IGN and it’s amazing to see the transition between these milestones in your career. Super happy to be a patron!!
2018-03-22 17:56:55 +0000 UTCSo crazy it has already been a year, but you have done great things Colin. I love all the new concepts you have launched and inspiration you have given me over the last year. Keep up the good work!!
Miko Bell
2018-03-21 19:53:20 +0000 UTCIt was an honour to record with you on your anniversary, good sir 👍
Marc Boggio
2018-03-21 19:13:21 +0000 UTCway to go col. while I do not care for many of your political opinions, I highly respect your opinions on games media/industry, and love your integrity and straight shooting attitude. much love from Toronto and wishing you continue success. cheers. keep taking the high road brother.
2018-03-21 18:28:22 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday CLS, you're growing up so fast!
four24twenty
2018-03-21 17:07:59 +0000 UTCGood lord it's only been a year, just proves that if the heart guides your path you'll always be a bloody machine mate. The sincerity within these acknowledgements are a welcome reminder of why we keep coming back for more wisdom Colin, wishing you and your family the best for year 2.
Christian Thomas
2018-03-21 13:37:58 +0000 UTCThank you for everything you do, Colin. This year has been an amazing ride. I must say that my heart skipped a beat when you mentioned a potential new PlayStation show. I don’t want you to bite off more than you can chew, but this is an exciting development!
Kevin Sullivan
2018-03-21 13:27:23 +0000 UTC❤️
Austin Tex Perez
2018-03-21 10:55:02 +0000 UTCColin, right off the bat, thank you. Thank you for the years and years of not just entertainment you've given me, but for the amount of knowledge you've shared as well. I've learned so much not just about games and politics through you, but about myself, and those around me as well. I could ramble on forever, but you've got a million comments to respond to, so I'll keep it relatively short. I can't wait for the let's plays to start, and I don't even like watching let's plays. But Colin + Dagan + video games isn't just a run of the mill video, its going to be fucking awesome, and I can't wait. The successor to PS ILY and Beyond! is extremely intriguing, and I'll be waiting for that as well. You recently spoke about reaching out to Greg, and that you wouldn't feel right doing a PlayStation podcast without him, and you talking about finding a cohost through a contest has me assuming that he never responded. Whether that's the case or not, I think I speak for most of us when I say that it doesn't matter. We all loved the old dynamic, and it'd be insane to see it return, but where Colin goes, we go. And we're with you 100%. Special shout out to your dad, Dagan, Erin, and all of your family members from the New Year's podcast for stepping into a world they don't normally live in. Dagan, we're glad to have you. (Seriously, how the fuck is he new to podcasting and he's that good?) Much love as always, Colin. Have a good day, and here's to Year 2.
Ian (616Entertainment)
2018-03-21 06:32:00 +0000 UTCCongratulations on one year! It's been a fun ride! I'm excited to see how CLS changes and evolves! I can't help but hope, even though it'll never be quite the same as it was, that you'll eventually be able to reconnect with Greg on some level. I'll continue supporting you both though.
David McKinstry
2018-03-21 05:37:04 +0000 UTCI would love to hear a beyond and psiloveuxoxo successor from you. I’ll increase my monthly support for that!!! I like hearing your thoughts on the latest news and hearing about what your playing and liking or not liking and why. KnockBack has been great! I’ve enjoyed every episode and love the dynamic between you and your brother. He’s a natural by the way on the podcast. Retro let’s plays??? Sign me up. Happy Anniversary to you! I’ve been happy to be a supporter from day one and will continue to do so!
Liv
2018-03-21 04:26:59 +0000 UTCCongratulations Colin that's awesome. That was a nice and thoughtful post. I can't wait to see what happens in the future for CLS. I am proud to be a supporter of CLS. I just want to say thank you for all that you do. Keep up the great work 👍👍👌👌👏👏.
Cameron Paterson
2018-03-21 04:23:04 +0000 UTCI agree! Some of your white board discussions were some of my favorite! I’d be great to see that goofy side of you again.
Liv
2018-03-21 04:22:15 +0000 UTCLet's Plays with Dagan???? Hell yes! Can't wait!
2018-03-21 03:36:24 +0000 UTCI'll drop in and out of other Patreons if I find myself not consuming the content they put out, but even though I'm a couple months behind on all the CLS stuff, it never once occurred to me to drop my pledge. You just come off like such an honest, thoughtful, GOOD dude. You make me WANT to support you.
Jason Kelley
2018-03-21 03:13:57 +0000 UTCGreat post. I’d like to see you bury the hatchet with KF... It’d make for one hell of a fireside chat to have one or all of them on. Or vice versa.
2018-03-21 03:06:48 +0000 UTCCongrats!
Ross Arbour
2018-03-21 03:00:28 +0000 UTCI’ll never forget the heartbreak I felt the morning I woke and saw on Twitter you had left Kinda Funny. Way back in the beyond days your dry wit and intellect led to you becoming my favorite host. I migrated over to Kinda Funny and continued to enjoy everything you guys created. When you started CLS I was worried that it wouldn’t appeal to me the way you’re old content did. However I soon found myself subscribing and Consuming all the content you delivered. I am now a happy Patreon of Kind Funny & CLS. I love fireside chats, side quest and knockback is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts. Keep doing you Mr. Moriarty
2018-03-21 02:54:08 +0000 UTC"I honestly didn’t know I had the capacity to understand some of the things I now do. Some of the lessons have bludgeoned me in the face, and have been hard to accept; others I look back upon and wonder why I didn’t know more when I most needed to. I’ve made a lot of mistakes" can you share some of the lessons learned? sounds like you've gained some serious knowledge (and maybe a little wisdom) here.
first last
2018-03-21 02:37:53 +0000 UTCColin, I'm so in love with this letter. Keep doing what you're doing, but don't burn yourself out. Everyone needs a little downtime. :D
David Wilson II
2018-03-21 02:34:47 +0000 UTCIncredible post, Colin. I love what CLS was when it started, I love what its evolved into, and I eagerly await what you have planned for the future. Your history videos reminded me that history is still extremely interesting, Fireside Chats has easily become one of my favorite podcasts, and seeing you back in the videogame space with Side Quest has been amazing. Since first listening to you back in 2012, you've always been an inspiration for me to better myself. I've enjoyed your work from IGN, to Kinda Funny, and even more do now, with CLS. To that end, I want to thank you for your candidness when talking about KF. Its not something you have to do, but as fans, we do appreciate it. I can't wait for what's in store in Year 2 of CLS. I know you put in so many hours, but your work is incredible, and I'm proud to be a fan, a supporter, and a patron of CLS. Keep up the great work, Colin!!
Matthew Clem
2018-03-21 02:33:06 +0000 UTCThank you! <3
Colin Moriarty
2018-03-21 01:55:59 +0000 UTCThank you. I know I live in the shadow of two of some of the greatest gaming podcasts of all-time. I'm comfortable with that, because I helped erect the shadow in the first place. =)
Colin Moriarty
2018-03-21 01:55:46 +0000 UTCI can't express how good it felt to read all of this, how proud I am to see you continue to grow and succeed, and how excited I am to see all the things you have planned. I've been a fan since the days of BEYOND and while I admittedly don't consume most of the content you put out (due to time constraints), I will always support you in the ways I can. Keep on being awesome, sir!
Husani Wallace
2018-03-21 01:55:38 +0000 UTCThank you for supporting me.
Colin Moriarty
2018-03-21 01:55:01 +0000 UTCI love you too!
Colin Moriarty
2018-03-21 01:54:53 +0000 UTCCLS is the first Patreon I've ever backed, and I think I speak for all of us here when I say that there is a reason behind the success that this endeavor has brought you. Aside from all the great things current and coming (Retro-themed Let's Plays with Dagan?! Fuck Yes!), you have built your credibility, stone by stone, as a thought-provoking and insightful creator since your days at IGN. In today's clickbait-saturated media landscape, never underestimate the support people will give to someone who pours their heart and soul into their work and rises above the cacophony of bullshit. As a creative person, I can relate to the "Imposter Syndrome" thing - Neil Gaiman actually spoke about this in a very humorous commencement speech, his version being the "Fraud Police". As counterintuitive as it sounds, it can be a confidence builder; only those who truly care and are passionate about their craft hold themselves to such a standard. Congratulations on all the success, bud. We're all stoked to see where this all leads and we're not going anywhere.
Justin Matkowski
2018-03-21 01:30:38 +0000 UTCThank you for being an integral part of my favorite hobby over the past decade. Your IGN reviews got me to buy and fall in love with Catherine and Ni No Kuni. RE: the past. I understand that things change and friendships deteriorate but I would love just one more GoG with you and the gang at some point in the future.
Koray Savas
2018-03-21 01:30:32 +0000 UTCGlad that you decided to make Colins Last Stand a year ago! The content is amazing! Thanks for all the hard work you do. Happy to be along for the ride
John Polk
2018-03-21 00:53:47 +0000 UTCThank you Colin. You’re an amazing dude with a refreshing voice. I always believed Greg’s voice put the spotlight on you guys, it got me to walk through that door. Whereas Colin Moriarty’s voice got me to stay. Bravo and congrats.
Anton Kaye
2018-03-21 00:38:03 +0000 UTCYou are truly a one-of-a-kind content creator on the internet. Your sincerity, kindness, and thoughtfulness to your work is one of the many reasons why I joined your Patreon in the first place! Well done to what you have established, and I will continue to support you until the end of time!
Will Hahn
2018-03-21 00:25:49 +0000 UTCP.S. I hope you reconnect with Greg the KF guys at some point. The hardest part of the whole thing for me was you guys "breaking up". I truly did feel like a best friend of all of you, so hope that I get to see you guys do something together again.
Alex Gritzmacher
2018-03-21 00:21:09 +0000 UTCHappy anniversary Colin! I honestly can't believe it's already been a year. Here's to your future success!
Alex Gritzmacher
2018-03-21 00:14:01 +0000 UTCMan that part about Greg really crushed me. I know you said you reached out to him recently and I sincerely hope that extension was well received. I had to the good fortune of finally telling greg in person this time last year that in 2009 Podcast Beyond was something that prevented me from harming myself. Greg and yourself are 2 of the 3 most influential people in my life and I swear where I am today is in great debt to finding the two of you and tuning in every week literally from IGN right into kinda funny and now right into CLS. With all that said I can’t wait to see what you would do with a successor to psily and beyond! There hasn’t been a single week where I didn’t enjoy the content in the past year and I can’t wait to see the next year! Remember man when your feeling lonely you have friends all over the place. BEYOND!
Chad Lewis
2018-03-20 23:54:24 +0000 UTCI am so very proud of what you have accomplished in one year with all the hard work you have put into CLS. On a personal level CLS means alot to me, I found my girl because of all this, I am so grateful it happened and it was all because you were brave enough to walk away and take a chance and make something you wanted to make out on your own. Happy birthday CLS
Christopher Hopkins
2018-03-20 23:34:25 +0000 UTCSimply beautiful.
Steven Camilo
2018-03-20 22:56:31 +0000 UTCIt's been a wild ride sir. You have inspired many, ourselves included. We can't wait to see what this next year brings. Cheers, we're rooting for you. - All of Us at CMG.
Casual Misfits Gaming
2018-03-20 22:51:18 +0000 UTCI think I can speak for many in that we don't want you to be overly stressed. If that means hiring someone to help out where it would help the most, it's worth the money. Remember what Erin said! You're not going to be towing the money from behind the hearse! Happy anniversary, and your ambitious plans sound great for year 2 as long as you're comfortable!
Dav9834
2018-03-20 22:48:10 +0000 UTCCongrats man! Happy to be along for the ride for hopefully years to come!
NuFlash
2018-03-20 22:45:18 +0000 UTCCongrats and Happy Anniversary!
2018-03-20 22:39:57 +0000 UTCBud, bravo and congratulations on year one of CLS! I realize that ‘decisions can be difficult’ but changes always bring new opportunities and certainly expand our knowledge base and show us paths less traveled which help us grow. And our hardest lessons always are the ones that teach us the most. Ive always admired your work ethic, your passion for what you do/what you love and how this constantly shines through. As always, I appreciate your candor/honesty which are just a fraction of what makes you and your content something very special. Good luck in all your endeavors. I will always be proud of you and of your accomplishments and will always have your back. I love you! Happy anniversary, indeed. 👏🏻❤️😘 And... you have the best fan base in the entire world... 👏🏻💞
BettyAnn Moriarty
2018-03-20 22:38:27 +0000 UTCThanks Colin. Wishing you the very best for the years to come. I’ll be sticking round.
Karlos Rey
2018-03-20 21:42:32 +0000 UTCCongratulations Colin on Year 1 of CLS. I wish you and yours nothing but the best, and to continued success.
Gustavo
2018-03-20 21:31:13 +0000 UTCCongrats on the one year Colin I hope for many more to come !
Sebastian velez
2018-03-20 21:18:38 +0000 UTCBut you are selfish, Colin, and that's great. I can understand how the word selfish could be taken as a negative, but actually been selfless in your profession would be I think the negative, because it means that you are doing thinks for the sake of others and not yours (i.e. like staying on KindaFunny to make people happy instead of you). And I want to think that you did CLS because is a great challenge and it makes you happy. Sure, making money and making other people happy is fine, but it will not be the primary goal, just a consequence.
Joaquin
2018-03-20 21:11:22 +0000 UTCHappy anniversary to CLS! Ironically, as much as I thought of the great girls in my life last week I couldn’t help but think of you for a moment haha! I’m absolutely loving your work fella. All the very best for you and your company’s future. Keep on creating!
Christian Doolan
2018-03-20 21:09:13 +0000 UTCFantastic stuff as always Colin! I'm super excited to hear about the new plans too - who doesn't want a spiritual successor to Beyond/PS I Love You?! Congrats on all your year 1 success. I'd suggest taking the rest of the day off to play Ni Nu Nana 2: Reve-nana Kingdom! (How is that btw? Super curious b/c it sounds very Dark Cloud.)
Phil Crone
2018-03-20 20:39:48 +0000 UTCI can't thank you enough for what you do. You've helped me improve myself in many ways by sharing yourself with us. You, and your esteemed family, are a true inspiration. Despite all, you have succeeded and prevailed; and coming from a middle-aged man with no real father figures, and if I was posed the question of who I would want to grow up to be, I would aspire to a path like yours. I truly mean that. Congratulations Colin, you're a killer, and I truly wish continued success and growth. P.S. 311 has Grassroots, and so do you.
Joel Blair
2018-03-20 20:22:09 +0000 UTCHappy Anniversary CLS!! And a HUGE thank you to you, Colin, for all of your hard work over the last year!! Looking forward to year 2 and beyond!!
Jeff Pollard
2018-03-20 20:16:45 +0000 UTCWhat a wonderfully written letter, thank you for your honesty. You really have a gift for writing. I believe that you could and probably will write a great book in the future. Colin you are a very intelligent and hard working human beeing, and it has been an honor watching you grow from IGN to now CLS, what a journey it must have been for you, and I wish you and your loved ones the very best in year 2.
Theis Jensen
2018-03-20 20:07:23 +0000 UTCColin: I was truly moved by this post. Thanks for being truly vulnerable and letting us "behind the curtain" so to speak". I know this couldn't have been the easiest post to make but you have gained so much of my respect this past year. I have never met you but you seem like the oldest of friends. I'm so happy for you and wish you nothing but the best!
Matthew Ward
2018-03-20 20:06:05 +0000 UTCThat was a great read! The last year has gone by incredibly fast, and you’ve delivered so much great content. It’s really nice to read your positive thoughts about the KF guys. Very excited to see more gaming content. Year two will be even better than the first, I’m sure. Keep up the great work, Colin!
Marius Skarsem Pedersen
2018-03-20 20:05:16 +0000 UTCFor the 9 years i’ve been on this journey, you have been extremely valuable in my life. You’ve been consistently a true admirable motherfucker. I love the progression of CLS, cant wait for whats to come. Much love from NYC. Thank you.
Eric Wilson
2018-03-20 19:55:05 +0000 UTCI was a big fan of Kinda Funny supporting from the Cartoon drive upto you leaving. As i've said before, came for Greg stayed for Colin. I'm not surprised by you saying you would have left sooner or later, I had the sinking feeling you were planning to leave when you announced changes for the new year before XMAS 2016 which turned in to Colin Was Right. At a peak I was watching 10-20 hours of KF content per week and once you left that became 0. The only major content of thiers I've watched in 2017/18 is the E3 coverage, which missed your voice. The KF repsonse to 'the joke' that Greg posted bothered me alot, i'd heard all of you at different times make more "offensive" jokes and the idea that "4 ride or die homies" wouldn't get your back over something so silly was crazy to me. I hope one day old wounds will heal enough for you to guest at Kinda Funny or have Greg, Kevin, or Nick on Fireside chats. I always loved the way Kevin would debate you and the apparent opposites atract relationship you had with Greg. Anyway good luck with the future, I hope to be able to support soon.
Always86
2018-03-20 19:52:41 +0000 UTCOh and Happy Birthday CLS 😀
Tony Colton
2018-03-20 19:42:40 +0000 UTCOh hell yeah!!! A spiritual successor to Beyond & Psiloveyouxoxo!!! Bursting at the seams for this 🤗 Thanks so much for all your content and for being so open and honest with us. Read your post made me even prouder to be patreon. So so excited for what year to holds and love the idea of a vote for your co-host. I hope all the lovely comments here make your day as much as your post has made my day 😊 Keep on gaming!!
Tony Colton
2018-03-20 19:41:43 +0000 UTCI hope to be part of this dream for years to come! Here's to another year wishing you and your family the very best!!!
strawhatninja
2018-03-20 19:40:48 +0000 UTCHell of a first year guys! To all my Patreon peeps let’s keep the support level strong. To Colin ... keep it up bro and don’t doubt yourself ... your doing awesome 😎
Brogan Wassell
2018-03-20 19:38:53 +0000 UTCIncredible stuff, Colin! I’m stoked for year 2!
Alex Perkins
2018-03-20 19:38:50 +0000 UTCI don't know a better way to say I appreciate this post, and the year of content you've given me, other than: I'm not going anywhere my dude. Extremely happy to be part of this.
Joosh
2018-03-20 19:38:43 +0000 UTCThank you Colin - big supporter of all you've done. Thanks for everything and as long as you keep putting out stuff, you'll have an avid listener/watcher in me.
Andrew Jasper
2018-03-20 19:36:49 +0000 UTCWish you nothing but the best. I've enjoyed year one, and look forward to year 2. Hope you remember to take time for yourself and your relationships, not only for your mental health, but your spiritual one as well. All the best to you and Erin.
Bart Labeda
2018-03-20 19:34:16 +0000 UTCI'm so excited to see what you'll bring us in Year 2. I first became aware of you in 2011 when I picked up my first Playstation console, though I later found out I had been reading your stuff for a lot longer than I had initially realized, as I used your FAQ for A Link to the Past and read your stuff at IGN for years before listening to my first Beyond. I followed you to Kinda Funny and loved P.S. I Love You XOXO, and it has honestly been great seeing where this ride has taken you, even through the tumultuous ups and downs. CLS is in a wonderful place; there had been a Beyond- and P.S. I Love You-sized hole in my life for a while, and I honestly couldn't be happier with KnockBack and the subject matter you and Dagan cover. I'm more than happy to support you and your efforts!
Brent Lindquist
2018-03-20 19:33:59 +0000 UTCKeep it up Colin. I've learned a lot from you without even meeting you. I moved to the Northeast, taking a chance in an industry I was never interested in, and have been pretty successful so far. Your content has been something I've listened to the entire way. Your content has helped me deal with being on my own in the frozen tundra up here (I'm a Florida native born and bred), far away from my family, as have video games. Listening to your content reminds me of the debates and good times I'd share with my family and friends back home. I've followed your path the past five years and you have a fan for life here. When you're 95 years old, I'll still be listening. Thank you for the great content. Cheers to year 2! If you ever decide to do a meet up in Boston. I'll be there!
Jimmy Valentine
2018-03-20 19:28:41 +0000 UTCThat was very heart felt post. You've created something truly great with Colin's Last Stand. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future. Bravo!
2018-03-20 19:21:19 +0000 UTCDamnit Colin. U almost made me cry while in my linear algebra review session. I can't believe it's already been a year but I can't wait for the next one.
Maximillian Nibler
2018-03-20 19:15:20 +0000 UTCYou’re hard work is definitely paying off. The content has been steadily great these past few months (seriously), even if some of the topics aren’t things I’ve ever really paid attention to. And I’m very happy to have been a supporter and to continue to support your efforts here. Happy 1 year anniversary, and here’s to many more!
Adam Niksch
2018-03-20 19:14:32 +0000 UTCI can't for the year 10 thank you email!! Happy Anniversary!
Joey Finelli
2018-03-20 19:06:51 +0000 UTCI absolutely love how CLS continues to evolve and change. You, Sir, are crushing it. And I'm glad you've come around to talking about Greg a bit more openly too. You two had the best dynamic. One thing I truly miss about your old KF content was your sense of humor shining through on Colin & Greg Live. I know streaming isn't your favorite thing to do, but the off-the-cuff, unscripted shenanigans were always the highlight of my day. I hope you find an outlet in year 2 for your comedy because I miss it.
Scott Rabideau
2018-03-20 19:06:22 +0000 UTCWhile your presence at these other outlets has certainly been missed by myself and others, I couldn't be happier to be part of CLS's birth and growth over the past year. Can't wait to see what year two holds!
Josh Squires
2018-03-20 19:04:50 +0000 UTCThis is a good post. There were some things in here that my heart needed to hear. Love you and what you do, Colin. <3
2018-03-20 19:02:54 +0000 UTCProud of you and what CLS has become...I think you're really hitting your stride and so is CLS. Fireside Chats and Side Quest are awesome and Kick Back is IMO the best content you've ever created. Dagan is the man too...love hearing you guys and your dynamic. Proud patron and fan...thanks for all that YOU do. Love you man!
Jeremy Cochran
2018-03-20 18:59:24 +0000 UTCLove this. Thank you for putting this together, and keep on learning. And that’s the first Pokémon reference I think I’ve ever heard from you. Who the fuck have you become?
Ryan Berry
2018-03-20 18:59:17 +0000 UTCI can't believe it's already been a year. I've really enjoyed seeing your content evolve. KnockBack and Side Quest are great new additions. Congrats!
Jeff Palmer
2018-03-20 18:59:15 +0000 UTCI am still bummed you never got to work with Andy. You would have had an amazing dynamic.
Gen_Lee_Accepted
2018-03-20 18:58:54 +0000 UTCLove to you Colin, you're the best. Keep doing what you're doing!
2018-03-20 18:58:33 +0000 UTCYou literally have me tearing up at work. Thanks for everything you do. You work matters remember that. Ps. You brother is awesome, want him on more stuff so a let’s play series sounds awesome.
2018-03-20 18:58:30 +0000 UTCThanks Colin! Love the idea of a spiritual successor to PS I Love You.
2018-03-20 18:56:34 +0000 UTCIt’s been a great first year, and I’m looking forward to watching the continued evolution during year two.
Chris B
2018-03-20 18:56:26 +0000 UTCWell spoken as always Colin. My one regret with CLS is you make too much awesome content for me to consume. Looking forward to Year 2. BEYOND!
Ray Briggs
2018-03-20 18:55:05 +0000 UTCThanks for your comprehensive post, and always being willing to interact with your patrons despite all of the demands you experience in the others domains of CLS life. Here's to many CLS birthdays to come!
Aaron
2018-03-20 18:54:52 +0000 UTCThis is wonderful. Thank you for all the entertainment. I’ve been a fan since Beyond, and although a Greg and Colin Playstation show is the best content I ever listened too, I absolutely love what you do now. Knockback is my favorite Podcast of any right now.
Alex Ball
2018-03-20 18:51:28 +0000 UTCThank you for all your hard work. BEYOND!
Jorge Pal
2018-03-20 18:50:16 +0000 UTCLove you, Colin!
Dennis Parker
2018-03-20 18:49:16 +0000 UTC
