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A New Show, A New Tier, and A New Year

Happy New Year!


I hope this letter finds you all very well, and that your respective holiday vacations were enjoyable, restful, and fattening. Yes, fattening, because it’s probably cold out where you are, and who doesn’t like to sit on the couch and eat all day instead of going outside? Just me? Okay.



I wanted to check-in with all of you to first say thank you. Thank you for making 2017 such a rousing success for Colin’s Last Stand. I’m just one person -- not a group or a company -- and so to have one of the most successful Patreons in the world during that time is really cool, and something that I’ll always remember. I’ll always and forever be thankful for the life you guys have given me, and will always preach from the mountaintops that hard work absolutely, positively pays off, especially when you’re doing something you love. I doubt CLS will ever reach those heights again, and that’s fine. Maybe CLS will ultimately fall off of a cliff, and I'll go do something else with my life. I dunno. That’s ultimately up to all of you. I can’t demand an audience, or your time and attention, or a market for what I do. I can only do my absolute best to earn what’s been given me, and to return a volley of content that I hope entertains and informs you.


As I’ve explained to you in the past, I’ve always wanted Colin’s Last Stand to hinge on a limited rotisserie of content that stresses quality over quantity, content that changes with your whims and desires, as well as my own (because I want to stay sane). Fireside Chats spawned because you guys missed me talking to other people. It’s now a mainstay of CLS. Side Quest came to be because you guys were sick of my hard-headedness about not talking about games. It’s now the brand’s most popular show. Change will continue to come, as new shows are introduced, and others put on hiatus. Nothing is permanent; yet, nothing will ever be retired. It's beautiful, really. Colin's Last Stand has no definition. It is whatever we want it to be.


On that note, let's talk about what's new. Late in 2017, I told you that I had a new show in the works, a new idea. Over the holidays, I met with the co-host of this new show, and we’re working towards solidifying what the show will be, and hope that it will see the light of day no later than March, but hopefully in February. I won’t reveal the co-host quite yet, but I will say that it’s going to be a nerd culture-driven audio podcast. Games. Movies. Books. Whatever makes sense.


It’ll be conversational and informative, and focus less on what’s hot at the moment, and focus more on diving deep into what we love and are passionate about. It's finally going to allow me to collaborate with someone I’ve wanted to work closely with for a very long time. I think this show makes sense for one reason in particular: We focus too much on what’s next, but rarely marinate on anything long enough to truly appreciate, understand, or enjoy something, and this is especially true in our space. I don’t feel like many podcasts reflect reality for those who are listening, who don’t have the time to play what’s new, or get to the most recent movie, or jump into the hottest TV show. I want this new show to reflect your reality, which is also my reality, frankly. You should see my backlog of games, movies, and TV shows. It’s insane. And I do this for a living!


The other thing I wanted to do here is to announce a new, temporary Patreon tier. Last year, a talented artist named Jake Kontou drew the picture of me (seen above), and, if you support me in the month of January at the $50+/month level, you’ll get a high-quality, signed print of that art along with your postcard. I only did something like this one other time, when I signed The Infamous Tweet. This is something just a little different that I want to do, and look forward to shipping those out in February to interested parties.


Speaking of Patreon, I want to wrap-up on that note. Colin’s Last Stand continues to depend almost entirely on Patreon to survive. I recently started serving YouTube ads to algorithmically help my videos, and to increase their discoverability, but the money made there over the course of a year is unlikely to even cover the cost of the schoolbook charity CLS did late last year (truth be told, I haven't even taken the meager funds in AdSense out yet; it's just sitting there). Merch makes money, too, and has sold very well, but my insistence on Made in the USA, American-designed-and-printed, high quality gear means that it’s also a drop in the bucket, once costs are covered. In short: Your help here on Patreon is much-needed.


If you don’t support CLS on Patreon already, please do. Even jumping in at a low level really helps, and nets you some cool perks, including voting rights for future topics ($2/month), early access to Fireside Chats ($5/month), and Q&A Video access ($10/month). And if you’re already here, please consider upping your pledge if you enjoy what Colin’s Last Stand is all about, and what it’s attempting to do.


As always, your feedback is very welcome. You can leave your comments here on Patreon, or message me privately with Patreon’s messenger, too. I’d love to hear what you like and don’t like about the content, what you’d love to see in the future, and how I can better use Patreon to make it more worth your while. As anyone who has messaged me before can tell you, I pretty much always message back.


And, hey, if you wanna just enjoy the content without paying, you’re more than welcome to do that, too. Your access won’t change, and you’re still a welcome and cherished member of this community. I just figured I’d ask again for your support, just in case you’re on the fence.


Here’s to a fantastic 2018! I’m wishing you and yours nothing but the best, and hope you continue to enjoy what Colin’s Last Stand is doing -- and will do -- well into the future.


Yours, -Colin

A New Show, A New Tier, and A New Year

Comments

Glad to give a detailed answer, as I'm sure it's going to become a more common question. I think Fireside Chats is going to continue to be a great avenue for the kinds of conversations you're looking for.

Colin Moriarty

Oh wow, thanks colin for such a detailed answer. I completely understand where you are coming from. Really my main concern was if you weren't going to talk about in depth topics like you used to bring up on GoG. Like space; broader political and philosophical; social and science related topics, etc. I just really appreciated your perspective on those sorts of things and when you deep dive into it. But what ever you endeavor to create I am sure it will be top quality like you have been doing. Thanks for all the work you have put into the videos this year though and I appreciate your effort.

Alex Kloeden

Hey Alex! Ultimately, programming is going to be the result of mixing my own desires as a creator with what the audience as a whole wants. Without a healthy dose of both, CLS (as a company) can't survive. In short: I'm listening. My audience said over and over again that they missed me in a conversational, podcast setting, so I started Fireside Chats, and it's doing great. When I asked the audience if I should do gaming content, 91% of CLS' paying supporters said Yes. So I started Side Quest, and it's doing even better. "The New Show" is going to be a fusion of both, I think, along with some other elements, and I'm having a difficult time in my own head of verbalizing a one-sentence pitch -- because I don't want it to be about nerd culture as it's often defined -- but it IS going to be about the things many of us love, and how we can better, more intelligently, and more usefully speak about them. Less about timeliness; more about depth. Candidly -- and I mentioned this on Twitter a week or two ago -- CLS as a show (the original history/politics show) is likely going on hiatus in a month or so. I think the show needs a breather, and I need a breather from producing it, and from the rather toxic political space online. Most importantly, however, "The New Show" is going to demand time I would otherwise not have, and I can't possibly juggle four shows at once (three is enough of a task). Fireside Chats will continue, and there will be political episodes moving forward, so I think that'll satiate people, too. And, once the midterms roll around, I'm pretty sure it'll be time to rev CLS back up. At that time, something else will have to give. So, I hope that answers the question. I want CLS (the umbrella) to be nimble, change, bring content in and out, et cetera, but nothing will ever be cancelled, and nothing will ever be set in stone. CLS (the show), as the brand's lowest-performing content in both views/listens and Patron interest, has now become the brand's least important show. That's simply the nature of my business. I don't know much more right now than I expressed in the letter (and reiterated here), but am always happy to talk further if there are any other questions, comments, or concerns.

Colin Moriarty

Hi Colin, I rarely comment but I just had a question regarding this announcement. I was wondering if these changes mean that the historical and political show will be reduced. I can imagine a large proportion of your support comes from people who are primarily interested in video games and geek culture. I am also interested in this but the reason I really came to respect and appreciate you on GoG is because I feel you provide a great service in exposing politics and history to an audience that might not know they are interested in it. So I am just concerned whether these changes mean you are moving away from your original outset of the project towards more geek culture related content. Regardless, I am a big fan of all your content and will still be a happy consumer and patron, however I would just like to let you know that your main show is my favorite and I hope you still continue it. Keep up the fantastic work and I especially look forward to your next appearance on Rubin or Rogan!

Alex Kloeden

Thank you for your kind support, and for your vote of confidence! I appreciate it.

Colin Moriarty

Can’t wait for this new show and for the new year. I’ve been having withdrawals since the vacation and I’m excited to watch the new video today! Also, just for anyone reading this and is on the fence about Patreon, I would highly recommend it! You get the biggest bang for your buck, and I love the community here. I was a $10 dollar subscriber for the longest time, but after CLS: Side quest rolled out I bumped it up to $25 and I haven’t regretted it since. Here’s to a great and hopefully year of CLS content! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!

Advent

I believe that's how it'll work. If you bump it up, you should be charged, and then you can bump it back down. Let me know if there are any problems. And if there's a problem with my record-keeping at the end of the month and you don't get the signed image, just let me know and I'll be happy to send one out to you.

Colin Moriarty

So anybody who ups their pledge to $50 for January would be able to get the poster once that payment is processed? Would love to get one for myself. Love the stuff you have been doing and a great breath of fresh air for me over all the antagonism I found on Facebook with the current administration. Now I got a back log of your stuff to go through while at work. It was that infamous tweet that wanted me to check you out as a matter of fact. Glad I did

Thank you for your kindness and your support! I truly appreciate it.

Colin Moriarty

I'm hoping 2018 is great. Thank you for your support, and for picking up some merch!

Colin Moriarty

Great first year Colin, love the idea of the new show, can't wait to hear about the co-host. I've always said you are at your best when you are just conversing, riffing on whatever comes up organically. Looking forward to more awesomeness, hope you enjoyed the holidays and got recharged, thank you for all you do for your Patrons! I increased my $$ support a few months back and you continue to make it worth every penny!

Bryan Finck

Also, I just order my new cls shirt! Can't wait for it get here!

A.G.Rowe

Fuck yea Colin. Thank you for an amazing year of content and I can't wait for another. Keep up the great work buddy. Happy new year

A.G.Rowe

Thank you! I will do my absolute best.

Colin Moriarty

Great year of content Colin! I l only expect you to continue to improve your work like you always have.

Travis farmer

Thank you for your support, and welcome!

Colin Moriarty

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

Colin Moriarty

Finally became a patron! Happy to actually support what you're doing Colin!

Incredibly excited for what is to come Colin. Wishing you all the best for another fantastic year

Paul James

~8"x11", I would assume.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! Here's hoping 2018 is a fantastic year.

Colin Moriarty

How big is the art print that come with the postcard at the $50 tier?

Just got home from a 13 hour drive to the great news. 2018 is shaping up to be a great year. Can't wait for all the new content. You may not remember, but I used a quote from you in a History paper probably a year ago and the changes made in your life make me feel proud that I did so! Can't wait for the year to come!

Campbell Jones

Thank you for your kind words, and for your support. I'm glad that you've been enjoying the content.

Colin Moriarty

I don't post in the comments often Colin but I have been supporting you since Day 1 and have no plans to stop. Looking forward to the new content in 2017. I appreciate that CLS is an always evolving product. I was catching up on Fireside chats during the Xmas break. Great stuff. Good luck in 2018.

Ray Briggs

Thank you so much! That's very kind.

Colin Moriarty

CLS is a Birthday Tax-Free Zone.

Colin Moriarty

I just started listening to fireside chats over the break, they are awesome. You are a great interviewer, can’t wait to hear more!

Kelly Machande

Are there any plans to reform the birthday tax in 2018? Keep fucking that domestic fowl.

Marty Blois

Thank you! <3

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much for joining the Patreon family! I'm glad you're digging the content.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your kind support! It means a great deal to me.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! If Alexa lived in LA, I'd absolutely pitch her on a gaming podcast, but alas. =)

Colin Moriarty

Tell me about it, dude. Time is flying by quicker than I can possibly grasp. Whatever you can give is much appreciated; I'm really glad that those old Q&A videos found resonance with some folks!

Colin Moriarty

Thanks ma! I think Jake did a great job, for sure.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much for your kindness and your support.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! I'm glad you're stoked, too. I'm planning on doing an even bigger CLS charity this year, so while I'm not going to say that I'll donate all of the money (as I have no idea how much it'll be), I'll reiterate that, those numbers extrapolated, a year's worth of Adsense would barely cover the money I gave away last year. Standby!

Colin Moriarty

Hey Ryan! I stopped doing them back in the late summer, I think. I made multiple posts about it, and we had a dialogue as a community. I'm sorry, but I just didn't have the time to do them while doing three shows a week, and they weren't getting much traction.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your (future) support!

Colin Moriarty

It's a good problem to have. Could be worse!

Colin Moriarty

Extremely excited for this new show and can't wait to know who's your co-host. Good luck in 2018 Colin.

Gustavo

I've been listening since you started Fireside Chats (video format of CLS was not ideal for me initially although I respect the concept) and decided to pledge today. I was a bit late to discover you with PS I Love You XOXO, but I always enjoy hearing your opinions. Looking forward to the next year and catching up on Side Quest!

Mike Collins

This was the exact kind of show I wanted to request in 2017! Conversational/controversial podcast! Hope CLS and friends have a prosperous 2018. I will stick with CLS as long as it stands for free speech/thought and constant learning.

Don Le

Is the new show called Vita Island? 😂 ah great that you are doing new content and excited to hear you chat about games with co-host on regular basis. Your Fireside chat with Alexa was really excellent and my favourite CLS content so far and loved the dynamic and banter between you two

Tony Colton

Can’t believe that in 2 or 3 months that CLS will be a year old. Time flies. Hoping Colin and everyone here has a great year. I’m thinking I might up to the $10 tier next month. Those Q&A holiday surprises were actually very entertaining. I think I have a good idea on who might be co-host of the new show. Can’t wait to see that next step for CLS.

Nicholas Swanson

I can't wait for what's next in your lineup, bud! And...Just a quick note about Jake's drawing of you. It's amazing and each time I look at it, I recognize that he really captured your essence. It truly is remarkable. Thank you, Jake, if you're here listening. And sorry that I've never mentioned this before. ❤️

BettyAnn Moriarty

When you started CLS I was BEYOND excited. Your focus on American history and politics wasn't up my alley as a Canadian but, I donated on patreon anyway. My donation was to support you, because I believe in you as a creator. I started donating in July and you've exceeded my expectations. You've launched two new shows that are exacltly the type of content I wanted to see from you. I really wish you all the best in 2018.

Congrats on the second calendar year of CLS! I'm looking forward to the new show, and I have a couple co-host guesses in mind, but I look forward to the annoucement. One idea, which has probably been brought up already somewhere, would be to save all the adsense revenue and donate it at the end of the year to a charity. Then people who can only watch on youtube are supporting something good, and the patreon folks are doing that plus supporting you. Or keep it and buy lola more toys, I always will support that. Happy new year!

Neely 4x4

Hey Colin, I am very excited for 2018! Random thought/question, are news bursts still a thing? I really enjoyed them, and was just wondering if you were planning on continuing them this year? Maybe I missed announcement where you stopped them, if you did I apolopgize. Thanks!

Ryan Carrig

Probably going to pledge soon. Left KF when you did and followed you but due to a wedding and massive CC debt haven’t been able to pledge yet. I will soon

John Lynch

"You should see my backlog of games, movies, and TV shows. It’s insane." Story of my life. It's bittersweet

Dav9834

!!!

Colin Moriarty

Excited for 2018, let’s do this!

Austin Tex Perez

Thank you so much! I appreciate you a great deal.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much. This year was up and down, for sure, but I'm confident 2018 will treat us all much better. Congratulations on your marriage!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support, as CLS continues to adapt and morph into whatever the hell it's going to become!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

I have to figure out how we're gonna do it. I'd love to get topics out ahead of time, but that may ruin the luster of the show. Maybe for Patrons only?

Colin Moriarty

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! I'm glad you're stoked, I am too!

Colin Moriarty

Such is the life of a dork. We have way too many entertainment options, so things start stacking!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your support!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! Happy New Year!

Colin Moriarty

Very exciting! Looking forward to the new show, will be interesting to see who the co-host is. I have a list of people I’d love to see in that position. Also upped my pledge, since you deserve it. Keep up the great work, Colin!

Marius Skarsem Pedersen

What a challenging year this was for many of us. I got married right around the time all of the KF drama happened, so I came back and felt very displaced as I’ve been following you for many years. But it really warmed my heart to see how you came out of that and started something you truly love and believe in. And you’re damn good at it! It’s inspiring for me personally, because I’m a very creative person stuck working for a giant tech corporation, not really getting to nourish that creativity at all. Seeing your success, however, shows me that you can break with the norm and follow your dreams. If done properly and with conviction, it can bring you true happiness. Well, as happy as us anxious guys can be. I look forward to a new year of possibilities and great content from you, Colin!

Jon Rodriguez

Happy 2018 Colin! I am pretty excited to see your plans for the new show and new year.

John Schulz

This is excellent news! Can't wait for the new show! :D

Daniel D'Amore

I love the general premise of the new show! It almost sounds like a nerd-culture book club instead of just another "let's talk about news you can find on your own." Will topics be announced in prior to a podcasts recording? That way the community could brush up on whatever is about to be talked about. That way we would be able to engage via questions or coments.

Tonys_Always_Write

You’ll love the $10 content. Make sure you submit questions every month when he asks for them because he literally answers every single question submitted to him. Makes for some really long and entertaining videos every month.

Anthony Wright

You got this, you deserve it! Happy new year and all the best!

Tyler

Excellent news! Can’t wait for the new show Colin, keep up the fantastic work.

I also like this idea because though I get caught up in hype and buy tons of games, my back log is insane not only because if time, but because I like to slow play games and really enjoy them. I’m without a doubt a JRPG gamer, and I like to play all of the side quest as well as the main story content. If I didn’t do so, I’d be leaving at least 50% of game content unplayed.

Anthony Wright

This is excellent news, Colin. I'm excited enough by this news to throw my $5 pledge to a $10 pledge. I kinda badgered you at the end of 2017 to come on my podcast and never got a response, so I'm sorry if I was annoying, 2018 will be badger free. Can't wait for the new show, and I'd bet $20 the new cohost is a man who goes by the initials of JP.

Ian (616Entertainment)

Happy New Year Colin. Can't wait to see what 2018 has in store.

Cameron Paterson

Thank you! I hope to deliver the goods. =)

Colin Moriarty

I'm glad you're digging what I'm trying to do with the podcast. I really think most people are like you and I. We want to know what's hot and what's happening, but that doesn't mean we had a chance to even absorb what's already been!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much for your ringing endorsement! I try my hardest to be a mainstay on my Patreon; to interact and bring as much value as I can.

Colin Moriarty

Can't wait to see this new show! It's gonna be a great year for CLS!

Donovan Lipscomb

Oooh, very excited to find out who the co-host will be for this new show! I also think you're right on the money with the idea that we can't all be caught up and playing the latest games and watching the latest movies. I used to go back and listen to old episodes of podcast beyond that were released around the time the game I was currently going through so I could revisit the discussion when it was "in the zeitgest". Here's to a great 2018 Colin! 🍾

Jon Cordeiro

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Colin Moriarty

Just to let everyone know. I’ve been a supporter at the $10 a month level since day 1 and it’s awesome. I subscribe to four Patreons, and I can whole heartedly say that CLS content at the $10 level (and above) is literally the only Patreon I consider to be worth the money paid in. The extra videos and voting is consistent and makes this a really enjoyable and interactive show to be a part of. I’d highly recommend everyone try bumping up their pledge and checking it out. It’s really great bang for your buck!!

Anthony Wright

I'm so excited to roll it out.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much!

Colin Moriarty

Happy new year Colin. Can’t wait for the new show like many others. Hope 2018 is even better than 2017!!!

=D

Colin Moriarty

Can’t wait for the new show

Can't wait to see what the next year brings! Also looking forward to the new show! Keep up the great work!

Joe Aldape

And let the co-host speculation begin! Can't wait for the announcement :)

Thank you! I appreciate your kindness.

Colin Moriarty

I'm very excited for your opinions and content in 2018. Thank you for the great work sir. 👍

Jimmy Valentine

Thank you! <3

Colin Moriarty

Like many others, I’m excited for the year to come, plan on being here for the long haul. Happy 2018

You weren't first this time. =\

Colin Moriarty

Mmm, juicy developments. Looking forward to 2018.

Steven Camilo

Thank you very much!

Colin Moriarty

I can't wait for the new show! Here's to another awesome year - best to you and yours Colin!

Simon Winstanley


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