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Random stream advice
13 years ago
General
Just things that come up, I admit, as bits of advice. Some of it is a rehash of a guide courtesy of the exemplary and wise genesisw, other bits are my own two cents based on further observations.
Webcam quality counts~ Logitech's newest version of the C900 series, the C920, seems to have had several improvements with pros in mind, particularly the screw threads. Don't think this is important? Consider Gen's cam is taped to her lamp - you could use the bendy tripods available (cheap) at local stores to attach it anywhere on a lamp arm and move it around at your discretion.
Engage! Particularly, engage your clients. People have more fun (and looser wallets) when you are engaging and entertaining. You can't talk to everyone, of course, just let people know you care.
Focus Music helps, yes. It makes a stream more interesting... just remember that music your target audience likes or is related to what you're drawing will work better than random noise. Background noise, though, is often distracting. If you're talking over a webcam's mic, remember it'll do its best to pick up everything in the room. Which brings me to -
Microphones A good headset does work wonders. Please! Procaster at least carries an ability to adjust mixers so you can directly take the audio feed off your music player without any echo, and then mix in your microphone. With this kind of setup, most mics won't pick up things like the cars passing by, your roommate's TV blasting CSI, or other things that may discourage viewers. I, personally, wear headphones to dampen these kinds of sounds when at my machine and having them forced into my mixer is distracting at the least - panic-inducing at the most with the wrong program in the background.
Occupy Yourself ... No, not in a dirty way. This isn't about that kind of stream. Basically, have a backup plan to keep people interested in case you don't have a queue or takers for in-stream commissions. Stock up on ACEOs (ATCs in most terminology, just more mercenary) to sell at a convention, perhaps. At the very least, you'll be drawing, improving your trade. Perhaps you'll give one of your viewers an idea about your abilities that'll lead to a bite.
Politeness I shouldn't have to go over the issues of reaping what you sow. If you're sick of a certain thing, please work a bit of politeness into refusing a commission. If a commissioner gives you an idea you particularly enjoy, let them know. If you've already accepted a piece and its wearing on you... well, just don't bitch about it. If you have to take a break from it and work on something else that's important, just work out a nice way to say it.
Don't Be A Doormat Seriously. People will abuse you if they can, don't let them. I suggest you follow Gen's general rules on dealing with troublemakers (no pun intended there) and deal with them individually. A simple "stay civil, don't be an ass" type rule works wonders. A good moderator you can trust to be fair and unbiased will be a godsend when you're busy, but please remember close personal friends may not be the most suited to the job.
Right, well, that's about all I can think up at the moment. I may come back to this later, may not.
Webcam quality counts~ Logitech's newest version of the C900 series, the C920, seems to have had several improvements with pros in mind, particularly the screw threads. Don't think this is important? Consider Gen's cam is taped to her lamp - you could use the bendy tripods available (cheap) at local stores to attach it anywhere on a lamp arm and move it around at your discretion.
Engage! Particularly, engage your clients. People have more fun (and looser wallets) when you are engaging and entertaining. You can't talk to everyone, of course, just let people know you care.
Focus Music helps, yes. It makes a stream more interesting... just remember that music your target audience likes or is related to what you're drawing will work better than random noise. Background noise, though, is often distracting. If you're talking over a webcam's mic, remember it'll do its best to pick up everything in the room. Which brings me to -
Microphones A good headset does work wonders. Please! Procaster at least carries an ability to adjust mixers so you can directly take the audio feed off your music player without any echo, and then mix in your microphone. With this kind of setup, most mics won't pick up things like the cars passing by, your roommate's TV blasting CSI, or other things that may discourage viewers. I, personally, wear headphones to dampen these kinds of sounds when at my machine and having them forced into my mixer is distracting at the least - panic-inducing at the most with the wrong program in the background.
Occupy Yourself ... No, not in a dirty way. This isn't about that kind of stream. Basically, have a backup plan to keep people interested in case you don't have a queue or takers for in-stream commissions. Stock up on ACEOs (ATCs in most terminology, just more mercenary) to sell at a convention, perhaps. At the very least, you'll be drawing, improving your trade. Perhaps you'll give one of your viewers an idea about your abilities that'll lead to a bite.
Politeness I shouldn't have to go over the issues of reaping what you sow. If you're sick of a certain thing, please work a bit of politeness into refusing a commission. If a commissioner gives you an idea you particularly enjoy, let them know. If you've already accepted a piece and its wearing on you... well, just don't bitch about it. If you have to take a break from it and work on something else that's important, just work out a nice way to say it.
Don't Be A Doormat Seriously. People will abuse you if they can, don't let them. I suggest you follow Gen's general rules on dealing with troublemakers (no pun intended there) and deal with them individually. A simple "stay civil, don't be an ass" type rule works wonders. A good moderator you can trust to be fair and unbiased will be a godsend when you're busy, but please remember close personal friends may not be the most suited to the job.
Right, well, that's about all I can think up at the moment. I may come back to this later, may not.
