TwitchCon Keynote 2017

I am not going to attempt pretend that all the cool things offered at TwitchCon I had any access to.  I did make it a point to watch the keynote address, since that's usually when you get the biggest goodies they have to offer so you can feel glad you spent all that money, took time off from work and family, so  you could be there to hear it.  This is my first TwitchCon in any format and their keynote did not disappoint.

Here are the highlights from Keynote:

1. Premiers - a way for content makers to showcase and advertise special content.  The keynote gave the example of one of their partnered beta testers put together a special edit of a few of her favorite moments.  According to her, it was like having a big party for all her viewers.  I can only imagine that if I understood Premier's format and intention, then this could be used to highlight any number of special events for your stream - fundraisers, giveaway parties, birthdays, etc the list could go on forever.
2. Achievements - This is #2 on my list of 'excited for' improvements on Twitch.  I had been gunning for Affliate since I first started streaming but the thing was, even though they listed out the minimum requirements for attaining Affliate, they basically just said under all that "When you reach this nebulous and unquantifiable goal, we'll send you a letter.  Just watch for it."  Ok so I was paraphrasing but that's what it was like.  With Achievements, gone is the mystery and uncertainy.  Achievements will spell out how to obtain both Affliate AND Partnership using defined goals, that once reached, will mean a guarentee invitation to each level.  While being able to see how close you are to reaching each level, based on the slide example, it could be used as a way of seeing where your stream is excelling and where it needs some work.  They are planning rolilng this out in November.
3. Stream Summary - Another fabulous addition for content creators.  As I mentioned, Achievements can be used as tool to improve your stream, Stream Summary was designed specifically for that.  It will break down different aspects of the last stream you had in to useful tidbits like most active chatter, number of follows/subs/donations, stream length and demographics for viewership, most clipped, etc.  All this information can be parlayed into a visual representation of the health of your stream, or places where you could improve.  End of November is when they annoucned this will be available.
4. Rooms - I girl-clapped and cringed at the same time.  This new Twitch functionality will have a lot of implications for your stream.  Imagine have the ability to have chat conversations with your viewers during a stream while able to chat in a separate chat with your mods or subs.  I adore this idea.  However, its just one more section of screen that I have to babysit during the 100 other things I'm trying to do during a stream.  Rooms will be available some time in December.
5. Rituals - they were very brief in mentioning this Twitch function, so I may have completely misunderstood Rituals' benefits other than Twitch's attempt to replace third-party apps or programs, such as Nightbot or Anhkbot.  From the slide it looked like it had new viewer greeting in chat functionality, as an example.  Hopefully Twitch will release further information before Rituals is released.
6. Extentions - Unless I'm some sort of special snowflake that I didn't know I was, I'm already using Twitch's Extentions.  StreamLab's offers an extention that gives my viewers a little bit more interactivity than I would normally have - automatic Scrap accumulation based length of viewership, a bouncing treasure chest with bonus Scraps that all my viewers need to do is use their mouse to click on their screen, a music queue if I wanted to use it, and Scrap redemption prizes that I create myself.  Regardless, sounds like they are full steam ahead to offer user made extention platforms that can only do really awesome stuff as a content creator.
7. Raids - Spend any time discussing Twitch and streaming and this will come up eventually.  For those not 'in the know', a raid when one streamer drop-hosts their viewers on another streamer.  The idea is usually a high-viewership streamer either drops their already accumulated viewership or plans in advance a viewership to drop on a streamer that they want to help out.  This is the holy grail of new streamers.  Apparently now, Twitch has bestowed their blessings and have sanctioned this idea and make it part of their offerings to streamers and viewers.  They were not very specific about how this would translate to any functionality of your Twitch options, so I'm hoping closer to its release date they will let us know how Raids will work in the future.
8. Gifting Subs - This is hands down #1 in my book.  And they announced that this ability will be available right before the Holidays.  My guess would be sometime before or close to Thanksgiving.

All these changes in general are very satisfying.  Any time Twitch can offer more user-friendly functionality or useful additions is always a good thing.




~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~

Its a Dead Man's Party . . .

https://katiecandrawblog.wordpress.com/

I'm sure you've noticed by now that I've changed my overlay to something a little more festive for the season.  I love Halloween!  I used to love it for the candy, but as I've gotten older its for the costumes and the parties.  So I'm having a PARTY!!  On Monday, October 30st, I am holding a Halloween Eve stream.  There will be games!  There will prizes!  There will be Star Wars!!

There will be plenty of prizes to win - SWTOR cartel coins, steam games, and the Piece d'Resistance -- A Funko Pop BB-8 figure!  Its new in package and so freaking adorable I don't know anyone who wouldn't want one.

So let's talk party!  Starting at 8pm MST, I will be streaming Star Wars: The Old Republic.  During the 4 hour stream,  we'll play games that will either earn you Scraps, gift cards, etc.  Then, at about 10:30pm MST I will do the raffle for the BB-8.  The longer you're in my stream, the better your chances to win.  Hint:  Join me for my regularly scheduled streams through the month and earn more Scraps to increase your chances to win as long as you're a follower.

Let's get loudy and rowdy! Rock to my awesome Halloween playlist and watch for the floating jack o' lantern for bonus Scraps.

Also a brief reminder that my Scrapping Cancer event is still going on.  Any bits given or donations made to Paypal will go directly to my nephew's cancer fund.  And he also has a YouCaring fundraiser as well, in case you'd rather donate to his fund more directly.  Any little bit helps!  Let's beat childhood cancer -- Go Team Gabe!

www.twitch.tv/scrappywheelz

~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~

TERA, Arsenal . . . New Gear Progression!

Ok so before my watchers start throwing old Jedi robes and burn out lightsabers at me let me explain.  Just as I was a founder for Star Wars: The Old Republic, so I am a founder for TERA as well.  Its gives me access to play at subscriber level without having to pay a sub fee every month.  Its gives an alternative if I start feeling a little burned out from SWTOR.  Plus, who doesn't love Team MLP!! (My squad of Elin all named after My Little Pony characters.)  And overall I like playing the game but not as much as I do SWTOR.

A friend of mine told me that TERA is getting ready for a major update come October 10th (what is up with major updates for the 10th??)  And one of the biggest is the new gear progession - new tiers,  new enchanting mats, new tier names!  That is one major overhaul.  So for all my friends who love TERA and are curious about the coming updates Tuesday, check out this super funny yet dorky video about the new gearing progression.  Good job, guys, on the vid!

~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~~

www.twitch.tv/scrappywheelz

Sub-tober, extended!

In the smallest blip at the top of the blog post, it was announced on Twitch's blog that they are extending half priced subs through October 18, 2017.  That gives you about 13 more days to show the love to your favorite content creator by subscribing to their channel.  As stated in the above graphic, get 50% off the 1st month of any new sub.

And speaking of showing the love, I'm still actively fundraising for my nephew, Gabe, who is in the hospital fighting lymphatic cancer.  All bits thrown my way and all PayPal donations made through my channel will all go towards the fund set up to help his parents with the expenses that come with being in the hospital for almost two months.  Not to mention that he will have to have at-home doses of chemotherapy until the doctors declare him in remission.  There is also a YouCaring account set up for him, if you'd rather donate directly.  Every little bit helps and is immensely appreciated!

Tonight we continue with Chapter XV: Battle of Odessen.  See you at 8:30pm MST at twitch.tv/scrappywheelz!



~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~

Schedule Change -- Again!

I know.  I know.  Its only been about six weeks since the last change.  But I think this new schedule will not only fit the week better, but it also allows my family some together time right in the middle of busy school and work schedules.  So . . . .

Monday --      8:30pm - 12pm
Tuesday --      Day Off
Wednesday -   8:30pm - 12pm
Thurday --      8:30pm - 12pm
Friday -          Alternating Weeks
                       On week - 8:30pm - 12pm
Saturday -       Alternating Weeks
                       On week - 8:30pm - 12pm
Sunday -         Varies - check Twitch

All times are in Moutain Standard Time and at this point anything goes with what game I play.  I'm more inclined to play Star Wars:  The Old Republic, but every once in a while I'll get a wild hair to play Hearthstone.  I only play World of Warcraft if my husband forces me too.  [Insert teenagery pout].  Hey, and what do you know!  Halloween happens to fall on a Tuesday this year so I won't have to take any extra days off for that!

Speaking of Halloween -- what do you think of my new overlay?  Let me know either in chat when I'm live on Twitch or make a comment below.  I love FALL!!

Don't forget!  Twtich if offering half price subs for the month of September!  You've got three days left to take advantage of this!

Also, any bits donated or direct Paypal donations made while my nephew is in the hospital will be going entirely to his cancer fund.    You can also make a direct donation at YouCaring in his name if you feel so prompted.

And working on getting the Umbara Train Stronghold today so please join me in the fun!

www.twitch.tv/scrappywheelz

~~~  Scrappywheelz   ~~~

Scrapping Cancer

I remember I was at my daughter's parent teacher's conference.  I got a call from my sister, who through her tears, told me that my nephew had been diagnosed with cancer.  I'm pretty sure getting hit in the head with a brick would have been less surprising.  My 15 year old nephew, my brother's son, has cancer.  No one else in our family had cancer.  Ok well, melanoma.  We're all of northwestern European descent - Irish, Scottish, English, German.  We don't do sun.  But melanoma caught early almost never kills you.  But this was different.  This was lymphoma and that definitely could kill you.  And that's what rang through my head when I heard the news - No one in our family has cancer!  We don't have risk factors for cancer (except melanoma)!  What is going on?

We still don't know what is going on for sure.  At this point we know its T-cell lymphatic cancer.  It hasn't spread to his bone marrow, his spinal fluid looks good, and the doctors were pretty sure that it was contained to the lymph nodes under his jaw.  That's all fine and well - all that stuff. But as anyone who has had or has known someone with cancer, cancer's only the tip of the iceburg.  He's dealing with fluid around  his heart and lungs, with kidneys that are malfunctioning.  Having to get naked in front of female nurses!  Its all so overwhelming to me, I can't image what its like for him.  The doctors that have seen him have all had encouraging words for us.  Its as good as it could be if its going to be cancer, which to me really is like them pointing up to a mountain peak where the sun is peeking over and saying, "Once you get to the top, you'll be fine."  Its great that you can see the peak, the sun.  But you still have a long way to get there.  And its going to be hard, frustrating, terrifying, hurtful, and altering that as you go along you just hope its all worth it.

For about the next month or so, any bit you donate, or any direct donation made to my PayPal will 100% go to Gabriel's hospital fund.  I'll donate it for as long as he's in the hospital, which from optimistic estimates will be for at least a month.  Let's mitigate the nausea my brother and sister-in-law will feel when they get the bill for the hospital when he gets better.  If you'd rather go a more direct route I've also included a link for his YouCaring fundraiser below.  Any little bit helps - seriously.

Team Gabe You Caring Fundraiser

~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~

Schedule Shakeup

So tonight I normally don't stream.  Except I am.  And this Friday I wouldn't normally stream either, and I won't, however I will be doing a short live stream.  Why, you ask??

Cause I'll be at Salt Lake Comic Con!

Super excited to be going to one of my favorite places with the family.  We won't be doing any celebrity hounding this year but its ok because there's so much more to do than stand in long lines and listen to two dudes argue the virtues and vices of Kirk and Picard.  (Picard completely blows Kirk out of the water in intelligence, sophistication and sexiness - just sayin.)

So tonight in my semi-obsessive need to have all the healers, I might be leveling my agent some.  One thing I haven't really tried in Star Wars: The Old Republic is PvP healing.  None of the classes are really great for that.  Merc healers can be quite mobile with their heals and they get some nice shield procs and protective bubbles, but they only have one really good 'get out of stun lock free' and its cooldown makes it pretty unimpressive.  Sorcerer heals just got a nice big nerf stick to the face not too long ago and so while they have some nice abilities for heals on the run and escapes, they've seen a big loss in pure healing umph.  Which leaves me with the agent.

I have to admit.  Agent was fun to level but its not very much fun to play otherwise (note: IMO). As I've said before, I'm not a fan of melee DPS.  I much prefer ranged but agents as much as Gunslinger Smugglers suffer from ridiculously long cast times for their abilities with little to no mobility at all, if you want to cast the hard hitters.  I seriously tip my hat to the players that make the Sniper/Gunglslinger a viable and deadly class in PvP.  I just can't find the knack for it.  Which leads into some of the things I do not like about the agent heals.  Agent heals are less mobile than mercs, and they have more potential healing ability than sorcs.  But their abilities suffer from longish cast times.  The only thing, for me, that makes the agent rise above the rest for PvP is all its lovely escapes.  Which, having rarely played stealth classes, will be the hardest thing for me to learn and make intuitive.

So here's to throwing myself in the pool and making myself learn to swim so to speak.  And I'm going to do all for your enjoyment!

Here goes nothing -    www.twitch.tv/scrappywheelz

Also remember, you still have time to sub to your favorite Twitch-er for half off the normal sub price!  SubTember is almost over so make sure you take advantage of this fantastic offer while it lasts.


~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~

Bits and Scraps

Like I promised, I have finally implemented a few new features!  Not only do I have a tip mug

You can now visually see those bit cheers when you tip!  Throw as many bits as you like in my mug, and watch the magic.

Bits are fun but you do not need to donate them to participate in my stream.

Introducing - scraps!  For every 5 minutes you watch my live stream, you will receive 5 scraps!  Scraps can be used for playing games on my stream, or redeeming prizes.

You might have noticed that there is a button on the lower righthand of my screen.  This is the menu button where you play games, redeem scraps and request songs from SoundCloud.

Here is the initial offerings for scraps:

Also watch for the bouncing chest!  If you see one bouncing around my screen, click on it for a reward!  The amounts contained in the chest will change from time to time so you'll never know how much you're going to get.

I'll be streaming tonight at 9pm MST.  Tonight's adventure will be the follow up chapter to the Revan series - Ziost!  Please feel free to join me and earn those scraps!

And don't forget - September is SubTember at Twitch.  All month long any level of subscriptions are 50% off for your first month's subscription to your favorite streamer.  My sub button is in the upper right hand corner of my stream!

www.twitch.tv/scrappywheelz

~~~   Scrappywheelz  ~~~

Half Price Subs! and Revan

No, not that kind of sub!  Subscriptions!  During the month of September, Twitch is offering you the chance to support my stream for your first month for only $2.99 - half off the normal $4.99 pricetag.  SUBtember is here! (That one wasn't mine.  Blame Twitch.) Do you have to sub to enjoy my awkward and nerdy antics?  Of course not.  I don't normally pander the fact that I'm affiliated.  I figure if that's something you are interested in the button in the upper right hand corner of my screen next to the Follow button should be enough of a clue.  But since this something outside the norm, I'd figure I'd let you know about it!  If this something that interests you, great!  Let's rock and roll.  If not, great!  Let's rock and roll.

Did you also know that if you are an Amazon Prime member you are also eligible for an upgrade to Twitch Prime for free?  Yes!  Meaning commercial-free streams, access to monthly gaming specials and freebies and the ability to subscribe to one of your favorite Twitch channels for no extra out of pocket (meaning you don't have pony up another $5 [normally] a month).  That would be me, right?

So all this information directs you to one big question - "Why would you do that?".  Well, outside of the fact that I'm awesome which would be fairly specious of me to say, I've got lots of fun things planned for the folk who do subscribe to me coming up in the near future.  I've already hinted at one of them in a previous post, so keep your eye out for more updates.

DarthTemoc Deviantart

Revan!  What more can I say about this enigmatic force-user other than he is fascinating?  Now don't get all excited.  I have not read one word of any other EU Star Wars books on him (don't worry I have had friends chastise me on this already).  I didn't even know he was a thing until I started playing my first warrior in Star Wars: The Old Republic.  But ever since I played that first questline in Dromand Kaas (now located at The Wall), the duality of his nature, his seeming inability to assimilate both his light and dark sides has intrigued me.  Because let's be honest.  Who hasn't warred with aspects of their own nature in their way?  Who hasn't discovered that one decision changed the whole direction of your entire future, for good or for bad?

So for the next few play dates, I'll be focusing on playing out the entire Revan storyline that should take me from Mask of Revan on Dromand Kaas to Call to Arms for Boarding Party and The Foundry to Shadow of Revan on Rishi andYavin 4.  It should be a fun ride!

Hope to see you there!


~~~   Scrappywheelz   ~~~