JoshB

The Meld Studio team has released v0.9.4.1 with several new features and improvements. macOS release is temporarily delayed for a bug fix but will be available soon. Key New Features: 🌐 Interactive Browser Layers You can now embed fully clickable, real-time web pages directly into your canvas. This eliminates the need to alt-tab during streams when interacting with web content. 🎵 VOD Audio for Multi-Platform Streaming VOD audio tracks can now be used as the main audio source for YouTube, Kick, or custom RTMP streams. Note that audio muting will affect both live broadcasts and VOD recordings simultaneously. 🌍 Expanded Multi by Meld Coverage New dedicated servers have been added in Europe and Australia, improving cloud-based multi-streaming performance for users in these regions. Additional Enhancements: - AB Loop functionality for media layers allows seamless looping of specific video segments - Twitch integration updates using the new eRTMP specification for improved compatibility - Discord presence integration displays Meld Studio activity in your Discord status - UI improvements addressing visual inconsistencies and minor bugs Bug Fixes: The update includes various UI refinements and bug fixes aimed at providing a smoother overall experience. This release focuses heavily on workflow improvements and multi-platform streaming capabilities. The interactive browser layers feature appears particularly relevant for streamers who frequently need to showcase web content or manage multiple online platforms during broadcasts. Download available now for Windows and Linux users. macOS version coming soon. https://meldstudio.co/

So, Google just dropped their March 2025 Core Update, and honestly? The buzz in the digital publishing community is pretty intense right now. If you're running an independent site or blog, you've probably been burned by algorithm updates before, but this one might actually be different. And by different, I mean it could actually help the little guys for once. Let's talk about why this matters so much, especially if you're one of the countless creators who've been wondering if there's still room for independent voices in today's search landscape. The Reality Check: How Independent Sites Got Squeezed OutHere's the thing that's been driving independent publishers absolutely crazy for years: you can create amazing, original content that genuinely helps people, and still watch your traffic disappear into thin air. Sound familiar? It's not your imagination. The search game has become increasingly tilted toward massive websites with unlimited resources. These big players have entire teams dedicated to technical SEO, content optimization, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that smaller operations simply can't match. Meanwhile, AI-generated content farms have been pumping out surface-level articles at scale, often ranking higher than thoughtfully crafted pieces from real experts. The result? Many independent creators have felt like they're shouting into the void. One publisher I follow recently shared their frustration: "We've seen our traffic drop by over 60% despite improving our content quality. It's been devastating to independent journalism." That sentiment has been echoed across forums, social media, and coffee shop conversations (okay, maybe virtual coffee shops) throughout the publishing world. The digital ecosystem that once celebrated diverse voices and rewarded quality content had started feeling more like an exclusive club where only the biggest names could get through the door. Small publishers found themselves competing not just on content quality, but on technical infrastructure, domain authority, and resources they simply didn't have. What Makes This Update DifferentHere's where things get interesting. Google's March 2025 Core Update seems to be taking direct aim at these exact problems. Instead of just tweaking around the edges, they're claiming a fundamental shift in how they evaluate content quality versus website authority. The key changes they're highlighting include some genuinely encouraging elements. First, they're saying the algorithm now has enhanced abilities to identify and reward helpful content regardless of how big or established the website is. That's huge if it actually works as intended. They're also supposedly reducing the emphasis on technical SEO factors that automatically give advantages to resource-rich operations. You know those complex technical optimizations that require developer knowledge and can cost thousands to implement? Those might not be the ranking powerhouses they once were. Perhaps most importantly, Google claims the update includes improved detection of authentic expertise versus content that's just optimized to look authoritative. This could be a game-changer for independent creators who actually know their stuff but don't have massive marketing budgets. The algorithm is also supposed to give more balanced consideration to diverse perspectives beyond just mainstream sources. In theory, this means your unique take on a topic could actually compete with articles from major publications, assuming your content genuinely adds value. Early Results: Reason for Cautious HopeNow, I know we've all been burned by Google's promises before. Remember when they said previous updates would help small sites? Yeah, that didn't always pan out. But here's what's interesting about this time around. Some independent publishers are already reporting traffic increases between 15-30% within just days of the update rolling out. That's not just a small bump; that's potentially business-changing growth for smaller operations. More telling is what type of content seems to be benefiting. Early reports suggest the algorithm is elevating thoughtful, in-depth pieces from smaller sites that had previously been buried on page three or four of search results. You know, those comprehensive guides and expert insights that actually help people but couldn't compete with quick-hit articles from major sites. One food blogger mentioned seeing her detailed recipe guides suddenly ranking above generic versions from major cooking sites. A tech reviewer noted that his in-depth hardware analyses were appearing alongside (or even above) articles from major tech publications. These aren't isolated incidents; similar stories are popping up across different niches. Why We Should Stay Cautiously OptimisticLook, I'd love to tell you this is definitely the SEO revolution independent publishers have been waiting for. But let's be realistic here. Google's algorithms are constantly evolving, and we've seen promising initial results fade away before. Sometimes what looks like a win for small publishers in week one becomes a return to the status quo by month three. That said, this update feels different in one important way: Google has explicitly acknowledged the problem. They're not just tweaking technical factors; they're specifically addressing the imbalance between large and small publishers. That level of intentional focus suggests they're serious about creating lasting change. The cynical part of me wonders if this is partly driven by regulatory pressure and concerns about search diversity. But honestly? I don't care about their motivations if the end result helps independent creators reach their audiences. What This Means for Your Content StrategyIf you're running an independent site, this update reinforces some fundamental principles that were always important but might now actually matter for rankings again. First, double down on what makes you unique. Your personal expertise, your specific perspective, your particular way of explaining things—these are assets that no AI content farm can replicate. The algorithm supposedly can now better recognize and reward this kind of authentic value. Focus relentlessly on actually solving your audience's problems. Not just attracting search traffic, but genuinely helping people with their questions, challenges, or interests. This has always been good practice, but it might finally be good SEO practice again too. Create content with real depth and substance. Those 500-word blog posts stuffed with keywords? They might not cut it anymore. The update seems to favor comprehensive, thoughtful pieces that actually cover topics thoroughly. Yes, that means more work per article, but it could also mean much better results. Build authentic connections within your niche community. While we don't know exactly how Google factors in community engagement and expertise signals, having real relationships and recognition within your field certainly doesn't hurt. Plus, it's good for business regardless of SEO benefits. Don't abandon good technical practices, but don't stress if you can't implement every advanced optimization. The update suggests that content quality might finally outweigh technical perfection, at least for sites that meet basic usability standards. The Bigger Picture: What This Could Mean for the WebIf this update delivers on its promises long-term, we could be looking at a significant shift in the online content landscape. More diversity in search results could mean more opportunities for independent creators to build sustainable businesses around their expertise and passions. This could also create incentives for better content quality overall. If authentic expertise starts outranking optimized but shallow content, we might see fewer content farms and more genuine subject matter experts sharing their knowledge. Of course, there's also the possibility that larger publishers will adapt their strategies to maintain their advantages. They have resources to pivot quickly, and they're not going to give up valuable search traffic without a fight. What Happens NextThe coming weeks and months will really tell the story. Algorithm updates can take time to fully roll out, and the initial effects don't always predict the long-term impact. We'll need to see if these early gains for independent publishers hold steady or fade away. If you're tracking your own site's performance, pay attention to not just traffic numbers but traffic quality. Are you seeing engaged visitors who stay on your site and interact with your content? That's often more valuable than raw pageview increases. Keep creating quality content regardless of what the algorithm does. While it's encouraging to see Google potentially rewarding independent publishers again, your primary focus should always be serving your audience well. That's the only sustainable long-term strategy, regardless of what search engines do. The Bottom LineIs this the moment independent publishers have been waiting for? Maybe. The early signs are genuinely encouraging, and Google's explicit focus on content quality over site authority represents a meaningful acknowledgment of the problem. But let's stay grounded. Keep doing what you do best—creating valuable content for your audience—and see if the traffic benefits stick around. If they do, we might finally be entering an era where diverse voices can compete fairly in search results again. What do you think about this latest update? Have you noticed any changes to your site's performance? The next few months should give us a much clearer picture of whether this really is the game-changer it appears to be.

When I started the forums here I had the mindset in which our community can provide a place for other creators to come together and share their experiences and knowledge. I think I made some improvement on that bit, mostly. Taking the time and going over what is presented here in our community and I'm seeing that there can be some improvements made. Wanting to narrow down the focus of what the 2TonWaffle Community is here to provide you all with. Tutorials and guides on how to better your content creation journey along with the platforms and communities found out on the internet. Discussion on the open source projects that are important to many creators in how they work, setting up, and the future of these initiatives. The sharing of knowledge and experiences are still the main focal point for what I want to provide but, the current structure of the forums are in a manner to open-ended. Working on focusing on our goals within the forums are just a part of what I'm going to be working on. Our main site will also be undergoing work as well. This will also include bringing more attention to the articles posted there with linking back to the forums for deeper discussions with the community here. Where an article on the latest update to Peertube will live on the main site but as well within the forums where the community can comment on those improvements or talk about how this could improve their own Peertube instances. Another improvement I'm going to be undertaking is to streamline and improve our tags. As they currently stand, they only cater towards the gaming side of things and even then, there is more than what is probably needed. All of this is so dynamic and I'm always on the lookout for comments and suggestions.

Some of the best content comes from creator collaborations, but finding the right people to work with can be challenging. Share success stories of collaborations that elevated your content or helped you grow. How do you approach potential collaborators? What makes a partnership work beyond just audience size?

I've been playing a few games that I started with during their early access phases. Was fun to experience the early days of multiple bugs and game breaking features that were being tested. It's hard to explain to other gamers that being part of an early access game can be rewarding, most simply pass it off as being unpaid QA and true it can be like that but the focus is on being part of the game in becoming better.

Beyond the success stories, what's the real experience of trying to make a living as a content creator? Share honest experiences about monetization challenges, unexpected costs, income inconsistency, or business side surprises. What advice would you give to creators just starting to think about turning their passion into profit?

Microsoft has given up on the selling of media like movies and TV shows. It was a weird mix of this mega corp that is known for enterprise software and selling an operating system throughout the world, for them to get into the market of selling content. At least they can focus on more important stuff like, AI or selling your data via their operating system. Thurrott.comMicrosoft Store Stops Selling Movies and TV ShowsMicrosoft has quietly stopped selling movies and TV shows on its Microsoft Store for Windows PCs and Xbox consoles.

Balancing consistent content scheduling with authentic, spontaneous creativity is one of the biggest creator challenges. How do you maintain a content calendar while leaving room for those spur-of-the-moment ideas that often perform best? Share your planning strategies, tools that work (or don't), and how you handle when life disrupts your carefully laid plans.

Early access has become a major part of indie gaming culture, allowing players to experience games as they develop. Do you enjoy being part of a game's journey from alpha to release, or do you prefer waiting for the finished product? Share experiences with early access games that either exceeded expectations or left you disappointed, and discuss the pros and cons of this development model.

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Hey creative community! 👋 I've been diving deep into how the digital landscape is evolving for artists, and I'm genuinely excited to share some insights about a platform that's quietly revolutionizing how creatives build their careers: Substack. After watching an incredible breakdown by a photographer who's been consistently using the platform for over 3 years (and building 5.5K engaged subscribers!), I'm convinced this might be the alternative social media solution many of us have been searching for. Why Substack Hits Different for CreativesUnlike traditional social platforms that feel like you're constantly feeding an algorithm beast, Substack operates on a fundamentally different principle. It's newsletter-first, which means: You own your audience (you can literally download your subscriber list) No algorithm games - your content goes directly to people who chose to receive it Longer attention spans - readers come to engage deeply, not scroll mindlessly Real conversations - comments are thoughtful paragraphs, not just emoji reactions The platform seamlessly combines multiple content formats in one place: newsletters, photo sharing, podcast hosting, Twitter-like "notes," video uploads, and even live streaming. It's like having your own creative ecosystem rather than being scattered across 5 different apps. The Creative Advantages That Actually MatterBuilding Real Relationships: The community feels more like early Tumblr or intimate creative circles. People are there to genuinely connect with your work and ideas, not just consume quick dopamine hits. Freedom to Be Multifaceted: Unlike Instagram where you quickly get "boxed in," Substack encourages creative diversity. You can share your photography process, discuss art history, review exhibitions, and explore personal reflections - all in one place. Sustainable Content Creation: No pressure for daily posting or viral content. A monthly newsletter recap of your creative journey can be incredibly valuable to your audience. Monetization Without Soul-Selling: Whether through paid subscriptions, sponsorships, or simply building an email list that opens doors to gallery representation or book deals - the earning potential grows organically with your authentic voice. Real Success Stories in ActionImagine these scenarios (based on actual creative patterns emerging on the platform): The Ceramic Artist who shares weekly process photos and kiln opening stories, building a waitlist of 2K people before each collection drop The Illustrator offering monthly drawing tutorials to paid subscribers while keeping inspiration content free, earning sustainable side income The Photographer documenting their journey from hobby to gallery representation, using their email list to pack opening night events The photographer I referenced went from zero to 5.5K subscribers in 3 years with just weekly newsletters - proving consistency trumps complexity. Questions for Our CommunityI'm genuinely curious about your experiences and thoughts: Have you considered using Substack to expand your creative practice? What's holding you back or exciting you about the possibility? What challenges do you face on traditional social platforms that Substack might help solve? (Algorithm frustration? Lack of meaningful engagement? Content creation burnout?) What types of content would make you subscribe to an artist on Substack? Behind-the-scenes process documentation? Technical tutorials and tips? Personal artistic journey and inspiration? Art world commentary and reviews? Early access to new work? For those already using email lists or newsletters - what's been your biggest challenge in growing and maintaining them? Let's DiscussThe beauty of platforms like Substack is that they're still growing and evolving. There's real opportunity to be early adopters and help shape what creative community looks like in digital spaces. Whether you're a weekend painter, full-time sculptor, emerging photographer, or seasoned illustrator - I'd love to hear: Your current social media frustrations What authentic creative community means to you Any experiments you've tried with direct-to-audience content Concerns about platform dependency vs. ownership The goal isn't to abandon all other platforms overnight, but to build something you truly own while connecting more meaningfully with people who value your work. Who's ready to explore this together? Drop your thoughts, experiences, concerns, or questions below! And if you're already on Substack as a creative, please share your handle - I'd love to support and learn from what you're building. 🎨 What's your take? Is this the creative platform shift we've been waiting for, or just another shiny object? Let's dig into it together.

For the past 8 months I've been running our front page with the open source software Ghost. It is a great system for blog posts, articles and even for newsletters. After 8 months I'm going through the metrics and seeing how well our reach is for the posted content. The news isn't all that great, over these many months our membership level is stagnant at the same level for over several months. In the beginning when the forums were being run under NodeBB, my idea was to integrate the blog posts comments to live within their posts in the forums. Unfortunately the plugin to get this taken care of wasn't working and had not been updated for the latest version of NodeBB. The forums are what I consider to be the lifeblood of our very tiny community and, to not have this plugin work out the way I had hoped was a bit disappointing. This is one of the major reasons in which I decided to move our forums back to Invision Community. Open Source Software is awesome in many regards but, the level of getting integrations to work without having to spend many hours of troubleshooting was an important decision going forward. Wanted to have a system in which I didn't need to spend time running the admin side of things more than that of creating the actual content. Getting back to our main page found on 2tonwaffle.com, I'm looking into winding down the Ghost site and have everything found fully within our Invision Community system. The software is very capable of doing this as with version 5, there is a lot of great improvements. I just wanted to get this post out there for you all to leave any questions or comments or to just get your take on this matter. I'm planning on getting things setup in moving posts over and creating a great looking landing page over the next couple of weeks.

With online games shutting down, digital storefronts closing, and older hardware failing, gaming preservation has become increasingly important. What games or gaming experiences are you worried we might lose forever? Have you been affected by a game shutdown or delisting? Discuss the importance of preserving gaming history and which titles need urgent attention.

As I've been going through and re-editing past live streams of the First 2 Hours, I had in the back of my mind of setting up a database of the games I've reviewed. Having a place that would hold the information of each games, it's associated pictures and videos and including the reviews of the game. Knowing what I wanted to see for this new system I actually caught myself in going through some painful building of something that might not look great or even work out as I wanted, I knew about a plugin that does everything I was looking to have done. The Games DatabasePurchasing the plugin and getting it installed is quite easy as Invision Community makes the process user friendly. I've created a category that will house all of the games that I've played during the First 2 Hours live streams. You'll find the link to this new section within the menu bar on the left, it's labeled "Games" which makes it quite easy to remember. The categories I've set up currently are "First 2 Hours" and "Community Submissions" This section is as what it says on the tin. If you have a game that you played and are wanting to share it along with the community. You can do so within this category. I'll also look through this section as well for future First 2 Hours live streams when we get to the point where I've gone through my backlog. This doesn't mean I'll never get to it, in fact they'll be high up in the list for a future stream.

We all have those games that feel like a warm hug - titles we return to when stressed, overwhelmed, or just need something familiar. What's your gaming comfort food? Is it a cozy farming sim, a familiar RPG you've completed multiple times, or maybe a puzzle game that helps you unwind? Share what makes these games your go-to stress relievers.

The indie game scene continues to flourish with incredible releases flying under the radar. What indie game from the past few months grabbed your attention but didn't get the recognition it deserved? Whether it's innovative gameplay mechanics, unique art styles, or compelling storytelling, share your recent indie discoveries and what made them special enough to recommend to fellow gamers.

Between the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch's continued dominance, portable gaming is having a major moment. What's driving this shift back to handheld devices? Are you finding yourself gaming more on portables than traditional consoles or PC setups? Share your handheld gaming setup and what games work best for on-the-go sessions versus docked experiences.

Whether it's advanced video editing, perfect audio mixing, natural on-camera presence, or something completely different - if you could wake up tomorrow having mastered one creator-related skill, what would transform your content most? Explain why that particular skill would be your game-changer and what you'd do with it first.

We've been waiting patiently for any news regarding Shareplay 2.0 and we've received a new announcement.

Beyond just content creation, how has being part of online communities (like this one) affected your offline relationships, career choices, or personal growth? Share positive changes, unexpected connections, or skills you've developed that translate beyond the digital world. Sometimes the real value of communities isn't what we originally expected.

We all have those creative ideas sitting in our "someday" pile - maybe it's learning video editing, starting a podcast, trying game development, or experimenting with a completely different content format. What's on your creative bucket list? What's holding you back, and what would it take to actually start this weekend?

We all have that game we're slightly embarrassed to admit we love - whether it's a mobile match-3 game, an "objectively bad" title with charm, or something completely outside your usual genre. What's your gaming guilty pleasure and why does it hook you despite knowing "better"? Sometimes the games we're supposed to hate end up being exactly what we need.

Every creator has influences - that video, stream, or podcast that made you think "I want to try that" or completely shifted your approach. Share the content that inspired your creative journey or significantly changed your style. What specific elements did you try to emulate or deliberately avoid?

If you could go back to when you first started creating content (or thinking about it), what's the one piece of advice you'd give yourself? Would it be technical, mindset-related, or about building community? For those just starting, what questions are you hoping someone will answer from experience?

AI is everywhere now - from thumbnail generation to script writing to voice cloning. Which AI tools have actually improved your workflow, and which ones feel like overhyped solutions looking for problems? Are you embracing AI assistance or worried about oversaturation? Let's have an honest discussion about the practical applications versus the fears.