Josh

Do you find inspiration in music for your writing, or in paintings for your photography? Let's discuss how different art forms cross-pollinate our creative processes.

I just recently became aware of ButterDocs and from first glance and how it functions, it seems to be a more modern and better workflow than what has been available from Scrivner. It's been a while since I last used Scrivner when I was actively writing (should make more of an effort to get back into it) and it had that Skeuomorph feeling design with the post it notes and such. ButterDocs is more streamlined and allows you, as the writer, to be more focused on things as you write. I remember that Scrivner did have a focus mode that essentially did the same thing. What are your takes on ButterDocs and have you been using it?

How did you develop your unique style or perspective? Share the journey of artistic self-discovery and how it's evolved over time.

Discuss affordable microphones, interfaces, and acoustics treatments that deliver high-quality results for podcasters and video creators. Is there something you found that be equal to another piece of equipment that was on a higher pricing tier?

When I first saw this article, I could only sigh as it seemed to be one of the countless prequels or reboots of series and movies that have been plaguing everywhere. Whil I was about to move on to the next, I quickly saw the bit about how Legendary (who produced the original film) are going to be using the same strategy employed with the Netflix series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Which was a series I found to be quite enjoyable, we'll see how they work this out and in my hopes, are successful. https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-pacific-rim-prequel-series-has-reportedly-found-a-home-at-amazon-213245776.html?src=rss

So I just finished posting EP.028 of Independent Creator Podcast, and I'm honestly conflicted about what I found out. The numbers are pretty clear – Spotify now owns more than half of Gen Z's podcast listening attention. YouTube's gaining ground at 21%, and Apple's been pushed down to a surprising 10%. But what does this actually mean for those of us who create and love podcasts? Remember when podcasting was this wild west of independent media? Anyone with a microphone and something to say could publish an RSS feed and be available everywhere. No gatekeepers. No algorithms to please. Your success depended entirely on your content and your ability to connect with listeners. Those days are rapidly fading, and I'm not sure how to feel about it. On one hand, Spotify's investment has undeniably brought podcasting to mainstream attention. Their recommendation engine has introduced countless listeners to shows they might never have discovered otherwise. The platform's user experience for podcast consumption is slick and accessible. And let's be honest – having a centralized place to find and follow podcasts has eliminated some of the technical friction that kept casual listeners away. But at what cost? Spotify's moves toward exclusivity with major shows have fractured the open ecosystem. Their acquisitions of production companies and hosting platforms have given them unprecedented control over both creation and distribution. They're gradually transforming podcasting from an open standard to a walled garden – and that transformation seems to be working especially well with younger listeners who don't remember or care about RSS. The YouTube element adds another interesting layer. Their 21% share among Gen Z suggests video podcasting isn't just a gimmick but a legitimate evolution of the medium. Those stats about YouTube users being more likely to actually watch the content (52% reporting they watch the video component) challenge the notion that podcasting is exclusively an audio medium. So where does this leave creators making strategic decisions today? If you're chasing growth and audience, can you afford to ignore Spotify optimization? Probably not. Should you be adding video components even if that wasn't part of your original vision? The numbers suggest yes. But does playing by these platform rules fundamentally change what made podcasting special in the first place? I think it might. I'm especially concerned about what happens to niche content in this new landscape. When algorithms increasingly determine what gets heard, will thoughtful shows on specialized topics get the same chance they once did? Or will we see the same kind of homogenization that happened with radio – where everything starts sounding the same because that's what the data says works? For established creators, these shifts present tough choices. Do you maintain your independence at the potential cost of growth? Do you pursue exclusive deals that might pay well today but limit your audience reach tomorrow? Do you invest in video production when your strength has always been audio storytelling? For new creators, the calculus might be different. Building on platforms where the audience already exists makes sense. But building exclusively on someone else's land has always been risky – just ask anyone who built their business on Facebook only to see organic reach disappear overnight. I keep coming back to this question: Is podcasting as we knew it dying? Or is it simply evolving into something different – perhaps something with higher production values and better discovery, but less diversity and independence? The optimist in me sees potential for multiple paths forward. Perhaps Spotify's dominance will spark a counter-movement of passionate listeners who value open standards. Maybe YouTube's entry creates healthy competition that prevents any single platform from dictating terms. There might even be room for new players who combine the best of algorithmic discovery with the openness of traditional podcasting. But the realist in me sees powerful economic incentives pushing toward further consolidation and control. I worry that five years from now, we'll look back on 2023-2025 as the period when podcasting ceased being an open medium and became just another form of platform-controlled content. What do you all think? If you're a creator, how are you navigating these platform decisions? Are you all-in on Spotify, doubling down on independence, or trying to find some middle path? And as listeners, does it matter to you whether you access shows through an open RSS feed or a proprietary platform? https://indiecreatorhub.com/is-spotify-eating-the-podcast-world-what-gen-zs-listening-habits-tell-us-about-the-future/

just a test, nothing more

Hello creators, innovators, and visionaries! We are thrilled to welcome you to Independent Creator Space, your new digital haven for all things creative. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just setting out on your creative journey, this community is here to inspire, support, and catalyze your growth. To guide you through the many facets of creation, we have diverse sections tailored to meet your needs: - Creative Tools & Resources Hub: Explore the latest in hardware, software, and resources crucial for bringing your projects to life. Connect with peers for real-world advice and insights. - Artistic & Literary Expressions: Immerse yourself in discussions on the art and craft of writing and visual expression. This is where techniques, styles, and inspirations converge. - Forum News & Announcements: Stay informed with the latest news and updates from our admin team. This is your go-to spot for official announcements and community guidelines. - General Discussion Hub: Engage in lively conversations on any topic of interest. Share ideas, ask questions, and build friendships with fellow creators. As you navigate the forum, we encourage you to participate actively, share your experiences, and offer support to others. Your insights and expertise enrich this community, making it a better place for everyone. If you're new here, feel free to introduce yourself. Let’s embark on this creative adventure together and make Independent Creator Space a thriving nexus of creativity and collaboration. Welcome aboard, and happy creating! Warm regards, The Independent Creator Space Team

How do you do and welcome on in to our new home on the internet. I'm Josh and I've been a live streamer/content creator for close to 10 years now. From starting out my simple beginnings streaming on Twitch before exploring the alternatives of the day. I enjoy finding these new places that are either just starting out or, have been around for a bit. It's the excitement of seeing what these platforms are trying to accomplish in being different than the status quo. Where by simply trying to copy Twitch, isn't what creatives are looking for. They're looking for something that is similar but is offering a newer, fresh approach to the creative and viewer experience. One thing I've been learning more about not only with myself but, my content is that I find enjoyment of education of these platforms, software, and resources to others. Finding out how something works and presenting to others to the best of my abilities is fulfilling. The simple fact of if I can share what I've found with one other person is well worth it. I hope that within this forum and throughout the Indie Creator Hub and 2TonWaffle Community, you too can find something new and share your experiences with others.

Ready to stop building your creator empire on rented digital land? In the latest episode of the Independent Creator podcast, I dive into why relying solely on platforms like Substack, Medium, or social media puts your entire content foundation at risk. Remember those AOL email addresses on business cards? That's essentially what you're doing when you don't own your digital space. Sure, platforms offer distribution and simplicity, but at what cost to your brand identity? When algorithms change overnight (and they always do), your content shouldn't disappear with them. Take control by creating your own digital headquarters—even if you're just starting out. I break down practical steps for owning your digital presence without breaking the bank or requiring deep technical expertise. Learn why having "yourname@yourbrand.com" instantly elevates your professional image and how to balance platform benefits with true digital ownership. Stop paying rent in someone else's digital apartment complex. It's time to build your home on land you actually own. Check out the full episode here: https://indiecreatorhub.com/why-creators-need-to-own-their-digital-space/

https://indiecreatorhub.com/the-content-creators-dilemma-finding-order-in-digital-chaos/

Setup our tutorial on getting your new Owncast instance setup with this quick walkthrough. https://indiecreatorhub.com/owncast-instance-setup-hetzner/