Poll of the Day > Looking for some advice from any Twitch streamers out there

(+) Yeah! (+)

I've made the decision to try my hand at streaming after dwelling on the idea for quite some time now. Currently sorting out all my kit and I'm lucky enough to have a graphic designer friend who's keen to help with the branding.

I have no lofty expectations here, if I can ultimately secure 4-5 regular viewers then I'd consider it a successful endeavour. However, in the interest of security, I've been pondering the following - how bad is it for my full name to be easily deduced via Twitch?

The logo/branding completely hinges on my intended username being a riff on my (uncommon) surname, and as I've been doing a podcast too that I plan to low-key plug and my first name is used on there, it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots.

Should I avoid divulging my surname like the plague or is it basically fine? The only social media platform I use is Facebook. I'd be very sad to drop the branding that's been cooked up so far but if it's a stupid idea from the off then I guess I would reassess.

Anyone got any experience in this area that can give their two cents please?

I watch a lot of streamers.

Do you:

1. Have a personality or can you create a personality?
2. Do you have a gaming/hobby niche?
3. Can you talk out loud for long periods of time?

If you can't say yes to these, why the hell are you even bothering?

Nobody is going to watch someone who is not entertaining.

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The names of all the big streamers are known. Should be fine prob. If you're worried about being searched on Facebook, you can disable being searched for (there are a bunch of options, like requiring mutual friends to be found or just not being searchable at all).

I think streamers are generally watched if they are entertaining/funny and/or really good at the particular game. A consistent schedule is important too.

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SpeedDemon20 posted...

. A consistent schedule is important too.

This is the biggest thing. I watch a specific streamer nearly every day because he streams every day 10am to 6pm. I do not watch his entire stream but he has a consistent schedule, and it is always part of my day. Only streamer I have ever given money to as well.

People with erradic or not planned streams? Hate them. They are not taking their job seriously enough.

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Judgmenl posted...

I watch a lot of streamers.

Do you:
1. Have a personality or can you create a personality?
2. Do you have a gaming/hobby niche?
3. Can you talk out loud for long periods of time?
If you can't say yes to these, why the hell are you even bothering?

Nobody is going to watch someone who is not entertaining.

Well I believe I can say yes to those, certainly to the extent I expect to take it. It's not really about if I bother or not though, more about the specifics of a potential security risk. I believe I have the tempered expectations to get what I'm looking for out of it, and if it happens to gain traction, great. And if nothing else, the reason I'm bothering is that it seems fun as hell.

SpeedDemon20 posted...

The names of all the big streamers are known. Should be fine prob. If you're worried about being searched on Facebook, you can disable being searched for (there are a bunch of options, like requiring mutual friends to be found or just not being searchable at all).

I think streamers are generally watched if they are entertaining/funny and/or really good at the particular game. A consistent schedule is important too.

Yeah, I did consider how public a lot of the details are about the larger streamers. I think I'll probably be fine as I'll be appropriately cautious going in, and at least I'm using my surname for a reason rather than through simple carelessness.

Regarding a schedule, I'm seeing it mentioned a lot and absolutely plan to set one up right off the bat. I'm trying to take this seriously not so much because I expect to be a success, but more of a 'pride in my work' thing. I dunno, I understand that this is a pretty saturated market but I'm in it for the fun, not unrealistic fame and glory.