🎮 The Weekly Waffle: When One App Falls, Another Levels Up! January 19, 2025 | Issue #2: Featuring Paper Demons, Platform Drama & Sweet Victory

Hey there, Gaming Friends! ✌️

Grab your favorite beverage and get comfy - we've got some pretty interesting stuff to chat about this week! From platform shake-ups to awesome indie games, there's plenty to dig into.

📱 So, About That TikTok Thing...

As TikTok faces a US shutdown, here are some alternative apps to check out | TechCrunch

TikTok has warned of a looming shutdown in just six days, as the Supreme Court is currently weighing the law that would ban the app.

TechCrunchAisha Malik

Whew, what a week for TikTok creators, right? The US shutdown news has everyone talking, and honestly, my heart goes out to all the small businesses and creators who've built their communities there. It's kind of like putting all your eggs in one basket, then watching that basket slowly disappear. 😬

Here's the silver lining though:

• Instagram and YouTube Shorts are rolling out the welcome mat
• Cool new platforms like Loops are popping up
• Bluesky's cooking up something called "Flashes" (sounds neat!)

Pro tip from your friendly neighborhood tech enthusiast: Maybe it's time to spread those creative wings across different platforms? You know, just in case!

🌟 Mastodon Just Did Something Pretty Cool

Ever hear news that makes you go "Huh, faith in humanity restored"? Well, Mastodon's founder just announced they're going non-profit! In a world where everything seems to be about making a quick buck, this is like finding a unicorn in your backyard. 🦄

The Digital Town Square Just Got More Democratic: Why Mastodon’s Big Move Matters

Mastodon’s move to non-profit status isn’t just another tech headline – it’s a radical departure from billionaire-owned social media. By putting community ownership first, they’re proving that social networks can prioritize people over profits. This is what digital democracy looks like.

The 2TonWaffleJosh Bailey

Meanwhile, over in CMS land:

• Drupal dropped a sweet new update
• WordPress is... well, being WordPress (drama included)
• The competition's heating up, and honestly? That's great for all of us!

🎥 Owncast Gets Some Love

Hey streamers! Owncast just rolled out version 0.2.0, and while it might not be the flashiest update ever, it's got some nice quality-of-life improvements that'll make your streaming life easier:

Owncast v0.2.0: The Self-Hosted Streaming Solution Levels Up

Get the scoop on Owncast v0.2.0! While light on flashy features, this release strengthens security with admin password hashing, adds chat profanity filtering, and fixes numerous bugs. It’s all about building a rock-solid foundation for future updates. Time to upgrade your self-hosted streaming game!

The 2TonWaffleJosh Bailey

• No more disappearing volume bar (finally!)
• Better word wrapping (your eyes will thank you)
• Fixed that annoying Firefox thing
• Plus some other goodies in the 0.2.1 patch

🎮 This Week's Gaming Gem: Book of Demons

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Ever wanted to play a dungeon crawler that looks like a pop-up book had a baby with a deck of cards? That's Book of Demons in a nutshell, and it's WAY more fun than it has any right to be!

Book of Demons Review: A Paper-Crafted Dungeon Crawler with Character

“Book of Demons delivers a refreshing take on dungeon crawlers with its charming paper craft style and innovative card-based mechanics. While movement feels restrictive at times, solid combat and flexible session lengths make this an engaging adventure worth your time. 4/5 waffles.”

The 2TonWaffleJosh Bailey

Cool stuff you'll love:

• Paper-craft style that's totally adorable
• Choose your own adventure length (perfect for busy days!)
• Three different ways to play (Warrior, Rogue, or Mage)
• Cards! Because who doesn't love cards?

Catch my full play through on our weekly "First 2 Hours" stream - Tuesdays at 9:45 PM Eastern. Bring snacks! 🍿

💭 Real Talk: New Year's Goals

Hey, we're almost done with January, and can I just say something? Forget those huge, scary New Year's resolutions! Let's try something different:

Think small, win big:

• Got 10 minutes? Write some code
• Take a quick walk
• Learn one new thing
• High-five yourself for doing anything at all

Remember: Every big achievement is just a bunch of tiny wins stacked together! 🏆

Come Hang With Us!

The 2 Ton Waffle community is always growing, and we'd love to have you join us:

• Drop by 2tonwaffle.com for fresh content
• Join our Discord ($2/month - cheaper than that fancy coffee!)
• Say hi in the streams
• Share your own gaming stories

See you next week, awesome people! Keep playing, keep creating, and most importantly, keep having fun! 🎮

Later Taters

-Josh

P.S. What games are YOU playing this week? Drop by our Discord and let me know!