vera ⛓️💙 comms open

Hot take about VTubing on a Tuesday afternoon but as someone who was involved in the drag scene before getting into streaming, a lot of folks should try to be more cognizant of how they’re adding or detracting from a stream during a collab. When you’re collaborating with someone, you have to think about two things: Am I dominating the conversation OR am I adding anything to the viewing experience. If you’re constantly talking over others, acting like the main character of a collab, or doing antics to constantly draw group attention, it comes off as tacky. Streaming is similar to improv, you have to give people space to perform. Feeling like you’re fighting to get a word in is a horrible experience. I’m sure a lot of us have experienced those giant collabs where you knew no one and felt like a complete wallflower, unable to even enjoy yourself or be yourself. That being said, you also have to give your fellow performers content to work with. When people are trying to banter with you, consider returning serve or offering a joke or conversation in return. It goes beyond replying in a dead tone, “Woah, that’s crazy.” The absolute worst feeling is trying to make a stream fun and feeling like no one else wants to do the heavy lifting with you. I totally advise my fellow streamers to watch comedians, drag queens, reality television, interviews, just content that isn’t strictly streaming to get what I mean. I know a lot of folks in this space don’t come from an entertaining background, they’re just gamers. But, this is what separates good and bad collab experiences, in my opinion. And ofc, lemme say this isn’t a subtweet at anyone! I’ve curated my space over the last few years so it’s something I’ve experienced less and less over time. However, it’s something I’m always working on myself. But yeah, being mindful can help you create some really fun streams and memories 😌