ChiefGyk3D

Stream Daemon: The Secure, Open-Source Stream Automation Engine for Modern Creators

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:51:12 -0500

Over the past year, I’ve been building tools that help streamers own their infrastructure. Because relying on third-party bots like Mee6 often means dealing with limited integrations, broken automation, unreliable operations, or closed ecosystems.

I ran into those exact problems myself: Mee6 didn’t support Kick, and nothing out there properly automated posts to Matrix, Bluesky, or Mastodon. That’s what inspired me to create Stream Daemon, a complete overhaul of my earlier Twitch and Toot automation system, rebuilt from the ground up to be secure, flexible, and platform-agnostic.

And yes, it’s pronounced like “demon”, both as a nod to the UNIX concept of a background process and as an homage to Michael Jackson’s “Speed Demon.”

What Is Stream Daemon?

Stream Daemon is an open-source automation engine that monitors your live status across streaming platforms like Kick, Twitch, and YouTube Live, then automatically posts real-time updates to your social platforms including Mastodon, Bluesky, Discord, and Matrix.

It’s your always-on automation layer, connecting the streaming world with the social one, and it’s entirely under your control.

GitHub Repository: https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/Stream-Daemon

Designed with Security in Mind

Whether you’re deploying on Portainer, a Raspberry Pi, or a cloud VPS, Stream Daemon was built from the ground up with security as a priority.

It integrates directly with trusted secrets managers, including:

While support for AWS and Vault exists, I’ll note that I haven’t fully tested them yet. Doppler is what I personally use and recommend in my own homelab setup.

Integrating Doppler Is Simple

Getting started with Doppler inside Stream Daemon takes only a minute:

Create or select a Doppler project.
Generate a Doppler Access Token for the environment you want — for example dev, test, or prod.
Drop your sensitive secrets directly into Doppler.

Stream Daemon will automatically pull those secrets at runtime using that token.
It’s secure, centralized, and far easier than managing multiple .env files.

I’ve designed it so you can use Doppler for all variables, or mix it the way I do:
Keep your sensitive credentials (API keys, tokens, etc.) in Doppler and use a .env file for general settings. The fallback system ensures everything works seamlessly if a variable isn’t stored in Doppler.

Feature Highlights

AI-Powered Messages

Stream Daemon integrates with Google Gemini to generate unique, engaging announcements for every stream.
(I plan to add support for other LLMs later, including a locally hosted LLM server and a dedicated TTS server, both currently works-in-progress.)

Enterprise Security

Secure integration with Doppler, AWS Secrets Manager, and HashiCorp Vault.

7-Platform Support

Streaming: Kick, Twitch, YouTube
Social: Mastodon, Bluesky, Discord, Matrix

Discord Rich Embeds

Dynamic live embeds with viewer counts, thumbnails, and in-place updates when you go live or end your stream.

Smart Multi-Platform Announcements

Choose between:

Combined — One unified post
Threaded — Ongoing updates in a thread
Separate — Individual posts per platform

Production-Ready

Deploy anywhere: Docker, Docker Compose, or systemd.

⚡ Lightweight

Runs efficiently on anything from a Raspberry Pi to AWS Lambda.

Documentation & Deployment Options

Stream Daemon includes extensive documentation for both Python and Dockerized deployments.

Example quick start:

git clone https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/Stream-Daemon.git
cd Stream-Daemon
pip install -r requirements.txt
python3 stream-daemon.py

Or use Docker:

docker run -d --name stream-daemon --restart unless-stopped \
 --env-file .env \
 -v ./messages.txt:/app/messages.txt \
 ghcr.io/chiefgyk3d/stream-daemon:latest

More intensive guides and documentation are available for Docker and systemd setups as well for automated starting with the system.

Future Roadmap & IaC Vision

I plan to release an OpenTofu/Terraform Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) configuration to make deploying Stream Daemon to AWS seamless.

I’d love to see contributors extend this with templates for Digital Ocean, Vultr, Linode, and other cloud providers.
If you’re comfortable with IaC, this is a great way to get involved and help the project grow.

⚖️ Open-Source License

Stream Daemon is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL-2.0).
This license was chosen to strike a balance between open-source freedom and corporate friendliness. Allowing companies to use it internally or commercially, with one simple condition:

If you modify the source code, please contribute those changes back to the community.

This ensures Stream Daemon continues to evolve openly, benefiting both independent creators and enterprise users alike.

Why It Exists

Stream Daemon was built around a simple philosophy:

Automation should empower creators, not lock them into someone else’s platform.

By combining strong security, modern integrations, and self-hosted flexibility, it gives streamers the ability to run their own infrastructure, without sacrificing convenience or control.

Join the Community

Stream Daemon is open-source and community-driven.
You can:

⭐ Star the project on GitHub
Submit issues or feature requests
Contribute code, docs, or IaC templates

Take control of your streaming automation today:
https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/Stream-Daemon

Why I Use Multiple Phones: A Personal Dive into Device Diversification

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:10:55 -0400

Hey there, dear reader! Ever caught yourself wondering why someone would juggle multiple phones? That’s me in a nutshell. While it might seem a tad unconventional, there’s a method to my madness. Let’s dive into my world of multiple devices.

1. Diving into Different Ecosystems

iPhone: Ah, the iPhone. We go way back. Beyond the sleek design and snazzy features, there’s Apple Music with its high fidelity, the convenience of Apple Pay, and the seamless integration of the Apple Watch for my health data. Apple does a commendable job respecting my privacy, especially when compared to Google. It’s these little things that keep me hooked.
Pixel 7a with GrapheneOS: Prepping for DEFCON introduced me to this Android gem. With GrapheneOS, it became my digital armor. And, to ensure mindful interaction, I set up a separate TikTok account on it. It’s my little reminder to ask, “Do I really need a TikTok break right now?”
Samsung S23: My mini film studio. Samsung’s camera prowess combined with TikTok’s features is a content creator’s dream.
Purism Librem 5: My inner geek couldn’t resist this Linux-powered marvel. It’s like having a pocket-sized computer, especially with the Lapdock.

2. My Security Blanket

Having different phones is my safety net. Each device serves a unique role, ensuring my personal data stays personal. It’s comforting to segregate personal and work data. By isolating data into different buckets, I add an extra layer of security. In today’s digital age, a bit of caution goes a long way.

3. Mental Well-being and Work-Life Balance

Setting boundaries is crucial, especially when a hobby starts feeling like work. My devices help me strike a balance between work and leisure. Platforms like TikTok, while entertaining, can be a rabbit hole. By setting intentional barriers, I ensure a balanced digital life, fostering mental well-being.

4. Digital Spring Cleaning

Switching to the iPhone 15 isn’t just about the upgrade. It’s an opportunity for a digital detox. A fresh start lets me declutter, reevaluate, and introspect. It’s about shedding digital baggage and embracing a minimalist approach.

I’ve become super selective with apps. My social media list is curated to essentials like Reddit, Signal, and Matrix. Beyond that, I’m decluttering across the board, aiming for a distraction-free device.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it – a peek into my multi-phone life. If you’re pondering a similar setup or just curious, I hope my tale offers some insights. Let me know what you think over on Mastodon, Matrix, my personal Discord devoted to Linux, tinkering, and cybersecurity, or the OwlSec Discord focused on Ethical Hacking. I’d love to chat!

Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Sanitation Systems and High-Quality Filters

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:24:51 -0400

In recent years, concerns about indoor air quality have skyrocketed, with many people looking for ways to protect their health and the health of their families from airborne contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses. One effective solution is the use of ultraviolet (UV) sanitation systems within HVAC systems. In this article, I’ll discuss my experience with OdorStop UV systems and GermGuardian filters, the benefits of using UV sanitation in HVAC systems, and the importance of a properly rated furnace filter. I’ll also delve into the MERV rating system and share how installing a UV sanitation system in 2018 significantly improved my asthma symptoms.

Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

OdorStop UV Systems and GermGuardian Filters

I installed an OdorStop 36-watt system with a 16" bulb (https://amzn.to/41ifQJi) in my HVAC system in 2018 to help combat mold and improve my asthma. This system uses UV-C light to sanitize the air passing through the HVAC system, effectively killing mold, bacteria, and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. As a result, UV sanitation systems became a popular choice for homes and businesses during the pandemic to prevent further spread of the virus. OdorStop offers a range of models suitable for various sized HVAC units and house sizes.

In addition to my OdorStop system, I also use MERV 11 filters to ensure optimal air quality. The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating system measures the effectiveness of air filters in capturing particles. The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher ratings indicating better filtration performance. Filters with lower MERV ratings (1-4) are typically designed to capture larger particles like dust and pollen, while higher-rated filters (13-20) can capture smaller particles such as tobacco smoke, bacteria, and viruses. MERV 11 filters fall in the mid-range and are particularly effective at capturing mold spores, pet dander, and pollen.

However, it’s essential to choose a filter with a MERV rating appropriate for your HVAC system, as higher MERV ratings result in greater air restriction. Using a filter with a rating that’s too high for your system can cause issues such as reduced airflow, increased energy consumption, and even damage to the HVAC system itself. Always consult your HVAC system’s manufacturer guidelines to determine the recommended MERV rating for your specific system.

For those who may want to consider standalone air filters with UV sanitation and HEPA filters, I recommend the GermGuardian brand. I use two GermGuardian models in my home:

GermGuardian AC4825E for smaller rooms: https://amzn.to/3zMszbu
GermGuardian AC5900WCA for larger rooms: https://amzn.to/41dhv2Q

Maintaining UV Sanitation Systems

To ensure the continued effectiveness of your UV sanitation system, it’s essential to replace the UV bulbs regularly. At the very least, UV bulbs should be replaced yearly. However, I have noticed that both GermGuardian and OdorStop bulbs may need replacement after 4-6 months, as they can burn out within this time frame.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UV sanitation systems, such as those offered by OdorStop, combined with high-quality furnace filters like MERV 11 filters, can significantly improve indoor air quality. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and for protecting against the spread of airborne viruses. Additionally, standalone air filters with UV sanitation and HEPA filters, like those from GermGuardian, can provide an extra layer of protection in individual rooms. To ensure the continued effectiveness of these systems, remember to replace UV bulbs as needed, typically every 4-6 months. Moreover, it’s crucial to choose the appropriate MERV-rated filter for your HVAC system to prevent potential airflow issues or system damage. By combining UV sanitation and the right furnace filters, you can create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Headphone & Microphone Combo for Office, Gaming, and Music for Under $100

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:28:54 -0400

I have frequently been asked about hardware recommendations for all sorts of things including audio and I will be documenting my own audio setup I personally use completely in another article. I did recently come up with an inexpensive solution for my headphones at work so I can enjoy music as well as all of my meetings properly without spending too much money, but still allowing myself the enjoyment of quality music at work. These headphones can actually work as well for an inexpensive gaming headset that can even work with Xbox and Playstation as well.

Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What we first need to understand when I was making my choices is that most gaming headsets are actually not that great quality for the price, most of the money is going into the marketing and brand, where as in the audiophile world, the best brands are known usually by word of mouth instead. Now while there are obviously much higher end and better quality setups than this, the main goal was something inexpensive, comfortable, but also more enjoyable than the stock headsets they give at work. My main goal was to try and find a headset with a microphone, that is comfortable to wear, but also not out of place in a business meeting, that can also be used for gaming for less than a total of $100 and I was able to do just that with three separate pieces of hardware.

Headphones: AKG K240 Studio

AKG K240 Studio Headphone Image from AKG

These headphones have been around since the 1970’s and are still loved to this day in studios around the world. They are comfortable but can always have the ear pads upgraded and replaced (recommendation below), but they are also inexpensive at around $60 at the time of purchase. These are also semi open back which will allow you to somewhat still hear the environment around you, but shouldn’t bleed out too much to disturb your coworkers. Since they are Semi-Open you should comfortably be able to wear them for long periods as to opposed closed back. They may not be nearly as bass heavy as some other headphones, but again for an all around headset combination of less than $100 these are amazing to pair with a modular microphone for work, music, or games.

You can purchase the AKG K240 Studio here: https://amzn.to/41bnwNJ

Modular Microphone: Sahara Gaming Microphone (3.5mm)

Image of the Sahara Gaming Microphone, Image from Amazon

The beauty of a modular microphone is that it can convert any plain headphones into a great headset capable of carrying on conversations in games or work. While there is a USB version of this microphone, it’s nearly double the cost, and I wanted to keep things simple by just using a 3.5mm audio jack. There is, of course, the Antlion Modmic, which is the original modular microphone and allegedly of much higher quality, but I was again trying to keep the total cost under $100. Further below in the article, I discovered a cleaner option for MiniXLR headphones such as the AKG K240 after I had already purchased the Sahara Gaming Microphone.

You can purchase the microphone here:

Sahara Gaming Mic 3.5mm: https://amzn.to/3K1j8tu

Antlion Mod Mic 3.5mm: https://amzn.to/3nu4F1y

MiniXLR Microphone for Compatible Headphones

ABLET Boom Microphone, Image from Amazon

Once I had purchased the Sahara Gaming Microphone, I learned that there was a better way to add a microphone to headphones that use MiniXLR connectors like the AKG K240 that I had recommended. This alternative method involves using an adapter for a microphone and headphone combo cable, resulting in a cleaner setup with only one cable. At the time of writing, this option is the most affordable, costing only $19.99. I have personally ordered this adapter to tidy up my workspace.

You can purchase the ABLET Boom Microphone for MiniXLR through this link: https://amzn.to/3GbQGUI.

Audio Combination Adapter: KINGTOP 3.5mm Combo Audio Adapter

Audio Combo Adapter, Image from Amazon

On many laptops and gaming consoles the headphones and microphone are merged into one 3.5mm combination port. So you will need to merge the connections to use both your microphone and headphones and this inexpensive adapter does exactly just that.

You can purchase the 3.5mm Combo Audio Adapter here: https://amzn.to/3Ga4VJs

Headphone pad upgrade: Brainwavz Velour Replacement Ear Pads

Velour Earpad Upgrades, Image from Amazon

If wearing headphones for a long period of time, you may find you have preferences for different headphone pads. Luckily the AKG K240 Studio headphones have replaceable pads and velour feels really nice for longer periods of time combined with memory foam. While this technically pushes the price over $100 on a technicality, it’s a personal preference and not so much required.

You can purchase the Brainwavz Velour Ear Pads here: https://amzn.to/40xqyMg

**This article was updated to include the MiniXLR microphone

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Open Letter to President Biden about the Possible Ban of TikTok

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:52:10 -0400

Dear President Biden,

I am writing to you as Moshe, also known as ChiefGyk3D on social media. As the CEO and founder of Renegade Penguin LLC, I have built a small business centered around educating people on IT, Linux, Gaming, cybersecurity, 3D printing, and technology. My audience has primarily been built on TikTok, and I am proud to say that I have grown to become one of the largest professional tech creators on the platform with over 320,000 followers. TikTok has been instrumental in providing me with the means to establish an Etsy store and generate enough income to pay off over $6,000 in credit card debt caused by the pandemic.

I have been a part of the TikTok community for years now and I have come to appreciate the platform for its ability to connect me with professionals in various fields that I would never have been able to connect with on other social media platforms. However, I am extremely disappointed and ashamed of the way you, as the President of the United States, have portrayed TikTok as a threat to American cybersecurity and privacy rights. It is my belief that your fearmongering through ignorance of technology is misguided and misplaced.

In my opinion, if you genuinely care about Americans’ cybersecurity and privacy rights, there are more pressing issues that you should be tackling, such as the Equifax data leak, DMV and BMV selling citizens’ information to third parties, and AT&T and T-Mobile leaking millions of Americans’ data. The recent Lastpass password manager breaches showing an incompetent infrastructure. These issues are a clear indication that in America, we do not have a right to privacy or security. Any company or US entity can buy or sell American citizens’ data. What TikTok is doing is nothing new; other social media companies such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter have been doing it for years.

As an American, how can I perceive China as a genuine threat when the U.S. Army, in collaboration with HBGary Federal, was found to be tampering with social media in 2011? The U.S. government hired HBGary Federal to develop software capable of generating numerous fake social media profiles to influence and shape public opinion on contentious subjects by disseminating propaganda. Moreover, how can I view China as the primary danger when the CIA had Operation Mockingbird in the 1970s? The truth is that America is now grappling with the anxiety and strategies we employed for years, and we are apprehensive about experiencing them from the other side. We now have to deal with the can of worms we ourselves opened.

I believe that instead of banning individual companies, we should be passing laws similar to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations. This legislation would be a benefit to all Americans and address the issues that you are worried about. It would also protect us from both government and companies misusing data and hold them accountable for issues with more than a slap on the wrist.

Furthermore, as a millennial voter, I am disappointed by your fearmongering through ignorance of technology. I believe that you are out of touch with the millions of Americans and how we communicate, as well as the freedoms of speech and other liberties that we are granted in the founding documents of this nation. You are merely becoming a diet version of Donald Trump, but at least he had the courage to say how he really felt with his whole chest. In contrast, you are merely playing politics.

Finally, I want to remind you that the reason you are in office and the red wave didn’t happen is because of TikTok and the activism on the platform, primarily by Gen Z. Instead of trying to shut down a large source of my income, which has allowed me to expand my career in cybersecurity and form my own LLC, I urge you to address the issues that are more pressing and important for the well-being of Americans.

Additionally, I would like to express my willingness to discuss this matter further with officials or even invite you onto a TikTok Live, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams I can share with my audience. I believe that a conversation on this issue could provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help address the concerns surrounding TikTok and other social media.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope that we can work together towards a resolution that benefits all Americans.

Sincerely,
Moshe (ChiefGyk3D)

Must-Have Tools for 3D Printing and PC Repair: My Recommended Starter Kit

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:37:33 -0400

I have often been asked what tools I use and recommend for my daily 3D printing and PC work. While I have a nice collection of tools from my years doing IT and electrical work, this is a list of tools I recommend for PC and 3D printing work when starting out in no particular order.

Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Klein 15-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver: This is a solid screwdriver that includes 14 bits in the handle. It’s my everyday screwdriver that I go to.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/426GlTk
Klein Precision 14-in-1 Screwdriver: This is a compact screwdriver that’s often in my pocket when I’m not in need of a full toolkit. The bits fit inside each other like a little puzzle.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3LljKfH
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit: This is one of the nicest toolkits out there for technicians. While I personally prefer the actual Klein drivers, I will often pull out my iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit as well for the bits I may not have in the Klein set, or the additional tools to work on my cell phones.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3JEiy69
Amartisan 42 Piece Toolkit: This 42 piece toolkit is perfect for lighter work such as working on computers or 3D printers, and includes most, if not all, bits you will need for PC repair and 3D printing maintenance. The hex bits and socket driver give me a wonderful grip when needing to make sure screws are really tight. It’s inexpensive compared to other kits, and while it may not be top of the line, it has served me well for several years with no issues alongside my other tools.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3JBRGDC
Bondhus Hex Balldriver Set: This set is excellent for building and rebuilding 3D printers with more ease than allen keys. The balldriver allows you to angle the driver as well and still drive the screws in. These have faithfully helped me build and rebuild my 3D printers with more ease than allen keys. These are a regular staple in my use to the point I have a 3D printed piece to store them on one of my 3D printers. While other tools in this list have hex bits, the ball driver comes in handy in many situations.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3yBttak
SKIL Cordless Screwdriver: If working on a lot of computers, parts, and especially if building/rebuilding a 3D printer it can be a lot of pain on the hands driving all those screws in. The SKIL Cordless screwdriver is light and compact compared to my usual cordless drills for carpentry, but perfect for working on 3D printers and Computer repair.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3ZHCWss
Magnetic Hex Bit Set: If you purchase the SKIL Cordless screwdriver this is a heavy recommendation if working on 3D printers as it makes working on hex screws so much easier. This also works excellently with the other drivers listed in this page.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3JCuOnG
BIQU Crab Nozzle Change Tool: Nozzle changing is one of the biggest pains of 3D printing maintenance. The BIQU Crab nozzle change tool makes that so much easier for all kinds of 3D printers. Easily remove the heatblock or just the nozzle with this tool with so much more ease than nozzle wrenches and other methods.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/401gsCy
NoClogger: 3D Printer Clog Cleaning Tool: This is a tool I stumbled across on TikTok one day and ever since, it’s been my go-to in busting my clogs out of my printer. Before when I had a clog it required a time consuming process of removing the hot end, removing the nozzle and cleaning/replacing it, checking the path, reassembling and recalibrating. Now when I suspect I have a clog, I just unload filament, release the tension, and ram this down the extruder pushing out old filament. This has saved me from cold pulls and rebuilding the extruder so far for about eight of the last nine possible suspected clogs I had and it’s reduced what took hours to fix to a mere 15 minute process.
You can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3FnNyVs
3D Printer Needle Cleaning Set: Whether or not you get the NoClogger, you will need some acupuncture needles to clear out the nozzle side of the hot end for a possible clog. Here is a set I found that is inexpensive with a range of sizes for most people.
You can Purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3Tf7oIf
Brass Cleaning Brushes for 3D Printing: Your nozzle will get dirty and build up burnt plastic over time, best to keep that clean and I recommend brass brushes. They will also need to be replaced often as the plastic you clean will stick to the brass.
Here is an inexpensive set of 30 brass brushes I recommend: https://amzn.to/3Fm0LxN
Thermal Paste: Whether you are working on a 3D Printer or a Computer repair or build, you will need some good thermal paste. My favorite thermal paste is Kryonaut by Thermal Grizzly, and believe it or not it’s actually rated well enough for low end 3D printing uses (I was using it at 240 Celsius) but it will not work as well or last as long as a proper Boron Nitride thermal paste. But Thermal Grizzly by far makes the best PC thermal paste as of right now, and for 3D Printing I recommend Slice Engineering’s Boron Nitride thermal paste which is rated up to 850 Celsius.
You can purchase Kryonaut by Thermal Grizzly here for computers: https://amzn.to/3mFk52A
You can purchase Slice Engineering’s 3D Printer thermal paste here: https://amzn.to/3JBzTwg

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sample journal entry

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:30:00 -0500

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. This entry is synthetic and is not syndicated.

Building a Strong Online Community: A Guide to Automating Your Social Media Communications

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:01:45 -0500

it’s crucial to focus on the four “C’s” of content creation: Content, Community, Consistency, and Communication. Creating engaging and high-quality content, building and maintaining a strong community, and being consistent with your content are all important elements.

However, communicating with your community across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Discord, Mastodon, and your blog, can be a time-consuming task. The process of manually posting updates and alerts on each platform can be overwhelming, especially for those just starting out.

There are several services available that can automate this process, but many of them come at a cost. In my experience, I found myself paying for services such as Streamcord to get my Twitch alerts to Discord in a timely manner, and I also use the moderation bot Mee6 for Discord. However, even with these tools, I still had to split up my workflow into several different systems, some of which I host locally on a Raspberry Pi. I found my current method to be a great balance of services whilst reducing costs and maximizing impact.

Here’s a breakdown of the platforms and tools I use for automating my content distribution:

Zapier SaaS automation platform:
- Twitch to Twitter: Monitors my Twitch for when I am live and posts to Twitter.
- WordPress to Discord: Handles new blog post alerts to my Discord server I have for my community.
- YouTube to Twitter: Handles when I post a video to my YouTube.
Mee6 Discord bot:
- YouTube to Discord: Handles the alerting from my main and VOD channel to my Discord.
- Twitter to Discord: Handles alerting when I have made a post on Twitter inside the Discord.
YentaPi Raspberry Pi locally hosted and run by me:
- Twitch-and-toot: My own project I wrote to monitor my Twitch and post to Mastodon. You can find the code for this project on GitHub at https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/twitch-and-toot.
- Twitch-Discord-Bot: Open-source project to run a bot to monitor Twitch and post to Discord when I am live. You can find the code for this project on GitHub at https://github.com/Siddhart/Twitch-Discord-Bot.
- Mastodon-Twitter-Sync: Open-source project to allow cross-posting to and from Twitter and Mastodon. I have it set up to conditionally cross-post messages when the “#sync” hashtag is added to either platform’s toot or tweet. You can find the code for this project on GitHub at https://github.com/klausi/mastodon-twitter-sync.

WordPress has several plugins and native integrations, including ActivityPub, LinkedIn, and Twitter, that make it easier to share my content on these platforms. However, I do plan to implement a way to alert Mastodon when I post a new YouTube video in the future. You can see a flowchart of how my current automations are setup.

Boosting Your Mastodon Server's Visibility: A Guide to Federation and Relays

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:13:50 -0500

Starting your own Mastodon server can be an exciting journey, but it can also be daunting when you realize that no one knows about your existence. Mastodon is a federated platform, meaning that new servers have to work to properly federate with other users. There are different ways to get the word out and make your server more visible.

One way is to list your account from your server in various wikis and databases, such as https://communitywiki.org/trunk and https://fedi.directory/. You can also try scanning your Twitter followers with tools like https://twitodon.com/.

Another way to boost your server’s visibility is by subscribing to a relay. A relay is a piece of software that increases federation between instances that subscribe to it. This is a great way for smaller instances to populate their federated timeline. You can find a list of relays at https://joinfediverse.wiki/index.php?title=Fediverse_relays.

As an instance admin, you can subscribe to a relay by going to Settings > Administration > Relays, entering the URL of the relay and adding “/inbox” to the end. You’ll then need to wait for the relay owners to accept your instance.

Federation is a form of decentralization, which means that instead of a single central service that everyone uses, there are multiple services that anyone can use. For example, email, XMPP, and phone networks are federated, while Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are centralized.

A Mastodon website operates like a traditional website, with people signing up, posting messages, and interacting with each other. The difference is that Mastodon websites can interoperate and allow users to communicate with each other, just like sending an email from one provider to another.

Mastodon uses the standardized, open protocol called ActivityPub to implement federation. Any software that implements federation via ActivityPub can communicate seamlessly with Mastodon, just like Mastodon websites communicate with one another. The term for all websites that can communicate over ActivityPub is called the “fediverse,” which includes Mastodon servers as well as other implementations such as Pleroma, Pixelfed, Misskey, PeerTube, Plume, and personal websites.

In practical terms, interoperability between different software means that if two services used the same protocol, users could follow and interact with each other even if they weren’t on the same platform. With a Mastodon account, you can communicate with any compatible website, as long as it supports the necessary subset of the ActivityPub protocol.

Discovering the Magic of Mastodon: A Journey into the Decentralized Social Networking World

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:40:38 -0500

Written in February 2023. Twitter has since been renamed X, and the Tumblr item below describes where things stood then.

Mastodon is a free and open-source, decentralized social network that was created as an alternative to popular social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Unlike these platforms, Mastodon is not owned by a single corporation, but is instead maintained by a network of independent servers, known as instances, each of which operates as a standalone community.

I have been using Mastodon on and off for years, but due to Elon Musk’s aggressive actions with Twitter that seem to be slowly killing the platform, I decided to dive full in and make my own instance at https://social.chiefgyk3d.com. The API access is free, which Twitter has announced they will stop doing, and I love that I can do the tinkering I had planned on Twitter. The real magic of Mastodon is its use of ActivityPub, a decentralized protocol for exchanging messages between users on different instances. This means that you can follow someone on a different instance, just like you can follow someone on a different platform, without having to worry about any walls between instances. I personally tell people, “Mastodon is like Twitter and Discord had a baby, and raised it and treated it like Email.”

Recently, Tumblr announced that they will be integrating ActivityPub, bringing the Fediverse (the federation of all instances running on the Mastodon software) even closer to becoming a truly decentralized social network. I love that I have an edit button on Mastodon, which I don’t have on Twitter, as well as much better moderation controls. I even opened the server up to a few friends who didn’t know where to be homed. After a few days of setting up my server and federating properly, I noticed that I was having way more genuine interactions daily on Mastodon than I ever did on Twitter. People were actively discovering my Twitch channel and other content through Mastodon, which almost never happened on Twitter despite having half as many followers as I do on Twitter.

The Fediverse is not just Mastodon, there are other amazing projects such as Pixelfed, an open-source photo blogging platform also using ActivityPub, which I recently started using at https://pics.chiefgyk3d.com/ChiefGyk3D. You can follow me right from your own Mastodon or other ActivityPub account. There’s also PeerTube, a federated competitor to YouTube, and more. At the time, my old WordPress blog was sharing to Mastodon on its own, and I was working on its own ActivityPub integration to follow the site for new posts using a plugin (https://wordpress.org/plugins/activitypub/).

While I did enjoy using Twitter in the past, it’s clear that the platform is slowly dying a death by a thousand cuts. Mastodon, on the other hand, reminds me of the old Twitter with no algorithms and without making me feel like I am a product to be constantly used or sold to. The Fediverse as a whole feels like the internet as I grew up with it, before it became a tool for constant marketing.

Mastodon, and subsequently the Fediverse as a whole is a truly decentralized social network, where users have control over their data and the community is free from the influence of corporations and other entities with conflicting interests. This makes Mastodon and the Fediverse a great alternative for those who are tired of the current state of social media and are looking for a more user-friendly and community-driven experience.

The Fediverse truly represents what decentralization looks like, as opposed to the false promises of decentralization made by some cryptocurrency projects. While projects like Internet Computer (ICP) have their place in the Fediverse, true decentralization requires not only decentralized software but also decentralized infrastructure to run it.

Now the question is, how do you join Mastodon/Fediverse, as well as answer a few questions you may also have:

How to join the Mastodon/Fediverse?

Joining the Fediverse is simple. One option is to use https://fediverse.observer/ to find a suitable home server to get started. Alternatively, https://mastodon.social can be used, but keep in mind that this is the largest server and may experience performance issues due to high user traffic, particularly from new users. This detracts from the decentralized nature of the Fediverse. There are also many excellent third-party apps available such as Toot! or SocialHub, or many other ones listed here on Mastodon’s own site. Like email, there are many options for using the Fediverse, and both Mastodon and these third-party apps offer a list of servers that are known for their technical reliability and responsible moderation. For those new to the Fediverse, Mastodon is the easiest and safest way to get started.

Do I need multiple accounts or to join multiple servers?

No, you only need one account on one server to interact with people from across the Fediverse. Similar to a phone, you only need one phone number to call anyone in the world, you don’t need an account on every Fediverse server.

Who sets the rules in the Fediverse?

The server owner sets the rules for a server. Some servers may have joint ownership or consult members, but usually, there is a single owner who decides the rules. To find the rules of a server, visit the server’s website and click the “Learn more” link, which will take you to the server’s info page. It’s important to check the rules before joining or transferring an account.

Can anyone start their own server?

Yes, anyone can start their own server. You don’t need technical skills or much money. Using a managed hosting service, the cost starts from around $8 per month and the service will handle the technical aspects. Running your own server allows you to follow people from other servers and be followed by them. For more information, visit GrowYourOwn.Services.

Why are the Fediverse servers separate?

The Fediverse is decentralized for several reasons:

Protects from hostile takeover - There is no single network, making it impossible for anyone to purchase it.
Empowers users - If a server owner does something bad, users can move to a different server without losing their followers, discouraging server owners from doing anything bad.
Lets anyone start their own server - Even non-technical people can start their own server for about $8 per month from a managed hosting company.
Allows each server to have its own rules - If there are disagreements, users can move to a different server with different rules or start their own server with rules they write.
Resilience - If one server goes down, other servers keep working, and problems on one server don’t affect the whole network.

What happens if a server misbehaves?

If a server allows spam, abuse or other bad behavior, other servers can block it. The worse the behavior, the more servers will block it, resulting in complete isolation for the worst-behaved servers.

Does the Fediverse use ads, trackers, or other annoying features?

No, there are no ads, trackers, or algorithms. The timeline displays posts from everyone you follow in chronological order and there is no blockchain or cryptocurrency. Fediverse servers connect to each other using traditional methods used by email and websites for decades.

In conclusion, I would encourage anyone who is looking for a more decentralized and user-friendly social network to check out Mastodon and the Fediverse.

For those who are interested in learning more about the Fediverse, I will be writing more in-depth articles on my own blog. However, you can also visit the site https://fedi.tips for more information.

Introducing Twitch-and-toot: The Open-Source Solution for Mastodon Stream Alerts

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:22:12 -0500

Hi everyone! I am Moshe, also known as ChiefGyk3D, the author of Twitch-and-Toot (https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/twitch-and-toot), an open source project that allows you to post to Mastodon when a streamer is live on Twitch. The project was born from my initial idea to learn coding by using Twitter’s API to rebuild alerts for TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube to my Twitter. However, since Elon Musk has an issue with developers using the API and allegedly wants to charge an outrageous amount for the API, I decided to move all my work to Mastodon on my own private server (https://social.chiefgyk3d.com) as the API is free.

To my surprise, I couldn’t find any existing projects to work with Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube notifications on Mastodon. That’s when I decided to teach myself NodeJS with the help of ChatGPT building about 80% of the project. And within 24 hours of announcing the project on Mastodon, I received three pull requests and some great improvements to the overall code. This was an amazing experience for my first ever community project I built, coded, and started myself.

About Twitch-and-Toot

Twitch-and-Toot is built on NodeJS and can run on a RaspberryPi, Single Board Computer, Linux VPS, or a private server. To run the script, you need to have NodeJS installed and obtain a Twitch API key (client ID and secret) from the Twitch Developer Dashboard, and a Mastodon API key (access token) from your Mastodon instance.

Here’s how you can install and configure Twitch-and-Toot:

Clone the GitHub repository to your device:

git clone https://github.com/ChiefGyk3D/twitch-and-toot.git

Install the required packages: npm install
Create a config.json file based on the config_template.json file in the repository. Fill in the required information such as Twitch API key, Mastodon API key, and the channel name you want to track.
Run the script: node twitch-and-toot.js

The configuration file config.json is used to store the required information such as Twitch API key, Mastodon API key, and the channel name you want to track. You can also customize the messages that will be posted to Mastodon when the streamer is live, but you currently must keep a total of five (5) messages for the array to work properly. This is customized directly in the script, but I hope to move it to config.json in the future.

Plans for the Future

I have some exciting plans for Twitch-and-Toot’s future development:

Move Mastodon message choices to config.json and unhinge it from the five message option requirement
Consolidate the last post time information into the config.json file.
Add messaging for when the stream ends to post to Mastodon and thank followers.
Create a SystemD service to keep the script running and boot with the device hosting it.

Support and Donations

Tips go through the Support page now.

If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out on the GitHub repo or to me on my Mastodon Account at https://social.chiefgyk3d.com/@chiefgyk3d

ChiefGyk3D

Stream Daemon: The Secure, Open-Source Stream Automation Engine for Modern Creators

What Is Stream Daemon?

Designed with Security in Mind

Integrating Doppler Is Simple

Feature Highlights

AI-Powered Messages

Enterprise Security

7-Platform Support

Discord Rich Embeds

Smart Multi-Platform Announcements

Production-Ready

⚡ Lightweight

Documentation & Deployment Options

Future Roadmap & IaC Vision

⚖️ Open-Source License

Why It Exists

Join the Community

Why I Use Multiple Phones: A Personal Dive into Device Diversification

1. Diving into Different Ecosystems

2. My Security Blanket

3. Mental Well-being and Work-Life Balance

4. Digital Spring Cleaning

5. My Social Media Corner

Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Sanitation Systems and High-Quality Filters

OdorStop UV Systems and GermGuardian Filters

Maintaining UV Sanitation Systems

Conclusion

Best Headphone & Microphone Combo for Office, Gaming, and Music for Under $100

Headphones: AKG K240 Studio

Modular Microphone: Sahara Gaming Microphone (3.5mm)

MiniXLR Microphone for Compatible Headphones

Audio Combination Adapter: KINGTOP 3.5mm Combo Audio Adapter

Headphone pad upgrade: Brainwavz Velour Replacement Ear Pads

Open Letter to President Biden about the Possible Ban of TikTok

Must-Have Tools for 3D Printing and PC Repair: My Recommended Starter Kit

Sample journal entry

Building a Strong Online Community: A Guide to Automating Your Social Media Communications

Boosting Your Mastodon Server's Visibility: A Guide to Federation and Relays

Discovering the Magic of Mastodon: A Journey into the Decentralized Social Networking World

How to join the Mastodon/Fediverse?

Do I need multiple accounts or to join multiple servers?

Who sets the rules in the Fediverse?

Can anyone start their own server?

Why are the Fediverse servers separate?

What happens if a server misbehaves?

Does the Fediverse use ads, trackers, or other annoying features?

Introducing Twitch-and-toot: The Open-Source Solution for Mastodon Stream Alerts

About Twitch-and-Toot

Plans for the Future

Support and Donations