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How did you first learn about Sly Flourish? (2023 Survey) (Patreon)

Published:
2023-07-12 16:00:08
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Poll

How did you first learn about Sly Flourish? (2023 Survey)

  • Blog (slyflourish.com) or Google Search 202
  • YouTube 783
  • Podcast 132
  • Sly Flourish's Books 367
  • Kickstarter 16
  • Reddit 45
  • Facebook 7
  • Discord 7
  • Twitch 7
  • Twitter 22
  • Mastodon 2
  • Instagram 0
  • Tiktok 0
  • Freelance work (Kobold Press, MCDM, etc) 3
  • A friend recommended it 72
  • Other (describe in the comments) 67
  • 2023-07-10
  • 1732 votes
{'title': 'How did you first learn about Sly Flourish? (2023 Survey)', 'choices': [{'text': 'Blog (slyflourish.com) or Google Search', 'votes': 202}, {'text': 'YouTube', 'votes': 783}, {'text': 'Podcast', 'votes': 132}, {'text': "Sly Flourish's Books", 'votes': 367}, {'text': 'Kickstarter', 'votes': 16}, {'text': 'Reddit', 'votes': 45}, {'text': 'Facebook', 'votes': 7}, {'text': 'Discord', 'votes': 7}, {'text': 'Twitch', 'votes': 7}, {'text': 'Twitter', 'votes': 22}, {'text': 'Mastodon', 'votes': 2}, {'text': 'Instagram', 'votes': 0}, {'text': 'Tiktok', 'votes': 0}, {'text': 'Freelance work (Kobold Press, MCDM, etc)', 'votes': 3}, {'text': 'A friend recommended it', 'votes': 72}, {'text': 'Other (describe in the comments)', 'votes': 67}], 'closes_at': None, 'created_at': datetime.datetime(2023, 7, 10, 14, 7, 58, tzinfo=datetime.timezone.utc), 'description': None, 'allow_multiple': False, 'total_votes': 1732}

Content

It's time to refresh our look at how people find our wonderful community! Even if you've filled out previous polls, please fill this one out as well.

How did you first learn about Sly Flourish?

Comments

Raj M

came to me in a dream

PhD20

Other YouTubers mentioned your blog over a decade ago (4E era). Then you were kind enough to hop onto my old YouTube channel a few times 🙂

Jay Antle

I THINK it was when I was starting to run Tyranny of Dragons and was looking for advice as to how to make HotQ work more effectively. Found Sly Flourish via Google at that point...

ArchiveDelver

There was a time two years ago when I was voraciously consuming every YouTube video about DMing.

StellarX

Got back into D&D a few years ago after seeing Critical Role (by accident) on YouTube. YouTube started recommending D&D related channels on my feed, one of which was your free show. Have since become a patron and bought most of your stuff. There are a handful of essential TTRPG channels on YouTube and yours is right up there - cheers!

thePooka

First exposure was when I bought the Lazy DM. Was bummed for 30 seconds when I realized it was written pre-5e but then I read it. Bought Return, read that and on and on. Found great value every step of the way.

Ryan McIntyre

I feel like I've always known about you :P I got into D&D with the 4e starter set and played 4e all the way through, following what podcasts and blogs were around at the time. Could not tell you where I first heard about you but I had the original Lazy book and remembered you as fixture in 4e commentary and content. I took a break from D&D when 4e ended and didn't come back until 2018, at which point I think I first heard you were still active when I picked up following the Tome Show and heard you on Behind the DM Screen

Peter Hohenstein

Looking for tips on running Hoard of the Dragon Queen Google got me to the blog

John Willson

I honestly can't remember what was first, but I'll tell you the first FEW ways I heard of Sly Flourish. I heard the names Mike Shea and Sly Flourish enough times (mainly on the Down With D&D/Mastering Dungeons podcast, I think) that they started to stick in my head as fixtures of the D&D community. The big DM's survey you did a few years ago. Everybody talked about the results for months. When I heard about The Lazy Dungeon Master, a book of techniques that could shorten my prep time, I said "I NEED THAT!" and immediately went out and bought it. I've kept an eye out for new Sly Flourish releases ever since.

Bryan Metz

I first found your blog when I was searching for ways to run Out of the Abyss. That didn't hook me to the rest of your content right away, but it made your name stand out more when I saw it referenced by other people. I became a true "follower" once I got hooked into your YT channel.

alisha f

Bob World Builder's video "Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master | The REAL DM's Guide." Been a big fan ever since!

Norman Wolf

I recently found Sly Flourish's books on Amazon, as I am starting to DM.

Jose Munoz

I asked in a Facebook group for Podcasts and Mike's cast was one of the more highly recommended.

Richard Durocher

I purchased Fantastic Adventures on a whim knowing nothing about it or the author. I loved it so much I looked for more from Sly Flourish.

rwix94

I think I was watching a DnD Beyond interview video with some of the guys over at Dwarven Forge, and one of them just happened to mention "Sly Flourish Lazy DM," and it piqued my interest! Led me on a deep rabbit whole that got me to reading "Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master." That book and all your advice has done so much for me and my DMing experience that I'm so happy I came across it all through a quick mention!

A Aron

I think it was from a shoutout from the "How to D&D/ How to RPG" YouTube channel, when I was planning to run Dragons of Icespire Peak.

Aaron Bolger

I had seen your videos pop up occasionally on YouTube but it was when I bought your Bundle of Holding that I was completely sold and really got into your content!

Alan Eckert

I heard about it through other YouTube channels, but I couldn't tell you which at this point. After watching some of your videos, I was sucked in by the vast amount of knowledge that was neatly organized

Naomi B

met at gencon

Chris Salkeld

It's been a few years, but I think Jason Brick mentioned The Lazy Dungeon Master in one of his Random Encounter books

Scott

I think I first came across your YouTube videos to learn the name, but once I discovered your podcast I was hooked! Excellent work keep it up!

Matt Roy

Saw ROTLDM as a recommended book on amazon when buying other TTRPG books. (I know... amazon is a BBEG... but at least it brought me to some good people!)

Dan McCarthy

I was looking for DM advice to running Hoard of the Dragon Queen, which led me to your website - been an appreciative fan ever since.

Alex Gombach

I was looking for DM advice books and return of the lazy dm came up high in Google searches

Dom Guido

I think I first heard "Sly Flourish," as a place to go for good D&D content from WebDM. I really stared engaging after checking out some of your short YouTube videos some years later, however.

Christopher Byler

Ages and ages ago, I found the blog as part of my D&D blog 'route.' Your channel was mentioned by another creative--I don't remember who--so that's how I found out about it, rather than a YouTube recommendation or a mention on your blog.

Liam Roy

YouTube. I was researching how to DM and found the return of the lazy dm playlist.

Gábor Hegedűs

I was searching the net for some useful DM's advice on BG's Descent to Avernus module, and I found the Slyflourish YouTube channel, where I asked a question in a comment and to my honest amazement the creator (some guy, his name is Mike :D ) replied within a short time. As they say: the rest is history ... :)

Chris Blanchard

For me, it was Return of the Lazy DM. I picked it up on Audible on sale, and was so hooked, I got a copy as a PDF and physical book, and started listening to the YouTube channel regularly.

Aztlan

First learned about you through YouTube but then quickly started following the podcast.

Trick Hartman

I believe I heard about you while beginning my 2nd Life in D&D around Obsidian.md. There someone mentioned you and I went down the rabbit hole of excitement. Either that or just a wild google search frenzy late at night. ;D

Thomas Vreeland

When The Lazy DM's Workbook came out. Between that book and your youtube channel, I had all kinds of epiphanies. You and Matt Colville are my go-to resources.

Gabriel Bell

At this point it was so long ago I don’t even remember.

Elated Muse

I remember you coming up in my DND feed on YouTube and How you presented the information and how you are inspired me to continue. you are a great RPG place!

Robyn Derme

I saw (and bought) "Return of The Lazy Dungeon Master" on Audible.

Spetzel

You're everywhere!

PepPep

Runesmith video on YouTube.

Raymond Fioramonti

Late nights with my newborn daughter and your game prep videos came across my YouTube feed. Really helped show me a system for preparing for my games.

ChickyBisky

Word of mouth from fellow DM friends!

Perry Caldwell

I first saw the series of DM Deep Dive videos. I loved the interviews with people that I didn't see anywhere esle.

chrispychickin

An interview, with Amy Dallen I think, a few years ago on D&D Beyond.

ZadokTheWise

I think I read on Reddit that “SlyFlourish” produces great videos and I searched you out on YouTube and first saw your stuff there. Watched for about a year and realized I was regularly watching and thought it was only right to start supporting the Patreon and have been here the last couple of years.

Aaron Ellery Breland

Pretty sure it was a blog post right around the time 4th edition came out. Sly Flourish was fresh in the PHB and fresh on our minds.

Deven Morgan

Stumbled on one of your old advice videos

Steve Johnston

I came across your blog around 10 years ago. It was a huge help when I was learning to DM!

Oscar Merida

Bought a copy of Return of the Lazy DM at my FLGS

Richard Carey-Knight

I've put YouTube, because it was probably YouTube (though I now listen to you as a podcast on my cycle to work), but truth be told, I can't remember

JohnMichael Albrecht

A friend recommended your blog on 4e boss monsters and the sheet with all of the different level 4e monster stats (super useful THANK YOU!!!)

Jake

Being one of the pre-D&D tabletop wargamers, my memoir isn't what it once was, and I just don't remember. Thanks for giving me permission to be lazy.

Arseni Kritchever

The Lazy Dungeon Master was recommended to me way back in the day, so I got that and then the Return to Lazy DM, and then I looked up to see what else the author had done and now I'm way down the rabbit hole, owning almost every product released by Sly Flourish!

Brent Sohn

I found SF through youtube, but not the SF channel. It was Bob World Builder's video on Return of the Lazy DM that introduced me, and I started watching the SF youtube channel not long after.

Arash Steindamm

I found out about Sly Flourish from a D&D Beyond video interview.

Wayne Stewart

I followed a friend's kickstarter backing of one of your projects

DrFugue

I said Youtube. However I didn’t randomly find your channel. I proactively looked for your channel as lots if other RPG Youtube channels mentioned how awesome your books were. That’s how I entered the rabbit hole

LazyLich

I'm gonna guess blog, it was 4E days.

Doug Palmer

Early 4e on the Tome Show maybe and the whole blog circle thing that existed back then with Newbie and the other early 4e Bloggers.

FreeSouthJersey

Recommended by multiple bloggers and “learning how to GM” guides.

Axel Cholewa

If I remember correctly, it was a recommendation by Sean McGovern on his Powerscore blog in 2014. :)

Jun Miyazaki

Found some online recommendations about the Lazy DM guide.

NikMak

I heard about the Lazy DM guide (not sure where, maybe while browsing driveThrurpg?), and then searched for more info on youtube

Patrick W.

Before D&D Youtube became a thing, the Lazy DMs Guide and Blog was along the top recommendations for DM resources offered up on reddit, alongside The Angry GM and The Alexandrian.

Joe G

I found your blog some time between the late 4e and early 5e days, when I was trying to get back into GMing after a few years' hiatus. That fell off as I ended up not having much time for the hobby. But early into COVID I started looking into GMing again, started watching all of Matt Colville's videos (I was vaguely aware of him before that) and then YouTube started serving up your videos and I've been around since.

Andrew Glenn

Hi Mike, I first heard you on Dungeon Masters Block and the Deep Dives. You were describing an encounter in Tomb of Annihilation on a raft/canoe which you had added some critters too and then I knew you were my kind of GM.

Doclobster13

My first StartPlaying.com game was a one shot of the Lair of Lord Whiskers and the DM recommended your site and works.

Jason Dawson

Followed your FOURTH edition content waaaay back.

G VanBooven

Heard the Lazy DM book mentioned on several youtube videos and the rest is history.

Ltbadger

found you via YouTube. as a YouTube algorithm recommended video but this was about 4 years or so back [maybe longer]

David

I had your original Lazy DM book from a bundle purchase long ago that I'd glanced at only very briefly; then years later, thru a Google search, I found your website articles about Storm King's Thunder for running that campaign; then via the YouTube algorithm I found your one-on-one Icespire Peak videos while I was running that campaign for the 2nd time, and then at that time I finally dove deeper into your content and resources --becoming a devotee. So it took longer for me to recognize your value and breadth of work than it should've, (so I would credit YouTube recommendation and your videos for leading me to Patreon and buying your books).

Jesper Bisgaard

First read about the lazy dm many years ago

Mike Zwick

Played in Rob Schwalb's game with you at Winter Fantasy.

Rob McIntosh

I found your work during 4e from some of the blogs. Don't remember which one. Been following your work since then.

Michelle Barratt Shea

Played EQ and WoW with you. I was your guild leader in both games. Met you at a con then couple years later, we got married. That's the short version.

Shannon Rampe

Heard about the Lazy DM book some years ago. When I came back to DM-ing last year, picked it up and haven't looked back. Been enjoying the books, the podcast, the blogs, and now the Patreon!

Dave McGee

Amazon suggested The Lazy DM

Tim Scharnweber

RotLDM was the topic of a RPG workshop about preparing sessions

Andrew Shores

I was a new dm looking for basic advice and for advice on theater of the mind combat.

Andy

Colby Elliott from Last Word Audio did a great job recording several of your books. They made me want to support your work.

Dan Williamson

I was recommended The Lazy Dungeon Master on Amazon.

Evilrich

My son and I had the pleasure of playing Adventurer's League with Mike and his wife during the first PAX Unplugged. Been a fan ever since.

Epic Quest

A Google search led me to "The Lazy Dungeon Master" book. Following that, I discovered your YouTube channel and Patreon page.

Josué dos Santos

First watched a YouTube video, then a friend recommended Sly's session prep videos. Those were the best for me. Been a fan ever since.

Kero

Pretty sure it you were an Audible recommendation when I was searching for D&D related audiobooks. It's been more than a few years so I don't remember for sure.

Erik Hymel

Mentioned by Professor Dungeon Master

BaconDog

Good lord, I don't remember how I first became aware, it was so long ago. Probably via Lazy Dungeon master book, but I was heavily into RSS back then and might have had a recommendation to a news feed. I've been listening via podcast for the longest as well.

Eric Stefen

Other: Matt Colville mentioned you had entered one of his twitch streams. Way before you did freelance work for MCDM.

Conor Thomas

In my first forays into GMing, I saw a recommendation for your channel in the forums on D&DBeyond! (Which lead to some of your articles, then to your YouTube channel.)

Tubal

YouTube at first, but now I use Spotify to listen, thanks for uploading there.

Craig LF

Discovered Fantastic Adventures and then the rest of your work from there

Scott Miller

I discovered you from a podcast with the D&D Beyond team shortly before they were bought out by WOTC.

redhawk2085

Books -> Blog -> Email Newsletter -> Youtube -> Patron -> (can't watch Twitch yet because I'm busy every Sunday morning)

Mari

a member on another discord server mention Sly Flourish a few times, then I discovered the books on Drive Thru RPG…entered the Lazy DM rabbit hole.

A Light in the Darkness

I think it was on Drive Thru RPG, though I don't remember exactly how I got there. Then I saw Bob World Builder on Youtube give The Lazy DM such a great review and noticed many others talking so well about it, saying it was better than the DMG so I had to give it a shot.

TheSighGuy

You sent a recent email about the Patreon, and I joined immediately. I own many of your books and read your content often, but this is the first time I was made aware of your Patreon.

Jason Volk

Just started playing D&D 5e a few years ago (after a 20 years hiatus from TTRPGs) and your content is by far and away the best. Love your podcast/YouTube videos. This is the first Patreon I've ever actually supported, but it's worth every penny! Congrats on the amazing work!

Delaney Nevins

I heard about you from a Bob world builder review.

Derek Berdine

I'm not sure where I first heard about the Sly Flourish books, but I eventually got a copy of the Lazy DM and since I liked it so much, I recently backed your KS and have been watching your YT vids.

DMRawlings

I'd kind of heard of you from a bunch of different places. I'm going to assume it was first through a Twitter link to a blog post, but tbh you've been doing this so much it's hard to place it.

NegatveSpace

I think I first heard about you from the How To RPG YouTube channel.

American Puberty

I'm pretty sure Lazy DM was suggested in my therapeutic gamemastering course (Geek Therapeutics)

SpoooonBK

HI everyone. I'm happy to be here.

shaolinpunk

It was a co-worker who recommended and ran a one-shot using your Lazy Dungeon Master book. I liked it so much that I purchased it and The Lazy DM Workbook, before backing the The Lazy DM's Forge of Foes on Kickstarter... 😈😈😈

Unfrozen Caveman Roleplayer

Getting back into D&D after a few decades, I did a ton of web searches to get myself up-to-speed on what has changed. The first Sly Flourish piece I found was on “Theater of the Mind” combat, which has always been a big thing for me, although I didn’t know the term. I really liked the post and explored more content. Eventually, I joined the Patreon to support Mike because I love his philosophy and tone, and I enjoy his level-headed takes on WOTC and the TTRPG industry/community.

Jason Daubert

I can’t remember how I heard of the Lazy Dungeonmaster books, possibly from the A5E Kickstarter? Anyhow, I have had those books for a while and quite enjoyed them.

George PR

I learned about your work from a friend, which led me to the podcast, Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, and then pattern in that order.

Denise Atwood

I don't remember which came first, the YouTube videos or the books, but I have consumed both feverishly the last few years.

Orwellian

Enjoying your Shadowdark prep videos so much, thank you for the amazing content.

Vic Morris

I had heard of the "Lazy Dungeon Master" but didn't know what it was. I found your YouTube channel and now I am hooked!

Houndin

I've been following Mr. Flourish since Sly Flourish was an at-will for a 4e rogue. I just learned that he had a Patreon from a youtube about OBR, I had to contribute. I have both Lazy GM books, and have been an improv DM since "The Late 1900's" as the kids these days call 'em.

Blix

I was wandering in the dark forest selling batwings.

Bryce Oltman

Found out about the Lazy dungeonmaster when I bought one of your books on a whim. Your books and videos are some of the best resources I have found.

Richard Aronson

I think I first heard about the Lazy Dungeon Master while listening to Adventure: A Dungeons and Dragons Podcast.

Leah

I think I first saw you on Twitch, or maybe on Youtube? But I know I watch your twitch streams the most and found your content and Patreon through it.

Eiríkr

I believe that I came across your books on DriveThruRPG, and then followed up on YouTube, but I could be reversing those, lol.

Kevin Davis

I got to your from Web DM, I can't remember if they mentioned you or if it was just from the algorithm suggesting your video's

Jonathan Gerolami

I found your books and Kickstarted for Legend of Foes first, like what I was reading and move to your podcast and some utube and now part of Patreon.

Alessandro Martinelli

I heard about your books in an italian poodcast (La Locanda Del Drago Rosso), where the author praised them.

Lisa S Beasley

One of the "how to DM" podcasts (I can't remember which) recommended your podcast. (Which looks pretty unusual, from your poll results.) I've been binge listening since then, and have made it to early 2022.

Jane Butler

I’m on your mailing list

Crit Hit The Giant

I asked several DM related questions on social media and discord and many people recommended you

Tino Galizio

Technically Twitter, but I selected other since it was a long time ago (2009-10ish?) and I don't want to skew your metrics, since I'd guess Twitter's utility for followers is now very low..

Alexis Bushnell

YouTube but because another creator recommended you (can I remember which now? no, of course not, grr!)

Melanie

My first thought was Youtube, but that's how I found your Patreon. I am pretty sure I stumbled over your blog and books in my search for DM content when I picked it up again last year.

Kreggar

YouTube algorithm after watching Colville, Ginny D, official D&D channel, etc. when I first started playing last year.

Mike

I first heard about you many years ago on the Tome Show podcast.

BilbotheMonkey

I first heard of The return of the Lazy DM through BobWorld Builder, bought the book on his recomendation, and have been following and buying everything since. Keep up the amazing work! Thanks!

DungeonPig723

I watch a ton of your vids on YouTube.

Vernon Harmon

Your books, site and channel were all highly recommended on reddit DnD communities.

Juan Ojeda

When I first started DMing, I found the Sly Flourish blog, and the advice really resonated. Then I rediscovered your blog, and then YouTube, years later, and have been a weekly viewer since.

Reckless Fable

Same, then I saw him on YouTube and was like, "That guy wrote a book, right?"

Mo Williams

I googled D&D creators to follow and Sly Flourish was mentioned multiple times, then I read Lazy DM and have been a fan ever since!

73pctGeek

I am very old and have known about Sly Florish from way back when, found out about the Patreon via the Podcast

schkff

A recommendation for Lazy DM in a forum post on boardgamegeek (or probably, on rpggeek). The title was catchy and appealed to my inner sloth! Can't quite remember if I picked up the book first or listened to the podcast (book I think), but I found it solid advice, quick clear and to the point. Great work Mike!

UsagiGM

I was asking for GM advice on discord and got recommended.

Joel Allard

Bought the life-saving Lazy DM book.

Deletes Pixels

I said podcast, but truthfully it was the kindle version of the book first, than i found the you tube channel but converted to the podcast as i can listen as i work, than after a couple years listening to the podcast i decided to support through Patreon.

Simon Chambers

I found you through The Tome Show originally, and then started following your YouTube and your Podcast, and bought some books. Now joined the Patreon (obvioiusly)

Han Cotey

I was google searching D&D actual play podcasts and Sly Flourish was on the list. It was described as a DM Resource.

Alison

I found your books mentioned in a review for a different gm book

Its_nuked

I looekd at Flamey The GM's video about situations that seemed very familiar. Dug further and found your book return of the dungeon master. I consider your work a blessing. Thank you.

Seth George

I’ve been listing to the pod for awhile and really enjoying the content. I felt it was time to support your efforts and was most interested in gaining access to readings and reflections. Thanks,

Vor Arlberg

I was doing research for ToA and stumbled onto your blog and YT videos.

elkracks527@gmail.com

Heard about you from the crew at The Glass Cannon, who adopted many of your house rules for their shadowdark campaign.

Gregatron

You and your books were mentioned by several DND Tubers so I finally started watching your videos.

MasterRanger

Still a better love story than Twilight.