Since affiliate follow-emotes have come live, I've noticed several streamers are unable to use the new features due to suspensions 3 or 5 or more years old. So much so that some streamers can't even recall being suspended, or the reason for suspension, while maintaining a spotless record since then while consistently streaming for years, maintaining long term subscriptions and teams.

Despite otherwise fulfilling all the requirements for "Instant Upload Eligibility Requirements", they remain locked out of these new features, taunted by a link reading "find out how to regain access", with no further support, as they already meet said requirements to regain accress, condemning them for a long ago sin. Maybe they were ignorant of how words could hurt someone, or maybe they forgot to shut down their stream after it ended, or maybe the even slept on stream, or violated ToS with an alcohol themed stream. In most cases, these aren't vile offenses, and when the streamer perseveres through their just punishment, we should acknowledge their progress and growth, and we shouldn't inhibit their growth by holding these old offenses over their heads. Are you the same person you were 3, or 5, or 7 years ago?

In some cases, these features weren't even on any development roadmap when they were suspended, and rules on Twitch have changed, in some cases, significantly, since then.

I recommend Twitch open a line of communication to these streamers, and not treat them like branded felons like they do now - to allow streamers who have been positive members of the community and who are committed to continuing to grow. Why should they be stopped for something that could be forgiven after such a long time? Having spoken to some of these streamers, their ban appeals are always ignored because they're asking for forgiveness on a very old ban (3 or more years ago). Would it not be in our collective best interest to grant it to them if they have proven themselves?

Must they make a new account instead? That seems ridiculous and unfair. Some streamers have grown communities over many years, even approaching partner levels of success - but unless they breach that elusive threshold, it appears that Twitch has no care for them and will not lift the penalties incurred by old suspensions. They will only consider so if they make partner.
If the streamer wants to maintain the community they have already into a successful partner application, they must do so without the support of new tools that other streamers can use, despite the inordinate length of time between the suspension, and now. The way these old suspensions are currently handled, is a slap in the face of some productive and lovely streamers who have otherwise done no harm, and have been condemned to being second class affiliates.

So I call on Twitch to right this wrong. People grow and are capable of not only change, but to better the world around them, not only from learning from their mistakes, but because they made the mistakes and have learned and respected the boundaries imposed by Twitch, and have been in good standing since their infraction, over a long period.

Thank you.

Bigot test for partners.

Dear Twitch, every Partner should answer a 30 question test to make sure they aren't a bigoted piece of *.
I know you like money, Twitch. So I won't suggest that you don't partner them, you little hoe you.
But give Partners that pass the test an extra checkmark to tell users that this particular Streamer isn't an ****. Thank you.
It is such a dread to invest time and money into someone only to then find out that they are human trash.

The checkmark will prohibit that.

This test will be part of the partner application process. Furthermore will previous bans (and their nature) be relevant for getting the checkmark.

Do it for already partnered streamers as well. A mandatory quiz. If you don't fill it out, you don't get to stream.
There is a 30 day period in which you are able to submit your test.
If you pass the test, you get an extra checkmark that shows that the streamer has morals and compassion.
If you don't pass the test, you still get to stream, but people will wonder what questions you answered wrong.

This will not only be good for viewers, also for Twitch itself. Since Partners are Brand ambassadors.
The checkmark will be called "Ambassador".

As a by-product it will also increase the pressure on Streamers who think it is okay to be homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist...

Viewers will also have the option to report streamers for violations of those topics.

Partners who pass the test will also get prioritised sponsorship opportunities, Front page slots, social media boosts, and an increase in their subscription share payout.

You wanna improve your image, Twitch? Do something for it.

As with all Twitch updates, this will be rolled out for affiliates as well at a later point.