Number the policy/guidelines and having clear details in enforcement emails
I have recommendations that not only helps users, but more importantly protect TWITCH itself.
- Number the policies into clear enforceable points(e.g. policy SC-2b-iv)
- In enforcement emails, show clear timestamps that shows the violation and quote the policy number violated using the numbering above.
Making the policy itself is a difficult, intricate task which requires multi-faceted considerations that may be obscure to the general user. Thus I trust twitch has qualified specialists for the actual policy creation. However vague ENFORCEMENT leaves the corporate vulnerable to public image attacks that is extremely dangerous especially for a corporate which depends on advertisers. Clearly communicated, consistent enforcement will protect TWITCH, and show integrity to users, stakeholders AND advertisers.
Numbering the policy could also help fix internal references. For instance in the Civility and Respect FAQ the "sexually suggestive content policy" is mentioned but is no longer called as such, so it can't be found easily. It could instead be a policy number hyperlink.
Here's an example of how I would suggest enforcement:
"Hello akuasmr. At 18:05:00 of your 12-06-24 stream, we detected "prolonged audio that implies sex" mentioned in Policy SC-2A-iii." (images: https://twitter.com/Rhubarb_314/status/1736039641726210196)
Here I used a vague 'implication' type policy here on purpose, because it shows how it also opens the court to clear, transparent, respectful dialogue. Akuasmr can now contest upon clear understanding, instead of possibly defaming twitch on social media which would not serve twitch.
Another positive to numbering the policies is the ability to track issues. Community strikes and bans can then be tracked by what policy violation it was based on. This could be compiled into extremely valuable feedback statistics to inform policy makers of any arising issues. For instance if there is a spike in SC-7 (Prohibited Gambling Content) violations, it can automatically raise a warning to allow moderators to take actions quickly.
Whatever the case, I only wish the best to Twitch and all the amazing content creators on twitch.
Regardless of where your policy makers choose to take it, I hope this suggestion will help protect the relationship between users, advertisers, shareholders and Twitch and its policy makers!
-
RhubarbPiArt commented
Twitch please respond, even if it’s to say “we’re not doing it”. I don’t want to be rude to the other users but while the majority are complaining about a personal inconvenience, I spent time thinking about HELPING twitch here…
-
RhubarbPiArt commented
Another potential benefit is in user reports. The current system is good in that it offers intuitive subcategories to describe why the user is making that report.
However there could be an optional field (or maybe a prompt in the details) where power-users who are familiar with the policy/guidelines can themselves point out the policy number they think is being violated. This might be helpful to the enforcers going through the reports
-
RhubarbPiArt commented
I would also add its important that we distinguish Terms and Conditions to Guidelines and Policies. The T&C do an excellent job in it's role of granting enforcers the required authority to take action; enforcers can ban anyone they want at their discretion. This sounds harsh on paper, but it's very important.
On the other hand Guidelines and Policies should be considered a communication tool as well as a Publicity Defense Mechanism. This is why clarity becomes vital, and numbering policies into actionable numbered points is vital.