#YouTubeWalkout | Luna oi!

"#YouTubeWalkout" by Luna oi!
Subject of Discussion: Dear Viewers, Since we started this channel YouTube has become increasingly hostile towards creators in countless ways. An inhospitable environment for workers is to be expected with a capitalist institution like YouTube. So recent events come as no surprise: In the past month, YouTube has introduced new terms of service that will allow them to delete channels for not being "commercially viable." They have also signed an agreement with the FTC over their violation of COPPA, legislation which is intended to protect the privacy of children on the internet. YouTube and the FTC have signed an agreement that needlessly and uselessly puts onus and risk on creators without serving to protect children from data collection by YouTube. We, as creators, should be given a voice on YouTube. The relationship we have with this corporation is entirely one-sided, and YouTube is far too heavy-handed and disrespectful and exploitative in how they deal with us. It was independent creators who made YouTube the success that it is. Without us, YouTube would be nothing. Without us, they will become nothing. That is why we are walking out. Many have said that this walkout is a "waste of time" and that it "won't work." This is a gross misunderstanding of the purpose of this walkout. We are not expecting YouTube to cave to our demands for representation and respect. We are not even expecting YouTube to notice us. We are, however, expecting YOU to notice us. We are expecting you to care. We are expecting to build solidarity among creators and viewers who use this platform. Rosa Luxembourg, Vladimir Lenin, the Black Panthers, Rudolf Rocker, Ho Chi Minh -- every great leftist leader and thinker of all time agreed that limited, short-term activity helps to build toward longer-term solidarity. This is the first step of many. Yes, we need unions and more cohesive organization. Yes, we need more people on board. Yes, we are small and insignificant right now. But we can work together towards something bigger. After the walkout, we will do everything we can to sustain this energy and put it towards more permanent organization. And we hope you will join us. For more information and perspectives search for the hashtag #YouTubeWalkout Thank you for your support. We're all in this together! -Luna and EJ


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