COPPA
I'm not sure how many of you guys are following COPPA, or have any idea what it is, but I'm going to give a quick break down here.
COPPA stands for The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, managed by the FTC. Right now, the FTC is making very big moves based on COPPA regarding content on YouTube. As it stands right now, if YouTube deems your content kid friendly or geared towards kids, that channel will lose a bunch of tools and privileges, including playlists, community tab, comments, and targeted ads on videos.
This fundamentally could change my YouTube channel. I take pride in creating content that I feel the whole family can watch, with the occasional adult subtlety, kinda like most cartoons I grew up with. However, come January, there is a very strong possibility that my channel will not function how it has.
This doesn't mean I'm going to change my content to fit the needs of NOT appealing to children, and start swearing. It's just not something I want to do.
What it DOES potentially mean, or what it symbolizes, is that this is another event that is further reminding me how temporary this position I have is. How lucky I am to have ever had this as my job, but how, it is very likely, that this will not be my job for a long time.
While this has filled me with anxiety and dread over the past few days, I had a few people speak into my life, and have brought my back down to earth, and I'm so grateful for that.
This post is mostly me updating you, so you're not blindsided in January if our channel all of a sudden gets hit by these enforcements. This post is also a way of saying thank you. I say it so much, but seriously, thank you so much for supporting me here. Even as our channel has gone through some pretty rough months, you guys on Patreon have truly kept my family in a comfortable place where I'm free to both pursue my passion and tackle our mortgage aggressively.
This is the final straw, though. I can no longer talk about doing different things and then fall back on them. There is a very real possibility that come the new year, my YouTube channel will no longer be a source of revenue for me.
I will not be discussing what I am going to pursue, but I am going to be pursuing something I have always been passionate about, and I hope I can break into this specific skillset, marketplace, everything.
When it comes to current work, my priority it Patreon. You guys, in my mind, have to be me first video to be done each day. You guys are backing me, and I feel awful whenever a day goes by without an exclusive video over here. I hate hate getting something for nothing, and I truly appreciate you support here.
YouTube videos -might- slow down as I pour time into this new venture, but it's too soon to tell. September is one of the busiest months, actually, the busiest month I've had this year, but I need to take this new step seriously. There will be fruit of it, and you guys will be the first to see it. I'm very excited and blessed to have you backing me here.
That's all. That's the post. Keep it shady <3
Edit: So quote literally just saw DanTDM say he had a call with YouTube and that videos will NOT be judged on what game you're playing, and that a video that is family friendly is NOT the same as for kids. That is a huge relief, and I hope what he heard is accurate, but I still feel I need to pursue this. There have been so many signs this year that, I'm not safe just relying on my current "skillset." BUT, this is still very good news, and wanted to make sure you got the whole message.
Comments (19)
You know what this means? Youtube demonetizes everything not geared towards children, making all these channels try to be family friendly. Yet now, channels that are family friendly will be punished via ads, playlist removal, comment removal, and more. Basically, Youtube is not going to be a viable income for anyone anymore after this. Only the channels Youtube wants to promote will be promoted. Shady, you might want to start fully dedicating time to Twitch and just upload VoDs or something to Youtube once this happens.
Programmer Shady inc? 👀
It saddens me to think that one day we wont get more Shady videos but I am excited for you and your passions to be fulfilled. so I genuinely hope the best for you and your family (:
We love you and the content you have given us all these years. We hope just the best for you and your family. Go and get it!
It sounds like the new venture is something that excites you. That's awesome. Your passion for your work has been part of the inspiration for me pursuing new ventures myself recently--I've wanted to work in something that gives me the same energy that you bring to your videos, and now I'm in my final year of my long-delayed degree in the field that I love. Looking forward to learning more about the new path you're on.
You go Shady! You have been my life inspiration for a while now, and I can't thank you enough for the things that you have done for me. Do the things that you think/know is best for you <3 Will always support you!
You and your family will be in my prayers brother. Awesome to hear about the update in the edit but definitely still nerve racking. I'll reinforce what a lot of people are already saying by telling you that I sub on twitch and to this patreon regardless of if there is content I enjoy, or any content at all for that matter. I want to see you and your family succeed and I think you are a fantastic person and roll model for people to look up to, that's why I sub. Keep your head up and good luck with the new endeavor :) in times like this remember... "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Dude stop stressing about it. I support people on patreon who upload once a month and don't give early access. We are here to support you no matter what and I doubt many if any would leave because you uploaded less. TBH I'm pretty much just here for Pokemon but when was that last uploaded? Don't worry man. If you have to start a new channel I think most of us will follow you. However I would kinda like to see a swearing penguin. The adult penguinn channel. X-D but seriously man I know it's hard to not be stressed about this but at the very least don't be stressed about missing uploads on patreon or being late.
It's a shame that YT is basically destroying their own platform and that so many people have to suffer because of it! Especially creators like you, and many others, who pour their hearts and souls into the content they create, don't deserve to go through all this! You deserve stability and to do the job you want without having to live in constant financial fear. I'm so glad that Patreon was a way to help lessen that fear, and I'm even more glad that I'm a patron and can help support you and your family!
Best wishes shady to you, your family, and anyone else this may effect.
It’s a shame to see how crazy YouTube has gotten, especially for content creators such as yourself who pour in much time and effort to create. I back ya and support the directions you take. You’re definitely worth investing in. I actually have missed a bunch of videos here due to being very busy BUT still want to support cause I like what ya do. Keep on keeping on!
You just keep being you Shady and do what you love and want to love doing. YouTube is becoming a horrid mess slowly with each passing second and even if that means you get screwed in the process you know you’ve always go our support. We the shady people got your back and all are here for you. Keep it up pal
I’m glad that Patreon has worked so well for you, and that I’m able to support you! But I do agree that having a solid backup plan in case of YouTube failing is a great idea, and I fully support that! I’m sure things will work out for you, Shady!
More than happy to support you however we can. You’ve given us so much joy and quality content over the years- it’s comforting we can return the favor even if it’s in a small way. Keep doing you, Shady. =)
Wow, YouTube is really throwing Youtubers under the bus. This is actually insane. Dang man, hope you can figure it out. I will always support you, keep in mind that twitch streams will also be appreciated if YouTube doesnt work out. Twitch can be an extra income for you to help you provide! All good faith and love for you Shady! Take care!
Keep up the great work and thank you for the update. Thank you for the years of content and entertainment. You are my top favorite entertainer out there. Whatever you decide to do, I will support in anyway I can. I’m sure plenty of other Shady people will as well.
We will always be here for you, Shady. <3 God bless you and your family as you take on new ventures and adjust to whatever COPPA means for your channel.
Glad to help support you on here and twitch Shady! Thanks for the update.
Love you Shady and I hope that everything goes well for you and that whatever it is that you venture forth to is splendid!! Keep up all that you do and "Keep it Shady~" 💙