CODE OF CONDUCT

Hi, and welcome to Watch It Played! We’re very glad you’re here.

Since 2011, I’ve done my best to respond to the comments on our videos, but there are a lot of them, so I often have to make quick judgments about how I moderate them.

The comments on our YouTube channel are read and curated as thoroughly and responsibly as I can manage because I believe certain comments are not healthy for productive discussion, and unnecessarily invite debate or conflict with other viewers. I’m not interested in creating spaces for that, and delete those comments (and potentially block the people who make them).

YouTube rewards videos that have a lot of comments, but I don’t really want quantity. I want quality. Historically, I've curated my comments based on my own internal compass, but as our team grows I feel it’s important to more openly share our expectations. The intention is to provide healthy guidelines for engaging with the members of Watch It Played, and also your fellow viewers.

This Code of Conduct will be updated as necessary. Revision dates will be noted at the end.

-Rodney Smith

1) Any form of harassment or discrimination
Do not post comments that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or social origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression.

2) Opinions on games
We want people to be able to express their opinions, but comments containing unqualified negativity do not contribute to positive interactions.
Example: “That game looks terrible/ugly.”

3) Opinions on the content
We believe it is important to create things we find fulfilling and then attract the audience who will enjoy it, rather than try to win over individuals by changing who we are to suit their tastes.
Example: “You’re not funny.”

4) Opinions on the host’s physical appearance
Although video is a very visual medium, it is not an invitation for critiques or compliments based on physical appearance.
Example: “You’re pretty/ugly.”

5) Opinions on other viewer's comments
If you disagree with someone else’s comment, don’t take on the responsibility of changing their mind. We aren’t looking for a debate club in the comments of our videos. On a similar note, avoid comments that inspire conflict.
Example: “How can you like this? It’s barely even a game.”

6) Privacy
The privacy and personal details of the hosts and the viewers must be respected at all times.

Code Of Conduct last revised February, 2021