When explaining the need for strict guidelines and rules on YouTube, Sahlin and Botello, authors of YouTube for Dummies, refer to the idea of yelling "fire" in a crowded picture theatre. It is simply not allowed that a hoax like this be played. This is because the damage to the general public would be too great.
The authors point out that although freedom of speech is a great ideal, certain kinds of public activity would cause pain and suffering. These activities are strictly banned and the video and the vlogger would be removed with out a second thought.
How to Check What’s Allowed on YouTube
The way to check what you can do on YouTube is to read the code of conduct page. It can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the home page. When you click on the link there will be guidelines. Some of the ideas contained in these guidelines may be about issues you have never thought about before. This page can also be raced by clicking on the help menu.
People often don't think a lot about what kinds of movies they take and create. Although easy, the step of posting home videos on line is a truly big one. That funny embarrassing home movie changes its nature once it has been posted for the whole entire world to see. Remember what seems funny now, might not be so funny once people realise that job interviewers may have seen it just before the "big" interview.
The videos can be downloaded and kept. You may decide that you want to erase an embarrassing moment after you realise what you have done. If someone else has a copy, you may well have to bear up to whatever the consequences may be.
Hate Speak Not Allowed on YouTube
Sahlin and Botello describe what is called hate speak or hate videos as the real nasty of the Internet. They define hate speak as "words that use malicious stereotyping." They include words spoken, written, mimed or gestured with the intention to attack or to degrade a particular race, gender, or person of a particular sexual orientation.
Often too, people will make attacks on a particular person and recently there has been a lot said in the press about the damage this can do to a person's career. it can even effect the life and wellbeing of whole families systems.
Shock Tactics a Turn Off
The availability of YouTube for a world wide audience is a privilege that should be valued. It is not a place that welcomes shock tactics such as footage of injured bodies, or the "gross out" after a big party.
YouTube is not a shock site and should not be treated as such. Cruelty and or violence towards any person animal and vandalism for the sake of vandalism are automatically a "no go zone" for a site, which aspires to be of benefit to the community. Don't forget that the police within the country you are working can see these videos in the same way that you can, so why do something harmful and provocative?
Don't Frame Yourself on YouTube
If you think about the fact that the authorities of your country can see the videos you upload it might be a deterrent for all concerned when uploading captured moments.
Why would any one upload a scene from a personal crime thriller? Video is permissible evidence in court and video footage of a crime would certainly land all involved in very hot water.
Injurious Acts and Dangerous Recipes Banned
People simply don't need to know how to make home made bombs. It is also crazy to even contemplate footage that glorifies arson and playing with fire. They rule of thumb is that "if it is illegal in the real world it is also illegal on YouTube."
Nudity and Pornography on the Fine Line
When Sahlin and Botello talk about pornography, they acknowledge that the activity is situated upon a fine line. People have different values and what for one is a harmless, topless bathing beach scene might be offensive both within the country where you reside and overseas where rules and moral codes are stricter.
I would guide your focus back to the idea that whatever you put online can be accessed by a prospective employer, or the admin of your school. If they would be offended, don't put the video up there.
"You might not know what pornography is but you will know it when you see it," say Sahlin and Botello. Be careful because explicit sex is not for viewing on YouTube.
Although the site wasn't designed specifically for children under the age of 13, the site still has stringent standards and these guidelines are intended to keep the community functioning effectively within the bounds of good taste.
Resources:
- Sahlin, D. and Botello,C. YouTube for Dummies. Wiley Pub.Inc. 2007
- YouTube.com/t/community_guidelines
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