Idea for a sticky topic re: unwanted video sharing

[Heathcliff]

As you may know, Nicole recently faced a problem when someone posted a video of her (that she had shared privately on the forum) on Youtube. Thankfully, the offending video has now been removed. However, this has got me thinking...

I think we could have a sticky topic that gives clear advice on what to do if one of your private videos (or wavs) is put on Youtube, without your permission. Would this be a good idea?

What I think the topic should contain is just two things: firstly, a template of a formal message to send to the offending user, requesting they remove the video, stating that it violates your privacy and that this is against Youtube's guidelines.

Secondly, a link to Youtube's privacy complaint form (as it is not immediately obvious where to find this on the site), and brief guidance on how to fill it in. I expect these two steps will be enough to get the video removed in most cases (Also I should point out, I could write the advice.)

Let me say quickly why I think this advice could be useful. Many people share files on the forum that they specifically do not want on Youtube (e.g. my own wavs). If someone shares your file against your will, a gut reaction is to get angry, threaten the person, say you will sue them, etc. However, in my experience, a calm, formal reaction is more likely to get results than an angry one (even if the angry one is more satisfying).

These guidelines would make it easier and quicker for someone to take action, and get the video removed. Hopefully then, people will feel they can share on the forum with a little more confidence.

Anyway, thanks for reading my suggestion.

[The Mute Poet]

I'd like to start off by saying that it's really good to see you doing so much to help combat this type of media misuse, Heathcliff, as it's true it is quite stressful for those victimised. I think this is a very good idea and certainly worth consideration. The only thing that gives me pause is that it seems to be a very rare occurance (I think it's happened all of three times here since youtube's inception) so having it stickied somewhere such as the Sneezing in the Media section might unnecessarily clutter things if it's not going to be needed very often (though it occurs to me there'd be a bunch of other areas of the forum where this sticky could be just as relevant).

In any case it's an important discussion to have, and I'll certainly raise it in the Staff Room (though I'm afraid it may take some time to be properly gotten to, as the majority of the staff is still away on holiday at the moment), and I'd encourage anyone else who has any opinions (particularly those who have had wavs stolen or those who may be hesitant to post them on the forum due to Nicole's recent occurance).

Thanks very much for having cared enough to have thought this up, Heathcliff, it's often well-thought-out suggestions from the members that go great lengths in making this forum that much better for everyone.

[tma]

I think that a sticky on this topic or even about reporting stealing and/or reposting on sites other than yahoo of .wavs, art, stories, videos, etc. is a great idea. I'm sure that it doesn't happen very often, but it is a Huge violation of privacy. I'm not sure where the best place to put it would be- I'm sure that Staff will put it where it would be best. Even if it isn't used very often (I wouldn't want it used often) I think that it would be invaluable.

[MyOwnPrivateSFC]

I think it would be a great idea to have a topic like this, not only for its intended use as a guide, but also as a warning to people who might be considering posting other people's stuff: this is not okay, and it won't be tolerated in the slightest. I'm sure most people wouldn't care that it's against the rules, but some people might just decide they don't want everyone on their case, and make the decision not to do it (and also, I suppose there are probably people who don't even realize it's wrong, who would hopefully discover their would-be mistake before they made it). Just my two cents.

[Vetinari]

Just out of interest, and not in any way meaning that other people's opinions on this are any less important, but I did wonder in particular about the people to whom this has happened. Would any of you guys have felt this was easier to deal with if there had been some information and suggestions up about how to deal with it as outlined by Heathcliffe?

[Lynne]

Heck, the clips that our friend kiimfox24 / cantstopthesneezing stole from my collection at Bondi's are still up and available, and nothing I've said to Youtube management has been able to get them taken down. Obviously Kim isn't as easily swayed as whoever posted Nicole's vids.

[Poppy]

There is someone with current wavs that were meant for one person only to see, and now the wavs are on youtube of me, an UNDERAGED minor, of course sneezing and such.

they even have VIDEOS, which i have asked them to remove

this is a good idea because not only has youtube not replied to my complaints, the person is getting away with child pornography or a slightly lighter charge.

All haiil this idea! Its a wall of shame

[Heathcliff]

There is someone with current wavs that were meant for one person only to see, and now the wavs are on youtube of me, an UNDERAGED minor, of course sneezing and such.

they even have VIDEOS, which i have asked them to remove

this is a good idea because not only has youtube not replied to my complaints, the person is getting away with child pornography or a slightly lighter charge.

All haiil this idea! Its a wall of shame

Merodii, your case is exactly the sort of thing I had in mind when I proposed this advice thread.

However, the thread would only really be useful if Youtube privacy complaints work most of the time. From what you've said, it sounds like Youtube has already ignored a complaint from you. It seems like Lynne had a similar experience too- if that's the case, maybe this thread is not a good idea.

Having said that- Merodii, feel free to discuss it with me further if you want advice on trying to get these videos removed.

Also- in the Snake Pit thread about this, Sneezles said she had success with a copyright complaint (I mean, copyright as opposed to privacy). Maybe that will work in some cases?