Twitch policy regarding raffles and giveaways

[GilleyTheSilly]

I'm definitely no expert but I came across this and wasn't entirely sure if this is already addressed or if there are loopholes or more to the rule when on twitch? Just wanted to point it out JUST in case, since some things are not promotional perhaps, or if promoting a particular speed run group or website. If its already known and isn't an issue, feel free to delete the topic haha. Figure'd I'd post, better safe than sorry? *shrug*

http://www.twitch.tv/user/legal

12. Prohibited Conduct.

f. make unsolicited offers, advertisements, proposals, or send junk mail or spam to other Users of the Twitch Service, including, without limitation, unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, or other solicitation material, bulk mailing of commercial advertising, chain mail, informational announcements, charity requests, petitions for signatures, or any of the foregoing related to promotional giveaways (such as raffles and contests), and other similar activities;


EDIT:

Also check out...

10. Broadcasters.
f. Promostions

Has a list 1-11 amount conducting promotions

[Jamacanbacn]

Yes the reason the streamer towelie was banned was because he was doing some sort of raffel. He was accepting donations for raffle tickets, but Raffle tickets are payed for and in this case the donations were more of him soliciting payment.

Basically just don't ask for money. Donations mean there are no strings attached.So if someone donates $10 to you through paypal you do not have to give them anything in return.

[Dampylle]

The only possible technicality in the ToS that we could get caught on is requiring donations for promotions if someone cries fowl.

But given that the actual raffle was technically done by Carn and Frost for LZH and was not planned through LZH (Frost was not actually staff at the time) it is not technically "keeping the money" as they took the donations and handed them over to a seperate group which would qualify it as a fundraiser.

Twitch also allows fund raisers and charity drives with marathons and the like so it is not as black and white as a blanket ban on solicitation. The clause you quote in several points mentions contacting others... which may separate it from simply mentioning something as part of a stream or promotion and instead refer to contacting people directly.

We will take note of it though and go over the full ToS rather than just the single segment as it is not uncommon prohibited sections have exceptions noted by what is allowed by other sections meaning you are allowed to undertake certain actions within certain contexts and so long as you follow certain rules. We will also keep it in mind for any future promotions.

[Epyon]

Actually its quite different Bacon, Towelliee was banned due to doing specifically Sub Only giveaways. That is specifically against the ToS twitch has due to forcing subs.

[CarNage64]

yes and i wont be doing any sub only activity either

[GilleyTheSilly]

Also check out...

10. Broadcasters.
f. Promostions

Has a list 1-11 amount conducting promotions

[Dampylle]

That is correct Gilley and it is specifically why I mentioned that there are exceptions allowed by other clauses in the ToS.

The short version is as far as we can see we are in the clear, and we will continue to keep the restrictions regarding promotions in mind to ensure we remain in the clear.

[Frostblitz20]

Should check my new thread about Towellie speaking on this matter he actully sat down and talked whit the staff and knows how it should be done.

This law was inplace since June of last year and it was only enforced due to masssive amount of people spoke up about it on Reddit and sent in comoplaints againts him. Twitch had to ban him to set a example that it is a rule and we have to follow it, they let everyone get by whit doing it for months and monthsh and staffers knew about this and saw it. They just didnt clearly enforced it untill people kept on speaking out about it.

Yes the raffles though was like a perk or a thankyou and a way to give back, Not like anyone saying *your required to sub or donate* no one ever did that ever. its just one of those weird cases where everyone is trying to do good but gets bashed for it and now it ruins it for everyone.

[Dampylle]

So it seems they are going hard line even though their wording is not iron clad from the look of it.

That is okay, there is an easy fix for this moving forward then.

It is entry that can not be payed for according to the Promotions section, however we also can set rules for a give away... such as when it happens or what triggers it. So as long as everyone is able to enter we could set milestones for giveaways on twitch.

The other option is to handle giveaways... somewhere other than twitch. Of course this would have to be handled in a way that was within the law but given that US tax law only really applies to US companies, we could in theory just hold them here at the sight given that LZH is actually based in Canada (assuming they do not have a similar tax law)

Short version is we may have to tweak some details, but giveaways in of themselves are not technically the issue... only how we handle them.

[CarNage64]

ok so I want to start a Bingo in my channel where peeps come to the site see the site post outcomes of my run like whether i steal a right arm or the blue chocobo wins etc and if they guess correct their bingo board starts to fill and the first one to complete there board will win how can we go about this to abide by rules?

[Dampylle]

Well based on the wording Carn so long as everyone is eligible and entries are free you should be okay. The requirements only hinge on the value of the prizes being below a given cap, rules being posted, you sticking to those rules, and entries being free.

So from what you are describing it sounds like you should be okay overall.

[CarNage64]

yea ive never done sub only ive always wanted to be inclusive but ill keep you guys posted as it evolves thanks damp