WDW Pro
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Behind the Curtain of the Three-Day Demonetization
🕑 Added 2024-02-20 22:38:34 +0000 UTCHappy to day to everyone here with us today! We've gained a large number of folks who want to be a part of understanding the behind-the-scenes journalism we do and that's fantastic! I want to let you know that we have plans to integrate this Patreon in the future with ThatParkPlace.com and I believe you'll all really enjoy that.
As for the demonetization of the WDW Pro Channel which lasted three days, I was contacted by two major players on YouTube. I didn't reach out to these individuals, and I didn't know they were advocating on my behalf behind the scenes. It's a huge lift to know that people are supporting you quietly, from a distance, with no incentive to their own success other than just morality. What a great thing to see in times such as ours!
While I do not believe (based on what we have seen) that YouTube even really reviewed the appeal, it seems they made a decision in the early-morning hours of Tuesday to reinstate the channel. I sincerely believe that was due to the outcry from our community -- thousands joined in and I'm in awe. That said, I'd like to share what these two YouTube archons had to say about what their contacts said had happened. Please understand that as I share this, I am not going to reveal the YouTube personalities and I am not going to reveal who said what. This comes from them, not from YouTube as well, so technically it is rumor and speculation received from third parties.
According to the two individuals who reached out (when their stories are combined), the WDW Pro Channel was the target of a mass false flag campaign to try to take down our content. This false flag campaign targeted two videos on the channel, both beyond what we normally cover in terms of entertainment-specific areas of interest. Due to this false flag campaign, YouTube automatically triggered the demonetization of the channel.
Of course, once that happened, I believed it would be 90 days before we had the channel back. I didn't anticipate that the platform would allow us back on because "reused content" is a tool which is almost impossible to defend against. We've all reused content -- whether that is video clips from the news, trailers, old content that we use in a new way, Steamboat Willie parodies, clips from other channels that they have given permission for us to use, etc. "Reused content" is purely arbitrary in its use against channels. But somehow, someway, you all turned the tide. And for that, we are grateful.
But I wanted to let all of you know that it was, indeed, and according to extremely generous sources with huge followings, a false flag campaign against the channel. I'm not claiming that to be Disney... in fact, I doubt it is. I'll let you ponder who then it might be.
Comments
Fiona M
Have other channels covering those topics been attacked I wonder? There were others talking about it. It’s worth looking into. The frightening this is how these companies know the system so well that they can easily do this.
WDW Pro
I think this involved more accounts than would be possible in that situation.
WDW Pro
A mass false flag campaign is when mulitple accounts flag a single channel or video repeatedly in a short period of time. That's all I can say right now. I don't know who was behind it, the duration, or any of those specifics.
WDW Pro
I can tell you that the two topics which earned special attention in the last week have been the National Geographic / Afghanistan story we did AND covering how Disney / Lucasfilm allegedly tried to tie Gina Carano to the US transfer of power issues in January of 2021.
WDW Pro
Well... someone didn't like us covering the National Geographic / Afghanistan story AT ALL.
Erika-Raf
Geeze!!! Now my curiosity is wayy up as to what group or who is responsible. I def don't expect that to be revealed, that could be dangerous. I am also glad most of u conceal your real identities, that is quite the level of hate if u ask me. Not needed in your personal lives.
Elijah Snow
Indeed. The biggest indicator of legitimately powerful actors is in fact the lack of easily observable communication. It just happened like a hammer blow.
WDW Pro
I don't believe this came from another channel.
WDW Pro
It refers to a very large number of accounts concentrating on two videos and reporting them for content violations on YouTube. To trigger the automatic demonetization of a channel, it would need to be a tremendous number of accounts.
Elijah Snow
I have several ideas. But the key here is “different content than usual”. I believe this might be a purchased mercenary job by either governmental actors or by financial concerns who saw an opportunity. I doubt this was orchestrated by a channel itself directly. People like DataEraser or others would have caught a broadcasted attempt to do this. This was bought and paid for by actual money. Which I find interesting. My best guess is that it was “digital management firms” on behalf of either DoD or Disney that likely did this.
Ned Brickley
They might, on the other hand, they might have annoyed "The Elon." You never annoy "The Elon." ;)
Fiona M
Care to share?
Erika-Raf
I have no idea what a false flag campaign is, other than the name in itself tells me its a group of people reporting your channel with ugly intentions. Glad you guys are coming up with Plan B's, C's etc... my question is if in the worse case scenario event your channel is taken down where is the main platform you will be on for your live streams? So much drama w YT. I am with Mex. Iron Man with the "I'm not a youtuber". Sad it's like that, takes alot of the fun in being a content creator. For me the idea sounds more appealing than the work itself. God Bless you guys for putting up with all the obstacles.
Fiona M
My guess is that it was a number of accounts all coordinating reporting the video at the same time for violating terms of service. It might have something to do with the Disney bots that TDS has discovered. It looks like there is a small army of paid accounts that will do whatever they are told to do.
00J
Well theres only one person I can think of who is an enemy of the channel... if it is indeed a particular gentleman who may or may not attempted to dox pro and spread disinformation.. well thats fownright petty. Good to have you back pro
Fiona M
I’m not sure YouTube really cares. I think Twitter might care more because I’m certain that’s how it was organized.
Trevor Sumner
I honestly expected to read this and see a certain “screenwriter” that likes to believe that The Acolyte is just a “sizzle real” and his followers were behind this.
Red Tigress
Pro, the old statement Flack is always the thickest when your over the target. I can guess which video's you are talking about . I'm glad you did not need to wait the 90 days, you , Valient and TPP are so needed in this space . I have to send a silent Hail out to the two who worked behind the scenes to help. You touched a sour spot for sure .
Rover Boy
What do you mean false flag? Is this like a targeted mass reporting of the channel? Is there any evidence of this being coordinated? G&G saw something similar recently with demonetization for seemingly no reason. YouTube needs to be more diligent in identifying the targeting of channels or this will only escalate.
Fiona M
I’m not going lie, I was hoping for some more specific information.
Fiona M
They same thing is happening to the Harry Potter Professor, Warren Smith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnedrqQOvw0
Michelle C
I am just glad that this round is over. I realize they will most likely come for another attack in the future. But you will be ready the next time. I also am glad to hear from Jonas that you all are making plans to become uncancelible (i think that is spelled wrong.) GB you and the whole group!!!
Fiona M
If not Disney then who? Rachel Zegler doesn’t have the brains. I think it’s one of the mobs that D has on payroll. Anyone have any better ideas? I wonder if Mr Beast or MoistCritical was one of the archons who came forward. We know it wasn’t SSSniperb1tch.
Reier Gotter
Good to hear! I believe this is a sign your excellent reporting on YouTube is reaching beyond our nerd fellowship and that's a good thing.
Ned Brickley
Any chance of finding out who actually did this? If so, could you take legal action against them? I suspect that YouTube isn't happy about having to clean up after such an attack and might be willing to assist.
Anne Ivy
Mercy Maud, a targeted false flag attack? That’s reprehensible. Also shows more than a little desperation.
Anne Ivy
Been looking for this. Thank you!
