Twitch Review: Affiliates and Partners
The internet is blowing up over Twitch's recent changes, giving Affiliate streamers a 'subscription button' on their stream. The controversy comes from both streamers and viewers, with people on both sides on the topic. Some believe that the new affiliate subscription button is a wonderful thing that many deserve who have been waiting for and trying to get it for a long time. Others feel that this 'perk' which used to be a badge of hard work to earn has now simply been 'given' to these new streamers without as much struggle.
Both sides have some fair points.
Many smaller streamers have struggle for months or years to try to get partnered with Twitch in order to get that sub button. There have been speculations and rumors that Twitch plays 'favorites' with certain people who got their sub button sooner than others who had been trying longer. Whether its true or not, it took a lot of time and hard work for a lot of streamers to try to get this 'sub button.' Its deemed by many as a badge of honor for your efforts as a streamer.
So I see where some people are coming from when they feel frustrated that newer streamers who haven't streamed as long as they did suddenly gain this 'honor' in an 'easier' way. There is also the fact with more streamers with subscription options, the viewers and money gets spread a bit thinner.
I'd like you to take a moment however to think on what I'm about to say. If you are a streamer, think back to when you first got started. The stress and the disappointment of looking at your numbers (by the way you shouldn't do this when you start out) and never feeling like its going well enough. The feeling of responsibility and excitement when you start to get a few regular viewers who come by more than once. Wondering what you should stream, and if it will appeal to viewers or not. Every little thing you did had a world of importance to you because you knew in some way it was going to hurt or benefit your stream. Some viewers don't understand this roller coaster of emotions a new streamer goes through, some do. Some have watched streamers start out with a dozen people regularly on a 'good' day, whom today can't even see them say hi in the chat because its moving too fast from the 1k+ viewers.
Now you have thought back to when either you or one of your favorite streamers started out. Sure, it took a lot longer for you to earn that sub badge and partnership than today's affiliates. That however was on Twitch and their company... so why are people blaming new streamers? Its not like those new streamers have done -nothing- to earn it. They met the minimum requirements set by Twitch's company to earn affiliation, and now Twitch feels that affiliates should have access to subscriptions.
Keep in mind as well that Affiliate subscriptions do not have all the same benefits as Partner subscriptions. For viewers, sure... its the same $4.99 given to the streamer of their choice. For the streamers though, Partners still have access to some features and perks that Affiliates don't. Affiliates as far as I've seen are still going to be trying for Twitch Partnership. Consider affiliates as a step up a ladder.
Non Affiliate > Affiliate > Partner
Each has its own access to certain things and don't have access to others. Is it so wrong for Twitch to offer as many streamers as possible the chance to earn money off streaming? Besides, earning that money comes down to each streamer and how well they entertain the viewers. Who are you to decide they deserve or don't deserve it, simply based off how long they've streamed? I know I personally have seen some streamers who have streamed for years and produce content I find extremely boring, where as there are some new streamers who I wish I could have been watching for longer as they just get started because their content is amazing. We're entertainers. Streaming at its bare bones is just that... and many streamers don't even stream for money (which more people could benefit from having in their attitude) because they just enjoy streaming for the hobby and social activity it is. Yes, you can make a job out of it... just as anyone else with an ability to entertain can do. A performer strumming his guitar on the street can earn money off what he does. Its time for some people to swallow a dose of humble, and stop finding change so scary and an excuse to attack people. Put down the salt, and get back to enjoying Twitch for the amazing company it is.
To the new affiliates who have received their subscription buttons I say: Congrats. I am happy for you, and I hope this encourages you all to stream more, and give us some great content. Fight for those viewers, spark up some competition, and impress us with what you can do.
Note: This blog while talking on a popular and controversial subject we've all heard about, was inspired by 'The Household' and their podcast on Twitch. Hearing them discuss the topic made me want to write this blog. So thank you, and please check them out if you have a chance.
Both sides have some fair points.
Many smaller streamers have struggle for months or years to try to get partnered with Twitch in order to get that sub button. There have been speculations and rumors that Twitch plays 'favorites' with certain people who got their sub button sooner than others who had been trying longer. Whether its true or not, it took a lot of time and hard work for a lot of streamers to try to get this 'sub button.' Its deemed by many as a badge of honor for your efforts as a streamer.
So I see where some people are coming from when they feel frustrated that newer streamers who haven't streamed as long as they did suddenly gain this 'honor' in an 'easier' way. There is also the fact with more streamers with subscription options, the viewers and money gets spread a bit thinner.
I'd like you to take a moment however to think on what I'm about to say. If you are a streamer, think back to when you first got started. The stress and the disappointment of looking at your numbers (by the way you shouldn't do this when you start out) and never feeling like its going well enough. The feeling of responsibility and excitement when you start to get a few regular viewers who come by more than once. Wondering what you should stream, and if it will appeal to viewers or not. Every little thing you did had a world of importance to you because you knew in some way it was going to hurt or benefit your stream. Some viewers don't understand this roller coaster of emotions a new streamer goes through, some do. Some have watched streamers start out with a dozen people regularly on a 'good' day, whom today can't even see them say hi in the chat because its moving too fast from the 1k+ viewers.
Now you have thought back to when either you or one of your favorite streamers started out. Sure, it took a lot longer for you to earn that sub badge and partnership than today's affiliates. That however was on Twitch and their company... so why are people blaming new streamers? Its not like those new streamers have done -nothing- to earn it. They met the minimum requirements set by Twitch's company to earn affiliation, and now Twitch feels that affiliates should have access to subscriptions.
Keep in mind as well that Affiliate subscriptions do not have all the same benefits as Partner subscriptions. For viewers, sure... its the same $4.99 given to the streamer of their choice. For the streamers though, Partners still have access to some features and perks that Affiliates don't. Affiliates as far as I've seen are still going to be trying for Twitch Partnership. Consider affiliates as a step up a ladder.
Non Affiliate > Affiliate > Partner
Each has its own access to certain things and don't have access to others. Is it so wrong for Twitch to offer as many streamers as possible the chance to earn money off streaming? Besides, earning that money comes down to each streamer and how well they entertain the viewers. Who are you to decide they deserve or don't deserve it, simply based off how long they've streamed? I know I personally have seen some streamers who have streamed for years and produce content I find extremely boring, where as there are some new streamers who I wish I could have been watching for longer as they just get started because their content is amazing. We're entertainers. Streaming at its bare bones is just that... and many streamers don't even stream for money (which more people could benefit from having in their attitude) because they just enjoy streaming for the hobby and social activity it is. Yes, you can make a job out of it... just as anyone else with an ability to entertain can do. A performer strumming his guitar on the street can earn money off what he does. Its time for some people to swallow a dose of humble, and stop finding change so scary and an excuse to attack people. Put down the salt, and get back to enjoying Twitch for the amazing company it is.
To the new affiliates who have received their subscription buttons I say: Congrats. I am happy for you, and I hope this encourages you all to stream more, and give us some great content. Fight for those viewers, spark up some competition, and impress us with what you can do.
Note: This blog while talking on a popular and controversial subject we've all heard about, was inspired by 'The Household' and their podcast on Twitch. Hearing them discuss the topic made me want to write this blog. So thank you, and please check them out if you have a chance.
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