Should content creators disclose that they have a business relationship with Kabam?

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Comments

  • JESUSCHRISTJESUSCHRIST Member Posts: 1,219 ★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below

    The short answer is No

    It's their private business

    Thanks for your input. I'm also interested to know what you think of the "conflict of interest" argument. Does what the YouTuber wants trump it? Or is conflict of interest not really a factor?

    Not trying to change your mind, just asking for more info. I do have my mind changed on things if/when I get new/more information.
    Whatever working relationship Kabam has with content creators can be a 1 off project, so any declaration is simply too much red tape for content creators who aren't answerable to viewers
    So just a 1-off project shouldn't be disclosed? Understood. What about if the 1-off project lasted 12 months, would that then qualify?

    Also, are you saying 2 separate 1-off projects would be the point that viewers should be told?

    (Also just wanted to mention, it can just be a post on their community tab "Hi all, wanted to share some great news that I'm doing some work with Kabam" - really doesn't need to involve a ton of red tape)

    Finally, content creators don't have to answer to their viewers, that's true - but it'll end up in them losing their viewers as they would alienate them.
    Content creators don't have legal obligations to tell you if the food they just reviewed was sponsored by the restaurant

    Similarly MCOC youtubers don't have to tell you that they have been invited to an exclusive event at the Kabam HQ where they get exclusive news about the game and any benefits they get from Kabam
    Bcos they signed non disclosure agreement with Kabam

    Viewers have no legal standing to demand any disclosure or information from the content creators
    Yep, the viewer has no legal standing in relation to this (I believe). In other situations like where YouTubers have promoted crypto and their viewers lost their money, there's been legal action - but that's a very different situation IMO.

    I think it would depends on the wording of the NDA itself, that's why I also wanted to hear Kabam's perspective on this one because it's relevant.

    I'd imagine they would be in favor of disclosure to avoid the damage to their brand with any implications of unethical behavior, but we'd need to hear from them.

    I don't think this is commercially sensitive information that would give a competitor an advantage over Kabam in itself, and should be in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, or Charter of Values.
    Players have no legal standing to demand that Kabam disclose whatever working relationship they have with any content creators
    But as a viewer, do you think the content creator should disclose it? I.e. would you want to know/be informed?
    It's up to the content creator whatever they want to disclose

    I don't care if they say or don't say anything
    Okay so you have no preference whether you know or not, and are kinda indifferent. Got it. 👌
    Generally I would say that even if all the youtubers are hyping up a particular champion, players have to practise critical thinking on whatever they watch on youtube, don't believe 100% of what they say whether they get paid by Kabam or they genuinely believe that a champion is awesome

    If you believe 100% of whatever you watch, you need to attend classes at Xavier school for the gifted
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    The short answer is No

    It's their private business

    Thanks for your input. I'm also interested to know what you think of the "conflict of interest" argument. Does what the YouTuber wants trump it? Or is conflict of interest not really a factor?

    Not trying to change your mind, just asking for more info. I do have my mind changed on things if/when I get new/more information.
    Whatever working relationship Kabam has with content creators can be a 1 off project, so any declaration is simply too much red tape for content creators who aren't answerable to viewers
    So just a 1-off project shouldn't be disclosed? Understood. What about if the 1-off project lasted 12 months, would that then qualify?

    Also, are you saying 2 separate 1-off projects would be the point that viewers should be told?

    (Also just wanted to mention, it can just be a post on their community tab "Hi all, wanted to share some great news that I'm doing some work with Kabam" - really doesn't need to involve a ton of red tape)

    Finally, content creators don't have to answer to their viewers, that's true - but it'll end up in them losing their viewers as they would alienate them.
    Content creators don't have legal obligations to tell you if the food they just reviewed was sponsored by the restaurant

    Similarly MCOC youtubers don't have to tell you that they have been invited to an exclusive event at the Kabam HQ where they get exclusive news about the game and any benefits they get from Kabam
    Bcos they signed non disclosure agreement with Kabam

    Viewers have no legal standing to demand any disclosure or information from the content creators
    Yep, the viewer has no legal standing in relation to this (I believe). In other situations like where YouTubers have promoted crypto and their viewers lost their money, there's been legal action - but that's a very different situation IMO.

    I think it would depends on the wording of the NDA itself, that's why I also wanted to hear Kabam's perspective on this one because it's relevant.

    I'd imagine they would be in favor of disclosure to avoid the damage to their brand with any implications of unethical behavior, but we'd need to hear from them.

    I don't think this is commercially sensitive information that would give a competitor an advantage over Kabam in itself, and should be in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, or Charter of Values.
    Players have no legal standing to demand that Kabam disclose whatever working relationship they have with any content creators
    But as a viewer, do you think the content creator should disclose it? I.e. would you want to know/be informed?
    It's up to the content creator whatever they want to disclose

    I don't care if they say or don't say anything
    Okay so you have no preference whether you know or not, and are kinda indifferent. Got it. 👌
    Generally I would say that even if all the youtubers are hyping up a particular champion, players have to practise critical thinking on whatever they watch on youtube, don't believe 100% of what they say whether they get paid by Kabam or they genuinely believe that a champion is awesome

    If you believe 100% of whatever you watch, you need to attend classes at Xavier school for the gifted
    But also, it's broader than just hyping up a champion. It's never covering any topics which looks at problems with the game (or if they do cover negatives it's to persuade the viewers that it's not actually that big of a problem, or to think about the problem in a certain way, which makes the viewers more tolerant of issues in the game).

    It can also be about being overly positive of anything good that Kabam does, like a disproportionately positive reaction to news of an update.

    It all has the effect of controlling how we perceive things, and even if we are critical thinkers - it's so pervasive and subtle that we don't even know it's happening.

    (I loved your response by the way) 😂👌
  • JESUSCHRISTJESUSCHRIST Member Posts: 1,219 ★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below

    The short answer is No

    It's their private business

    Thanks for your input. I'm also interested to know what you think of the "conflict of interest" argument. Does what the YouTuber wants trump it? Or is conflict of interest not really a factor?

    Not trying to change your mind, just asking for more info. I do have my mind changed on things if/when I get new/more information.
    Whatever working relationship Kabam has with content creators can be a 1 off project, so any declaration is simply too much red tape for content creators who aren't answerable to viewers
    So just a 1-off project shouldn't be disclosed? Understood. What about if the 1-off project lasted 12 months, would that then qualify?

    Also, are you saying 2 separate 1-off projects would be the point that viewers should be told?

    (Also just wanted to mention, it can just be a post on their community tab "Hi all, wanted to share some great news that I'm doing some work with Kabam" - really doesn't need to involve a ton of red tape)

    Finally, content creators don't have to answer to their viewers, that's true - but it'll end up in them losing their viewers as they would alienate them.
    Content creators don't have legal obligations to tell you if the food they just reviewed was sponsored by the restaurant

    Similarly MCOC youtubers don't have to tell you that they have been invited to an exclusive event at the Kabam HQ where they get exclusive news about the game and any benefits they get from Kabam
    Bcos they signed non disclosure agreement with Kabam

    Viewers have no legal standing to demand any disclosure or information from the content creators
    Yep, the viewer has no legal standing in relation to this (I believe). In other situations like where YouTubers have promoted crypto and their viewers lost their money, there's been legal action - but that's a very different situation IMO.

    I think it would depends on the wording of the NDA itself, that's why I also wanted to hear Kabam's perspective on this one because it's relevant.

    I'd imagine they would be in favor of disclosure to avoid the damage to their brand with any implications of unethical behavior, but we'd need to hear from them.

    I don't think this is commercially sensitive information that would give a competitor an advantage over Kabam in itself, and should be in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, or Charter of Values.
    Players have no legal standing to demand that Kabam disclose whatever working relationship they have with any content creators
    But as a viewer, do you think the content creator should disclose it? I.e. would you want to know/be informed?
    It's up to the content creator whatever they want to disclose

    I don't care if they say or don't say anything
    Okay so you have no preference whether you know or not, and are kinda indifferent. Got it. 👌
    Generally I would say that even if all the youtubers are hyping up a particular champion, players have to practise critical thinking on whatever they watch on youtube, don't believe 100% of what they say whether they get paid by Kabam or they genuinely believe that a champion is awesome

    If you believe 100% of whatever you watch, you need to attend classes at Xavier school for the gifted
    But also, it's broader than just hyping up a champion. It's never covering any topics which looks at problems with the game (or if they do cover negatives it's to persuade the viewers that it's not actually that big of a problem, or to think about the problem in a certain way, which makes the viewers more tolerant of issues in the game).

    It can also be about being overly positive of anything good that Kabam does, like a disproportionately positive reaction to news of an update.

    It all has the effect of controlling how we perceive things, and even if we are critical thinkers - it's so pervasive and subtle that we don't even know it's happening.

    (I loved your response by the way) 😂👌
    That's what marketing is designed to do, making consumers decide on their consumption without the need to think, like eating fast food for lunch

    Ads are all around us

    We just have to live with it
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★
    PT_99 said:

    Transparency and ethics 🤣🤣

    But in all honesty what Youtubers work with Kabam is their own business and they've earned it after providing great service to community (guides, rankups, showcases etc) and that's all I care about from them that they continue to provide and we continue to learn.

    Expecting anything more from Youtubers is just yikes.

    So they've earned the right from their helpfulness in the past, so they've got a hall pass.

    In your own opinion would you prefer to know though?
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below
    I don't care, at all.

    When the platform you consume allows you to do so for free you are owed nothing by the producers of that content.

    You get what you pay for.

  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    I don't care, at all.

    When the platform you consume allows you to do so for free you are owed nothing by the producers of that content.

    You get what you pay for.

    Is there a platform where we could effectively pay for content, and we would be entitled to transparency?

    Even if you pay YouTube Premium AND you pay a subscription to your content creator each month you'd still not be entitled to the truth, which is frustrating.
  • SirGamesBondSirGamesBond Member Posts: 6,815 ★★★★★
    Yes - we should ideally be told they do work for Kabam

    Should forum users who consistently defend Kabam also disclose whether they get any benefits from Kabam?

    For every comment defending Kabam, we get 1 unit.
    The other day some heehee guy called me kabam's white knight. I demand my units.

  • JESUSCHRISTJESUSCHRIST Member Posts: 1,219 ★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below

    The short answer is No

    It's their private business

    Thanks for your input. I'm also interested to know what you think of the "conflict of interest" argument. Does what the YouTuber wants trump it? Or is conflict of interest not really a factor?

    Not trying to change your mind, just asking for more info. I do have my mind changed on things if/when I get new/more information.
    Whatever working relationship Kabam has with content creators can be a 1 off project, so any declaration is simply too much red tape for content creators who aren't answerable to viewers
    So just a 1-off project shouldn't be disclosed? Understood. What about if the 1-off project lasted 12 months, would that then qualify?

    Also, are you saying 2 separate 1-off projects would be the point that viewers should be told?

    (Also just wanted to mention, it can just be a post on their community tab "Hi all, wanted to share some great news that I'm doing some work with Kabam" - really doesn't need to involve a ton of red tape)

    Finally, content creators don't have to answer to their viewers, that's true - but it'll end up in them losing their viewers as they would alienate them.
    Content creators don't have legal obligations to tell you if the food they just reviewed was sponsored by the restaurant

    Similarly MCOC youtubers don't have to tell you that they have been invited to an exclusive event at the Kabam HQ where they get exclusive news about the game and any benefits they get from Kabam
    Bcos they signed non disclosure agreement with Kabam

    Viewers have no legal standing to demand any disclosure or information from the content creators
    Yep, the viewer has no legal standing in relation to this (I believe). In other situations like where YouTubers have promoted crypto and their viewers lost their money, there's been legal action - but that's a very different situation IMO.

    I think it would depends on the wording of the NDA itself, that's why I also wanted to hear Kabam's perspective on this one because it's relevant.

    I'd imagine they would be in favor of disclosure to avoid the damage to their brand with any implications of unethical behavior, but we'd need to hear from them.

    I don't think this is commercially sensitive information that would give a competitor an advantage over Kabam in itself, and should be in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, or Charter of Values.
    Players have no legal standing to demand that Kabam disclose whatever working relationship they have with any content creators
    But as a viewer, do you think the content creator should disclose it? I.e. would you want to know/be informed?
    It's up to the content creator whatever they want to disclose

    I don't care if they say or don't say anything
    Okay so you have no preference whether you know or not, and are kinda indifferent. Got it. 👌
    Generally I would say that even if all the youtubers are hyping up a particular champion, players have to practise critical thinking on whatever they watch on youtube, don't believe 100% of what they say whether they get paid by Kabam or they genuinely believe that a champion is awesome

    If you believe 100% of whatever you watch, you need to attend classes at Xavier school for the gifted
    But also, it's broader than just hyping up a champion. It's never covering any topics which looks at problems with the game (or if they do cover negatives it's to persuade the viewers that it's not actually that big of a problem, or to think about the problem in a certain way, which makes the viewers more tolerant of issues in the game).

    It can also be about being overly positive of anything good that Kabam does, like a disproportionately positive reaction to news of an update.

    It all has the effect of controlling how we perceive things, and even if we are critical thinkers - it's so pervasive and subtle that we don't even know it's happening.

    (I loved your response by the way) 😂👌
    That's what marketing is designed to do, making consumers decide on their consumption without the need to think, like eating fast food for lunch

    Ads are all around us

    We just have to live with it
    Well, actually misleading marketing is illegal - so we shouldn't have to live with it ☠️
    Nobody has the power to change the advertising industry so live with it yo
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Ah yeah, "state of the game", "boycott" etc could get really muddy on those delicate topics particularly.
  • JESUSCHRISTJESUSCHRIST Member Posts: 1,219 ★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below
    It's the youtubers who started the boycott so what else you guys want from them?
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.



  • PT_99PT_99 Member Posts: 5,870 ★★★★★
    edited April 11
    No - I'd prefer not to know/they should keep it secret etc

    PT_99 said:

    Transparency and ethics 🤣🤣

    But in all honesty what Youtubers work with Kabam is their own business and they've earned it after providing great service to community (guides, rankups, showcases etc) and that's all I care about from them that they continue to provide and we continue to learn.

    Expecting anything more from Youtubers is just yikes.

    So they've earned the right from their helpfulness in the past, so they've got a hall pass.

    In your own opinion would you prefer to know though?
    It's not pass or anything, It's just I don't care bro, just keep giving us helpful informative videos and we're cool,

    No one cares nor should they if youtuber is working with Kabam, I don't like how Vega oversells champs a bit but I still watch his tier videos.
    Same with KarateMike, his crystal opening videos, deep dives and how to plays are very cool, he works with Kabam openly, doesn't change anything.
    Same as MsD.

    When I found out they're working for Kabam, I was like, "That's cool" and that's it, it ain't that deep bro.

    Plus you're giving off that "too correct" vibes, that's big yikes.
  • MrSakuragiMrSakuragi Member Posts: 6,213 ★★★★★
    No - I'd prefer not to know/they should keep it secret etc
    I’m not any more or less likely to watch or not watch a video due to the streamer’s relationship with Kabam.
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.



    That cuts to the heart of this - the way they deliver a narrative about anything and everything MCOC related influences us - and that's a potential ethical pitfall.
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    It's the youtubers who started the boycott so what else you guys want from them?

    But like if one of the YouTubers who helped start the boycott worked for Kabam they could try and end it fast too, which would help Kabam.
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    edited April 11
    Other - share further thoughts below

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.



    That cuts to the heart of this - the way they deliver a narrative about anything and everything MCOC related influences us - and that's a potential ethical pitfall.
    How are you influenced though and if you can identify how or why, it loses its power. If you can't then you don't know any different and it doesn't matter anyway.
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★
    PT_99 said:

    PT_99 said:

    Transparency and ethics 🤣🤣

    But in all honesty what Youtubers work with Kabam is their own business and they've earned it after providing great service to community (guides, rankups, showcases etc) and that's all I care about from them that they continue to provide and we continue to learn.

    Expecting anything more from Youtubers is just yikes.

    So they've earned the right from their helpfulness in the past, so they've got a hall pass.

    In your own opinion would you prefer to know though?
    It's not pass or anything, It's just I don't care bro, just keep giving us helpful informative videos and we're cool,

    No one cares nor should they if youtuber is working with Kabam, I don't like how Vega oversells champs a bit but I still watch his tier videos.
    Same with KarateMike, his crystal opening videos, deep dives and how to plays are very cool, he works with Kabam openly, doesn't change anything.
    Same as MsD.

    When I found out they're working for Kabam, I was like, "That's cool" and that's it, it ain't that deep bro.

    Plus you're giving off that "too correct" vibes, that's big yikes.
    We know about existing YouTubers, like I said in the initial post - it's not a problem, it's just being transparent.

    You mentioned about Vega overselling champs, but I don't think he's someone who has come out as working for Kabam - so if he was an employee would you prefer for him to do a community post letting us know?
    Then you'd be able to take what his says with the correct context.
  • Average_DesiAverage_Desi Member Posts: 1,737 ★★★★
    Yes - we should ideally be told they do work for Kabam

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.


    The same reason I am on the forums. To hear opinions about different topics in game. Honest opinions.
  • SkunkcabbageSkunkcabbage Member Posts: 519 ★★★

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.



    That cuts to the heart of this - the way they deliver a narrative about anything and everything MCOC related influences us - and that's a potential ethical pitfall.
    How are you influenced though and if you can identify how or why, it loses its power. If you can't then you don't know any different and it doesn't matter anyway.
    So being influenced could be through both what they say and what they don't say:

    - Never covering any topics that are critical of Kabam/MCOC (or covering it in a way that heavily mitigates the issue or may be a satire of the topic to deflect or make fun of the community that are upset)
    - Hyping up new champs, deals or offers more than should objectively be the case
    - Being far too complimentary of every action that is made by the MCOC team, to the point it didn't seem to make much sense.
    - Responding favourably in the comments sections to comments that are pro MCOC/Kabam by giving it a heart and a response, but ignoring anything that's critical.
    - Being careful about who they interact with and support in case it may be seen unfavourably by MCOC/Kabam

    The list goes on and on, but hopefully the type of control and influence I've listed helps give a flavor.
  • Average_DesiAverage_Desi Member Posts: 1,737 ★★★★
    Yes - we should ideally be told they do work for Kabam
    When I first started seeing Raid Shadow legends, I thought it might be a good game cause everyone was talking about it. Then I realised it was because they were being paid to talk about it.

    I think in YouTube you now have to show if something is an ad.
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below

    Normally, it's fine. But it becomes a problem when there is conflict of interest. If I'm seeing videos of a content creator talking about the 'state of the game" while they are being employed by them, it is a problem.

    Why?

    Do you not make your own decision on the "state of the game" as it pertains to you?

    Genuinely asking because I'm not sure how the opinion of a youtuber can influence how i feel.


    The same reason I am on the forums. To hear opinions about different topics in game. Honest opinions.
    You know the old saying about opinions.

    For me, I read almost everything posted here but what I read falls into 3 categories.

    1. I agree, that blows.
    2. What a plonker, bro is a complete spud.
    3. I didn't know that, I learned something.

    Only one of those has any influence, the rest is just noise.
  • captain_rogerscaptain_rogers Member Posts: 12,335 ★★★★★
    Yes - we should ideally be told they do work for Kabam
    It's not mandatory for them to disclose it, but I'll say it is a good practice. It shows that they value their viewers a lot. Also some viewers do pay/donate to these creatoes dure live streams and via buymeacoffee anytime. I guess atleast they deserve to know whether these creators work with kabam or get paid by kabam, if that changed their donation decisions.
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    edited April 11
    Other - share further thoughts below
    Wait what.

    People give money to people who talk about the game???

    Don't tell my kids, they'll start billing me for deciphering side quests and reading walls of ability text to give me the gist of some champ someone said was good and I don't know how to use.
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below
    According to the children, their most treasured memories are being denied a friendly by BG during a stream, and lagacy spewing when little bro drafted Nick fury in another stream.

    I guess there is something to this after all.

  • Asher1_1Asher1_1 Member Posts: 989 ★★★
    Are u dumb or new to this world ?? There is an NDA everyone signs u don't know that or what ??
  • Rayven5220Rayven5220 Member Posts: 2,697 ★★★★★
    Yes - we should ideally be told they do work for Kabam
    I hit the wrong vote. 😅

    Personally, I couldn't care less.
  • phillgreenphillgreen Member Posts: 4,493 ★★★★★
    Other - share further thoughts below
    Asher1_1 said:

    Are u dumb or new to this world ?? There is an NDA everyone signs u don't know that or what ??

    I didn't know, there was some sort of contract to keep it a secret.
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