EPTWe have a problem with sniping, DDosing, and a few other issues, but the few who do streams that do bot do a lot of damage. It flat out disgusts me what is happening, but it does remind of how behind the curve gaming media really is. If this were really comparable to much else in the more traditional entertainment, the problem would have been absolutely destroyed. That proves that problem solving is going to be an issue for many years to come with things that is exclusive to streamed content. I just the last 3 years gaming has become a HUGE entertainment source, but we are so different from everything else. Nobody is chosen by a room of people with money that is willing to throw at what will make them more money. We aren't given a job as a full time streamers, we make it. So, the problems, such as viewbotting, that would give us the edge to look like a big deal doesn't exist anywhere else. When is the last time you heard of a movie star buying for people to follow them around to lick the ground they walk on. Not saying people do that for streamers or that there aren't a few isolated incidences, but you get the picture.
So, the real question isn't just how to deal with Winter and other viewbotters, but also how to target these new problems and be able to set up proper punishment for it. For streamers I think that, at least for TLForums, that setting up an in system to flag them. I am not suggesting a flagging system like youtube. This will be almost entirely up to TL. They would keep an eye on channels that are eligible for features, but only the ones that are having weird spikes in viewships. How the forum browsers come in is they MUST present at least 5 counts of suspicious activity. After that has happened a few times a Flag will be put in. This means this channel and person will never be aloud to be featured. Nothing about these people are removed from the site or liquidpedia but everything that they posted or specifically involves them as the main subject matter has a banner with the offense.
I don't think anyone has the right to full out ban them from streaming, but giving people the knowledge of," Hey maybe I shouldn't give this guy my views because of (insert offense)." Now, that I have said my part, as just a SC fan and another guy in the community, I want to hear from people who read this. If, you agree, think this is shit, think this is pointless, or just think I am beating a dead horse. Thank you for reading and I look forward to reading your comments. Don't troll guys. I want to see an honest discussion of problems and possible problems in the stream and video production community that detracts or hurts the community.
