Today I learned that previously, Twitch explicitly forbade its creators to use other platforms. So this is good news -- Twitch will now no longer prevent its creators from streaming to their audience over multiple services. Provided the Simulcasting Guidelines[0] are followed, of course. Let's take a look at these guidelines then:

> We believe in giving you the freedom to simultaneously stream on other services, but we also want to ensure that the Twitch user experience is not compromised.

If "giving you the freedom" means "taking a small step to restore liberties that we snatched from you" then this sounds good. Accepting that you have done something wrong is always a good first step.

Onto the actual guidelines (never use the 'R' word[1]) -- there's only three, phew!

> You ensure that the quality of Twitch users’ experience of your [stream is] no less than the experience on other platforms or services, including by your engagement with the Twitch community, for example, via chat.

Who decides which "experience" is "less than"?

Compare the number of shoutouts to chat?

Ignore good questions from Youtube users because nobody on Twitch is saying anything interesting? Which leads to a worse experience on Twitch.

The only safe way to comply with this is, I guess, to not mention the other platform, do not interact with the users on the other platform, cripple the video quality on the other platform.

> You should not provide links, or otherwise direct your community, to leave Twitch for your simulcast on other services because we value the community on Twitch and the integral role community engagement plays for all Twitch users.

"Should not" -- OK, but I can some of the time, maybe just a little?

Does "direct your[2] community" include saying "hey youtube"? Again, do not mention the other platform.

What if during your Twitch sanctioned Twitch chat interactions, someone asks "what's the deal with you streaming on Youtube at the same time as here? (and how can I get an internet connection like what you have?)" -- I assume you can answer the question, as long as you say the word 'Twitch' at least as many times as you say 'Youtube'?

It's bizarre that this one includes a rationale for itself. I don't care what your (stated) reasons are, Twitch. You have all the gems already, Twitch. You get to make the r-guidelines, Twitch.

> You do not use third-party services that combine activity from other platforms or services on your Twitch stream during your Simulcast, such as merging chat or other features, to ensure the Twitch community is included in the entirety of the experience of your livestream.

Uh oh, we in the "do nots" now.

Again with the weird rationale thing. It just makes it even more confusing. For example, how would merging the chats exclude people? Surely merging the chats would include Twitch users in more of the experience -- you know, because they can see all of the chat.

> If you fail to adhere to the Simulcast Guidelines, Twitch will send you a warning prior to taking any enforcement action.

OK. So it's Youtube closing channels out of the blue because someone just felt like it, or a computer suggested it.

"""Dear HUMAN,

You may have noticed that you have received 1 warnings on your account. This is never a nice thing to heard -- we know how it feels, friend! :3

The warning/s are pertaining to your recent breach/es of the Simulcasting Guidelines, which you can review at the link below.

We regret to inform you that,

you are ours,

your sincerely real,

Friend Humans at Twitch"""

[0] https://help.twitch.tv/s/article/simulcasting-guidelines

[0+] Bonus: simulcast is a portmanteau that is really unnatural to say (AU)

[1] Rules. The 'R' word is rules. We don't like it because it assigns some responsibility and accountability to the enforcers.

[2] It's funny to see them acknowledge that the audience is there for the streamer, not the platform.