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RE: StreamElements
To get everyone on the same page, here's a breakdown on what's happening, because rumors always travel further and faster in a vacuum.
Earlier today, there was an initial rumor that StreamElements was laying off all staff and shutting down. I heard this secondhand from a trusted source, but, like any rumor, it was not confirmed; it was merely a starting point. (I personally require at least two independent sources to confirm a story, as individuals can make mistakes or misinterpret the facts, especially if there's a reason that might make it personal.)
Since then, this single source has repeated this story to everyone in his StreamElements Sponsorship Discord (not the official one), and as such, it has been shared as a rumor widely across streamer Twitter. Yes, he does work for StreamElements as a Creator Success Manager. So, he does have credibility. At the same time, I have attempted to get secondary confirmation from anyone at StreamElements - but have been unable to. Every person I have spoken to about this (creators, former SE staff, media people) has the same source... the person mentioned above.
Now that said, let's talk contributing factors:
1. StreamElements continues to be silent on the matter.
2. They have been slow to pay users in recent weeks.
3. They seem to have been removed from Twitch's Third Party sponsorship offers.
4. They have been soliciting donations to keep the service free.
5. They have had numerous layoffs over the last few years, and more have left of their own volition in the last few months.
On the other hand, it's unusual to simply shut down a service with hundreds of thousands of users without first becoming a paid service. Or maybe just shutting down part of the service and focusing wholly on the sponsorship side. Either way, it's unusual.
This entire thing is unusual. And while the rumors may end up being true, I don't feel confident saying that yet. As I said, my standard is at least two independent confirmations - more is better. I always prefer being right to being first.
That said, given the situation as presented, it may still be worthwhile to ensure any SEPay money is requested, and you may want to download your alerts (or move to an alternative, such as Streamlabs. Disclosure: I have a partnership with them - but an easy link to do so is attached below.)
If I learn more before StreamElements addresses it publicly themselves, I will share whatever facts I can confirm.
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