Seems Youtube are suspending a large number of accounts for "terms of service violations", mostly accounts with videos made by kids. The account which sparked the controversy had videos featuring a boy called Jesse who was a big promoter of Youtube and behind several Youtube 'featured videos'. The account was registered and run by his father who directed most of the videos, so the age rule did not apply - account holders have to be at least 13 years old. However, when he contacted Youtube to ask why he'd been suspended he was told that they cannot give a reason.

Obviously Youtube can cancel accounts as they see fit. It's a free and so they make no money from the casual users. I suspect that they may be aiming to concentrate more on the deals with TV and music companies which might bring in the dollars, so they are tossing out some of the unprofitable clutter, e.g. amateur video makers. It's a big organisation, possibly getting too big to care about the little man. A touch of courtesy, however, goes a long way, and many of these kids have put a lot of hours into helping to promote the Youtube site.

A major campaign is under way to get the accounts re-instated, but I can't see it being successful. I would suggest to them that they get their story on the main news media, but I suspect it would be turned into yet another "kids in danger of internet predators" story. This would no doubt be the line that Youtube would take. It would be a cheap response but effective in diverting attention from the real issue.

I spent a while today looking through the various videos supporting the campaign. There seems to be a growing movement. I wonder how it will all end - if it doesn't just fade away.

I guess my main interest in this story is that it's another little man taking on a giant. I always root for the underdog.

The main debate seems to start from here.

Apparently there is going to be a big rally in support of the suspended youtubers at Washington Square Park this morning (7th July 2007), with quite a few media reporters present. So it looks as if this thorn in Youtube's side isn't going to go away easily.

Wonder if it'll get on the UK news.

I don't think this rally even made the UK columns, but it is seen as more of an American thing, even though many Brits also use Youtube.

I don't normally get involved with campaigns, but I did put together a video as a tribute to some of the suspended kids. I believe we should all encourage young talent, not snuff it out, and these kids were exceptional.

Link to my video, in case anyone is curious.

Thumbs up to you, PBS, for taking the trouble to make that video.

The issue doesn't touch my life in any way as I only use Youtube for exploring my obscure musical tastes, but it does seem outrageous that they have suspended young kids' accounts without so much as an explanation.

They've got too big for their boots, and forgotten what made them so popular in the first place.

I half expected to see your account suspended, but it's still there, at least for now!

The issue wouldn't have touched my life if I hadn't already got to know Hejhog. I'd gone to bed one night chuckling at something he'd said, then next I know he's suspended. Only after that did I find out about the others and all that was going on. Today I spent 10 minutes listening to a kid pour his heart out. He feels he's put a major part of his life into Youtube and now they've booted him out like the garbage.

I only signed up for the music. Not sure if the video will help change anything, but it's a case of standing up for a principle.

I dare say I'll live if they suspend me.