YouTube can suspend your channel at any time for any reason (Figure 9-5). In fact, the site doesn't even need a reason to suspend you. However, if you keep your account in good standing, by avoiding the gimmicks in this chapter while also uploading only original videos, you should have little to worry about.
If you are suspended, YouTube will send you an email explaining why. Nine times out of ten when my friends have been suspended, it has been because of copyright claims. Don't use music that doesn't belong to you, and don't upload videos you didn't make. That sounds easy enough to me. Should you be suspended, however, here are a few tips that might help you get your channel back:
Do not create a new channel and upload a video cursing out YouTube staff members for suspending you. I know it's tempting. I know you're upset and angry and feel wronged. But this will only hurt your chances of getting your channel back.
Do not ask all your friends to spam or email bomb any of the YouTube editors with messages demanding you be reinstated. Again, this will only hurt your chances of coming back.
Do calmly and politely email YouTube and, if you haven't been informed already, ask why you were suspended. If you disagree with the reason, calmly respond with your side of the story. If you were at fault, your best option is to sincerely apologize and throw yourself at the mercy of the YouTube editors. If you haven't made many negative waves on the site in the past and you're handling your suspension with a certain maturity, you might get your account reinstated. I have seen numerous accounts reinstated when people follow these simple guidelines.
All that said, YouTube is very clear and firm in its stance that once you are suspended, you are suspended for life. You are not allowed to create a new account and return.
If you follow the rules most of the time and you're respectful to the staff, again, you should have nothing to worry about.
I hope you use the information in this chapter to recognize cheaters and learn from all of their mistakes. It has been said that a wise person learns from the mistakes of others rather than having to make all the mistakes himself. I encourage you to refer to this chapter first before taking any action if you are suspended. But mostly, I hope you never have to refer back to this chapter, because you've quickly internalized the simple steps to harvest the joys of being a contributing part of the YouTube community, rather than taking your chances as a cheater only looking out for yourself. Happy honest 'Tubing!