Twitch Chat Etiquette

This info was originally found at http://www.fifitido.net/twitch/etiquette - the page has recently gone down, here’s a copy pasta of that great information here.

Twitch.TV Chat Etiquette Guide for the New Viewers

• Always check if the caster you are watching has rules. Different channels will have various different rules, or lack thereof.
• Never argue a time out in the channel. You'll probably end up getting timed out again. Often the caster or moderators will accept polite inbox messages to help resolve any issues.
• If you are timed out for caps, faces, too many symbols, and posting links; Chances are the caster has a Bot with filters on. Most mods do not time these out.
• Do not talk about other casters inside another stream even if they are friends. It is considered rude.
• If you see a caster you recognize in someone else's channel please refrain from asking when they will cast again, or when they will do ‹insert thing here› again.
• Going off the above line, if you want to know when a caster is streaming follow their channel and their social media accounts. Most casters always post when they go live.
• Rude comparisons to other streamers that put other people, or the current streamer down are rude. Sometimes these are designed as compliments, but remember that you don't raise people up by putting other's down. Comments like „‹other streamer› played this better‟ / „‹other streamer›'s mods are better‟ or comments that might seem like a compliment, like „thank you for not being a streamer/making content like ‹other streamer's name›‟ are rude. Just don't do it.
• Do not delurk people you see in the user list, they chose to lurk and they can delurk themselves and chat if they choose, at that point you can say hi to them, otherwise it is rude.
• Never advertise your own channel or ask to be promoted/raided/shouted out by the caster. This includes comments like „I'm going to start up my stream now!‟ Become a valued member of the community and the caster is more likely to check you out on their own.
• If the caster has information below their video player they put it there for you to read. So read it! It has a lot of info like Specs, FAQ, Rules, And Links!
• Never tell a caster to play a different game than the current one they are playing. If you only follow the caster for one game, return at a later time to watch them play the one game you want to see. The channel is still theirs so they can cast whatever they choose.
• Channels will often have a title below their stream. It will almost always tell you what the caster is playing or what they plan on doing during the broadcast.
• Most casters do not like to hear how many viewers they have. They can see the number from their dashboard just fine. Often what this does is create more pressure. If the caster isn't worrying about the number drop then you shouldn't either!
• Being a YouTube subscriber and a Twitch subscriber is different! On Twitch following is the equal to the subscribe button on Youtube. On Twitch the Subscribe button is in place if you would like to help further support your caster through different plans like paying $4.99, $9.99, or $24.99 (prices may vary depending on location) a month or using your monthly Twitch Prime token. You will gain perks like custom emotes and a chat badge!
• If you currently can't or don't want to subscribe, that's perfectly fine and no-one will judge you. But never ask for a free sub by someone else in chat! This includes indirect hinting at not having a sub or not being able to afford a sub, because the intention is the same.
• There are sometimes anonymous donations on Twitch. Speculating which user might be behind that anonymous name can be very intrusive. They have chosen to be anonymous for a reason, so please respect that.

What is backseat gaming and why does everyone hate it?

Backseat gaming is when people in chat try to direct the streamer to do what they want because it's the "right way".

Example:

„I love Assassin's Creed 2!! I'm gonna make Ezio go over these rooftops for fun!!‟ — Streamer

„Why don't you just go through the streets? It'd be quicker and less bother‟ — Backseat Gamer

Often unless the caster specifically asks for help in a certain area it is frowned upon for early commands even the tiniest such as "go left" or "jump." You see, it ruins the game immersion for them. Wouldn't you hate it if someone ruined the joy and love you had for a new game? The feeling of accomplishment when you figure it out all on your own? The excitement of finding random spots or Easter eggs all on your own?