We all know the “Faceless Giant” – The one who effortlessly answers all our questions; teaches us new things; shows us how to get to where we want to go. It’s the guy who tells you who’s birthday it is when you go to ask him a question. He shows you the most awesome pictures of things you can only imagine.He towers high above every knowledge base- news, information, images, shopping etc. You know the Faceless Giant, don’t you – yes it’s Google!
I bet we all know Google – the Faceless Giant – but which of us has met the mighty and Faceless Giant – Google. Who among us can describe what he looks like, thinks about, likes and doesn’t like? I hadn’t met or thought about the face behind the giant until last weekend.
Saturday morning, I spent some time working on my new YouTube channel, swapping out a video for another and adding descriptions to them. Then my younger son and I watched Stitch The Sketch #2. He loves the part where I talk about reading Aladdin’s story with him. And if you know how little kids are, you’ll understand this- every time we went past that clip in the video, he’ll say ” Again, again!!” So I’ll stop and replay and we’ll watch it all over again. We did that a couple of times till I convinced him I had to go ran errands.
Encounter with the Faceless Giant:
Later in the afternoon, I came back to check my email and what do I know, I have 3 letters from the Faceless Giant – Google (owner of YouTube). Whether it be from a robot, a human, a male or female, I know not. All I know is that the Faceless Giant was upset with me. This is part of what was in the letter.
“The YouTube community flagged one or more of your videos as inappropriate. After reviewing the content, we’ve determined that the videos violate our Community Guidelines. Your video has been deleted. We’d like to inform you that due to repeated or severe violations of our Community Guidelines your YouTube account Clara Nartey – Artist has been suspended.”
In my imagination, it felt like coming face to face with a giant. Why would Google be writing to me? And since I couldn’t visualize who was behind the letter I came up with the nickname – the “Faceless Giant”. Was it a robot? Will they reply if I wrote back to them? What did I do wrong?
Those of you who tried to watch the videos over the weekend noticed Google’s ominous warning about my account. It was frustrating especially since I didn’t know why a simple home-made video about creating art could be flagged as “inappropriate”.
The Faceless Giant Speaks Back to Me
Finally, I decided to write a letter or two to the Faceless Giant and appeal my case; not knowing for sure whether a human or robot will read my letter. I told whoever will be reading my letter who I am and what my videos are about. I asked them to kindly review my case. And who would have thought that the giant will speak back:
” Hello, we have re-reviewed the circumstances of your suspension and have concluded that it is appropriate to reinstate your account…”
I don’t know who to thank for this response since I still don’t know the face behind the “Faceless Giant”.
After all this trouble to get my You Tube Channel up, I hope you’ll stop by to watch the videos, like them, subscribe, share with friends and comment.
Warmest Regards,
The question everyone has been asking is whether I found out what caused my videos to be flagged by the “Faceless Giant”. No, I did not. I wish I had.