YouTube faces community revolt

YouTube is facing a revolt from a section of its community who are unhappy with proposed changes to personal channels on the site.

The outcry began after YouTube's Brian Glick posted a blog entry last week in which the changes to the channels, dubbed Channels 2.0, were outlined.

Nearly 12,000 comments have been made by YouTube members who are largely unhappy with the plans.

"I do not like the new design and wish to keep the old layout - stop tinkering and concentrate on ironing out the gremlins!" one member said.

Newly created accounts have had the Channels 2.0 feature by default since last week and YouTube plans to shift all accounts over by 15 July.

Many YouTube members have stated their intention to boycott the site the day before the change is made.

"If YouTube won't listen to our comments here then maybe we can force them to notice us by not going on youtube for the entire day," one member posted on the site.



YouTube, to its credit, has not ignored the criticisms.

"We've heard all your comments about the channel re-design these last few days," YouTube's Glick said.

"One reminder we'd like to throw out there is that we're still in development, and now is your chance to give feedback on things you'd like to see in the new version of channels. We're listening. You've already helped - and will continue to help - us shape and grow this product," Glick continued.

And not all YouTube members disapprove.

"Can someone explain to me what's wrong with the new channels? I think it's a nice improvement," one member wrote.

What do you think of the proposed changes to YouTube? Have your say in the Web User forums.