It's Thursday and Netflix’s successful password crackdown is coming back to bite Disney+ subscribers (at least, those of us still signed into our exes’ accounts).

PLAY BY THE RULES

Minecraft is laying down the law when it comes to sponsored content and NFTS

The latest update to Minecraft’s End-User License Agreement brings major changes for content creators. In addition to making it harder for creators to run promotions, the new rules place strict limits on everything from sponsored content to video titles and branded builds. In fact, creators of Minecraft worlds, mods, and servers are now prohibited from using those entities to promote brands, products, and services.

Loopholes to those rules are hard to find.

Based on the game’s updated guidelines (which come courtesy of its parent company, Microsoft), creators can no longer replicate TV or film characters using Minecraft blocks, run political campaigns in the game, or build brand-name automobiles without facing consequences. Checking if “a player owns an NFT to unlock skins, functions, or other in-game experiences” will get you into trouble, too.

The game’s updated EULA also cracks down on video titles it considers “not cool”:

Altogether, Minecraft’s updated restrictions seem designed to create distance between the game and its creator community—a very different mission than that pursued by rivals like Roblox, which has embraced popular brands and creators across the board.

HEADLINES IN BRIEF 📰

• Podcast creators will now be able to offer free and paid content in one location by integrating their Patreon accounts with Spotify. (Tubefilter)
  ​

• The creator behind GameToons, SCP Animated, and NewScapePro plans to seek funding for a new graphic novel on Kickstarter. (Tubefilter)
  ​

• According to TechCrunch, “over 115 creators with a combined 80 million followers” have now signed a pledge in support of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. (TechCrunch)
  ​

• A new Threads feature allows users to “publish their Threads posts directly to Instagram DMs.” (Engadget)

DATA • STREAMERS ON THE RISE 📈

From cooking to chatting, this Twitch star is all about creating “mindful, organized chaos”

iGumdrop isn’t known for playing it safe. If you’ve tuned into one of her Twitch streams, then you’ll understand why she describes her content as “organized chaos”—and why so many viewers have “found comfort in that sort of chaos.” Instead of sticking to one type of content or prioritizing pure consistency, iGumdrop focuses on keeping her streams genuine, engaging, and full of funny moments. Sometimes, that means making a mess of her kitchen while cooking on-stream, or simply finding “humor in the unknown” while chatting with fans.

No matter what form her “organized chaos” takes, iGumdrop is willing to roll with the punches.

That risk-taking spirit is exactly what led her to become a full-time content creator in the first place. iGumdrop originally began streaming in order to raise tuition funds for college. Then, two years into her computer science degree, she took a trip to California at the invitation of another streamer—and never looked back:

At the time, iGumdrop says, “collaboration was really vital.” Moving to L.A. gave her the opportunity to meet new creators and expand her viewership, and she’s been growing her brand (which now includes a fashion line and active channels on Twitch, Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok) ever since. In fact, iGumdrop’s fashion brand is something fans should keep a close eye on—because according to the creator, she currently has a “secret” project in the works.

JOIN THE BOOK CLUB

A new platform is harnessing the power of #BookTok—and giving creators a chance to break into publishing

Bindery is turning the power of publishing over to creators. The rising startup—which operates on a “Patreon for books” model—will allow creators to set up membership-based book clubs, where they can offer paywalled content, exclusive community spaces, and merch. Several notable influencers have already signed on to lead their own clubs, including #BookTok creator Jaysen Headley, Instagram star Kathryn Budig, and YouTuber Ali Goodwin.

The kicker: Bindery creators with the biggest clubs will have the power to publish books themselves.

According to Bindery, the platform will team up with literary agencies to present unpublished works to its top influencers, who will then choose books to include in their own imprints. Once those selections have been made, Bindery will handle publishing and distribution through partnerships with third parties.

Bindery Co-Founder Matt Kaye hopes that putting creators in the driver’s seat will bring attention to under-appreciated genres and authors:

That may be a lofty mission, but Bindery’s founders have more than enough experience to navigate the complicated spheres of publishing and social media. Kaye is the former Head of Product at Patreon, while fellow Co-Founder Meg Harvey served as the Chief Strategy Officer at literary firm Girl Friday Productions. Bindery has some powerful backers, too: the startup’s Patreon-meets-books model is supported by none other than the CEO of Patreon himself (aka Jack Conte).

WATCH THIS 📺

The black widow helpline has arrived

If you’re in need of a laugh (and don’t mind a little dark humor), then Daniel Foxx is the TikToker for you. The U.K.-based comedian has taken on the persona of everyone from “the supervillain’s gay assistant” to Tilda Swinton herself—but one character in particular stands out from the rest.

It only takes sixty seconds to see why Foxx’s “Oldman Insurance” series may be his best yet. After all, who doesn’t love a phone operator determined to help black widows get that bag?

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here.​

Today's newsletter is from: Emily Burton, Sam Gutelle, and Josh Cohen. Drew Baldwin helped edit, too. It's a team effort.