So these were things we were discussing on modmail a few months ago, but never got around to implementing; I'm seeing some of them become a problem again, so we're pulling the trigger.
The big one is that we have rewritten rule 5. The original rule was "No "challenge" posts without context from the OP." We are expanding this to require some use of the text box on all posts. The updated rule reads as follows:
Provide some context for your post
To increase both the quality of posts and the quality of responses, we ask that all posts provide at least a sentence or two of context. Describe your POD, or lay out your own hypothesis. We don't need an essay, but we do need some effort. "Title only" posts will be removed, and repeat offenders will be banned. Again, we ask this in order to raise the overall quality level of the sub, posts and responses alike.
I think this is pretty self-explanatory, but if anyone has an issue with it or would like clarification, this is the space for that discussion. Always happy to hear from you.
Moving on, there's a couple more things I'd like to say as long as I've got the mic here. First, the mod team did briefly discuss banning sports posts, because we find them dumb, not interesting, and not discussion-generating. We are not going to do that at this time, but y'all better up your game. If you do have a burning desire to make a sports post, it better be really good; like good enough that someone who is not a fan of that sport would be interested in the topic. And of course, it must comply with the updated rule 5.
EDIT: via /u/carloskeeper: "There is already https://www.reddit.com/r/SportsWhatIf/ for sports-related posts." This is an excellent suggestion, and if this is the kind of thing that floats your boat, go check 'em out.
Finally, there has been an uptick of low-key racism, "race realism," eugenics crap, et cetera lately. It's unfortunate that this needs to be said, but we have absolutely zero chill on this issue and any of this crap will buy you an immediate and permanent ban. So cut the crap.
Finally. Title only posts are awful.
Thanks for the vote of approval. I hate them too.
Hey, how about you guys get to fixing the fact that people are unable to leave this stupid fucking sub? How many times do I have to ask one of you nerds to ban me or whatever? Why can other subs kick people out but you fuckwads can't seem to figure it out? Why can I not "unjoin"? Is this to keep your numbers up or some shit?
Apparently I'm just going to have to block each and every one of you in order to never see these stupid ass posts ever again.
No need to be rude, there's an "leave" button. You can also just ignore.
+100000000 for the comments in the last paragraph. I saw some of that too and it's not cool.
There is already https://www.reddit.com/r/SportsWhatIf/ for sports-related posts.
Excellent suggestion. Edited the OP.
Thank god. Although I still don't really get their appeal.
Could I use a link to an article as context?
No. Give us something in text, even if it's a quote from Wikipedia.
I thought your Mods were very sensible, but it seems to have dried up Historical What If or do you think its something else?
Amen
What if, for historical reasons, there was a temporary ban on questions relating to Adolf Hitler and his regime? I'm imagining maybe one day a week or one day a year without "what if AH had an unusually large penis and could satisfy women?” questions.
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The filters have labelled my post on here as spam but it was suggested to post it here
Can someone please, please remove me from this sub. It won't allow me to unjoin for some reason. I keep contacting the mods but nothing happens.
What are the Least Explored Alternate History Concepts in your Opinion?
In all of Alternate History, what concepts or alternate timelines are the least explored?
Basically anything before 1600 excluding the Mongols.
What is a lot less explored are posts that talk about native and tribal communities like Pre-Columbian America or Southern Africa.
100% agreed, yeah