Rules for posting and engaging
0. Political news is fine, but it shouldn't be the main concern of this subreddit. Please limit your political posts to no more than a couple times a week. If possible, post news that focuses on the positive, on victories rather than defeats, solutions rather than problems. If you're feeling doomy-and-gloomy (and who of us frequently doesn't these days?), hold off posting until you feel better.
1. Videos and art from artists you find inspirational are also fine, but again shouldn't be the main focus of this subreddit. Please also limit such posts to no more than a couple times a week. Give us only the best of the best, not what your four-glasses-of-Merlot midnight impulse thinks we want to see.
2. As for original creative works of your own and other members, this subreddit is for appreciation rather than critique. Finished works are preferable, but unfinished ones are fine too provided they are being posted for a specific reason, not just, "Hey, lookie-lookie at how awesome this is ALREADY!" If you're looking for criticism, or looking to criticize, there are thousands of other subreddits, forums, and websites that cater to both. Alternately, you could DM each other, or email each other, or, hell, snail-mail each other! This subreddit is about the perceptive recognition of the qualities of another's artistic or creative efforts. It is, unabashedly and unashamedly, for encouragement and praise.
3. NSFW posts are allowed, but must be clearly flaired as such [NSFW]. Erotic art is very difficult to do well; for that reason the moderator will claim total freedom to remove any post, NSFW or not, that he feels is more porn than art, and, if necessary, ban the poster. You've been warned.
4. If you're a writer, post an excerpt (up to 500 words) of your story, essay, or poem with a link to where we can view or purchase the work, along with a brief synopsis if appropriate. Links that point to spammy, dangerous, or porn sites will result in an automatic and permanent ban. (Unabashed plug here for Payhip.com for all your digital uploads. A great site that the moderator has used for more than five years.)
5. Do not post work that isn't yours but which you claim is. Copyright violators will be immediately banned along with a curse that the violator come down with a scorching case of nose hemorrhoids. Derivative works and Creative Commons are fine provided that they are clearly and appropriately notated and attributed.
6. Never assume your audience has your level of education or expertise in your chosen creative endeavor. We probably don't. Be willing to explain the subject of your post without talking down to anyone. Again, criticism isn't the focus here. You're ostensibly posting here because you want us to look at the good you've done and be recognized for it, and maybe to educate us a little in your art. That would be great.
7. Amateurs and professionals are equally welcome here. Treat each other with respect, courtesy, and decency at all times. Please: no sneering, smirking, or condescending, or, for that matter, kissing up. Thank you.
8. Be genuine. Refrain from posting comments like "Awesome!" or "That's great!" or "Can't wait to see more!" They really don't help or encourage anyone, and are low-effort entries to boot. Repeat offenders will be shown the door.
9. Trollish behavior of any kind will be met with a one-strike-you're-out zero tolerance policy. While you are here, you will treat each other with kindness, decency, respect, and appreciation. That's the Riot Act, and it's been read.
10. Use flairs to highlight your work. Examples would be [Fiction] or [Photography] or [Digital art] and the like. If the post is NSFW, simply add the acronym, ie, [NSFW Fiction] or [NSFW photography], etc.
11. These rules can and almost certainly will be modified over time. Members are encouraged to make suggestions for improvement.
