Proposed Rule Changes for the small business Subreddit: Your Feedback Needed!
As a dedicated community, we have adhered to our current set of rules for quite some time, and they have proven effective in guiding discussions and interactions among members. However, with the increasing influence of Artificial Intelligence and changing engagement patterns, it seems prudent to consider some necessary adjustments to our regulations.
One significant change I’d like to propose is the introduction of a guideline that allows moderators to remove posts that do not contribute valuable content to our subreddit. The aim is to prevent these posts from cluttering our feed and overshadowing genuine queries. These removals would follow a strict set of criteria to ensure that our subscribers retain control over the content they see.
Proposed Criteria for Post Removal
Under this new regulation, moderators would have the authority to remove posts that meet the following conditions:
- They receive a negative vote total.
- They center around vague questions that have already been addressed frequently and failed to evolve or provide actionable insights for small business owners.
To illustrate, here are some examples of the types of posts that could be subject to removal: inquiries about common pain points, queries about which small business to start with a limited budget, requests for market research on the small business landscape, and questions about the utility of specific tools.
As a moderator, I am cautious about imposing my perspective on what constitutes “good content,” as opinions can differ widely. However, I believe this adjustment is critical to filtering out posts that our community has collectively deemed low-value through downvotes—posts that, despite being negatively rated, still remain visible. The rise of AI and certain marketing tactics has also contributed to the proliferation of such content.
Moving Forward
We will adopt a measured approach before removing any post to avoid premature decisions that could harm worthwhile discussions. Additionally, we anticipate encountering attempts to manipulate voting or reporting processes, and we are prepared to address these situations appropriately, whether through restoring posts, banning users, or adjusting the visibility of posts based on the nature of the attempts. I have experienced this form of attack firsthand, which further informs my perspective on this issue.
We genuinely value your input, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns regarding these proposed changes. Constructive feedback is welcome, and I assure you that there will be no retaliation for honest opinions.
*In closing, this shift could increase the importance of community voting. By voting thoughtfully, whether up or down, we can maintain a space rich with valuable insights
One Comment
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful proposal. I believe that strengthening community-led moderation through clearer guidelines can significantly enhance the quality of discussions on /r/smallbusiness. One point to consider is implementing a system that encourages members to flag low-value or repetitive posts rather than relying solely on downvotes or moderator removal. This approach can help identify content that may still have value but needs further community input or clarification.
Additionally, establishing a transparent review process for removed posts—perhaps through periodic feedback sessions—can foster trust and ensure that the community feels involved in shaping the subreddit’s direction. As AI continues to influence content generation and marketing tactics, educating members on how to identify and avoid low-quality automated or spammy posts can further improve engagement.
Ultimately, fostering a culture of thoughtful participation and mutual respect will ensure that the subreddit remains a valuable resource for small business owners seeking actionable insights. Looking forward to seeing how these changes evolve!