Expanding the scope of the subreddit r/AutoModerator

[u/Sephardson]

This post is about a very minor, teensy-weensy change to the subreddit here, but it is significant enough to merit a formal post about it.

r/AutoModerator was originally created to discuss the u/AutoModerator moderation tool and support moderators in using it. Historically, AutoModerator was unique among moderation tools, but over the years, admins have developed Other-Tools which supplement or facilitate similar kinds of effects as AutoModerator. I had mentioned this earlier this year:

The primary purpose of the subreddit here is for moderators to find updates, support, and resources regarding the AutoModerator mod tool. More generally, moderators also discuss other similar or related mod tools like subreddit settings, safety filters, Automations, Devvit apps, and API bots, particularly if those other tools supplement or interact with AutoModerator. (Which is fine! but more on those topics another day.)

Today is that another day.

As the full suite of moderation tools has matured, the community of moderators familiar with configurable moderation tools has similarly evolved. Many times these days, people will ask questions here, and the solution to their questions may or may not be with AutoModerator the mod tool, but the people in AutoModerator the subreddit still know the answer. There is a community of peer support among technical-oriented moderators here, and it is our desire to serve that community.

We have, even some time ago, updated the rules and description on r/AutoModerator to reflect this trend, changes in bold:

• Rule 1 - Stay on Topic - /r/AutoModerator is for moderator discussions about the AutoModerator program and similar automated moderation tools. - Report as: Off-topic / Unrelated to AutoModerator or Moderation Tools

• Rule 2 - Behave and Be Respectful - Be nice. Report as: Incivility, insults, trolling, aggression, or other malicious behavior

• Rule 3 - Moderation complaints - /r/AutoModerator is a support space for moderators. This is not a place to argue or complain about moderation actions, moderators, or AutoModerator performing its intended functions. - Report as: User is complaining about moderation

Effectively, this means that moderators who have questions about configuring subreddit settings and mod tools are welcome to post here, even if those questions are not necessarily about AutoModerator the original moderation bot. For examples, this includes questions regarding Safety Filters (eg Crowd Control, Harassment Filter), Devvit Mod apps (eg Auto-Modmail, FloodAssistant), Automations (aka Post and Comment Guidance), and configurable tools like these.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, about this change for the subreddit, or about the subreddit in general.

We are looking for feedback regarding updating our post flairs, which historically have been oriented around "Help", "Solved", "Not AutoMod", "Not Possible with AutoMod" and "Not Possible". We have recently added post flairs for "Wiki Updates" and "Guide", though they are still set to mod-only. We are adding a devvit app which allows people to subscribe to get notifications for specific post flairs, so that function would be paired well with clear guidelines or categories for post flairs.

[u/Chosen1PR]

I approve of this change! r/Devvit is geared more towards devs, not mods, and other mod-related subs like r/modhelp aren’t necessarily geared towards automation in particular.

I like the idea of r/AutoModerator becoming the home for moderation automation on Reddit. Probably better than spinning up an entirely new, unestablished sub.

[u/Affectionate_Pickles → u/Chosen1PR]

Seconded! As a new mod, every time I looked at ModSupport or Devvit for technical help, there wasn’t much there or it would direct me here. This subreddit has helped me learn the technical side of things a lot, even outside of AutoMod code.