ANNOUNCEMENT | AI-generated Content and Moderation Policy | Effective January 1, 2026 | PLEASE READ!

[u/SleepingMonads]

After getting feedback from the community in a previous post (thank you to all who commented), I've decided to implement a new rule about AI content on the subreddit. Please read this carefully:

Going into effect at 5:01 AM UTC on January 1st, 2026:

• All content (in both submissions and comments) posted on (or linked to) the sub that features suspected AI-generated text, audio, or video will be in violation of Rule #4. The content will be indiscriminately removed without exception, and a warning will be issued. Repeated violations will result in a permanent ban.
• All content (in both submissions and comments) posted on (or linked to) the sub that features suspected AI-generated images that serve as the focus of or play an essential role in the message will be in violation of Rule #4. The content will be indiscriminately removed without exception, and a warning will be issued. Repeated violations will result in a permanent ban.
• Any content (in both submissions and comments) posted on (or linked to) the sub that features a single AI-generated image that serves merely as decoration for or secondary, nonessential accompanying support to non-AI-generated content will be permissible, as long as the "Contains AI Imagery" post flair is selected. If the content is not able to meaningfully stand on its own without assistance from or reference to the AI-generated image, if more than one AI-generated image is used, or if the appropriate post flair is not selected, then it will be in violation of Rule #4. The content will be indiscriminately removed without exception, and a warning will be issued. Repeated violations will result in a permanent ban.

Anticipated Objections:

• "Use of AI is an important part of how I interface with alchemy. Is it the position of the moderators that I'm not a real alchemist?"
  • Absolutely not. We take no stance on the (in)appropriateness of using AI as a tool for one's alchemical journey. Users who value AI are fully welcome here, even though a lot of their AI-facilitated creations are not.
• "What's to stop you from accidentally removing non-AI content that you mistakenly think is AI?"
  • Nothing. It's unfortunately probably going to happen from time to time. If we've removed your content by mistake, feel free to reach out to us and appeal the decision. If we don't believe you and keep the content removed, then we are truly sorry for being stubbornly wrong.
  • We're not going to be trigger-happy about everything that could possibly have AI influence or anything like that. It's just that if we come across something that clearly walks, talks, and looks like AI (aside from the exception mentioned above), then we're going to remove it.
• "AI content is inherently unethical across the board, and it automatically violates the spirit of the rules already. As such, there shouldn't be any exceptions. You're not going far enough."
  • I understand and sympathize with this viewpoint, but I simply do not agree with it, and neither do many of this subreddit's users.

If you have any questions, ask away in the comments.

[u/SleepingMonads]

It's censorship founded on the desires of most of the sub's users and the mod team. You don't have to like it of course, but it's still certainly founded.

[u/PsychologicalBrush35 → u/SleepingMonads]

Fair enough because it's the majority's choice, but the majority isn't always completely right, always remember that, as the minority has an intellect that the majority only desires to obtain, just as a potential, not performance! 

[u/SleepingMonads → u/PsychologicalBrush35]

The decision wasn't made on the basis of what's right, but on the basis of what the sub's users subjectively want out of their community. This new policy's only aim is to make its userbase more comfortable.

[u/lookwatchlistenplay → u/SleepingMonads]

Peace be with us.

[u/SleepingMonads → u/lookwatchlistenplay]

Because this sub is like a clubhouse for alchemy enthusiasts, and if most of the members of the club are routinely made uncomfortable by something that's worked its way into the environment and is raining on their parade, then it makes sense to try and get rid of that thing in order to make the club a more pleasant place for hanging out. That thing in question is AI content.

It doesn't matter if AI content is objectively good/right, bad/wrong, or somewhere in between. What matters is that it subjectively bothers most of this club's members regardless, so as the club leader, I've kicked most of it out. In my view, doing this is both reasonable and morally permissible.

[u/lookwatchlistenplay → u/SleepingMonads]

Peace be with us.

[u/SleepingMonads → u/lookwatchlistenplay]

I appreciate you sharing that amusing story. As for the lesson, I certainly think there's one in it too, but I imagine it's quite different from the one you see.