IMPORTANT NOTICE: In response to overwhelming requests to reduce toxicity, we will be taking firmer action against disruptive users

In response to ongoing user concerns about disruptive and bad-faith users on r/UFOs, the mod team has been working on ways to improve the experience for the majority of users.

We have listened to your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve the sub and, as a part of this effort, we will be cracking down on toxic and disruptive behavior. Our intent is not to suppress differing opinions or create an echo chamber, but rather to permit the free flow of ideas without the condescension, sarcasm, hostility or chilling effect that bad faith posters create.

You can read our detailed subreddit rules here, and provide feedback and suggestions on those rules in our operations sub, r/UFOsMeta.

Moving forward, users can expect the following enforcement:

• There will be zero tolerance for disruptive behavior, meaning any removal for R1, trolling, ridicule etc. will result in an immediate temporary ban (one week), a second violation will be met with a permanent ban. Egregious violations of Rule 1 may be met with an immediate permanent ban i.e. no warning.

As always, users may appeal their ban by sending us a modmail. We are happy to rescind bans for those who are willing to engage respectfully and constructively with the community.

Based on the feedback we've received from users, discussions with other related subs and our own deliberations, we are confident that these measures will lead to better quality interactions on the sub and an overall reduction in toxic content. That doesn't mean we're going to stop looking for ways to improve the r/UFOs community. Constructive criticism and feedback are really helpful. You may share it via modmail, r/ufosmeta or even discord.

FAQs

Why are you doing this?

The sub has grown exponentially in the past two years, and we are now at roughly 2.7 million members. That means that there are more rule violations than ever before. The overall impact of toxic or otherwise uncivil posts and comments is amplified. We are also responding to user demand from community members who have been requesting stricter enforcement of the rules.

Does this mean skeptics and critics are banned now?

No. Skeptical approaches and critical thinking are welcome and necessary for the topic to thrive. Everyone may post as long as they are respectful, substantive and follow the rules.

I have had things removed in the past, will you be counting my past removals?

While we have always taken past contributions and violations into consideration while moderating, our main focus will be on removals moving forward.

I reported a Rule 1 violation and it's still up! Why haven't they been banned?

As volunteers we do our best to evaluate reports quickly, but there will be cases where we need to consult with other mods, do further investigation or we simply haven't gotten to that report yet. Reports do not guarantee removal, but they are the best way to respond to content that violates our rules. Content on the sub does not mean it was actively approved.

My comment was removed, but what I was replying to is worse and still up! What gives?

We rely on user reports to moderate effectively. Please report any content you think violates the rules of the sub do not respond in kind.

I have been banned unfairly! What do I do?

Send us a modmail explaining your reasoning and we will discuss it with you and bring it to the wider mod team for review. We are more interested in seeing improvement than doling out punishment.

What I said wasn't uncivil. What am I supposed to do?

If you feel a removal was unfair, shoot us a modmail to discuss. Please remember that R1 is guided by the principle to “attack the idea, not the person.”