Quick Reference Guide (Skip to parts)
- How to use the report function
- How to identify a low quality post
- Reduce low quality output with links and sources
- Helpful Sources & Guides
- Examples of a low quality post
So, I’ve seen a lot of mention of not liking the quality on the site lately, and I figured I’d provide a great way of mitigating such issues if you come across it.
If you, as a member, want to play a proactive, constructive, role in ensuring the highest quality on this forum, here’s how you can help!
Report Function
Now, on every post, there’s a list of options available to you in the bottom right corner. This is from a PC, but it should look similar on your mobile app. First, left click on the 3 dots as referenced in the screenshot above.
Once clicked, it will expand into more options. Look for the flag icon, as pictured below, and give it a left click.
This action will open a small window with list of options to choose from in regards to which way the post is infringing on the community guidelines.
I ask that when reporting a post, ensure it’s an objective violation of our guidelines rather than your opinion or preference on the matter. If you’re not certain if it is or isn’t, read the FAQ linked here, or in the top right corner of your screen by left clicking on the hamburger menu icon 
and then left clicking FAQ 
on the right hand side of the menu layout. This is a fantastic tool that helps aid in reducing low-quality content, when used right.
Please do not abuse this tool, as it may reduce your chances in seeing a desired outcome. When reporting content, use clear, concise, language to get your point across. Speak informatively. For example, ask yourself, why and how does it violate our community guidelines? Sometimes it’s not as clear-cut to others as it is to you. Show examples, provide evidence in a succinct fashion. DO NOT ASSUME we, as staff, know what you’re talking about.
Examples of substandard flags.
a) Flag reason: “repost”
OK, where’s the source? We as staff need to verify the legitimacy of your claim before we can act on it, so it’s helpful to provide something we an go off.
b) Flag reason: " "
Again, some flags are obvious, but it will never hurt if you provide us context.
How to identify a low quality post
How do we identify a low quality post? It’s better to be consistent and reference the community guidelines so that we can accurately articulate it not just to any offender, but to ourselves and other members of the community. We do this by simplifying the language used and ensuring we speak as objectively as we can, citing credible, authentic, sources whenever possible. Avoid ambiguity and slang. Remember: you will NOT be able to solve a problem that you can’t accurately articulate to somebody!
To be clear, here is an example of a gold standard, high-quality photo and subject, and why.
1) Focal point. The subject is dead center, making it the clear intent/focus of the photo. Moreover, the bokeh effect further articulates this by reducing background objects, thus accentuating the foreground.
2) High resolution, with clear quality; the subject is not out of focus, blurry, or far away.
3) The subject has been presented in a palatable manner. (everything in frame)
4) The photo is in an upright orientation (not sideways, upside down, etc.)
5) Watermarks, if any, are small and placed to the bottom right corner as not to distract from the overall focus of the photo
6) CLEARLY in public settings.
7) The photo tells a linear story. Your set should be able to express itself without words.
8) It’s clearly a candid.
9) This content, on its own merits, is not sexually suggestive in nature and can be argued on its artistic attributes.
10) No black bars.
Start by referencing the FAQ, or any other similar sources, such as this guideline on how not to get your post rejected linked here. Before you post, go through this guideline to establish your post meets the community’s standards. If you need clarity on any of the guidelines, ask! Our mods are happy to help! Every member has this tool at their disposal, use it!
So, why do we reference links and sources?
Because it keeps everybody on the same page. If everyone is referencing the exact same sources, while using clear, easy-to-understand language, it leaves little to interpretation. If we routinely follow the guidelines and play an active role in reporting users who violate it, we are all playing a part in maintaining the quality we’ve come to expect. Every member here helps curate a positive atmosphere. Whether it be through likes, positive comments, or constructive criticism, stay steadfast in acting on facts and not emotions. Sources and not opinions. Substantive data and not hearsay - this reduces all the white noise.
Moreover, if you have any suggestions and amendments you’d like to see to our guidelines to further provide clarity, reach out to me or one of the other staff members. It’s important to keep amending and fine tuning our community as it evolves and grows, which means what works today, may not work in the future. That being said, I’m receptive to feedback in regards to anything stated here, or elsewhere. Shoot me a PM with your suggestion, and if we deem it to be effective, we’ll consider it. I ask that you be patient, as our community is large, and with that, the mods have a lot on their plate. However, we do respond when we can!
Lastly, as a community, we can sometimes forget the power our words wield, especially from our longtime members! The new users look towards you for guidance and wisdom: please be the ambassadors we know you are! Lead by example. Don’t just say, prove. If you feel there’s something lacking, provide us with an alternative solution. Make sure it has been vetted and proven effective based on evidence. And support the content you do like! It takes two seconds to like a post, and not much to add a comment! This small gesture goes a long way in user retention, because - whether you wish to admit or not - shooting candids and presenting it in a manner that’s palatable to the audience can sometimes be an exhausting endeavor. They want to feel like their work is valued, and showing your support through any one of these means makes a difference. Thanks for understanding!
