[META] Tomorrow AskHistorians will go private

[u/SarahAGilbert]

A few days ago we shared a post outlining our thoughts around API uncertainty. The tldr: changes negatively impact our ability to moderate. These changes are part of a larger pattern in which Reddit’s leadership has failed to support what we believe is one of its greatest assets. Basically, our primary responsibility is making sure Reddit users are getting the best answers to your questions about history and Reddit is making that harder to do.

We understand Reddit’s need to change and evolve. For all we may harp on Reddit’s flaws, we do want to see it succeed! After all, we wouldn’t exist without it. So, if we’re expecting Reddit leadership to listen to us, we should be willing to work with them. In the days following the publication of the post, we discussed as a team what the specifics of working with Reddit would look like so we could clearly articulate it to you. We decided that compromise means:

• Updates to the API are not tied to a particular date but are, instead, rolled out once the roadmap shared here is successfully achieved.
• Accessibility tools such as screen readers are part of the native Reddit infrastructure.
• Updates are made across Android and iOS.

We think slowing down is the right thing to do. It would minimize further disruption while also generating an income stream for Reddit.

The AskHistorians’ mod team members are, functionally speaking, Reddit super-users. We have collectively invested thousands of hours into building our small corner of Reddit into a subreddit that is viable, trustworthy, and valuable, as well as something bigger. There’s our podcast, academic writing by us and about us, and our reputation as, "good history eggs on the internet." We’ve hosted two conferences, a long series of AMAs and presented about AH at other academic conferences. We even won an award! Major outlets have even covered our approach to moderation. We take all of this very seriously.

Nearly every time Reddit has asked for volunteers, we’ve stepped up. AH members help with the Moderator Reserves project, sit on council meetings and phone calls, host Reddit administrators who want to shadow moderators, and participate in surveys. Due to our commitment to the subreddit, we’ve built positive relationships with many admins who have been open to our feedback. But over the last couple of days—most notably during Spez’s AMA—it’s become clear to us that Reddit’s leadership is not interested in finding common ground; rather, it seems to us like they're hell-bent on pursuing a course that damages us and them alike.

We feel we are left with no choice but to join the protest. On June 12, starting at 7am ET, we will take our sub private. We will remain private on June 13 as well.

We’ll open the sub again on June 14th but will pause participation. This means you will be able to access existing content, such as the Trans History Megathread in Celebration of Pride Month, but will not be able to ask or answer questions. We will be delaying or holding off AMAs, limiting our newsletter, and will not be recording any new podcast episodes. As of today, we do not know how long this pause will last.

We cannot put this letter out into the world without thanking you for the immense support you’ve shown us over the last week. We’ve received support across platforms, in public and in private. We’ve been a community for nearly 12 years and that would not have happened without you and our other 1.8 million subscribers. We know we’re not the easiest community to post in, and deeply appreciate the people who ask dozens of thoughtful, rule-abiding questions every day, the people joining in on April Fools Day, those who anonymously report trolls and low effort answers, support the podcast via Patreon, and those who provide honest, thoughtful feedback on how we’re faring in general. We don’t take lightly the idea of shutting down this place and the community that we all build together, and we understand how frustrating it will be to not be able to find out, for example, why GPS is free.

We are all, at heart, historians. Studying the past requires a fair amount of optimism and confidence in humanity and as such, we are hopeful and confident a resolution can be found.

[u/asiledeneg]

This is clearly one of the best moderated subreddits. Do what you think is necessary.

[u/LeftBehind83]

Solidarity with the mod team.

[u/BhagBoseDK]

Oh dear

[u/Lilikoi_Maven]

Thank you for caring, unlike u/spez who apparently believes losing the vision-impaired community is perfectly acceptable collateral damage in his IPO vision.
Sincerely
One of those vision-impaired people who is being turfed

[u/Gankom → u/Lilikoi_Maven]

I feel for you and everyone else in the vision-impaired community so much! And everyone else losing key accessibility features. I'd be grumpy about adding a few extra hours to my digest job, but to straight up lose access all together is just such a terrible thing for them to have done.

[u/vollbaumer]

This sub is such a treasure. Thank you for the work and dedication to you and all the people who contribute to it. I hope reddit listens to the concerns of its users. If not it might change into a boring reposting hell.

[u/Any_Contest7699]

I was conceived because of this subreddit. You cant do this.

[u/garnteller]

Is it me, or does this read a bit like:

When in the Course of reddit events it becomes necessary for one subreddit to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with the admins, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of redditors requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Thanks for doing the right thing.

[u/r3v]

Thank you for all the hard work you mods put into this sub. The professional level you maintain here not only makes this sub a wonderful resource, but also, imo… gives this protest move more weight. Readers of this subreddit know you put a lot of thought into this decision and implementation.

[u/amanforallsaisons]

As one of the absolutely best moderated subreddits here, this is both extremely saddening but also completely understandable and in keeping with AH's high standards and care for the users. Thank you.

[u/Spendocrat]

I lurk here a lot and heavily support this. If the group moves to another platform please post it here.

[u/Krilesh]

Thank you for the explanation too.

[u/Ayjia]

I lurk here more than post. But this sub has been invaluable in both my research, and my life.

Once upon a time, I studied Archaeology and Classics - Late Bronze Age Egypt and the Mediterranean were my big focus. I was never able to finish my degree, and I was required by those who paid the bill to go into a more STEM degree when I returned to school. I have always wondered about what could have been, and this place became somewhere that I felt "at home" - rarely did I participate, but I always enjoyed reading the discussions that could only be found here. It activated the nostalgia , and gave me closure, and helped me find my love of history again.

I write fantasy stories as a hobby. I have read your papers, I have bought your books, and the answers on the typical medieval/victorian/renaissance have been incredibly useful. The resources here are indispensable, for authors, for creators, for anyone who is in any way curious about how it was to live in the past.

I read the AMA 'live'. I saw Sarah's questions, and the response to them - they deserved better. Everyone who has put work into this sub deserved better than that. Frankly, Reddit's handling of it all has been disgusting, and as someone who uses the official app, I don't expect to use reddit much again.

I hope I find you all in the future. That your journies and mind cross paths again.

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you, and good luck.

[u/CervantesX]

I sincerely hope Reddit gets their head out of their ass in time for the wonderful community here in AH to survive, but I salute you for the firmness of your stance.

[u/TheRealHermaeusMora]

Thank you, this sub is one of my favorites. Your hard work was and is appreciated.

[u/[deleted]]

Oh no! Anyway…

[u/NetherNarwhal]

I think, if you decide against every reallowing participation on this subreddit you should move to a alternative platform with the same mod team and policies. I think that this subreddits provides a very valuable resource and it would be a shame if that resource disappeared completly.

[u/jonschaff]

I came here for history and got politics instead. I must be in the wrong place.

[u/Gilgamesh026]

Sucks, but its the right move

[u/Gankom]

Its a dark day indeed, and one nobody wanted to happen. See you on the far side comrades.

[u/aquatermain → u/Gankom]

We'll always be in the trenches, even if the front lines move.

[u/timedupandwent → u/Gankom]

Thank you for your Sunday Digest - I look forward to it every week!

[u/Thorvakas]

This sucks, but is the right call. This has always been the sub I hold in highest regard; this is the first time I’ve even dared comment here!

I’m glad to see such leadership here. Hopefully this paragon community will inspire others.

[u/stormelemental13]

Good. Glad you guys are making this move.

[u/ShallThunderintheSky]

This sub is why I joined Reddit. Becoming a flair has been a validation my many years in academia hasn’t provided; being able to answer questions, read answers, and generally be a part of a group of people who are simply curious and looking for quality content, has been a brief but true joy. I truly hope we’re all here again soon, with a functional, reasonable response from admin.

Ave atque vale, friends.

[u/sufferion → u/[deleted]]

You know how I know you didn’t read the post?

[u/BeatlesTypeBeat → u/[deleted]]

Your edit doesn't really address anything. If you're not commenting specifically on what this sub is doing then why even comment? I've already seen that sentiment echoed everywhere.

What this subreddit is doing is a 2 day private blackout, then afterward pausing community activity. I respect leaving the existing questions and comments accessible as historical documents.

[u/restricteddata]

This is the right move. The Reddit directors and CEO have shown themselves to be utterly disconnected from, and even disdainful of, their user base and the volunteer moderators who sustain this site. This is the source from which ALL of the value of this site — economic and otherwise — derives. It needs to be made clear to them, in no uncertain terms, that their efforts to produce more golden eggs for future shareholders are going to kill the goose if they are not careful. They need to seriously reconsider their business direction and choices. The users and the moderators are Reddit. Not the directors. Not the CEO. Not even the code. A social website without users is an empty husk, just like a university without professors and students would be. These businesspeople need to take the attitude that any profits on this site need to be made by improving what works about it, not making it worse for users. If they can't find a way to do that, they should get into another line of work.

[u/sageberrytree]

I can't tell you how much this sub has meant to me.

When I was a new mom 12 years ago I was a long time lurker. I made an account because I wanted to argue with someone.

However, that also allowed me to sub to communities. Yours was one of the first. New names, old names, alta etc.

I sat alone pumping food for my preemie and reading this sub. I know it's weird but thinking about how little humans have changed was comforting.

I appreciate how much work and passion has gone into this labor of love. Thank you for everything.

Good luck! Let us know where you land.

[u/nawyria]

This sounds like a very well-considered position. Thanks to all the moderators and contributors for making the past years of this subreddit as wonderful as it was! Let's hope that cooler minds prevail at the admin-level and above so it can continue.

[u/Jake3232323]

While I haven't been on this sub as long as some others and I don't fully understand what is going on with the Reddit issue, I am sad to see this happen.

I recently graduated college after studying history and business management and writing my thesis. This sub helped me to learn more in areas I don't usually study. I really appreciate everyone here and thank you for providing insightful information on a multitude of topics. Hopefully, this sub we come back, and we can once again learn until then. Thank you again, and remember to never stop learning!

[u/[deleted]]

Start now

[u/JoshWithaQ]

Someday, when my children ask me about how the internet became decentralized again in the 20s, I hope there's an AskHistorians in the future that is as high a quality as this one has been. Thank you.

[u/KNHaw]

Thank you and all the mods for making this a great little corner of the Internet. Not only is the content and analysis amazing, but as I've mentioned before that your high standards have made me improve my writing. I'm very likely going to delete this account when the API ban goes into effect, but /r/askhistorians has been a wonderful part of my daily routine for the 14 years I've been on the site.

Thank you!

[u/MothOfBeauty]

Thank you mods for everything you have done so far. You have mine and many others' support in this.

I spent many happy hours on this excellent sub, feeling lucky to have this great learning tool, and grateful to the people that made it possible.

I hope this has a good outcome.

[u/9ersaur]

Godspeed you past emperors

[u/[deleted] → u/9ersaur]

Have you been saving that for the perfect moment? Sad that this is that moment, but well played.

[u/Teabagger_Vance]

I didn’t even know this sub existed

[u/Kierenshep]

All of the subs going dark and this is the first that brought literal tears to my eyes.

This sub is the greatest shining example of how incredible Reddit can be. How deep conversations and in depth informative and fun historical responses can be when moderated correctly and surrounded by a great community.

I won't miss the other popcorn-candy junk subs but this hits the mark.

I know I'm one lone voice but I know I speak for many. I appreciate everything you've done. This is the right choice. Reddit doesn't deserve you.

[u/FoxtailSpear]

Farewell folks, I hope you can find greener pastures soon on another site.

[u/crrpit → u/[deleted]]

Honestly, if they did bring in scab mods - I doubt they'd bother for a community this size tbh - the automod configurations would be the least of their problems in actually trying to run this place in anything approximating the same way.

[u/1_pt_4_Dave]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but what exactly does it mean to take a thread “private”?

Is that another way of hiding it?

I understand why they are protesting, just not clear about how they are protesting.

[u/sonsofgondor]

Thank you for one of the best, most informative corners of the internet. Thabk you for keeping the sub free from misinformation and low effort content. If reddit backflips on their changes I hope to be back here again

[u/bcsanch]

Thank you for everything you’ve done! This sub truly is the best one on Reddit.

[u/talithaeli]

Thank you. For everything.

[u/Chalky_Pockets]

Thank you for all that you do.

[u/WarPig262]

Will I still be able to reach out to people who responded to my questions with assistance with an oral history project?

[u/ThePlaidypus]

This has been my favorite sub in terms of submission quality. Glad to see the sub is taking action. Thank you for all of the hard work your team does.

[u/FF7_Expert]

Thank you all for your contributions and hard work.

[u/Inside-Associate-729]

Can anyone elaborate on the specific changes Reddit is implementing that would warrant this reaction? I don’t know anything about this yet.

[u/randomnighmare]

Thank you mods for this subreddit.

[u/krebstar4ever]

Thank you all so much for this amazing resource!

[u/Raidertek]

I saw one of the first questions on u/spez, fuck him, 's AMA was by one of this subs mods so I thought this outcome was likely.

[u/KanishkT123]

If Reddit does not listen to the AH subreddit moderators, who are in my opinion a source of purely positive press and top tier role models for other moderators, then I think it's probably time to realize that this issue will never be resolved with any positive outcome.

The fact is that AskHistorians is the best run subreddit on this website, by far. I hope you continue to remain restricted indefinitely.

[u/Pelennor]

/r/AskHistorians is easily the most reputable and respected subreddit on this site. Not even a close race, in my opinion.

I have immense respect for the whole mod team for the efforts you make, and the consistency you bring to this place. Thank you for taking a stand to try and save it.

Here's hoping we all speak again in a few days.

[u/The_Alaskan]

Well, I am just going outside. I may be for some time.

[u/anthropology_nerd → u/The_Alaskan]

My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.

[u/[deleted]]

The same number of questions will get answered

[u/Mr_Gaslight]

Thank you for all of your hard work. The thing about a platform you don't own is that you need to keep your content in a transferrable form as a side bet.

Platforms come and go. We may be looking at the start of this next cycle.

Thank you so much for being one of the best subreddits around.

[u/Two-Tone- → u/[deleted]]

I think for a knowledge well like r/askhistorians, going restricted is best as it still allows people access to the knowledge that has been shared here, but still halts why subreddit activity

[u/Brooklynxman → u/[deleted]]

They basically are except allowing participation in a single megathread related to Pride Month.

[u/ASongOnceKnown]

Thanks for everything your team has done to maintain such a high quality place for so long! I've learned a lot here.

[u/demsarebrainless]

Needs to be permanent to actually get the point across. 2 days planned is nothing.

[u/drued888]

Thanks 👍🙏

[u/aliptep]

I just want to make sure the number of "people expressing love" is as large as possible. I fully support this decision, and appreciate all the effort that went in to this decision. I know it wasn't a short, or simple conversation between mods.

I also want to say how much I appreciate the mods work in general, and the contributions of all the historians. Everyone here is wonderful.

[u/alexacto]

I've been on Reddit for over 15 years. I find AskHistorians to be the best moderated, valuable subreddit. I fully support your position on the matter.

[u/vigilantcomicpenguin]

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the corporate platforms which have connected them with another...

[u/walomendem_hundin]

I have a lot of different feelings about this. On one hand, I applaud you for both taking a necessary stand and doing so the sensible way. I could go on longer along those lines but I won’t because a lot of other people have. On the other hand, while I am glad that what’s already here will still be available in the future, I just recently discovered this community and wanted to ask a lot of questions, and now I won’t be able to do that in the near future. Will there be any outlet for my curiosity, I wonder? And something else I wonder is if this will truly be the end of a platform that has done a lot for me the past half a year or so I’ve been on it. I’m disappearing (thank heavens) to a technology-free summer camp for eight weeks pretty soon and I have no idea what this place will be like when I get back. I will not mourn a dependency on time-sucking, evil-capitalist technology, only a fantastic outlet for my boundless curiosity. Thanks for making this space so great up to this point, and I’ll miss you! Mods: Where (if possible) can I ask my burning questions in order to get quick-yet-thorough answers before this goes inactive?

[u/majorgeneralporter]

Thank you for all the great threads and learning experiences you've made possible. You've made reddit a better place for having you, and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I'll greatly miss this sub.

[u/ibkeepr]

To echo what so many others have said, I am grateful for and humbled by all the work that all of you have carried out so selflessly which allowed me to reap the benefit of all your knowledge and generosity. Thank you so much

[u/tiberiuskodaliteiii]

This community has been amazing to be in (as a poster/asker, not an answerer). Whether I have a legitimate question about history, or I just stumbled across a surprisingly interesting explanation of the societal effects of Sir Mix-a-Lot's Baby Got Back, this community has (mostly) been there with the answers ([removed] has been answered by [deleted] lol).

I sucks that it's happening now because I just started my historical methods class and I know I will be very interested in hearing this community's thoughts on the subject of historiography.

[u/twistedeye]

I love this sub. And appreciate everything the high quality that the mods insist on as well as all of the knowledgeable folks that take the time to answer questions.

Is there any plan to port AH to any other platform?

[u/We4zier]

It hurts that my favorite community on the internet is likely to go out like this, but I appreciate everyone here for this subs exceptional direction, nerdiness, and kindness. Over half my life has been spent looking forward towards the answers and the consensus of this forum. You have all improved not just my knowledge on history, but my writings and my line of reasoning.

This sub is a treasure I will remember and refer back too as much as I can in the long future. A slightly immature part of me kinda wanted to become a historian to answer questions on this forum, though I chose econ instead. Regardless, this sub has fostered my interest in the social sciences and humanities as a whole, something, that has become a part of my personality. To spell this out directly, I am becoming an economist because of this subreddit.

Thank you to everyone who made this place possible, it feels like an honor to have been introduced to this sub as a preteen.

[u/kennufs]

What is once well done is done forever.

You have done well, fully support you and the closure.

[u/singing-mud-nerd]

My favorite corner of the internet :) We love you, mods.

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you all for everything you've done to make this little corner of the internet one of my favorite and most engaged parts of the day.

[u/sadnessghost]

Thank you. This is by far my favorite sub in this entire website, and it was the biggest pillar that made me want to stay here.

In fact, once upon a time I begun an encyclowiki to gather the answers I liked the most and archive them if something were to happen to the website or the sub, but it was too much work for just one person.

Doing a blackout, and then archiving everything, quite frankly sounds like the most sensible option overall.

Thank you for your service, all of you.

I hope each one of you have a great life.

[u/schacks]

Subs like /AskHistorians are prime examples on why I use Reddit on a daily basis. The quality of both content and moderation are unsurpassed anywhere on the greater web and I wholly support your course of action. But I do hope this amazing subreddit will come back in all its glory.

[u/binky779]

I wish subs and users were protesting for the correct reason/s.

Protest for those changes you want to see happen on Reddit and its app. Because protesting API access rates, and which 3rd party apps should have to pay them, is super weird and doesnt make a lot of sense. Or, er, Reddit (as a business) making its API cost-prohibitive makes more sense than a lot of people are acknowledging.

[u/Kelpie-Cat]

Yeah, that AMA was terrible. See you on the other side.

[u/dtelad11]

This is one of the best-moderated subreddit on the entire site. It is clear that you did not make this decision lightly. Thank you for always working for the improvement of /r/askhistorians.

[u/WantsToBeCanadian]

When I think of "good" subreddits, ones that are enriching to the public and filled with good intent, this one always comes to my mind first. I'll happily stand by whatever decision the moderation team decides. Thank you for all your years of service and knowledge - you've earned my loyalty.

[u/onthejourney]

Thanks for joining and taking a stand at the ludicrous last week.

[u/MarieMarion]

Thank you for this, and for all the work you've been doing. You people are wonderful.

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you all for your commitment and good luck

[u/pumpkin123]

I have learned so much here. Thank you to the wonderful mods of this sub.

[u/Bridalhat]

This hurts because this is the kind of place that can only exist on Reddit, with the right combination of large numbers of users who are experts in various things, a text-based format, good moderation, and reach. I remember a while back on Classics Twitter someone calculated how many more people saw their explanation here than their book/article and, uh, let’s just say most historians will not have a bigger platform than this one.

The mods are making the right choice but I have words for Spez but they would get me banned from any polite society.

[u/Bloedvlek → u/Bridalhat]

Don’t worry about it, Spez would just edit your words after you say them

[u/[deleted]]

Every now and then I would find some cool and interesting reads here but do what you must guys

[u/n0thing_ventured]

100% understand and support this move. Thank you to all the mods that have kept this place going

[u/TheShadowKick]

Thank you. This sub represents, in my opinion at least, the very best that Reddit can be. It's good to see the sub taking a stand against the degradation of the platform.

[u/maaseru]

It is sad but juat a fact of life in America.

Everything is business first in this country so it is no wonder the leeches found their way to Reddit finally.

They'll change it to shit, squeeze all moneya nd either kill it or maim it beyond recognition.

Everything for the money because that matters above all.

[u/esgamex]

Thank you gor your decision and the thoughtful way in which it was communicated.

[u/We4zier]

Honest question before the blackout, api’s, and (in my cynical opinion) the inevitable loss of these mod tools. Would it be cool as a final hooah to have a listed public spreadsheet of the many, many questions and their answers as a sort of archive. Especially the more upvoted ones (with the assumption upvote = popularity). I’d definitely be a long list, and it’ll be better sooner with said tools than without, though I know nothing of mod tools, though I’d happily help in whichever ways I can, as small as my help will probably be. though this all could’ve already been thought of and I’m being redundant.

[u/MarchionessofMayhem]

Thank you so much for the marvelous brain candy I have been given for over a decade. I feel like I'm losing my best friend with this change. I am a history NUT and having all these brilliant people providing such wonderful information has been an indescribable joy. I have tears in my eyes, damb it.

I'm older, with a cheap phone and RIF is my jam. u/Spez is a wanker!

[u/amateurninja]

Thanks so much for everything over all these years! See you guys on the other side!

[u/papaver_lantern]

Better late then never.

[u/[deleted]]

Askhistorians needs a new forum.

[u/rantOclock]

As other's have stated this is likely the beginning of the end for reddit.

In not going to install the official app, so using reddit on my phone will no longer happen. And I don't know when I'll delete my account, but it's only a matter of time. I'm going to miss these communities, discovering them and engaging with them has been a joyous experience

But when I do delete my account in going to wipe everything. I'm going to delete every comment, every submission, every scrap of data I have ever gifted reddit. I don't just want to leave, I want it to be as if I was never has here.

My we all find each other again in what ever site comes next.

[u/tommygunz007]

The only way it seems for Reddit to become profitable is to go closed source, charge an admittance fee, and make users pay for content like a college textbook. By doing so, it destroys the very nature of itself.

[u/ClassicMac739]

I am not terribly educated on the specifics of the issue at hand except for a passing knowledge. AskHistorians has been the best and best moderated sub I’ve joined. I trust the mods and if they recommend protesting I support their decision. I hope Reddit listens to strong, well run communities like this and make changes to their decision.

[u/alphalone]

Good on you for indefinitely pausing contribution but not limiting access. It's something all big subreddits should do. Thanks for all the good work!

[u/CdnPoster]

Is it possible for the entire sub-reddit and all its history to migrate to a different platform?

[u/crrpit → u/CdnPoster]

There are several interrelated issues:

1. AskHistorians can only work within a pretty narrow architecture that allows for both intense, specialised moderation and long-form posting. There aren't many (any) other popular platforms which tick all these boxes.
2. Self-hosting some kind of forum would be technically possible but a big amount of effort with very uncertain payoff. Being part of a wider Reddit ecosystem is a huge part of why we get the reach and engagement we do - an independent forum would be inherently self-contained.
3. Either way, building from scratch on a new platform is a daunting prospect just in terms of rebuilding - we'd like to think that some users would migrate with us, but surely in the best case still a small fraction. Who knows when, if ever, it would function at anywhere near the same scale.

None of this is to say that in the worst case we wouldn't try, but hopefully explains why we'd really, really like Reddit to stop shooting itself in the foot and actually try and resolve the situation.

[u/Two-Tone- → u/crrpit]

Point 1.

What about Lemmy? Its not popular, but it seems most Reddit-like in structure

[u/azaerl]

Man, I'm actually getting a little emotional writing this post.

I have been here, almost always lurking, since the beginning. I was sitting there late last night reading through AskHistorians and wondering what I will do if I lose this sub.

I love this sub, and I love everyone who makes it what it is. I really don't want to leave but what reddit is doing I find pretty inexcusable. Not to mention I basically exclusively use Sync For Reddit. So if that goes I'm probably not far away.

So I just want to thank everyone, especially the mods, for this amazing place, over all these years.

[u/Meta4X]

Thank you for doing this. I’ve spent countless hours on Reddit over the past 12+ years and I’m sad to see it dying, but I hope some future cultural historians can see how good it was while it lasted.

[u/kjolmir]

I'm glad you are joining the protest. It looks like Reddit is anticipating that the larger part of its members will be apathetic to this situation, but losing subreddits like this one will open people's eyes in my opinion.

I hope you guys have a backup plan if the worst happens. Like an alternative site?

[u/Really_McNamington → u/kjolmir]

And actual backups, hopefully. If it comes to it, I'd happily switch to viewing this content somewhere else but it'd be a shame to lose the archive.

[u/ts31]

If this mess doesn't get fixed, and this goes away forever, I will say that this was the only place that I felt was truly irreplaceable for me. Both on reddit and on the web, and for that, I am truly grateful I was able to experience this for the years I have been able to. Good luck to us all, and God speed.

[u/atlhawk8357]

This hurts. I hope to see y'all again soon.

Thanks for everything. I wish you all the best.

[u/Total_Markage]

A message from the Great Khan to Reddit,

“You must say with your sincere heart: “we will be your subject, we will give you our strength” you must all together with your CEO, your board of directors, your shareholders, without exception, meet the demands of the Great Khan. If you do not follow these requirements, the tribal confederation beyond the steppe will support the faction of r/AskHistorians as it has many times in the past, and know you (Reddit) as our enemy.”

Fear the wrath of the Khans!

[u/Gankom → u/Total_Markage]

Glad to see you back around again, its been an age! Khaaann!

[u/sagathain]

It's extremely moving to see how many users appreciate and support the work you/we do here. Thank you all for the appreciation and for enjoying the sub over the past years.

That being said, I for one have no intentions of jumping off this ship before the bitter end, so here's to seeing everyone back here soon!!!!

[u/ChaoticBlessings]

Whenever I talk about the good things reddit can do and be, I mention /r/AskHistorians as "the best subreddit on the site". The way the mods handle this sub, the way users - people that question and people that answer alike - engage and participate, the sheer amount of knowledge that is shared here, there is no other place on the internet like this.

Over the years of quietly lurking, I have learned so much from this sub. From how Renaissance paintings display ancient roman ruins and how that came to be over the rise and fall of a myriad of chinese dynasties to the political developments in the Holy Roman Empire and how the Peace of Westfalia came to be. From Napoleon to Genghis Khan, from the Aborigines to the Aztecs, nearly every week I found a fascinating question with a more fascinating answer.

I dearly hope this is not the last I see from this sub. It would sadden me beyond anything else on reddit to lose this.

[u/FriedGangsta55]

It really hurts. This sub is a real gem, which I've had the pleasure of devoting most of my free time to lately. I have no words to express the gratitude I have for the community that made this sub possible.

I learned a new way of seeing history here, thank you guys for your hard work and professionalism

[u/QuickSpore]

This is one if he best and most even handed takes on the current situation. Thank you all for your thoughtful and balanced approach. I don’t participate here nearly as often as I used to, but I still see this sub as one of the great things Reddit has brought about. I hope the owners and management of Reddit listen to your approach.

[u/LynnK0919]

First of all, thank you AH Mods for uplifting the Reddit community. You are a tribute to what is superlative about Reddit.

And you've inspired me to stop accessing Reddit for 48 hours. I hope to read this sub again on the 14th of June. Until we meet again.

[u/[deleted]]

Gentleman, it has been an honor.

[u/pickledseaweed]

I have spent too many hours browsing this sub and can credit you all with my interest in history today❤️ Thank you for the work that you do. Fingers crossed we can see a resolution

[u/Khilafiah]

This is very saddening. Terrible platform decisions like Reddit's, and Twitter's, has continually frustrated and angered me.

/r/AskHistorians have contributed a lot during my undergrad days as a polisci student in SEA with limited access to resources. Thank you so much for all the comprehensive answers and excellent moderation that I haven't seen in other subs.

This is a tangent, but I'm wondering if there is a similar forum (or resource people) of this quality that I can follow.

[u/ell0bo → u/Khilafiah]

That's the big thing right now, people trying to figure out where to go. This is one of the subs I'd follow the crowd for sure

[u/Bridalhat → u/Khilafiah]

I’m happy you brought up Twitter. I got logged out from my non-professional account and don’t feel a temptation to go back as it is now, but I do feel like internet communities I enjoy are being destroyed one-by-one. It’s probably better in the long run, but the places I care about are shrinking or becoming (even more) toxic. The enshittification of the internet is real and it sucks.

[u/sbprasad → u/Bridalhat]

By the way, here is the original version of the article. The version you linked was republished under licence by Wired.

[u/Sonic_The_Margehog → u/Khilafiah]

I'm out of the loop with the API controversy, where can I find out what's happening?

[u/ep1032 → u/Sonic_The_Margehog]

.

[u/thestoryteller69 → u/Khilafiah]

Hello fellow SEAsian! I remember some of your questions and unfortunately was not able to answer them. Hopefully things will work out and we will be able to continue representing this underrepresented, yet so fascinating region!

[u/SooperTrooper02 → u/Khilafiah]

Before Twitter killed API I loved the third party apps because I could view it in each of my lists but I haven’t gone back because I don’t like the twitter app itself. u/bridalhat I agree completely.

[u/bazillion_blue_jitsu]

Follow up question: Which historical person reminds you the most of u/spez?

[u/dothemcqueen]

Best of luck. I admire and appreciate all you've done here. One of my favorite subs to lurk

[u/Tatem1961]

If askhistorians is permanently shutdown I might have to go to grad school to continue getting my history fix!

[u/llynglas]

Very glad you are taking this stance. Support you all the way. Plus your explanation was the best I have seen (many other subreddits have similar, but less well thought out)

[u/Dan_Berg]

I've only lurked here but have found great enjoyment from this sub and have learned so much both in topics I knew nothing about and some I'd say I knew a thing or two about a thing or two but never thought to ask. It's been a big influence on how I approach reading and writing about history and other adjacent subjects, much more so than even most of my history professors. Thanks to everyone that put in countless hours for making this the best moderated sub on reddit.

Posted on RIF.

[u/roguevirus]

This sub helped rekindle my love of the humanities in general and history in particular. I'd like to thank the mods for running and regulating an awesome subreddit, the historians who answered the questions (especially ones that I asked) and the commenters that submitted questions that I never considered asking.

All of you have helped me to become a better read person, and for that I am extremely grateful. I hope that there's some similar alternative I can go to in the future.

[u/ExcellentTone]

Could you link to this post from the previous post? The previous one is linked in some other subs and in news articles, so it would be good to let people landing there know there's an update.

[u/SarahAGilbert → u/ExcellentTone]

That's a great idea—will do! Thanks!

[u/RedbeardBert]

Thank you all for the amazing content you have generated here over the years with the thoughtful answers on questions and some fantastic AMA's. This is one of my favorite subs in no small amount due to the quality of moderation and community building.

There really is no place like this Reddit for engaging with high quality history content and historians directly and I'm heartbroken that this is how things have to come to an end. Reddit leadership is showing that they have lost touch with what made the product work in the first place.

I sincerely hope AH will find a way, one way or the other. For now, I fortunately still have a few podcast episodes to catch up on.

[u/Fearless_Midnight_63]

Thank you all for everything. Stand strong and starve the scabs!

[u/EdenFlorence]

I'm just a lurker on this sub however I appreciate the professionalism and the moderation team for this sub. I learnt a lot of historical information. Thank you.

Edit: just saw another question about possible alternative platform which has been answered.

[u/feinerSenf → u/EdenFlorence]

Cant find the answered Alternative

[u/[deleted]]

I love you AskHistorians! You all changed my life for the better!

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

This. It shifted how I viewed history forever, there is no other service like this

[u/JMBourguet]

Several times, Askhistorians was the reason for which I didn't leave reddit. Thank you very much, you the moderators who enforce the rules allowing this place to be what it is, you the flairs and all the others who are making this place what itis by answering questions weeks after they left the first page because you were waiting for an interlibrary loan to bring you the book completing what you already knew.

I'm still in awe in front on your dedication and the time you spend writing interesting, meaningful and fun answers.

If this doesn't end well, I hope the fact that my library will always remind me of you as several of its books were bought after a recommendation or a citation here will bring you some comfort.

[u/NetworkLlama → u/JMBourguet]

I will probably stay on Reddit, but cut my participation back to two subs. AH is one of those two, and the only public one. If AH pauses, I will have even lower levels of engagement.

[u/j_one_k]

We're discussing taking similar measures on a subreddit I moderate, and I wanted to make sure I understand your stance so we can consider it as one of our options.

Am I right in understanding you think a reasonable compromise position might involve 3rd party apps being effectively prohibited (ie prohibitively priced), so long as accessibility and moderation support is enhanced in the first party app?

If so, that sounds like an understandable position. I think many of us would like to see reddit flinch and promise lasting, affordable access via 3rd party UIs, but I'm looking to your position to understand how reasonable it is to hold out for that versus accept the loss of 3rd party apps once the 1st party app covers moderation and accessibility needs.

[u/SRSchiavone]

This is tragic. AskHistorians is such a well curated wealth of information. r/Funny and all can go dark and I won’t bat an eye, but this is the most unnerving and concerning thing I’ve seen yet.

I pray you’ll be back.

[u/[deleted]]

Thanks for all youve done for the community. Im scrubbing my 11 year old account besides this comment.

Appreciate everything youve all done, and if you make a new version of ask historians somewhere else such as your own website id gladly follow.

Good luck with the strike, you and all the users like you are what made reddit so wonderful.

See you on the other side.

[u/evrfighter]

I remember this sub from years back when it was a default. nice.

gonna go ahead and mute it now though for when you inevitably come back next week. I guess you could ban me but you'd be doing me a favor.

[u/jschooltiger → u/evrfighter]

This sub has never been a "default" subreddit by the choice of our moderation team, and "default" subreddits don't exist anymore anyhow.

[u/evrfighter → u/jschooltiger]

guess that shows how much I use reddit. doesn't matter now though this sub is muted for me.

[u/AsAChemicalEngineer]

You are the best on this site. You got my full support.

[u/ruleman]

Saving this for future use, because it isn't yet 25 years ago. But my question will be:

What was the essence of reddit.com's demise in 2023 and 2024, did it go down in corporate greed just as Twitter a few years later? Or was there a more nuanced picture? Why was the change in api policy such a turnaround point as it seems a relatively small issue? Was the initial 2 day blackout expected to have this much impact at the time?

Thanks to the best work of the mods of seddit.com/s/askhistorians for all their beautiful work in the last 23 years! s/ruleman july 12th 2048.

[u/DirtyDaemon]

Oh thank god the Trans history mega thread will be accessible!! I was sweating bullets over that one

[u/crrpit → u/[deleted]]

We made our own decision about when to do it.

[u/KineticBombardment99]

Functionally, what does "going private" mean? I don't know how that works here.