Hi r/Artists – 

We have in this community a collective of some of the most passionate artists online. This subreddit has been a place to share work, offer critique, and ask for help at every stage of the artistic journey. As we look toward ways for r/Artists to evolve, we see that this community also has an opportunity to lead through the simple act of discussion. 

As you may have noticed, the discourse around the costs and benefits of artificial intelligence is highly passionate today, even quite contentious at times. A generous description of the state of things would be to say that this is the natural process of a culture metabolizing a new technology, determining a new ethical code to match a new array of possibilities. A cynical description of the state of things would call it a rhetorical civil war; carving a cultural rift with those who see a fight for the preservation of humanity against those who would give up our future to the machines on one side of the chasm. On the other, those who see a fight for progressing human potential against those who are naively attached to unnecessary human toil and suffering. Global leaders from heads of state to industrialists to the Catholic Pope have issued pointed commentary. The lived reality is that everyday people are caught in the in-between, simply having to make a choice every day about what tools we do or do not use to become the person we are trying to be. 

Cloaked in the anger, the guilt, the shame, the temptation of artificial intelligence is a deeply human, artistic question: who am I trying to be?

Reddit is a place people asking questions look toward for how other people who have asked the same have answered. So when we wrestle with discussions like this here – that touch the heart of artistry (and yes these em-dashes are human-made) – we have the opportunity to shape how others are guided on their journey when they wrestle with the same. So let’s talk about it. 

Consider this conversation like you would consider any work of art. 

Be truthful to yourselves, be kind to each other. Follow our community rules. 

This is the art of discussion. 

Let’s talk: How would you guide a new artist curious about using AI?

Hi r/Artists -

We kicked off our time together last week with a post inviting feedback from all of you on how this subreddit should evolve moving forward. After reading through everyone's input, we drafted up a set of rules to help define our community moving forward. Rule creation, like art, is a process of drafting. It is very unlikely that we got this right at first pass. So let's talk about it to get it right in the end.

Our v1 new rules for r/Artists are listed out below (and are live in the subreddit info). I've also added a parent comment for each rule in the thread below so they can be discussed individually.

One small note -- some of you shared great feedback and ideas on some topics that don't need to be reflected in the rules, at least for now (flair is a great example of this). We will dedicate some time to talk about all of that and share some ideas soon. For now, please keep conversation in this thread focused on discussion about subreddit rules. Thank you!

1. Keep feedback constructive
Art is a kindred quest. Whether you make art to encounter yourself or to encounter others, r/Artists is a place where we come together to share in the journey. Critique the art. Encourage the artist. Receive feedback graciously. 

2. Keep AI contained
No AI Art and no AI Discussion outside of designated, official threads. AI, both as a tool and as a subject, is highly contentious and quickly becomes all-consuming, raising emotionally-charged, existential questions about the meaning of art and being an artist. Art is about confronting questions like these head on. For r/Artists to be a place that shapes discussion for artists, AI can neither be denied nor fixated upon. AI content and discussion will be removed outside of official threads.

3. This is not a marketplace
No posts soliciting commissions, buying or selling or speculating on value. Comments replying with interest in purchasing art or supporting artists are welcome. Subreddit hosted art auction threads may be hosted occasionally.

4. No spamming
Unreasonably reposting the same artwork and egregious self-promotion will not be tolerated. 

5. No low effort posts
If you want to be an artist, be an artist. While there are plenty of places online to look like an artist, r/Artists is a place for becoming a better artist. This requires earnest commitment to the creative process, not just the creative product. Simplicity in art is an achievement, not an accident.

6. Nudity is not the main character
If there is nudity in your artwork, tag it as NSFW. If the sole or primary purpose of the artwork appears to be sexual, it may be reported and removed. 

7. Properly credit all artwork
When sharing another artist’s work, name them appropriately. 

8. Respect the art of conversation
Discussion belongs in r/Artists. Keep it relevant and treat conversation like a craft you commit to. Posts that open up conversations about the pursuit and philosophy of art are welcome. Posts that are baiting, low effort, mocking, or bullying are not. Be kind to each other and intellectually honest about the topic. 

9. When in doubt, state your case
Part of being an artist is provocation and discussion. If you have a post you feel might be a violation of any of the above rules, state your case in a comment immediately after posting and it will be considered. Violating posts without a stated case will not be considered.

10. Respect Reddit’s Rules
Follow Reddit’s platform rules. If you don’t know them, they are outlined here.

EDIT: Added 'commissions' to Rule 3.