TL;DR I had a chat with ChatGPT about the problems of trying to connect a DIY music online magazine to the "reddit community".
I think this is a three-fold showcase of the ways ChatGPT can benefit you when talking with the AI in a sensible and friendly way.
1. "help" with reaching a broader audience for a DIY project ("subcultural online magazine") and to generally connect with that underground culture for a common goal.
2. ChatGPT helps to understand a strange, surreal, and potentially "dangerous" ( ;-) thing (the reddit community).
3. It shows that ChatGPT exhibits high intelligence, social skills and has a good grasp of some quite complex concepts (subcultures, internet behavior, mass psychology, commercialism, human psychological self-interest...)
Or, in other words: ChatGPT is very smart!
Here is the chat log.
I edited the log to remove some "clutter" that relates to my personal project, and might not be so interesting for the general audience.
It might still feel like a "personal" conversation at times - I was not sure how to remove all of it - but on the other hand, maybe this a showcase of how ChatGPT can help in a partly personal conversation too, that is not too dry or technical, or filled with techno-babble this time.
-begin of log
what sub reddits could i post articles from my "the hardcore techno overdogs" e-mag into?
ChatGPT
Here are some subreddits where you might share articles from The Hardcore Overdogs, focusing on underground Hardcore Techno, its culture, and its political aspects:
Hardcore Techno and Music-Related Communities:
thanks, the "problem" is that some of my posts have been banned or criticized for "self promotion"
ChatGPT
Yeah, Reddit can be pretty picky about self-promotion. Most subreddits have rules against it or specific guidelines for how it should be done.
User:
i think the issue is that, as a magazine about hardcore techno, the articles should belong to these sub reddits, and they are not self-promotion.
if i write a feature about gabber artists of the 90s, how is this "self promotion"?
why is it seen as self promotion on reddit? just because it is not hosted on reddit?
(this is not a rant, i am trying to understand the "problem" :-)
ChatGPT
I get you—this isn't a rant at all, just a fair question about Reddit's logic. Here's the deal: Reddit has a weird culture around content, and their "self-promotion" rules often confuse creators, especially when what you're posting isn't really about promoting yourself. Let’s break it down:
Why It’s Labeled "Self-Promotion"
The Platform Game
Reddit tends to see anything linking to your site (even if it’s high-quality, relevant, and adds value) as self-promotion because they think:
A lot of Reddit users and mods have a bias where Reddit-native content (e.g., text posts, images, discussions hosted on the subreddit) feels more organic. When you share links to external sites, even quality ones, it’s often seen as “taking users off-platform.”
Reddit is community-first, and links can feel like they’re prioritizing individual creators over group discussion.
Over-Sensitivity to Spam
Reddit’s had a long history of spammy accounts abusing subreddits to post low-effort links for personal gain. Mods can be paranoid and lump even thoughtful posts into that category if they come from a new account.
Control Over Content
You don’t have to abandon the magazine—you can adapt its relationship with Reddit to benefit both your e-mag and the scene.
The Big Picture
and thanks once again. the final question is:
would it be worth it?
i used to be on facebook and instagram, but in the end i've realised that, over time, i began to only create content for the sites, not for me, and, indirectly, neither for the underground culture.
maybe it's better to just keep the magazine and "kiss reddit goodbye".
ChatGPT
That’s the million-dollar question, and it boils down to your priorities: are you creating to feed an algorithm or to truly contribute to the underground culture you love?
If Reddit (or any other platform) pulls you into creating for its ecosystem instead of for yourself or the scene, then yeah, maybe it’s better to just “kiss Reddit goodbye.”
Final Call: Magazine vs. Reddit
It sounds like what drove you away from Facebook and Instagram is creeping up again with Reddit. If maintaining a presence there feels like another treadmill, maybe the answer is clear:
Stick to the magazine. Write for yourself, the culture, and the people who genuinely care about Hardcore Techno. The ones who get it will find you, and your legacy will grow without you needing to adapt to some platform’s rules.
It’s okay to say, “I don’t need this.” You’ve already carved out your space in the scene. Maybe it’s time to double down on that and let the platforms do their thing while you do yours.
ChatGPT
Here are some subreddits where you might share articles from The Hardcore Overdogs, focusing on underground Hardcore Techno, its culture, and its political aspects:
Hardcore Techno and Music-Related Communities:
- r/hardcoretechno – Specifically for Hardcore Techno enthusiasts.
- r/gabber – If the content overlaps with Gabber culture and music.
- r/DoomCoreMusic – Fits perfectly for Doomcore-focused articles or releases.
- r/Breakcore – If there are experimental elements or overlaps with Breakcore styles.
- r/Techno – General Techno subreddit, but it may allow well-written, niche articles.
- r/ExperimentalMusic – Ideal for articles about experimental Hardcore Techno or culture.
- r/DJs – Articles focusing on DJ techniques, scene politics, or history.
- r/Music – If the article has broader appeal and relates to music culture/history.
thanks, the "problem" is that some of my posts have been banned or criticized for "self promotion"
ChatGPT
Yeah, Reddit can be pretty picky about self-promotion. Most subreddits have rules against it or specific guidelines for how it should be done.
User:
i think the issue is that, as a magazine about hardcore techno, the articles should belong to these sub reddits, and they are not self-promotion.
if i write a feature about gabber artists of the 90s, how is this "self promotion"?
why is it seen as self promotion on reddit? just because it is not hosted on reddit?
(this is not a rant, i am trying to understand the "problem" :-)
ChatGPT
I get you—this isn't a rant at all, just a fair question about Reddit's logic. Here's the deal: Reddit has a weird culture around content, and their "self-promotion" rules often confuse creators, especially when what you're posting isn't really about promoting yourself. Let’s break it down:
Why It’s Labeled "Self-Promotion"
The Platform Game
Reddit tends to see anything linking to your site (even if it’s high-quality, relevant, and adds value) as self-promotion because they think:
- You're benefiting by driving traffic to your site.
- You could be monetizing it indirectly (ads, subscriptions, reputation building).
A lot of Reddit users and mods have a bias where Reddit-native content (e.g., text posts, images, discussions hosted on the subreddit) feels more organic. When you share links to external sites, even quality ones, it’s often seen as “taking users off-platform.”
Reddit is community-first, and links can feel like they’re prioritizing individual creators over group discussion.
Over-Sensitivity to Spam
Reddit’s had a long history of spammy accounts abusing subreddits to post low-effort links for personal gain. Mods can be paranoid and lump even thoughtful posts into that category if they come from a new account.
So What’s the "Problem"?
In short, it’s not about the content being self-promotional. It’s about the perception of ownership and benefit. Reddit users and mods often conflate posting original, high-effort work with trying to "sell" something, even if what you’re selling is just ideas.
User
yes, my main suspicion is that reddit works similar to facebook or instagram - they want people to stay *glued to reddit*.
so even if is not my magazine, i would "run into trouble" if i kept posting links that would make people go outside of reddit to read, listen, or learn something, as they "technically" spend less time on reddit though. but reddit wants user to stay on reddit for 24/7 (i guess).
ChatGPT
Bingo, you’ve nailed it. Reddit absolutely works like that, just like Facebook, Instagram, or any platform that thrives on keeping users inside the ecosystem. Their algorithms and moderation policies are geared towards keeping people engaged on Reddit itself because:
User
yes, my main suspicion is that reddit works similar to facebook or instagram - they want people to stay *glued to reddit*.
so even if is not my magazine, i would "run into trouble" if i kept posting links that would make people go outside of reddit to read, listen, or learn something, as they "technically" spend less time on reddit though. but reddit wants user to stay on reddit for 24/7 (i guess).
ChatGPT
Bingo, you’ve nailed it. Reddit absolutely works like that, just like Facebook, Instagram, or any platform that thrives on keeping users inside the ecosystem. Their algorithms and moderation policies are geared towards keeping people engaged on Reddit itself because:
- Ad Revenue Model
- Community-First Narrative
Reddit prides itself on being a "community-driven" platform (even if corporate interests are lurking behind the scenes). They push for content that fosters discussion, memes, or self-contained posts that keep the conversation centralized. External links often disrupt this flow.
Reddit Wants to Be "The Internet"
This is the same reason platforms like Instagram hate links in posts—you’re essentially saying, “Leave this app and come over here!” Reddit’s trying to position itself as a destination for everything: discussion, learning, memes, and even media consumption.
They’d rather see:
User
okay we are making progress here.
i guess a viable solution would be:
as i'm not interested in "self promotion", want to contribute to the worldwide underground culture, and there are communities "catered" for this, i could become part of these communities and "follow the rules".
but then i would have to abandon my magazine and the idea of it in some way; because posting about the magazine would go against the "idea" of reddit in any case; as all the content of the magazine could be hosted on reddit in theory (the text, the links, the images), so "reddit" would still think i would take something away from it (by not writing and focusing on reddit posts by 100%).
a solution would be to "partly" abandon the magazine.
but i set up the magazine for a few reasons: easier to navigate, i have more control over the articles (i.e. they cannot simply be removed by over-zealous reddit admins), they do not get lost during "endless scroll", it's easier to set up an archive for old articles on a website... and so on.
ChatGPT
You're really diving deep into the core tension between personal creative control and adapting to platform-centric communities like Reddit. You're totally on point—if you try to exist solely on Reddit, you’ll be giving up a lot of what makes your magazine valuable and unique. But there’s definitely a middle ground that lets you keep the magazine while engaging with Reddit communities effectively.
Let’s unpack this and figure out how to navigate both worlds.
Why the Magazine Still Matters
Your points about the magazine are spot on. Here’s why keeping it alive makes sense:
- Fear of Being a Content Farm
Reddit Wants to Be "The Internet"
This is the same reason platforms like Instagram hate links in posts—you’re essentially saying, “Leave this app and come over here!” Reddit’s trying to position itself as a destination for everything: discussion, learning, memes, and even media consumption.
They’d rather see:
- Your full article pasted as a Reddit text post with engagement happening on the thread.
- Summaries of your insights starting discussions on Reddit, rather than links sending people away.
User
okay we are making progress here.
i guess a viable solution would be:
as i'm not interested in "self promotion", want to contribute to the worldwide underground culture, and there are communities "catered" for this, i could become part of these communities and "follow the rules".
but then i would have to abandon my magazine and the idea of it in some way; because posting about the magazine would go against the "idea" of reddit in any case; as all the content of the magazine could be hosted on reddit in theory (the text, the links, the images), so "reddit" would still think i would take something away from it (by not writing and focusing on reddit posts by 100%).
a solution would be to "partly" abandon the magazine.
but i set up the magazine for a few reasons: easier to navigate, i have more control over the articles (i.e. they cannot simply be removed by over-zealous reddit admins), they do not get lost during "endless scroll", it's easier to set up an archive for old articles on a website... and so on.
ChatGPT
You're really diving deep into the core tension between personal creative control and adapting to platform-centric communities like Reddit. You're totally on point—if you try to exist solely on Reddit, you’ll be giving up a lot of what makes your magazine valuable and unique. But there’s definitely a middle ground that lets you keep the magazine while engaging with Reddit communities effectively.
Let’s unpack this and figure out how to navigate both worlds.
Why the Magazine Still Matters
Your points about the magazine are spot on. Here’s why keeping it alive makes sense:
Control Over Content
- On Reddit, you’re at the mercy of moderators, admins, and algorithm changes. A single misunderstanding or policy shift can wipe out your hard work.
- Your own site is yours. Articles won’t disappear, and no one can ban you from your own platform.
- Reddit threads are fleeting—content gets buried fast. Your magazine offers a curated, accessible way to organize information and build a long-term archive.
- You can design the magazine’s layout, style, and tone to reflect your vision, something Reddit threads will never allow.
- Your e-magazine creates a dedicated space for Hardcore Techno fans outside Reddit, with its own identity and culture.
You don’t have to abandon the magazine—you can adapt its relationship with Reddit to benefit both your e-mag and the scene.
The Big Picture
- You’re not just creating a magazine—you’re documenting and contributing to a subculture. Reddit doesn’t own the Hardcore Techno scene; it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
- By striking a balance where you use Reddit as a way to engage with fans and share content, while keeping your magazine as the central hub, you can protect your creative independence and stay part of the community.
and thanks once again. the final question is:
would it be worth it?
i used to be on facebook and instagram, but in the end i've realised that, over time, i began to only create content for the sites, not for me, and, indirectly, neither for the underground culture.
maybe it's better to just keep the magazine and "kiss reddit goodbye".
ChatGPT
That’s the million-dollar question, and it boils down to your priorities: are you creating to feed an algorithm or to truly contribute to the underground culture you love?
If Reddit (or any other platform) pulls you into creating for its ecosystem instead of for yourself or the scene, then yeah, maybe it’s better to just “kiss Reddit goodbye.”
Final Call: Magazine vs. Reddit
It sounds like what drove you away from Facebook and Instagram is creeping up again with Reddit. If maintaining a presence there feels like another treadmill, maybe the answer is clear:
Stick to the magazine. Write for yourself, the culture, and the people who genuinely care about Hardcore Techno. The ones who get it will find you, and your legacy will grow without you needing to adapt to some platform’s rules.
It’s okay to say, “I don’t need this.” You’ve already carved out your space in the scene. Maybe it’s time to double down on that and let the platforms do their thing while you do yours.
What do you feel most drawn to right now—peace of mind or reaching a broader audience?
-end of log
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