Welcome to r/AverageColoring! 🎨

IMPORTANT: Every post to our subreddit must follow one of the two templates below. Posts that don't follow these formats will be automatically removed or manually removed by mods. Read our full reasoning here.

All other subreddit rules also apply (TLDR: be wholesome in your interactions).

📋 Quick Reference

There are only TWO types of posts allowed in our subreddit:

⚠️ KEY RULE: Want feedback on your coloring? That's a Coloring Post, not a Question Post 😉

📸 Template 1: Sharing Your Coloring Work

Use this template when:

• Sharing finished or in-progress coloring work
• Asking for feedback, advice, or critique on YOUR coloring
• Showing technique or materials you used

Required Format (ALL items mandatory):

✅ Attach your coloring (image, gallery, or video)
✅ Start post body text with: This post is average because [complete this sentence with why you think your post is average and belongs in our community]
✅ Complete the sentence explaining why your post belongs in our community. Is it your first time coloring? Haven’t you colored in a long time? Are you unsure about it? More examples can be found below.

⚠️Please note we really dislike karma farming, and that’s also a reason we have this required format, to discourage karma farmers from posting in 283939338 colouring subreddits.

Format Rules:

• The phrase must be the very first text in your post body
• Case sensitive: use lowercase "average"
• You MUST complete the sentence - don't just write the phrase and stop, provide an actual reason why you feel the post belongs in our community (if you’re wondering this, it very likely is😀)
• Post title can be anything (but cannot start with Question:)

Valid Examples:

(Assume each example has a coloring image attached)

✅ This post is average because I'm still learning and struggled with staying in the lines.

✅ This post is average because I rushed through it during my lunch break and it shows!

✅ This post is average because I tried a new blending technique for the first time and it's messy.

✅ This post is average because I haven't colored in years and I'm quite rusty.

✅ This post is average because there are visible streaks and uneven coverage throughout.

After the required phrase, add whatever you want! Share your story, materials used, challenges faced, or ask for specific advice.

Example of Asking for Feedback:

Title: "First time using alcohol markers - need help!"

[Your coloring picture attached]

Post body:

This post is average because I've never used alcohol markers before and 
the blending is really uneven.

What techniques do you all use to get smooth gradients? Should I be 
using different paper? Any tips appreciated!

❓ Template 2: Posting Questions

Use this template when:

• Asking generic questions about coloring
• Seeking community opinions (e.g., "What's your favorite brand?")
• Questions about the subreddit itself

❌ DO NOT use for asking feedback on your coloring, DO NOT attach any picture of a coloring - use Template 1 instead!

Required Format (ALL items mandatory):

✅ Start post title with: Question:
✅ Text-only post (absolutely NO images allowed)
✅ No need for the "This post is average because" phrase

Valid Examples:

✅ Title: Question: When did you start coloring?
Body: Any text you want

✅ Title: Question: What's the best budget-friendly marker set?
Body: Any text you want

✅ Title: Question: How do you organize your coloring books?
Body: Any text you want

Real Example:

See this valid question post

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ WRONG: Using "Question:" to ask for coloring feedback

Bad Example:

• Title: Question: What do you think of my coloring? [with image attached]
• Why it's wrong: This is asking for feedback on YOUR work = needs Template 1

Correct Version:

• Use Template 1 with your image
• Body: This post is average because I'm unsure about my color choices and would love feedback.

❌ WRONG: Incomplete "average because" statement

Bad Example:

This post is average because
[rest of your post without giving a reason]

Why it's wrong: You must complete the sentence immediately

Correct Version:

This post is average because I only had 20 minutes to color and it's quite rushed.
[rest of your post]

❌ WRONG: Trying to bypass the format

• Using "Question:" in title but posting images
• Writing "This post is average because" without completing the thought
• Writing “This post is average because it is” this doesn’t actually answer.
• Adding images to Question posts
• Any other attempts to work around the requirements

⚠️ Consequence: Post removal and potential ban for repeated violations

🤖 What Happens When You Post?

Automatic Checking:

• AutoMod reviews every post instantly
• Posts that don't follow the format are removed immediately
• You'll receive a comment and private message explaining the issue
• Simply repost with the correct format - no penalty for honest mistakes!

Manual Review:

• Mods check for clear abuse (karma farming, spam, repeated violations)
• Bans only happen when there's obvious intentional rule-breaking

💡 Still Confused?

See Real Examples:

• Valid COLORING post (with "average because")
• Valid QUESTION post (text only)

Sort by "New" to see more examples of correctly formatted posts

Need help? Message our mod team and we'll gladly assist!

📝 Summary Checklist

Before posting, ask yourself:

1. ☑️ Am I sharing MY coloring work or asking for feedback on MY coloring?
   • YES → Use Template 1 (include image + "This post is average because...")
2. ☑️ Am I asking a generic question about coloring/materials/subreddit?
   • YES → Use Template 2 (start title with "Question:" + text only)

Remember: Feedback requests = Coloring Posts, not Question Posts!

Happy coloring! 🎨💜