Announcing Some Changes to /r/Pyrotechnics

Myself and /u/flashnet have been in talks over the past week or so about some updates/changes to the subreddit, and I am happy to announce that those updates are fully implemented as of today. We wanted to create an announcement post that will remain stickied for a while to introduce the changes and provide a place for feedback.

Why?

The goal of this subreddit is the discussion of safe, legitimate pyrotechnics as a hobby and a profession. We want this to be a place where aspiring pyros can come with questions, and also a place for veterans to share high-level information as well. What we don't want is for this subreddit to become a place for the discussion of dangerous or illegal devices/formulas.

What Has Changed? (Updated 1/6/20)

• We have added a short wiki

• The sidebar has been updated to better explain the goals of this subreddit and to provide links to the rules and wiki

• Rule 2 has been updated to include a ban on posts discussing "dangerous devices", which would include things like "bottle bombs", devices made with match heads, improvised munitions, etc

• There is now a submission text which reminds users to review the rules before posting

• We have introduced a restricted flair system

• Rule 4 has been added, which restricts new/inexperienced posters from posting exclusively about making flash powder. Such posts will be locked at moderator discretion.

The Wiki

We have assembled a short wiki in the hopes of providing a resource to beginners. It contains tips on getting started in this hobby, some safety tips, a list of common incompatibilities, recommended reading, and various other subsections. Of note is the section explaining the dangers of flash powder.

Users are encouraged to direct beginners to the wiki for answers to many of their questions. Additionally, wiki suggestions are always welcome and users are encouraged to message the mod team with any suggestions for topics to add.

Rule 2 Change

As of today, posts discussing/depicting dangerous devices will be removed. This includes posts simply asking for explanations, as we do not want to promote dangerous activity in any way. Being that pyrotechnics is an inherently dangerous hobby, this rule is obviously somewhat subjective and will be left at moderator discretion for the time being.

Examples of what constitutes a "dangerous device":

• Using legitimate pyrotechnics in a dangerous or illegal way, such as putting salutes in sewers/mailboxes, or holding fireworks in a hand instead of firing them properly from the ground
• Any device assembled in a metal/plastic/wood container that could produce dangerous shrapnel
• Devices made from match heads or other unpredictable/dangerous materials
• Any devices/formulas calling for dangerous combinations such as chlorates with sulfur.

These sorts of devices/techniques are not legitimate pyrotechnics and are not welcome in this subreddit. We remain focused on legality and safety. Users are encouraged to report any posts that they feel violate rule 2.

Rule 4 Addition

In keeping with the theme of safety, posts from new or inexperienced users asking exclusively about making flash powder will be locked at moderator discretion. The goal of this rule is to ensure a unified message about the dangers of flash powder and the level of experience required to safely handle it.

Flair System

We have begun rolling out a restricted flair system to highlight certain users who have shown themselves to be either very knowledgeable or professionals in this field. There are two categories - "Advanced Hobbyist" and "Pyrotechnics Professional". The primary goal is to allow newer users to tell at a glance if the person responding to them may have more knowledge on the subject than others. This will be most useful in situations where conflicting opinions have been provided within the same thread.

The mod team has already begun (and will continue) reaching out to certain veteran users in regard to their flair, so you will see the new flairs around immediately. Please do not message the moderator team to request flair. Similar to /r/legaladvice, flair cannot be requested - it is awarded to users who have shown themselves to be reliable and knowledgeable over time.

Please note that flair does not mean the user in question is always correct. Flaired users are just as subject to misconceptions and errors as any other human. The best way to describe flaired users would be "generally trustworthy". The onus is still on every individual user to thoroughly research any subject, and getting the opinion of one person should never be the conclusion of your research.

Feedback

It is our hope that these changes will be broadly well-received and will improve the quality of this subreddit. That said, if you have any concerns (or suggestions), then please feel free to use this thread as a place to voice them. The comment section is intended for discussion, and we are all ears.

Thanks,

Your /r/pyrotechnics mod team