> - Vote. If you think something contributes to conversation, upvote it. If you think it does not contribute to the subreddit it is posted in or is off-topic in a particular community, downvote it.
> - Consider posting constructive criticism / an explanation when you downvote something, and do so carefully and tactfully.
> - Actually read an article before you vote on it (as opposed to just basing your vote on the title).
> - Moderate based on quality, not opinion. Well written and interesting content can be worthwhile, even if you disagree with it.
DON'T:
> - Downvote an otherwise acceptable post because you don't personally like it. Think before you downvote and take a moment to ensure you're downvoting someone because they are not contributing to the community dialogue or discussion. If you simply take a moment to stop, think and examine your reasons for downvoting, rather than doing so out of an emotional reaction, you will ensure that your downvotes are given for good reasons.
> - Mass downvote someone else's posts. If it really is the content you have a problem with (as opposed to the person), by all means vote it down when you come upon it. But don't go out of your way to seek out an enemy's posts.
> - Moderate a story based on your opinion of its source. Quality of content is more important than who created it.
> - Upvote or downvote based just on the person that posted it. Don't upvote or downvote comments and posts just because the poster's username is familiar to you. Make your vote based on the content.
> - Report posts just because you do not like them. You should only be using the report button if the post breaks the subreddit rules.
Summary:
DO:
> - Vote. If you think something contributes to conversation, upvote it. If you think it does not contribute to the subreddit it is posted in or is off-topic in a particular community, downvote it.
> - Consider posting constructive criticism / an explanation when you downvote something, and do so carefully and tactfully.
> - Actually read an article before you vote on it (as opposed to just basing your vote on the title).
> - Moderate based on quality, not opinion. Well written and interesting content can be worthwhile, even if you disagree with it.
DON'T:
> - Downvote an otherwise acceptable post because you don't personally like it. Think before you downvote and take a moment to ensure you're downvoting someone because they are not contributing to the community dialogue or discussion. If you simply take a moment to stop, think and examine your reasons for downvoting, rather than doing so out of an emotional reaction, you will ensure that your downvotes are given for good reasons.
> - Mass downvote someone else's posts. If it really is the content you have a problem with (as opposed to the person), by all means vote it down when you come upon it. But don't go out of your way to seek out an enemy's posts.
> - Moderate a story based on your opinion of its source. Quality of content is more important than who created it.
> - Upvote or downvote based just on the person that posted it. Don't upvote or downvote comments and posts just because the poster's username is familiar to you. Make your vote based on the content.
> - Report posts just because you do not like them. You should only be using the report button if the post breaks the subreddit rules.