What Tips/Advice do you have regarding a Reddit "Ask Me Me Anything"?

February 2, 2019 2:53 PM

I am having a moment in the news, and I would like to do a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" / "I Am A". Do you have any advice for me that will make it a better experience? Have you ever done one or talked with someone who did? What should I know? Any tips are appreciated.
posted by andoatnp to Society & Culture (7 answers total)

My spouse did one and suggests that you schedule out the days, as it can be quite time consuming to reply to them.
posted by k8t at 3:10 PM on February 2, 2019 [3 favorites]

I have done one and helped others do one. Sometimes a subreddit is the best place depending on topic. Be prepared for a range of questions. You may want to promote it on other social networks. I had some links handy to cite when needed.
posted by melodykramer at 4:17 PM on February 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I’d consider getting an account just for that, post a verification photo with it when you announce the AMA. If you want to associate other accounts with your real self you can, but this doesn’t have to ‘out’ other accounts you may have, and there are decent reasons to keep this separate.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:32 PM on February 2, 2019 [9 favorites]

Make sure you're (at least relatively) honest, open and wiling to answer questions. Here are some examples of what not to do.
posted by pyro979 at 6:37 PM on February 2, 2019 [2 favorites]

I did one. Have a time limit set up and be ready to basically sit around and do nothing but answer questions and then pry yourself away from it when you're done (because other people might not be). Decide if you want to use your main account or an ALT account. Possibly, if your thing is political, have a few friends in there who will have your back in case someone comes to troll so they can downvote them pretty quickly. Promote it ahead of time and feel free to link to it afterwards. Agree with WCityMike, find the right place to do yours, it doesn't have to be the main AMA subreddit but it could be.
posted by jessamyn at 7:14 PM on February 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I did one awhile back. It wasn’t terrible popular, and I knew it wouldn’t be, so I specifically promoted it with friends who I thought could at least drop by to do bits with me, should I get zero asks.

Make sure your answers are at least somewhat different than ones you’ve already give in interviews. Feel free to go into more depth, expound on different angles.

Also have snacks.
posted by Pretty Good Talker at 10:58 PM on February 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I haven't been on Reddit in a few years, but I recall reading a list of what were considered the "best" and "worst" AMA's in Reddit history.

A specific subreddit may be better; I would read some other AMA's and note how well they were moderated, especially if your topic is likely to be contensious.

Some of the best AMAs I remember were scheduled well in advance, and had a second person helping to field the answers.
posted by ethical_caligula at 11:06 PM on February 2, 2019 [1 favorite]