selfsubmissions

Self-submissions refer to the practice of submitting content that the author created themselves to an online platform, publication, or community. In many contexts, this involves self posts or entries where the submission consists of the creator’s own work, experience, or updates rather than external content created by others.

Context and usage: Self-submissions occur across discussion forums, social news sites, newsletters, and other platforms that host user-generated content. They can include articles, tutorials, artwork, project updates, or personal reflections. Some communities explicitly distinguish self-submissions from external links, requiring the submitter to provide context or a summary within the post.

Etiquette and moderation: Many platforms implement rules to manage self-promotion. Common practices include disclosing any affiliation or sponsorship, limiting the frequency of self-submissions, and ensuring the content provides value beyond mere promotion. Posts that are purely promotional, repetitive, or unrelated to the community’s interests are often discouraged or removed.

Benefits and risks: Self-submissions can help creators gain visibility, receive feedback, and grow an audience. They may also face skepticism from other community members if perceived as spam or as abuse of platform norms. Balancing self-promotion with participation in broader discussions tends to influence reception.

Best practices: When submitting self-created content, offer a meaningful description, provide direct access to the work, declare any affiliations, tailor the submission to the audience, and engage with comments and questions. Adhering to platform-specific guidelines and contributing value to the community are key to positive reception.