r/blackmagicdesign rules, stats, and what to post

This is a community for people who use Blackmagic Design hardware and software, like their cameras, switchers, and editing programs. People come here to look for information and tips on how to use their gear. One important thing to know is that the group is not affiliated with the company itself. It is run by users, for users, and its whole purpose is to grow everyone's knowledge base. So the people posting here are owners, operators, and learners, not shoppers looking to be sold to.

The rule that decides most marketing outcomes here is “No Selling/Soliciting”, which says the sub is not a marketplace and removes posts selling services, licenses, or hardware, along with posts soliciting purchases. That covers both direct selling and softer asks like asking people to buy or sign up for something. “No Low-Effort Content” is the second gate, because posts that do not create a discussion on a related topic or contribute to an ongoing one get removed, and a thinly disguised ad rarely creates a real discussion. “Descriptive titles are required for posts asking for help/support” matters if you frame your post as a question, since the title must summarize the actual question. “Piracy” is a hard line, because discussion or advocacy of piracy is strictly prohibited, so never hint at cracked software or license workarounds. Finally, “Don't be a jerk” sets the tone, and being caustic or dismissive in comments is the fastest way to wear out your welcome.

A good post here is a genuine contribution from someone who actually uses the gear or the software. If you are asking for help, put the real question in the title, like the rule's own example of asking how to record 4k on a specific camera instead of just writing help. If you are sharing something, make it a proper discussion starter, like a workflow you figured out or a problem you solved, and be ready to answer follow up questions. If your company makes something in this space, the honest play is to participate as a user first, help people with their questions, and let your expertise be the signal. Anything that looks like a sales pitch will be removed, so lead with usefulness and never with an offer.

Do not sell anything, because “No Selling/Soliciting” removes posts selling services, licenses, or hardware, and it also removes posts soliciting purchases. Do not post vague titles on help requests, because “Descriptive titles are required for posts asking for help/support” will get them removed. Do not mention or encourage piracy in any form, because “Piracy” bans discussion or advocacy of it outright. Do not drop low effort drive by comments or posts, because “No Low-Effort Content” removes anything that does not create or contribute to a discussion. And keep your tone friendly even when you disagree, because “Don't be a jerk” sets the bar for how people treat each other here.

What stands out to me is the description saying outright that the group is not affiliated with the company, because that tells you the community guards its independence and probably has little patience for anyone speaking like a company rep. The no selling rule is written broadly enough to catch soft solicitation too, not just open storefront posts. My read of the evidence is that this is a pure user help community, so the only respectful way in is to be a genuinely helpful user.