What NOT to Do (Avoid Bans)
Each platform has rules. Break them and you'll get banned. Here's how to stay safe.
Reddit Rules
Reddit takes spam seriously. Bans are common and hard to reverse.
Don't
- Copy-paste identical replies across multiple threads
- Only participate in promotional threads (looks like you're only there to sell)
- Use multiple accounts to promote the same thing
- Spam the same subreddit repeatedly
- Ignore subreddit-specific rules (each community has its own)
- Post links in comments without adding value
- Vote manipulate (using alts to upvote yourself)
Do
- Be a genuine community member — Comment on non-promotional threads too
- Wait between promotional replies — No more than 2-3 per day
- Customize every single reply — No templates
- Follow each subreddit's rules — Read the sidebar before posting
- Provide value first — Help, then mention your product
- Be transparent — Don't hide that you're the founder
The 10% Rule
A common guideline: No more than 10% of your Reddit activity should be self-promotional. The other 90% should be genuine participation.
Twitter/X Rules
Twitter is more lenient but still has limits.
Don't
- Mass-tweet identical replies to many people
- Use automation to reply — Replies should be manual
- Tag people randomly to get attention
- Send unsolicited DMs pitching your product
- Tweet the same message repeatedly
- Use hashtag spam
Do
- Engage naturally in conversations
- Add value before mentioning products
- Be a real person — Not a bot
- Build relationships over time
- Respond to replies on your own tweets
Automation Warning
Twitter detects automated behavior. Even if you're doing it manually, patterns that look automated can get you flagged.
Vary your:
- Reply timing
- Reply length
- Reply style
Hacker News Rules
HN has the strictest culture around promotion. The community will call you out.
Don't
- Be overtly promotional — HN hates this
- Astroturf — Fake accounts praising your product
- Spam Show HN with the same product repeatedly
- Post shallow comments just to get your name out
- Use marketing language — "Revolutionary," "Game-changing," etc.
- Complain about downvotes
Do
- Lead with technical insight and value
- Be transparent — "I built X" or "Disclosure: I work at X"
- Only mention your product when genuinely relevant
- Contribute substantively to discussions
- Accept criticism gracefully
The HN Test
Before posting, ask: "Would this comment be valuable even if I had no product to promote?"
If no, don't post it.
Indie Hackers Rules
Indie Hackers is the most founder-friendly, but still has norms.
Don't
- Spam every discussion with your product
- Fake being helpful just to pitch
- Post low-effort responses
- Create multiple threads about the same thing
- Be negative about competitors
Do
- Share honest experiences — Wins and losses
- Help other founders genuinely
- Mention your product when actually relevant
- Be part of the community long-term
- Give before you take
General Principles
These apply everywhere:
The Golden Rule
Ask yourself: "Would I find this reply helpful if I was the person who posted?"
If yes, you're probably fine. If no, rewrite it.
Quality Over Quantity
One great, helpful reply is worth more than 10 spammy ones.
Be a Human
Real people:
- Have varied writing styles
- Make typos sometimes
- Don't post at perfect intervals
- Engage in off-topic conversations
- Have opinions beyond their product
Long-Term Thinking
Building a reputation takes time. One ban can undo months of work.
Be patient. Be genuine. Play the long game.
What If You Get Warned or Banned?
- Warning: Back off immediately. Reduce promotional activity.
- Temp ban: Wait it out. Don't create alts.
- Permanent ban: You can appeal once. Be honest and apologetic.
- Warning: Review your recent activity. Stop automated patterns.
- Suspension: Follow the appeal process.
Hacker News
- Downvoted/Flagged: Take the feedback. Adjust your approach.
- Banned: Email the mods. Be honest. They're reasonable if you're genuine.
Indie Hackers
- Warning: Rare, but adjust if you get one.
- Removal: Contact support.
Prevention Checklist
Before engaging on any platform:
- [ ] I've read the community rules
- [ ] My reply adds value beyond my product
- [ ] I'm not posting the same thing I posted yesterday
- [ ] I've participated in non-promotional ways recently
- [ ] My reply sounds like a real person, not a marketer
- [ ] I would appreciate this reply if I received it
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