Hi all,

I'd ask how you're all doing, but I think I know the answer. So instead I'll hope that you're all taking care of yourselves and getting out to stretch your legs in some fresh air, too.

On to business.

Perks for verified users

At long last we have something to offer our verified users, other than the smug sense of superiority distinction itself provides. For a few weeks, now, we've been testing letting verified users slip out of the COVID megathread to post their content in the subreddit itself, but we're officially announcing it as subreddit policy today. To boot, we've also created an "Off-topic" flair that we are currently restricting to only verified users.

What is "Off-topic" content, you ask? We don't know and that's precisely why it's a perk; we expect verified users to use their best judgement in how they use the flair. On a tangentially related note, if you're attentive, you might have noticed that our rules no longer explicitly prohibit memes...

r/Epidemiology, foremost, remains an "academic" community and we expect that the "Off-topic" flair be used like salt - as seasoning and not as a principle ingredient. All that said, we hope that a little dash of flavor will be a welcomed addition to the community, and as always, we'll be keeping an eye on how things play out as well as listening to any feedback the community at large may offer.

New Wiki Content

The wiki index page has been updated to include a new section for "Current Subreddit Policies. "Policies" are a tool we've been using to help steer the ship, so to speak. Unlike rules these are discretionary restrictions we put in place to try and address acute situations within the community. Always expect announcements for big things, but as we beta-test small tweaks we'll try to keep them listed there for the curious among you.

Regarding the aforementioned perks, sections have been added to the post flair, rule, and verified user pages.

More Stuff

• u/JohnBierce is back and they've finished their novel!
• Our online resources page has received a minor face-lift but it is still in need of love. Do you know of any really good online resources for epidemiologists? Students? Hobbyists? Post them below, message me, or reach out in modmail and we'll get them added!
• Got artistic chops? Depending on how you enjoy reddit, you may or may not have noticed the new theme r/Epidemiology is rocking. While I applaud my efforts, a graphic designer I am not. If you have some constructive criticism, or you know you can do a better job, reach out!

That's all for now. As always please use this thread to air out any laundry or throw suggestions our way. Cheers!