Hey r/chicagofire! (Long post ahead)

This past week has been fun and brought near record breaking traffic to the subreddit. The Neymar rumors and speculation that later turned to verified news reports by members of our local Chicago media caught many of us by surprise. This is an opportunity to set a gentle reminder for our subreddit on how to deal with this type of speculation. As such, Rule 3 in the subreddit sidebar has been updated:

Rule 3: Posting from Original Sources, Verified Media, Rumors, and Speculation

Before posting any news from social media, see if there’s a full article/source with more context. Posts to social media linking to articles will be removed. Use “[Author] Title of Article/Contents” when posting articles to keep things organized.

Flair Guide:

Chicago Fire FC/Organization: "Official"
Trusted Sources: "Verified Media" - NEW
Unconfirmed: "Rumor/Speculation" - UPDATED

Prioritize content that adds value to discussions. Posting false info consistently may lead to shadow banning & posting restrictions.

Let’s keep our subreddit credible and informed by following these simple tips when reviewing content:

1. Take a Moment to Pause & Check Your Emotions

Excitement, anger, or surprise can make us more likely to believe and share false information. Take a breath before reacting.

2. Analyze Claims, Sources, & Comments

Posts with few comments or no linked sources? Proceed with caution. Reliable information often includes reputable sources and sparks thoughtful discussion.

3. Research, Review, & Rethink

Before believing a bold claim:

• Search to see if others are talking about it.
• Review multiple sources, especially credible ones.
• Rethink your stance if evidence is lacking.

4. Ask for the Source

When in doubt, ask the poster for their source. Encouraging open debate about the validity of a claim helps build a better-informed community.

5. Beware of Clickbait & Misleading Headlines

Headlines designed to shock or provoke often oversimplify or distort the facts. Always read beyond the headline and assess the content critically.

6. Double-Check Dates & Context

Sometimes, old news gets reshared as if it’s current. Make sure the information is recent and relevant to avoid being misled.

7. Watch Out for Edited or Misleading Media

Photos, videos, and screenshots can be edited to misrepresent facts. Reverse image search tools or video verification methods can help you confirm authenticity.

8. Distinguish Opinions from Facts

Remember that opinions, even well-written ones, are not facts. Look for data, evidence, and reliable citations when reviewing claims.

9. Know the Common Signs of Fake News

Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• Over-the-top emotional language.
• Grammatical errors or poor formatting.
• Unfamiliar websites with questionable credibility.

10. Be Mindful Before Sharing

If you're not sure something is true, it’s better not to spread it. Sharing unverified information can amplify misinformation.

By practicing these habits, we can make r/chicagofire a trusted space for accurate and thoughtful discussions. I am proud that our subreddit's engagement and decorum is among the best of all MLS subreddits. Let's stay sharp, partake in discussions responsibly, and let’s keep the community thriving!