Ask Me Anything (AMA)

AMAs (which stands for Ask Me Anything) are a type of Reddit post where users can to ask public figures questions and get responses in real-time. Questions are asked in text and hosts can choose which they’d like to respond to, at their own pace, for a scheduled period of time.

How to Participate

Choose a
Date & Time

Dates must be at least four days in advance in order for us to notify the community. Weekends and afternoons (e.g. 11PM PT) are usually the best, as that is when most users are online.

Allot time for
your AMA

We suggest dedicating at least 90 minutes to answering questions during Your AMA. You can return to do follow-ups at any point in the future as well, but that is not expected.

Create a Reddit Account

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a Reddit account for your AMA. We suggest doing this well beforehand to minimize any potential issues on the day of your AMA.

Hosting your AMA

Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the AMA process on the day of. This video goes through creating your post and how to follow along as questions appear. Alternatively, you may follow the text instructions below. Our subreddit moderators will be standing at every step to ensure your AMA goes smoothy and is the most engaging for everyone participating!

1. Create a Reddit account

If you don’t have one already you’d like to use, you’ll need to create a Reddit account to use for your AMA. Ideally, you can do this before the day or your AMA to minimize the potential for any issues.

2. Title your AMA post

This assumes it’s the scheduled time of your AMA and you are logged into your Reddit acocunt. You will now need to make a Reddit post on r/UFOs and enter a title for your post. We strongly recommend using this format for your title:

I’m (name), a (kind). I (thing I’ve done recently or am best known for). Ask me anything!

I am Dr. Jane Goodall, a scientist, conservationist, peacemaker, and mentor. AMA!

I’m Richard Dolan, an author and speaker on all things UFOs. I recently released The Alien Agendas: A Speculative Analysis of Those Visiting Earth. Ask me anything!

3. Enter the body text for your post

The body text of your post will be visible at the top of the page when users click on your AMA post. The text here serves as your bio and verification that it is actually you doing your AMA. You will be able to edit this text at any time by clicking ‘edit’ just below it after it is posted.

Here’s a good example from one of Bill Gate’s AMAs:

Hi, I’m Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ask me anything.

Many of you know me from my Microsoft days. The company remains very important to me and I’m still chairman. But today my full time work is with the foundation. Melinda and I believe that everyone deserves the chance for a healthy and productive life – and so with the help of our amazing partners, we are working to find innovative ways to help people in need all over the world.

I’ve just finished writing my 2013 Annual Letter http://www.billsletter.com. This year I wrote about how there is a great opportunity to apply goals and measures to make global improvements in health, development and even education in the U.S.

VERIFICATION: http://i.imgur.com/vlMjEgF.jpg

I’ll be answering your questions live, starting at 10:45 am PST. I’m looking forward to my first AMA.

4. Provide verification

You’ll want to include some form of ‘verification’ in your post body. This lets users know you are in fact who you say you are and currently doing an AMA. Verification can take a few forms, from linking to a tweet you post with your official twitter account to an image of you holding a sheet of paper including today’s date. You can simply include a link to whatever form you choose in your post body.

5. Start Answering Questions

One your AMA post is live users will begin submitting comments with their questions. You can reply to those as you see fit as they arrive. You’re able to edit your comments after you’ve made them. You’ll need to refresh the post page to see new comments from users.

Whenever you’re ready to end your AMA you should edit your post bodyby clicking the ‘edit’ button just below the post body text. You should then add some text stating you’re done answering questions and any closing thoughts.

Here’s an example from Bill Gates’ AMA:

Update: Thanks for the great AMA, Reddit! I hope you’ll read my annual letter www.billsletter.com and visit my website, The Gates Notes, www.gatesnotes.com to see what I’m working on. I’d just like to leave you with the thought that helping others can be very gratifying. http://i.imgur.com/D3qRaty.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the r/UFOs subreddit?

We are a group of UFO-enthusiasts and volunteers. We are not paid by Reddit.  We’re passionate about ufology and thankful the opportunity to elavate discussion surrounding one of the greatest mysteries of our time.

Do moderators approve every comment in my AMA?

We will do our best to filter and pre-approve comments made by users in your AMA post. Although, not all comments may be filtered immediately, nor should all of them be considered as permissible by our team. If you have any questions or concerns about a comment which is visible, please ask us directly.

Why should I consider doing an AMA?

r/UFOS is the largest online forum dedicated to the subject of UFOs. It can be a great opportunity to engage with others interested in the subject, who are familiar with your work, or reach those who have not heard of it.

I'm having an issue, how can I reach you?

The moderator who reached out to you should have provided their contact information so you can reach them directly on the day of the AMA. If they are not responding or you are unable to reach them, you can send the entire moderation team a message using this link.