When it goes wrong

Was I removed? A quick check.

1. Look at your post while signed out, or in a private (incognito) window. You still see your own removed posts while signed in, so this is the only reliable check. (If Reddit shows a "blocked by network security" page when you're signed out, try another browser or your phone's mobile data, or ask a friend to look.)
2. Find the community's newest posts (sort by New) and look for yours.
3. Work out which of these it is:

• Removed by the mods. The post is gone for others, and you may get a message or see "Removed by moderator" on it. Usually a rule was broken.
• Filtered automatically. Reddit's or the community's automatic filters held it back (often for new accounts, low karma or links). It may be waiting for a mod to approve it, or it may never appear.
• Visible but downvoted. It's there, but people didn't like it. That's feedback, not a penalty.
• Shadowbanned or suspended account. Your posts and profile don't show for anyone signed out. This is rare, and usually follows spam-like behaviour. Reddit shows a notice if your account has been suspended.

What to do for each.

• Removed: reread the rules (chapter 4). If you can't see what you broke, message the mods politely, ask what to change, and accept the answer. Don't repost the same thing.
• Filtered: message the mods, briefly: "My post seems to have been held by the filter; could you take a look?" Then build up the account in the meantime (chapter 2).
• Downvoted: read the comments for why. Was it too promotional, in the wrong community, or the wrong type of post? Change that next time.
• Shadowbanned or suspended: check Reddit's help pages and appeal through the official process. Don't make a new account to get around it: that breaks Reddit's rules and usually makes things worse.

Handling harsh comments. Some will be unfair. Reply once, calmly, to anything with a useful point, and leave the rest. Never argue with mods in public.