/appalachiantrail power trip

Avid section hiker of the AT. Love the community. In tech too. Developed a backpacking food planning app I was bringing to market (modestly monetized). Asked mods first if I could post about it for feedback, was told to pound sand. That's fine, I get it.

Two months later developed a weather tool that beats the pants off of what's out there. Posted it to the sub with the disclaimer that it's free, no-ads, no sign-up, no monetization. Legitimately trying to give back to the community I love.

They locked the post. I came at them strong in the chat about it; will fall on that sword. Accused me of promoting AI slop; there's no AI in the weather app I posted. Accused me of breaking their direction; it was a different app. Fine whatever.

Few days later posted about the awful weather in the NE and how dangerous it was. Used the app to post the 10 hottest places on the trail. Genuinely trying to help hikers in a dangerous spot. Didn't post the name or link to the app at all. Post started blowing up with people liking it and appreciative. Then a mod drops a post that my info is "guesstimates" (it actually is pulling data from GPS coordinates and the national weather service) and locks that post.

Message the mod asking why they locked the post. Cowardly no response. Told them their power trip supersedes trying to help people in their community. Then they banned me, I responded in kind, they again accused me of "AI slop".

I get the outdoor community has a big anti-tech streak. But you're the moderator of a damn online message board.

The level of dbaggery is staggering. Locked for not even mentioning or linking a site. Accused of sharing false info which I wasn't. Really sucks people like this run resources with such valuable information.

Assume there's no recourse at a reddit level. And even if there was, my choice words for them kill my case. Judging by other posts that dive into more salacious subject matter and obvious political division this seems especially egregious. Nice to be able to vent here though?