As a frequent user of subreddits, I believe that healthy and respectful discussions are the cornerstone of a successful community. However, some rules and regulations can do more harm than good. In my experience, enforcing strict word count requirements can be counterproductive and can discourage users from participating. Here are a few reasons why I think this is the case:

Firstly, such rules can restrict the expression of ideas and thoughts. Not everyone is comfortable with writing long posts, and by imposing such a limit, the subreddit risks limiting the expression of those who prefer to communicate their thoughts in fewer words.

Secondly, high word counts do not necessarily equate to high-quality content. Imposing a word limit can incentivize people to fill their posts with fluff and unnecessary information to meet the word count requirements. This can lead to a decline in the overall quality of content on the subreddit.

Thirdly, time constraints can make it difficult for people to write long posts. Imposing a word limit can discourage people from contributing to the subreddit as they may not have the time or energy to write a lengthy post.

Fourthly, requiring a minimum word count can be seen as an unnecessary burden on users who are simply looking to share their thoughts and engage with others on the subreddit. Instead of imposing such restrictions, the subreddit moderators should focus on promoting healthy and respectful discussions.

In conclusion, while rules and regulations are necessary for the smooth functioning of any community, it is important to ensure that they do not discourage users from participating. Enforcing a strict word count requirement can be counterproductive and can limit the expression of ideas and thoughts, incentivize low-quality content, create time constraints, and place an unnecessary burden on users. The focus should be on fostering a healthy and respectful discussion environment, rather than imposing strict word count requirements.