50 ‘Cool Guides’ People Shared On This Group That Contain Information They Don’t Teach At School
Interview
One of my secret pleasures (and feel free to chime in if you’re a geek like me) is looking through various colorful guides and infographics, from what plants are edible in forests to hypothetical explanations on how best to survive the zombie Apocalypse that 2020 promised but never delivered.
The multi-million-member ‘Cool Guides’ community on Reddit is the prime place to go to for (yup, you guessed it!) cool guides. From aesthetically pleasing and very informative ones to quirky and funny ones, you’ll find a bit of everything to keep those noggins of yours learning and yearning for more, dear Pandas.
Bored Panda had a lovely chat with redditor Dadschool, who founded the r/coolguides subreddit way back in 2014 and is still its head moderator to this very day. Having started the sub with no real expectations of forming a community around it, he filled a niche on Reddit that had been empty. "I had a bit of a compulsive habit of saving every guide I came across on Reddit with the idea that I'd somehow reference it when I needed it later. There weren't really any subs for general guides so I made one and uploaded all my guides at once. I think a lot of people have a similar affection for bitesize trivia and hoarding generalist knowledge." You'll find the rest of our interview with the founder below.
Upvote your fave guides as you scroll on down, drop us a comment with your thoughts below, and go and join the r/coolguides subreddit if it’s right up your alley. But a quick note of warning before we begin: this is a community mostly for guides; infographics are in a bit of a grey area.
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Inequality V. Equality V. Equity V. Justice
Hand Sign Guide For Loud Bars
A More Comprehensive Guide To Symptoms Of Depression
The founder, Dadschool, was very humble about his role in expanding the community. "I can say it is only able to be this size because moderators like @etymologynerd and @robinsparkles18 are as active as they are, and the time they take out of their day to check in," he praised his colleagues. With a leader so supportive, no wonder that the mod r/coolguides mod team stands shoulder to shoulder, come hell or high water.
"The unique thing about Reddit is that subreddits really are independent and are autonomously moderated communities. I think our subscriber ranking is something like 190 across all of Reddit and it's not like there's monetization options after you break 200 or conversations with Reddit corporate. We're the same mod team we were a few years ago, excited that we broke 100k, and checking Reddit throughout the day to make sure no one uploaded the same damn apple guide uploaded 100 times that week," the founder claimed that things are still pretty much as they've always been.
Recognizing A Mentally Abused Brain
How To Get A Scientific Paper For Free
How Paint Can Change A Room
Dadschool revealed that the biggest challenge that he and the other moderators face is reacting in time to remove hateful and troll guides as soon as humanly possible. However, that's not always possible because they all have day jobs; moderating is something that they do during their spare time. "We all are working professionals so it's easy for something to slip by and stay out there for way longer than it should and that's always a total bummer—a total lose/lose for the community."
How To Recognize The Artists Of Paintings
How Masks And Social Distancing Works
Geography Terms
Nowadays, the founder of r/coolguides is a tad more lax about infographics than when he first founded the subreddit. These days, he's more keen to let the community decide what direction it wants to go via upvotes and engagement. He trusts the community. "I see the moderator role as more akin to a landscaper: pruning [troll] posts, removing harmful posts, and moderating for content diversity. Subscribers are much better judges of content quality and validity than moderators and I think it's important to trust them in that role." He added (and this is a feeling that I completely agree with): "I will admit, however, that the majority of guides I enjoy most myself rarely break 50/100 upvotes."
I Think These Simple Points Could Help A Lot.
Just A Little Something For The Upcoming Holiday Season
A Restaurant Guide For How You Want Your Steak Cooked
How about let people eat steak how they like it. The chef can shove the rare steak where the sun don’t shine.
They ARE letting people eat steak how they like it. The guide is so that everyone means the same thing, there aren't complaints, and less food is wasted.
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I was in a restaurant in Italy and some tourists were ordering a £45 piece of steak and wanted it well done. The chef refused! They wanted it back to the kitchen to have it cooked more and the chef actually came to them after they argued with the waiter and told them NO! They had to eat it as it was or order something else. lol, he was so upset!
That is just a bad chef, who just doesn't know how to make a proper well done steak and is partaking in this popular misconception to cover up with snobbery his lack of skills, or not having the right cut of meat to make a juicy well done steak. I always order well done steak. Beef is a meat that is very likely to contain harmful parasites. Also, it helps you find cooks that really know how to make a steak.
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Those are too many words to say "I don't know how to cook well-done steak".
I like burnt offerings I guess. F**k the chef. It's amazing how "you do you" goes out the window when you're opinion isn't common.
I hate when people say that a well done steak is dry! if it's cooked properly and it's actually a good cut of meat it won't be dry if it's well done. My dad can BBQ a great well done steak and it's never dry or burnt. Oh I'm so sorry that I want my steak completely cooked and not still mooing because I've had food poisoning from undercooked meat a few times 🙄
How dare YOU decide how someone likes THEIR food that they're PAYING you for...
As a transplant patient who takes high doses of immunosuppressants to stay alive, but end up getting food poisoning at the drop of a hat because of this, I find this highly offensive. Transplant patients are told to only eat well done because it can actually kill us otherwise due to such high risk of infections and getting sick. I ended up in the hospital with life threatening food poisoning for 3 weeks from ONE bite because someone thought it would be funny to serve me a medium rare steak. Think before you judge people.
The only reason why a chef might hate you for choosing well done steak is because they don't know how to make a juicy well done steak. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to make juicy well done steaks. It just requires more skill and choosing well the cut to use. Beef, chicken and pork a more likely to contain parasites that are harmful to human than fish, for example. It is a safe choice to order a well done steak.
I agree. From a medical point of view, raw meat is harmful. Not only there is a risk regarding a number of parasites but the cooking process breaks down the proteins and makes them easier to digest. As humanity uses fire since quite a long time ago, our teeth have already started evolving toward eating cooked food. And honestly, I personally, can not see the appeal of a steak lying in a bloody puddle in the middle of the plate.
Load More Replies... What this tells me is that the chef is not very good. He should be able to cook a well done steak that is still very juicy and flavorful. It just takes time and the chef would have to pay attention to what is being cooked.
Then maybe that is “medium well” and not “well”?
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Never cared if the chef hated me. Still cannot stand being served meat still red. Even as a young child I knew it was a dead animal, but I'm old enough that being vegetarian was not a thing. Was 30 when I became one. Stayed vegetarian for 23yrs. I eat meat again now, but very rarely any which is not raised humanely. That means cattle that are grass fed. None of this fattened up by being fed grains and bone meal.
Friendly reminder that "it's" means "it is", while "its" indicates possession.
I like my steak well done. I'm payng for it , I am eating it. If the chef doesn't like that, TOUGH! Maybe he should be digging ditches, working on a sewage farm, or some other job where he doesn't have to deal with customers.
When I went out with my parents once, we all ordered steak. When asked how we'd like them done, I said, 'Just wave it near a flame, please.' My mum said 'Cremated, please. I want it so overcooked that it practically turns to powder when I put my fork in'. Dad just said, 'Can I have it somewhere in-between these 2 wierdos please'. People like their food how they like it, if the chef doesn't like it, he shouldn't be a chef.
I can stand the sight of blood everywhere... except my plate. I'll let chefs hate me.
Like eating your steak rare is preserving nature? And why would I need to keep the chef happy?
Can we stop judging people for how they like their steak? Of any food? Why are people. It allowed to enjoy food the way the like it just because a bunch of other people like something else?? It's not a moral issues like murder, there is no right and wrong. Stop telling people they're heinous for liking a fully cooked piece of meat
It is a bloody explanation of how meat is termed when ordering, loosen up Kobu
I don't see this as passive-aggressive, I see this as tired of the "the customer is always right" mentality. As a chef (and most of us are aggressive - no passive to be had) who has to work for an individual with a head for business but no clue how things work, this is called being nice to people who can't bother to learn the difference between reality and self-righteous expectation. The terms are finite across the industry FOR the customer. If people can't bother to learn them then teach them in a manner that won't get you fired... or put up with getting fired for giving away too many "wrong" cooked steaks. The only thing not cool about this is being offended for learning YOU ALONE are not the standard by which the industry has to cater.
lol well done- i would get medium i hate when its dry and when its too pink
*ROFL* Okay I'm laughing at this, even though I have several friends that prefer their steak "burnt" and while I rag them about it, I respect that it's their choice and that's how they enjoy their meal. Meanwhile, they try not to gag while watching me eat my steak medium rare. :)
Me as the one who like my steak well done feels hurt and agreed by this
This is about people knowing how to order. I have been the person trying to explain why it is pink when they clearly ordered medium rare but now want well done. To each its own as to how you want it, just know what to order. And wow... so much hate over a small guide to steack! Relax people :)
As a Former Server, It's True. The Chef DOES Hate You for ordering Well Done!
100% accurate....if you don't like it, go to a different restaurant.
A couple of points, first the red liquid on your plate is not blood. Also, red meat (beef, lamb and tuna) can be eaten rare upwards, but white meat (pork and chicken) must be cooked completely to remove any chance of food poisoning. Finally, here's a bonus tip for beef cooking if you're the one DOING the cooking. Keep your fingers loose with no tension and touch the fleshy part of your thumb with your other hand - that "bouncy" feeling is raw. Touch forefinger to thumb and press the fleshy bit - it's now a bit firmer - that's rare. Work your way along your fingers; little finger to thumb - firmest pressure with least "bounce" - is well-done.
The cooks are the ones that need this info since you can go to 5 different steak restaurants and the same cut of beef, ordered the same way will come cooked to at least 3 different levels and MAYBE 1 will be correct.
Okay, I've read and understand this. However I've run into a few chefs that need to read it also.
In bible times, they serve their steak "well done" (burnt offerings)
Despite the passive-aggressiveness, this is very useful as I can never remember this.
My husband likes his super well done. But at least he doesn't insult it further by eating it with ketchup like that idiot Trump does.
How can you be a steak noob? Are you seriously gatekeeping beef of all things?
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For those of you Pandas who are raring to post a guide on r/coolguides, head moderator Dadschool is all for it: "Go for it!" Just remember to avoid reposts, so have a look through the newest posts. "We do try to maintain some content diversity, so don't upload all ten of your favorite ab workout guides at once. If you have the source, be a buddy and list that too in the comments or title to give credit where it's due!" he gave some advice for newcomers.
Paper Snowflakes
I'm so bad at crafting, mine would probably end up being just confetti :/
I Liked This One
The niqab and the burka should not be legal in our society. First because the face is the way of conveying emotions and covering it it’s dehumanising but specially for security. The other veils should be all legal for adults but not for kids since they cannot consent to them. I am heartbroken each time that I see a 8yo covered like if she needs to be hidden while her brothers run around freely.
Animals With Misleading Names
The University of Bath has some excellent advice on how to create a proper guide that’s useful for your readers. Yes, it's a guide for creating guides: we're officially in meta-territory now.
They suggest that you address the reader directly, rather than in the third person (i.e. ‘you Pandas should upvote this awesome article’ instead of ‘Pandas may upvote this absolutely amazing article at the very bottom of the page’).
Different Shades Of Light
How To Email Well
Guide To Pain Scale
What’s more, you should aim to write concisely. Plainly. Simply. Structure and break up the content to make it easier to read. Give your guide some flow and make it easy for the reader to understand what’s what.
Meanwhile, some of the things that you should avoid are incredibly technical terms in the title and headings. Also, omit useless words and info. Less. Is. More. (Unless you absolutely have to add in those extra words for whatever unavoidable reasons.)
How Untreated Adhd Causes And Traps You In Depression
The History Of Confederate Flags.
In the age of cancel culture, I'm astonished that nobody's gotten to the Dukes of Hazard yet. 🤔
How To Treat People With Dementia
The ‘Cool Guides’ subreddit celebrated its 7th birthday, a magical milestone if there ever was one, just over a week ago on March 20.
Since having been founded in 2014, the community now has nearly 2.1 million members and continues to grow. Despite the vast number of members, the team of moderators remains compact, numbering at just 5 (as far as we can tell from their page on Reddit—there may be more who choose to remain more mysterious and secretive).
Cool Guide Of Words You Can Use Instead Of Very
And please avoid using very twice or more in a row : very very very ...
Types Of Asian Architecture
Tattoo Pain Chart
According to the mods, their online page is for “picture based reference guides for anything and everything. If it seems like something someone might print, physically post, and reference then it is a good link for this sub.”
However, this doesn’t always include infographics. The mods explain that infographics are learning tools, whereas guides are reference tools. Sometimes, the area between the two becomes blurred.
If you do end up posting what the mods deem to be an infographic, they might decide to remove it. “An infographic is more educational in layout and content, finding something specific on an infographic is not as easy because it is designed to inform through more narrative structures. If your guide is more of a visual essay than a structured table or list, then chances are that is an infographic. Sometimes infographics can masquerade as how-to guides.”
How Human Flesh Decomposes
U.S. Flag But Each Star Is Scaled Proportionally To Their State’s Population, In Roughly It’s Geographical Position.
Cool Idea Of How Fresh New Babies See The World
The subreddit also has a no-tolerance policy for any content that’s dangerous, harmful, hurtful, or destructive. It’s supposed to be a wholesome and informative community that adheres to morality, the rules of Reddit, as well as common legal structures.
“Guides depicting harmful, dangerous, or destructive content will be removed. This includes guides describing the creation of dangerous items/materials and/or guides that are designed with the purpose to harm or hurt others do not fit the culture of this sub and will be removed.”
A Simple Spell
For All You Dog Lovers Out There
From The Us Holocaust Museum
So, dear Pandas, which of these guides did you find to be the most useful (or, let's face it, the most intriguing because we all like looking at pretty pictures)? What's the most useful guide you've ever seen in your entire life? Is there a guide for something that you'd do pretty much anything to read through? Share your thoughts with everyone else below.
How To Assert Dominance Over A Waterfall
I hope I never have to come to a point where I would need this information
Activities That Make Your Brain Release Happy Chemicals
How Gerrymandering Works
How To Turn Down An Invite.
First you decline, then be gracious. Wording is very essential and people tend to pay attention to the sentence after the "but". For example "I won't be able to make it, but thank you for considering me" vs "thank you for inviting me, but I can't come". I think the first one sounds better, even if it's essentially the same.
Marginal Tax
Copper Through The Patina Process
Communication 101: As A Ux Researcher, I Study How People Understand Technology, Content, And Messaging For A Living. During This Crisis, Vague Messages Like "Practice Social Distancing" Will Have Far Less Impact Than Concrete, Specific Messages Like "Stay At Home. Get Groceries Once Per Week"
When Coming In Contact With A Bear
How To Pack A Hiking Bag
This is very helpful because I go hiking a lot, next time I will pack this way!
Apples On A Scale From Most Tart To Most Sweet
What To Say To Kids Instead Of “Be Careful!”
Sometimes it is just quicker to say be careful when in/near a dangerous situation.
Biking Or Running In The Dark? Here's How The Drivers See You Based On The Clothes You Wear.
I’ll Never Remember This Mid-Heart Attack But This Is Good To Know
A Quick Guide To Tea!
Sorry... green tea is tea, but the rest of them are types of infusions/tisanes.
Explanation Of The Subtle Differences Between Equality And Equity
In all three scenarios the soccer players are robbed of gate receipts
Five Demands, Not One Less. End Police Brutality
Simple Guide To Staying Healthy
Different Forms Of Color Blindness
How To Make An Amazing Sofa Fort
The Joker
Note: this post originally had 72 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I really loved this one. Informative and relevant. I would love to read more of these.
thnaks, this was a very informative and interesting post!! more of these, please
You mean, a site consists of mostly left wing political people, and the site accommodates for that? OH NO GUYS BILL GATES IS AFTER OUR PICKLE! BIG SCARY AHHHH
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I really loved this one. Informative and relevant. I would love to read more of these.
thnaks, this was a very informative and interesting post!! more of these, please
You mean, a site consists of mostly left wing political people, and the site accommodates for that? OH NO GUYS BILL GATES IS AFTER OUR PICKLE! BIG SCARY AHHHH
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