r/HaveWeMet

r/HaveWeMet: The Imaginative Subreddit of Lower Duck Pond

Introduction

r/HaveWeMet is a unique subreddit that transforms Reddit into the streets of a fictional town named Lower Duck Pond. Founded in early 2017 by Devuluh, also known as David, a college sophomore studying computer science, this community engages members in a continuous role-play, allowing them to assume the lives of town residents. The concept invites users to craft detailed personas and interact as if they have known each other for years, weaving a rich tapestry of shared history and events in this virtual town.

Creating a Virtual Community

The inspiration for r/HaveWeMet stemmed from David’s search for a community where individuals could pretend to recognize and know each other intimately, only to find that such a space did not exist. The subreddit quickly gained traction, trending on Reddit the day after its creation. Its members adhere to strict guidelines that emphasize staying in character, maintaining the illusion of a close-knit community.

Role-Play Dynamics and Lore Development

Lower Duck Pond lives through the improvised and detailed storylines its residents create. From town council debates to local scandals and peculiar town events, the community thrives on creativity and collaboration. Members use flairs as digital “nametags” to identify their characters, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the subreddit.

Unique to r/HaveWeMet is the allowance for users to manage multiple accounts, enabling them to explore different facets of Lower Duck Pond’s society through various personas. Notable characters and locations—such as Ulysses the alpaca mayor, the weatherman WanderCold with his own merchandise shop, and various fictional businesses—add depth and vibrancy to the town’s narrative.

Spinoffs and Meta Discussions

The success and appeal of r/HaveWeMet have inspired offshoots like WillWeMeet and LakeWobegon, exploring different thematic settings while retaining the core concept of interconnected role-play. For discussions about the subreddit’s happenings from an external viewpoint, HaveWeMeta serves as a platform for out-of-character commentary, allowing members to reflect on the evolving storylines and community dynamics.

Reception and Influence

Described by The Verge as akin to a “long-running D&D campaign,” r/HaveWeMet has been lauded for its creativity and engagement, drawing comparisons to the digital equivalent of a small town’s Facebook page. Its recognition as one of the weirdest subreddits by Neon underscores the unique niche it occupies within the Reddit community.

Conclusion

With over 87,000 members by September 2019, r/HaveWeMet stands as a testament to the power of collective imagination and the formation of digital communities. By blurring the lines between reality and fiction, it offers an escape into the whimsical world of Lower Duck Pond, where every user has a story to tell, and every post adds another layer to the rich narrative tapestry of this virtual town.