Hi Everyone,
We have come to learn some very sad news recently, u/bossgalaga, the founder of r/Explainlikeimfive, has unfortunately passed away. In his honor we wanted to post the links of two charities that were dear to him:
[The Immune Deficiency Foundation](https://primaryimmune.org/waystogive)
[The Institute for Effective Education](https://www.tiee.org/about/)
We are forever grateful for what he has created and hope you will consider supporting charitable organizations as he did. As our regulars may recognize this post is out of character for us but as a mod team we felt these circumstances were unique. This post will stay up for a week, and we will include links to those charities in our wiki.
Additionally, it has come to our attention that u/bossgalaga made a post in /r/askreddit on July 28th, 2011 (ten years ago yesterday) asking if people would be interested in a sub dedicated to, “…ask(ing) questions that some people might find obvious — and to do so without fear of being downvoted, made fun of, or ignored.” This, of course, led to the start of r/explainlikeimfive. If you’re interested in reading that post, [you can do so here.](https://old.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/j2a9k/would_anybody_be_interested_in_a_new_subreddit/)
Thank you all for the kind words thus far. u/bossgalaga’s friends and family certainly will appreciate them.
In: Other
Pretty sure that 10 years of this sub existing means a lot of people who learned more about some cool stuff in a simpler way than 10 years in school. In fact, reading through this very thread I learned something new in a ELI5 format.
Like someone already wrote – this is what internet should be all about.
Eventhough this Post will probably go unread: But thank you u/bossgalaga for creating a safe environment for simple questions many haven’t the courage to ask!
I really hope you can Rest In Peace now! Pretty sad 10th anniversary for this sub.
I started an ELI5 chatroom in our company chat where the employees can ask questions about things they want to know without being judged it feeling dumb, based on this subreddit. u/bossgalaga may not have invented the idea, but it’s where I learned about it and it’s made us an organization with better trained people as a result. You’re leaving behind a great legacy, friend. RIP.
Great post, great subreddit, great dude. Can we get this legend referenced in the ELI5 banner or something?
Lest we forget
He seems to have achieved something very rare – created a new word in the English language:
https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/eli5/
I’ve been a mod of ELI5 for 8 years, and have around since nearly the beginning. I didn’t interact a ton with bossgalaga, but when I did he was always excited about how the sub had progressed, and was happy that what he had started was a place where people could expect civility. That’s why our #1 rule has always been “Be Nice” and I think it makes for a great community.
I appreciate everyone who’s contributed questions, explanations, or helped in maintaining the community every year, and I’m thankful that a community with this vision was created so we could all enjoy it.
RIP boss! We’ll keep the lights on here.
Never even occurred to me that ELI5 was someone’s idea. Like all great ideas it seems like something that just should have always been there. I’m sure there was more to this person than just one good Reddit idea, but for whatever it’s worth, thank you u/bossgalaga.
Through all of the changes that have taken place on Reddit over the many years as our has grown – some good and many not so good – ELI5 has always been a shining example of how good Reddit can be.
RIP to u/bossgalaga. I did not know you or your help moderators, but thanks to all of you for creating and maintaining one of the best places to learn new things on the web.
Thank you!
Dear u/bossgalaga,
I never knew you, and you never knew me. I only joined Reddit last year, but within that time, ELI5 has helped me understand topics I never thought I could. With that being said, thank you.
Sincerely,
u/JRatMain16
This is honestly my favourite subreddit, I’ve had so many great experiences with other people and I learned so many interesting things.
Even though u/bossgalaga is gone, this subreddit will live on and grow even more. I think this is one of the best things that can happen when someone is no more. To create something that goes past themselves. Thanks for creating this subreddit and
Rest In Peace u/bossgalaga.
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