Alternate History Fandom
Bubble
Interest
Knowledge
An international community of enthusiasts who create, critique, and discuss speculative 'what-if' histories, exploring how key moments ...Show more
Alternate History Fandom
Bubble
InterestKnowledge
An international community of enthusiasts who create, critique, and discuss speculative 'what-if' histories, exploring how key moments might have altered the course of civilization.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
The Alternate History Fandom explores "what if" scenarios by imagining alternate versions of history, where key events—called Points of Divergence—unfold differently, resulting in new timelines and worlds.
Community Q&A
The Alternate History Fandom explores "what if" scenarios by imagining alternate versions of history, where key events—called Points of Divergence—unfold differently, resulting in new timelines and worlds.
People interact on forums, subreddits, and Discord servers, co-writing stories, reviewing each other's works, and joining shared worldbuilding events like Map Mondays.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Plausibility Policing
Social NormsMembers rigorously perform plausibility checks to balance imaginative ideas with historical accuracy, policing speculative details to keep alternate histories credible yet creative.
Po D Centrality
Identity MarkersDiscussions orbit around the Point of Divergence (PoD), serving as a shared conceptual anchor shaping timelines and debates across the community.
Collaborative Worldbuilding
Community DynamicsInsiders engage in co-constructive storytelling through challenges and shared maps, fostering a collective authorship ethos that blends history and fiction.
Creative-Scholarship Blend
Insider PerspectiveThe fandom tightly integrates academic rigor with creative speculation, a hybrid mindset outsiders miss seeing beyond fanfiction or simple revisionism.
Sub Groups
Writers & Creators
Individuals and groups focused on crafting original alternate history stories, timelines, and multimedia projects.
Critics & Analysts
Members who specialize in reviewing, critiquing, and analyzing alternate history works and scenarios.
Visual Artists
Fans who create maps, illustrations, and visualizations of alternate timelines.
Roleplayers & Collaborative Worldbuilders
Groups that engage in collaborative storytelling, roleplaying, and shared universe projects.
Academic & Historical Enthusiasts
Members with a scholarly interest in history who apply rigorous analysis to alternate history scenarios.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Reddit
32%Reddit hosts highly active alternate history subreddits where enthusiasts share stories, critique timelines, and engage in deep discussions.
Niche Forums
22%Dedicated alternate history forums (like alternatehistory.com) are central hubs for long-form discussion, collaborative projects, and community building.
Discussion Forumsonline
Discord
13%Discord servers provide real-time chat, collaborative writing, and voice discussions for alternate history fans.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
'Pulling a PoD out of a hat'
Refers humorously to the tendency of some newcomers to pick unrealistic or lazy Points of Divergence without sufficient thought or grounding, as if randomly drawn from a hat.
'Flat timeline syndrome'
A joke about alternate histories that fail to introduce meaningful changes and end up too similar to real history, seen as uncreative by insiders.
Facts & Sayings
„Point of Divergence (PoD)“
Refers to the specific moment or event where history changes course in an alternate timeline.
„Plausibility check“
The evaluation process where members assess if the alternate history scenario is realistic given known historical constraints.
„Counterfactual“
A hypothetical scenario exploring 'what if' questions about history that did not actually happen.
„ISOT (Island in Space-Time)“
A fictional concept describing a geographic area removed from known history allowing divergent historical development.
„Map Monday“
A weekly event where members share or analyze alternate maps depicting their speculative timelines.
Unwritten Rules
Respect other members' timelines and creative efforts.
Maintaining constructive critique instead of dismissive comments fosters a supportive environment.
Avoid impossible or ahistorical PoDs without explanation.
Insiders expect some historical justification or creative framework for implausible divergences.
Credit collaborative contributions when building shared worlds.
Proper attribution is important to honor effort and maintain trust in cooperative projects.
Keep debates focused on plausibility, not personal opinions.
Upholds intellectual rigor and friendly discourse rather than heated arguments.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Elena, 27
Graduate StudentfemaleA history master's student fascinated by speculative scenarios, Elena merges academic research with alternate history storytelling.
Intellectual rigorImaginative explorationRespectful debate
Motivations
- Exploring 'what-if' scenarios to deepen understanding of historical causes and effects
- Engaging with a community that values thoughtful debate
- Contributing well-researched alternate narratives.
Challenges
- Balancing imaginative speculation with academic rigor
- Finding quality feedback on complex alternate history ideas
- Overcoming dismissal of alternate history as mere fiction.
Platforms
Online forumsDiscord servers
point of divergencecounterfactualhistorical plausibility
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Works
1 / 3
1 / 3
Works
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Read Foundational Alternate Histories
3-5 daysBasic
Summary: Explore classic alternate history works to understand genre conventions and key themes.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in foundational alternate history literature—both novels and short stories. This helps you grasp the genre’s conventions, recurring themes, and the types of divergences that fascinate the community. Start with widely recognized works, as these are often referenced in discussions and critiques. Take notes on how authors construct plausible divergences and the ripple effects they imagine. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the breadth of material or missing subtle historical references. Overcome this by focusing on a few highly recommended works and looking up unfamiliar historical events as you go. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the shared language and expectations of the fandom. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize key works and recognize common tropes in discussions.
2
Join Community Discussion Forums
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Register and observe discussions on dedicated alternate history forums and social media groups.
Details: Engage with the community by joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to alternate history. Start by reading existing threads to understand the tone, etiquette, and common topics. Pay attention to how members critique scenarios, share resources, and debate plausibility. Avoid jumping into debates immediately; instead, observe and learn the norms. A common mistake is posting uninformed scenarios or ignoring established community guidelines, which can lead to negative feedback. To overcome this, read pinned posts and FAQs before participating. This step is vital for connecting with other enthusiasts and learning from their expertise. Progress can be measured by your comfort in following discussions and your ability to identify respected contributors and recurring debates.
3
Research Real Historical Turning Points
1 weekIntermediate
Summary: Investigate pivotal real-world events that are popular divergence points in alternate history.
Details: Deepen your understanding by researching major historical turning points—such as wars, elections, or discoveries—that often serve as divergence points in alternate history scenarios. Use reputable history books, documentaries, and academic articles to get a nuanced view of these events. Focus on understanding the causes, key figures, and possible alternative outcomes. Beginners may struggle with information overload or identifying which events are most relevant. Overcome this by starting with events frequently discussed in the community and using summary resources before diving deeper. This research is essential for crafting plausible scenarios and participating meaningfully in discussions. Assess your progress by your ability to explain why certain events are popular divergence points and to suggest plausible alternatives.
1
Read Foundational Alternate Histories
3-5 daysBasic
Summary: Explore classic alternate history works to understand genre conventions and key themes.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in foundational alternate history literature—both novels and short stories. This helps you grasp the genre’s conventions, recurring themes, and the types of divergences that fascinate the community. Start with widely recognized works, as these are often referenced in discussions and critiques. Take notes on how authors construct plausible divergences and the ripple effects they imagine. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the breadth of material or missing subtle historical references. Overcome this by focusing on a few highly recommended works and looking up unfamiliar historical events as you go. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the shared language and expectations of the fandom. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize key works and recognize common tropes in discussions.
2
Join Community Discussion Forums
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Register and observe discussions on dedicated alternate history forums and social media groups.
Details: Engage with the community by joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to alternate history. Start by reading existing threads to understand the tone, etiquette, and common topics. Pay attention to how members critique scenarios, share resources, and debate plausibility. Avoid jumping into debates immediately; instead, observe and learn the norms. A common mistake is posting uninformed scenarios or ignoring established community guidelines, which can lead to negative feedback. To overcome this, read pinned posts and FAQs before participating. This step is vital for connecting with other enthusiasts and learning from their expertise. Progress can be measured by your comfort in following discussions and your ability to identify respected contributors and recurring debates.
3
Research Real Historical Turning Points
1 weekIntermediate
Summary: Investigate pivotal real-world events that are popular divergence points in alternate history.
Details: Deepen your understanding by researching major historical turning points—such as wars, elections, or discoveries—that often serve as divergence points in alternate history scenarios. Use reputable history books, documentaries, and academic articles to get a nuanced view of these events. Focus on understanding the causes, key figures, and possible alternative outcomes. Beginners may struggle with information overload or identifying which events are most relevant. Overcome this by starting with events frequently discussed in the community and using summary resources before diving deeper. This research is essential for crafting plausible scenarios and participating meaningfully in discussions. Assess your progress by your ability to explain why certain events are popular divergence points and to suggest plausible alternatives.
4
Draft Your First 'What-If' Scenario
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Write a brief alternate history scenario, focusing on a single divergence and its immediate effects.
Details: Apply your growing knowledge by drafting a short 'what-if' scenario. Choose a historical event you’ve researched and imagine a plausible divergence. Outline the immediate consequences and ripple effects, keeping your scenario concise (1-2 paragraphs). Use established scenario formats from the community as a guide. Beginners often make the mistake of creating overly broad or implausible scenarios. To avoid this, focus on a single change and its logical outcomes, and reference real historical context. This step is important because it moves you from passive learning to active participation, a key milestone in the fandom. Evaluate your progress by seeking feedback from community members and revising your scenario based on their input.
5
Participate in Scenario Critique Exchanges
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Share your scenario for feedback and provide thoughtful critiques on others’ work.
Details: Engage more deeply by posting your scenario in community critique threads or exchanges. Read and follow submission guidelines carefully. When providing feedback on others’ scenarios, focus on constructive, respectful comments—highlight strengths and suggest improvements. Beginners may feel intimidated by critical feedback or unsure how to critique others. Overcome this by framing comments positively and asking clarifying questions. This step is crucial for building credibility, learning from others, and refining your own ideas. Progress is measured by the quality of feedback you receive and give, and by your growing confidence in discussing alternate history plausibility and narrative technique.
Welcoming Practices
„Welcome to the Rift“
A phrase used metaphorically to embrace newcomers as they enter the imaginative 'rift' where history diverges.
„Sharing starter resource lists“
Experienced members provide recommended reading and tools to help beginners understand the community and improve their alternate histories.
Beginner Mistakes
Choosing a Point of Divergence that ignores major historical constraints.
Research the political, social, and technological realities of the era before selecting a PoD to ensure plausibility.
Overloading a timeline with too many changes too quickly.
Introduce gradual shifts to maintain coherence and let the alternate world evolve logically.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Develop a well-researched and coherent timeline.
Shows dedication to historical accuracy and creativity, a foundation for respect.
Participate actively in community events like Map Mondays or worldbuilding challenges.
Engagement and collaboration increase visibility and establish social bonds.
Publish original stories or maps recognized by the Sideways Awards or peer feedback.
Recognition by peers and awards signals mastery and insider status.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American forums often focus on divergences around the American Civil War and Cold War outcomes.
Europe
European members tend to explore medieval and early modern divergences, reflecting regional historical interests.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Alternate history is just simple fan-fiction or fantasy.
Reality
The community values deep historical research and plausible extrapolation, blending scholarship with imagination.
Misconception #2
Alternate history rewrites facts to suit a biased agenda.
Reality
While interpretation occurs, most members emphasize consistency with historical evidence and logical consequences.
Misconception #3
It’s only about famous battles or political shifts.
Reality
Alternate histories explore social, cultural, technological, and ecological changes, offering broad imaginative scope.
Clothing & Styles
Themed T-shirts featuring famous alternate history book covers or iconic maps
Wearing these signals insider identity and pride in favorite works or personal creations within the community.
