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Reddit Mod Ousted After Protest Raises Questions About Site's Future
Reddit faces backlash as it removes moderators of protesting subreddits over alleged violations, while some mods are mysteriously reinstated.
Reddit has taken action after its recent confrontation with subreddit moderators protesting against the platform's new API pricing scheme. Several subreddits saw their moderators being replaced, while others were left unmoderated. Interestingly, some subreddits had their original moderators reinstated.
According to Reddit, the removals were a response to moderators violating the Moderator Code of Conduct by allowing "not safe for work" (NSFW) the content in previously "safe for work" subreddits. However, moderators who spoke to Ars Technica suspect that Reddit's actions are aimed at silencing their protests against the new fees. Moderators from r/Celebrities, r/interestingasfuck, r/mildlyinteresting, r/self, r/ShittyLifeProTips and r/TIHI reported being removed, with other subreddits like r/toyota, r/garmin, and r/IllegalLifeProTips also allegedly affected. All these communities resorted to allowing NSFW content as a means of protesting the API pricing.
The introduction of NSFW content allows subreddits to evade ad monetization, prompting accusations that Reddit covertly switched certain subreddits back to "safe for work" status.
When asked about the possible switching by an Ars Technica representative, Reddit spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt stated, "It’s not OK to show people NSFW content when they don’t want to see it. In line with our Moderator Code of Conduct, we’ll remove moderators and restrict communities where moderators are engaging in malicious conduct, like allowing rule-violating behaviour or encouraging the submission of sexually explicit content in previously safe-for-work spaces."
Rathschmidt highlighted the violation of Reddit's Content Policy and Moderator Code of Conduct when communities are incorrectly marked as NSFW. Rule 4 of the Moderator Code of Conduct emphasises the importance of active and engaged moderation.
Currently, some subreddits remain unmoderated, while others have new moderators. The r/Celebrities community, for instance, has already voiced resistance against the new mods, claiming they do not represent their interests and are not previously involved in the community.
Meanwhile, the overall sentiment among the moderator community is one of discontent, with some considering quitting their voluntary positions or already doing so. A Reddit moderator, referred to as Jess for privacy reasons, expressed frustration, stating, "We put up with a lot as Reddit mods—death threats, doxing, sorting through lewd and even illegal material (that Reddit continually ignores)—and deserve to be treated with basic respect." Jess has chosen to erase their account and resign as a moderator, citing dissatisfaction with Reddit's conduct.
Adding to the confusion, certain subreddits' moderators, including r/mildlyinteresting, were later reinstated.
Reddit has not responded to Ars Technica's inquiries regarding the removal of specific moderators or the restoration of others.
Reddit removes moderators of subreddits protesting new API pricing.
Allegations of Reddit silencing protests through removals.
NSFW content introduction is seen as a method to bypass ad monetization.
Violations of the Moderator Code of Conduct and Content Policy are cited as reasons.
Some subreddits remain unmoderated, while others have new moderators.
The moderator community expresses the discontent and considers leaving.
Reddit spokesperson's explanation for removals and restoration.
Lack of clarity from Reddit on specific removals and reinstatements.