Revealed: Just 5 Individuals Control Over 90 of Reddit's Top Subs!

Hey r/conspiracy,

You might remember my last post on this topic got locked faster than you can say "mod abuse" (I'm half joking, I know these guys are just doing their job). But we're not ones to back down from shedding light on the dark corners of this site, so here's a revised, name-free deep dive into the control mechanisms of Reddit's top subs. Please let this post stay; I am following all guidelines.

The Facts:

• Concentration of Power: Out of the top 500 subreddits, a staggering 92 are controlled by just five individuals. That's not just influence; that's dominion over a massive chunk of what millions see daily on Reddit.

• How They Got There: This isn't about hacking or some shadowy cabal; it's about the structure of Reddit's mod system. Once you're a mod of one big sub, you're often invited to moderate others. It's like a modding meritocracy, but with a twist - modding is hard work. It requires time, skill in dealing with the community, and yes, some coding to tweak subreddit settings.

• Technical Specifics:

  • Mod Queues: These individuals manage tens of thousands of posts and comments daily. They're not just approving content; they're shaping narratives by what they choose to highlight or suppress.
  • CSS and Bot Usage: Custom stylesheets (CSS) allow for unique looks but also control what content gets visibility. Moreover, some mods use bots for automated moderation, which can dictate the flow of information with minimal human oversight.
  • Mod Tools: Reddit provides mod tools like AutoMod for filtering content, but in the hands of a few, these tools can be used to enforce a very specific view of what content is "allowed."

• The Lockdown Effect: My last post was locked, not for falsehoods, but because it named names. This isn't about individuals; it's about the system that allows such concentration. We're talking about an ecosystem where a few can steer the conversation of millions.

• Why It Matters:

  • Narrative Control: With such power, these mods can control what topics trend, what gets buried, and what kind of discussions are encouraged or discouraged.
  • Community Influence: They can impact how subreddits evolve, potentially pushing them in directions that align with their personal or collective views rather than the community's natural development.

What Can We Do?

• Transparency: Demand more from Reddit. How about a public mod log for big subs? Or at least clearer guidelines on mod practices?
• Diversify Mod Teams: Encourage or even require larger mod teams for big subs to distribute power and reduce the influence of any single mod or small group.
• Community Oversight: Perhaps a system where communities can vote on major mod decisions?

This isn't about witch-hunting; it's about understanding the mechanics of power on Reddit and pushing for a platform that truly reflects its community's will, not just the whims of a few.

Stay curious, stay vigilant. And for the love of free speech, let's keep this discussion open.

Edit: No names, no specific subs, just the facts and the system we're dealing with. Let's see if this one stays up.

[Upvote if you believe in a more open Reddit, downvote if you think this is all just how the site works.]

Note: Keep it civil, keep it factual. The truth is out there, but it's up to us to uncover it.