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> “Does free speech mean literally anyone can say anything at any time?” Tidwell continued. “Or is it actually more conducive to the free exchange of ideas if w

by Clanan 9y ago

> “Does free speech mean literally anyone can say anything at any time?” Tidwell continued. “Or is it actually more conducive to the free exchange of ideas if we create a platform where women and people of color can say what they want without thousands of people screaming, ‘Fuck you, light yourself on fire, I know where you live’? This comment, by Reddit's General Counsel, says a lot about their approach. They believe that minorities/women will be subjected to nonstop violent comments unless Reddit pursues proactive and forceful moderation, free speech be damned. I think (hope) that's a very cynical view. The author of the piece does a great job juxtaposing this quote with the results of r/Place, however, in pointing out that it did not devolve into swastikas and "toxic" content when left to its own devices. But reddit moderation is not just about quality content. I think many commenters here miss this. Moderation of a hugely successful website is not just about the technical issues or the logistics. Huffman, the CEO, is quoted as saying he believes Reddit can sway elections. So now moderation is about power. Imagine the temptation: you're one click away from destroying the popular, impactful subreddit of a political candidate you detest. One click to sway an election, maybe. Edit: spelling

kakarot 9y ago
> you're one click away from destroying the popular, impactful subreddit of a political candidate you detest I hope they put that behind at least two clicks.
intended 9y ago
Minorities and women are subject to nonstop violent comments. God help you if you are a moderator and a member of a popular community and known as member of one of those groups. And its even worse if you are a mod, a minority member, AND a mod of a minority community. ---- The best way to think of social media/reddit is a beautiful cleave sort process. People form a community, and then they have to deal with attackers or outsiders. Eventually a drama even occurs and people get expelled. These people who are expelled form their own community and this process continues ad infinitum. On top of it, some people will independently create subs just to target you, or create subs that inadvertently target you (from the old forum days - nazi forums would actively harass Jewish forums.)

by Clanan 9y ago

kakarot 9y ago

> you're one click away from destroying the popular, impactful subreddit of a political candidate you detest I hope they put that behind at least two clicks.

intended 9y ago

Minorities and women are subject to nonstop violent comments. God help you if you are a moderator and a member of a popular community and known as member of one of those groups. And its even worse if you are a mod, a minority member, AND a mod of a minority community. ---- The best way to think of social media/reddit is a beautiful cleave sort process. People form a community, and then they have to deal with attackers or outsiders. Eventually a drama even occurs and people get expelled. These people who are expelled form their own community and this process continues ad infinitum. On top of it, some people will independently create subs just to target you, or create subs that inadvertently target you (from the old forum days - nazi forums would actively harass Jewish forums.)