It's a fair point, but if the prices were reasonable, i think the firms would see it as a cost of doing business. Remember this is revenue from firms attemptin

It's a fair point, but if the prices were reasonable, i think the firms would see it as a cost of doing business. Remember this is revenue from firms attempting to create content, not paying for ad space. You'd have a shallower river of income, but a much wider one. I'm not saying it would definitely work, but i think it'd certainly be something worth paying for. Especially when you're watching your ad successfully drive lots of users to your product... it's working! And then suddenly reddit calls your firm up and says: "Hey, nice successful ad you have there blowing up on our service. It'd be a shame if anything were to happen to it..." As for the users, if you shadow ban the content, more often then not they wouldn't even know. If they find out, you could simply explain that the relevant firm is abusing the service. Most would even help... a small button (is this an ad?). I'd click it, because i would know clicking it helps reddit. Remember, redditors are adults, with brains (they watch community, not two and a half men). There may be some push back, but i know i'd certainly understand, because big firms cheating the system is bullshit, especially if price discrimination is put in place to protect small firms. Dollar Shave Club pays pennies, Gillette pays hundreds. And, hey, i really do love the site. If Alexis or Steve are ever in need of a beer in SF, i'd be happy to buy it.