The story of my first and last post on Reddit.
For many years, I avoided Reddit. I was wary of the platform, having heard stories of how the anonymity of users often resulted in low-quality information and high-volume trolling.
Nevertheless, several months ago, I was considering a freelance position with a company and looking for more information on it when I came across a relevant subreddit. So, I caved, finally creating an account to receive updates as new information became available.
Joining Reddit
For several months, I only used the account here and there for research and following a few subreddits. I never posted myself, far too intimidated by the scathing responses I’d read on even the most mundane topics.
In addition to the subreddit about the company, I followed several others on topics relevant to me.
One such subreddit I followed was on Glioblastoma (GBM). I joined the GBM subreddit because my mom has the disease, an awful and usually terminal brain cancer.
I’ve been a member of several Facebook groups offering support and resources to caregivers whose loved ones have been diagnosed with GBM.
I won’t say these Facebook groups are without their own issues. However, in my experience, they’re well-moderated, providing a safe space to ask questions and feel support as part of a community of people going through the same unfathomable heartache.
I’ve posted and commented several times in these groups, and each time, I found the experience positive and pleasant, if not helpful. Joining the subreddits on these topics, I anticipated a similarly supportive atmosphere.
My First Reddit Post
On Facebook, I’d previously shared a Medium article I wrote, Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone With a Terminal Illness. I had received a lot of positive feedback on the article, so one day, I decided to share it on Reddit as well.
I want to note here that this entire episode occurred before I understood how the “Friend Link” worked. If I had known about it then, I would have utilized it and potentially avoided the entire fiasco. However, I don’t feel a paywall excuses the horrendous treatment I received, as I’ll explain in the following sections.
So, I went ahead and shared the article to the GBM subreddit. I titled the post simply stating the article was relevant and helpful for those dealing with the illness.
A Problematic Comment
Shortly after posting, I received a comment asking if I could copy and paste the article in the comments since it was paywalled.
At first, I was unsure how to respond. Despite being in the partner program, I wanted anyone interested to have access to the article, even if they weren’t Medium members. (This is when I wish I’d known about the “friend-link”) However, I also wanted to protect the integrity of my work, which I was proud of.
I gave the request some consideration, consulted the community standards, and decided to respond that I was sorry they couldn’t view the article, but copying and pasting copywritten material in the comments would be unethical. I explained that Medium is a fairly popular site, so I assumed many would have access to it. In case of any concerns about the source, I explained that Medium is a platform for reading and writing and that I highly recommended it if they were interested.
That last sentence, I meant genuinely. I love the site. And I was thrilled to discover when it was recommended to me. Despite the sincerity with which it was intended, it was the beginning of the end for me on Reddit.
Let the Trolling Begin
Moments later, another commenter was accusing me of being a marketer and telling me what an “asshole” and “piece of shit” I was for using that particular subreddit to try and profit by “selling magazine subscriptions.”
At first, I was upset by the harsh tone and false accusation. Still, I’m a reasonable person, so I understood how the recommendation could have been misconstrued as marketing.
I responded, explaining that I was, in fact, the author of the article and that my mother has GBM. I also clarified that the recommendation was genuine and that Medium isn’t a magazine but more akin to social media for readers and writers.
While I didn’t expect an apology for the name-calling and accusations, I assumed this would end the conversation and hoped the comment would be deleted.
It wasn’t. The anonymous troll persisted, stating I hadn’t shared anything of value since the article was paywalled and adding that, based on the “self-righteous” title, it was likely “shit” anyways. Additionally, he continued to call me an asshole, insisting I was trying to profit by selling magazine subscriptions.
Now, I was furious. While I understand the futility of trying to convince a stranger on the internet they’re wrong, I still felt the need to defend myself and explain.
I regret that my frustration-fueled response matched his profane tone. However, I attempted to clarify the following points.
- Medium is not a magazine but a popular forum for readers and writers. Therefore, I’d assumed that many, not all, would have access to the article and appreciate its content.
- I don’t receive any commission when someone joins the platform. Therefore, my recommendation was genuine and based solely on my own experience. Note: I am a partner program member. However, I didn’t think the pennies I receive when a paid member reads my work justified fueling his accusations. Again, had I been aware of the “friend link” at the time, I would have gladly utilized it to ensure everyone could access the content.
- In defense of my original refusal to copy and paste the article, I asked if I would be similarly accosted if, instead of an article, I had recommended a documentary available on Netflix since a paid subscription is required to access it. And if I would similarly be expected to pirate the video and post it in the comments.
Regarding the last point, this subreddit, like most, has a set of posted “community standards” that prohibit reproducing copywritten material. So theoretically, even if I had copied and pasted the content, it should have been removed by admin.
When I received another equally ignorant and illogical response, I’d had enough. I reported the commenter for his initiating foul language and unfounded accusations, knowing I, too, was guilty and would be penalized. And I deleted the original post altogether, realizing Reddit wasn’t the forum for me.
Leaving Reddit
Having deleted the post, I was already contemplating deleting my Reddit account when I received a response from an admin of the subreddit. I expected to be reprimanded for using foul language, but I was aghast as I read the message.
The administrator acknowledged the profanity used by both the commenter and me. However, they continued reprimanding and suspending me for “sharing a paywalled article.” Which, I checked, is in no way prohibited by the community standards. I was shocked and disgusted.
Had the article been from the New York Times, The Washington Post, or any other well-known publication requiring a paid subscription, would I have been similarly reprimanded? What kind of administrator faults someone for sharing relevant content simply because some may not have the necessary subscription to view it? As a society, do we truly have so little respect for the work of writers and protecting their copywritten material?
This message was the last straw and soured me on the platform entirely. I was fuming, my heart was pounding, and the entire interaction had brought out the worst in me. I immediately left the subreddit and deleted my Reddit account without even responding to the admin’s message.
Final Thoughts
I like to think that, generally, people are good. Reddit, however, forces me to question my belief in the inherent “goodness” of humanity.
It’s a truly toxic environment where users, hidden and protected by masks of anonymity, are free to behave as poorly as they like without fear of consequence.
And quite frankly, I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.
BLEW WRITING LLC 