Reddit and weep: Rebellion sees website in chaos after worker sacked

One of the world’s most popular websites has been thrown into chaos by a rebellion sparked by the sacking of a popular staff member. The unpaid moderators of some of the link-sharing site’s most-read sections have temporarily hidden them from public view. They include the sections - known as subreddits - for movies, books, gaming and science. It comes after Reddit employee Victoria Taylor was dismissed in mysterious circumstances. Ms Taylor was in charge of the ‘ask me anything’ (AMA) question and answer sessions which have seen the likes of Barack Obama and Bill Gates grilled by Reddit users.

This seems to be a seriously stupid decision. We have several AMAs upcoming in books and have no idea how to contact the authors.

Reddit books section moderator 'imakuram’

Some users have speculated whether it was the disastrous AMA with the Reverend Jesse Jackson this week that triggered Ms Taylor’s departure. In it, one user asked: “How much money have you extorted from various people and companies over the years of practicing your shakedown scheme? Do you think Al Capone would be jealous of your business model if he were still alive?" But others say her departure was owing to a disagreement with management over the commercialisation of AMA. Reddit recently appointed Ellen Pao (pictured) as chief executive, who banned five forums last month in a harassment crackdown.

Let’s fire the person who keeps our fourth largest subreddit functional and not tell anyone involved! That’ll be funny, right guys? Honk honk.

One of the comments on the discussion thread

Technology Reddit