Reddit struggles as moderators close discussion boards in protest

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. The action comes after Reddit employee Victoria Taylor was dismissed in mysterious circumstances. 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 that the disastrous AMA with the Rev. Jesse Jackson this week triggered 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 commercialization of AMA. Reddit recently appointed as chief executive Ellen Pao, 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