Talkings of a Tyrant

Reddit is a rather unique site. I’ve never come across any other site that is quite like it, though Digg comes close.

When I say “Digg comes close,” I really mean, “this is Digg with a few extra steps.” It is more manageable than Digg, simpler, easier, and, strangely, funner.

Reddit is set up like so: Someone submits a website that they like. It shows up on the “Newest” list, and if people like it, they click on the up arrow. If people don’t like it, they click on the down arrow. It is a pseudo-voting system on websites.

This is most certainly web 2.0 software, as there is very little site restrictions. Anyone can post anything (as long as it isn’t adult content) and people will promote it, or demote it into oblivion. The good stuff ends up on the “Hottest” page, and the really good stuff ends up on the “top all-time” page.

Seriously, don’t visit Reddit if you value your free time on the computer. It will suck up your productivity and focus. It is that addictive.

Unlike Digg, it doesn’t have hoards of fans and users. This is probably one of reddit’s main assets, as people can more easily review and judge new links.

Also unlike Digg, instead of ranking users by simply rank (1 is the best, 1000 is the 1000th best, etc.), Reddit has a karma system. If the stuff you submit is good and people rank it highly, then you get good karma. If it is bad, you get bad karma.

Reddit does need more subscribable feeds. I would like to subscribe to other people’s submissions or something.

Just a note, you do have to register, but it is quick, painless, and asks for very little personal information.