Rethinking Rewards: Reddit Abolishes Gold Rewards System

Emmett Whitfield

16 Jul 2023

Rethinking Rewards: Reddit Abolishes Gold Rewards System

News from the community-focused platform, Reddit, has caused a stir among its users with the announcement of discontinuing its coins and awards system. Reddit Coins, a currency used by community members to award each other for meaningful contributions, will no longer be available for purchase. The platform intends to make its user experience simpler, but the absence of details about a replacement reward system has left the community on tenterhooks.

Reddit's justification for this change comes from a desire to streamline the user experience. Feedback suggested to them that users found the award system and process of awarding cluttered and overly complex. The decision, therefore, lies in the hearts of their users. The change is an attempt to declutter the platform and create an easier-to-use reward system.

The award system began with Reddit Gold, later evolving into a larger array of awards like Reddit Silver, Platinum, Ternium, and Argentium. It served as a unique way for users to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions. With over 50 different types of awards, the system played a significant role in fostering a sense of community and empowering individual expression.

While the platform is adamant about the change, it has promised to create a new system, one that retains the core value of rewarding quality contributions. Aiming to offer a simpler, more intuitive, and transparent system, Reddit plans to empower its users in meaningful ways. However, without a clear timeline or details about the new rewards system, it has invariably left its users apprehensive.

The abrupt withdrawal of a popular feature without an immediate replacement has not been well-received by the community. Users have voiced their disappointment, stating that the move is synonymous with removing a popular feature and charging the same premium. Furthermore, the recent backlash over its API changes shows that Reddit is navigating through turbulent times. However, its commitment to improving the platform's user-friendliness while keeping the spirit of rewarding good content is commendable. As the community waits for more details, one can only hope for a smooth transition that retains Reddit's community-centered charm.

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