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The original was posted on /r/modcoord by /u/shimmyjimmy97 on 2023-08-25 19:44:15.
I am not here to suggest that Reddit stole my idea. I am simply pointing out that Reddit’s attempt at improving the site has already been implemented by volunteers (and implemented better). This is a perfect example of why it is crucial to allow users non-restrictive, open access to Reddit’s API. There are those of us on this site that want to help make it better, if you will let us.
Updates To How We’ll Be Supporting Our Moderators
Reddit recently announced their new Mod Helper Program as an effort to help mods recognize members of the community that have a history of providing assistance to moderators on the site. They describe the program as follows:
The Mod Helper Program is a new system that awards helpful Mods with level-specific trophies and flair based on comment karma in r/ModSupport. This will both recognize Mods who are particularly helpful and reliable sources of knowledge for their fellow Mods, all with the goal of celebrating your support of each other and fostering a culture in this community where mods readily collaborate and learn from one another.
[…]
The Mod Helper Program uses a tiering system for comment karma earned from helping answer your fellow mods to award you trophies and special flair. When you reach a new tier, you will receive unique trophies and flair based on your level of moderator expertise and helpfulness.
I was quite surprised when I read this because it sounds remarkably similar, if not identical to the tool I developed for moderators over the past 5 years. This tool was rendered completely ineffective after the API change due to the requirement to collect large amounts of data on the users it flairs.
InstaMod - Customizable User Flair System
User TiersAs a user participates more and more in the community, their flair can change to represent their involvement. Certain tiers, or levels of user participation, can grant the user access to special privileges. This includes the ability to assign themself custom flair and the ability to add CSS to their automatic flair. This system rewards frequent contributors and encourages new users to stop lurking and start participating!
Moderators have been begging Reddit for more automated systems to help them manage their communities. The tool I developed (for free and in my spare time) is significantly more feature rich than what was created for the Mod Helper Program. I do not understand why Reddit is unable to develop more tools like this for moderators to use in their communities.
Some of the features that my implementation includes that Reddit’s does not:
- Pull from user data outside of the subreddit it runs in
- Evaluating tiers based on much more detailed criteria than just total comment karma in the community
- Tagging users for activity in other related communities
- Allow users of certain tiers the ability to modify parts of their flair
- Highly customizable and generalized to support any type of community
InstaMod - Settings Documentation
For an example of how detailed of an implementation can be achieved with this program compared to Reddit’s implementation, check out the announcement post for it on the /r/CryptoCurrency subreddit