I created a sub 9 years ago that now has a few million subscribers (so now requires a bit more effort to mod). I _don’t_ get paid, though I certainty wouldn’t turn it down. I started the sub because I like the content that is posted and I want to continue seeing more of it. Why continue to mod? Because I like to be involved and keep this little square of the internet free of toxic and often hateful spam/content.
> It seems threatening to take it away is making them compromise on their values quite effectively.
What exactly are you referring to here? I see this narrative in a lot of places and I’m confused about what “values” mods supposedly collectively have? So much discussion online paints moderators as some sort of a connected cabal with alternative motives instead of unrelated nerds who enjoy niche content.
> It seems threatening to take it away is making them compromise on their values quite effectively.
What exactly are you referring to here? I see this narrative in a lot of places and I’m confused about what “values” mods supposedly collectively have? So much discussion online paints moderators as some sort of a connected cabal with alternative motives instead of unrelated nerds who enjoy niche content.