Ex-Reddit mod believes people should have qualifications to run subreddits

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Following his departure from the LiveStreamFails subreddit, a former moderator named Stale2000 proposed that future moderators should meet certain qualifications.

Reddit relies heavily on volunteer moderators to keep the site running smoothly. These moderators make sure conversations stay on track and that posts follow the rules. Recently, though, there have been some cases where moderators have misused their authority.

In early 2026, the LivestreamFails subreddit experienced another controversy involving its moderators. Stale2000, who used to be a moderator, was removed from the team after advertising a questionable reality TV show called ‘Million Dollar Fan.’

People on the subreddit criticized the former moderator for what looked like self-promotion, which sparked a discussion. After stepping down, Stale2000 explained the situation in a YouTube video, arguing that moderators deserve respect similar to celebrities because they have significant power and can influence the community.

Ex-Reddit mod continues to speak out after LSF exit

Following a video where MoistCr1TiKaL made fun of him, Stale2000 released his own video, continuing to argue that moderators should have more authority and meet certain standards to be effective.

You know, he actually made a really good point. He said that maybe the reason things are going wrong is because there aren’t any requirements or standards in place. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If anyone can just do something, you’re bound to run into issues. I think he’s right – we really need to think about setting some qualifications.

Honestly, I was really curious why he even bothers with sponsorships. It’s not like he seems driven by money, you know? He was saying he’d totally work with a brand just because he likes them and thinks they’re cool, and that’s what bugged Moist – he was defending himself against the idea that he’s only in it for the cash.

The former moderator suggested people direct their frustration with the recent issues and the moderation controversy towards Reddit itself, rather than at individual moderators. He argued that people reacting with negativity should consider what it says about a platform worth $50 billion.

Consider all the criticisms you have of me – that I’m unskilled, unfair, arrogant, or crave control. Then ask yourself what those things say about Reddit itself. I ran a very popular subreddit for over a year with almost complete authority, and you’ll never know the full extent of what happened. I’m the disruptive force here, and I’m telling you this directly.

This isn’t the first time Reddit’s moderation has caused problems. In December, the r/Art subreddit was temporarily closed by a moderator when an artist announced they were selling prints. Reddit administrators had to intervene to resolve the situation.

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2026-01-21 13:49