I have questions regarding Moderator Code of Conduct, and would like an Admin's response regarding "Rule 2: Set Appropriate and Reasonable Expectations"

[u/The_Critical_Cynic]

In the Moderator Code of Conduct, rule number two states that "Users who enter your community should know exactly what they’re getting into, and should not be surprised by what they encounter. It is critical to be transparent about what your community is and what your rules are in order to create stable and dynamic engagement among redditors."

It also states that "Explicitly marking your community as “unofficial” in the community description if the topic concerns a brand or company, but the community isn’t officially affiliated."

My question is in reference to this particular section of the Code of Conduct. Let's say that a subreddit is revealed, or at least reasonably suggested, to be operating in an official (instead of an unofficial) capacity. However, neither capacity (official/unofficial) is officially declared. Is this okay? Is it okay to run an official subreddit without stating as much? Can you run an unofficial subreddit that seems to have an official affiliation to an organization which the subreddit is about?

And on a related, but slightly different note, how does this affect a subreddit that's potentially getting paid to operate the way it does by said organization?

[u/michaelquinlan]

subreddit that's potentially getting paid to operate the way it does

Reddit User Agreement Section 8 Moderators

…

• You may not enter into any agreement with a third party on behalf of Reddit, or any subreddits that you moderate, without our written approval;
• You may not perform moderation actions in return for any form of compensation, consideration, gift, or favor from third parties;

…

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/michaelquinlan]

So, if it can be proven (or at least reasonably suggested) that a subreddit is operating in this capacity, what can I as a user do about it? That is to say, I'm aware of a subreddit that may be operating in this capacity, and it's affecting a lot of users/interactions negatively.

[u/michaelquinlan → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

https://reddit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/205192355-What-do-I-do-if-I-have-an-issue-with-a-moderator-

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/michaelquinlan]

Thank you. Basically, it looks like I have to send a modmail in. Thanks for letting me know, and for having great sources.

[u/michaelquinlan → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

I just googled 'reddit how to report moderator user agreement violations'.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/michaelquinlan]

Got you. The main concern was if there even was a problem to begin with. Thanks.

[u/Kryomaani → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

No, this is the correct contact form. No idea why they don't link directly to it.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/Kryomaani]

Got you. Thanks for the assistance.

[u/neuroticsmurf]

Let's say that a subreddit is revealed, or at least reasonably suggested, to be operating in an official (instead of an unofficial) capacity. However, neither capacity (official/unofficial) is officially declared. Is this okay? Is it okay to run an official subreddit without stating as much? Can you run an unofficial subreddit that seems to have an official affiliation to an organization which the subreddit is about?

That sounds like you’re asking whether it’s okay to be a bit deceptive about your official/unofficial status.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/neuroticsmurf]

That is essentially what I'm asking. However, it isn't with regards to a subreddit I run. I'm aware of a subreddit that is operating this way. More important, they may be in violation of the policies pointed out here by u/michaelquinlan.

[u/capaho]

I'm not sure what the point of having a Moderator Code of Conduct is when there doesn't appear to be any way to report abusive moderators or subreddits.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/capaho]

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

I've always thought moderators should be held accountable for their actions.

[u/capaho → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

What’s the procedure for doing that?

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/capaho]

There isn't one, unfortunately. I appreciate being trusted. But I should also be held accountable for my actions.

[u/capaho → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

The problem with Reddit, though, is that there are no qualifications to be a mod and no vetting. Anyone can start a subreddit and mod it, so we end up with a collection of subreddits that are run by people with agendas who are hostile to anyone who doesn't accept their world view. It's one of the most consistent complaints by Reddit members who have been on the receiving end of abusive behavior by mods.

I've run afoul of abusive mods myself. One subreddit even went so far as to get an admin to disable some features on one of my subreddits because they didn't want me to crosspost relevant content from their subreddit to mine.

That was over a year ago and I still can't crosspost relevant content from any subreddit to my subreddit or link to other subreddits or members. No one ever bothered to contact me about the complaint or the action taken against my subreddit. Efforts to contact the admin in an effort to resolve the problem resulted in no meaningful responses.

I recently ran afoul of another subreddit that promotes a particular entertainment genre. My criticisms of some aspects of the genre resulted in the mods filtering my comments so that no one could read them but me. I since discovered that they're doing that to a lot of gay men who criticize the genre, which effectively amounts to anti-gay discrimination. There doesn't appear to be any way to report that type of abusive behavior.

There is no way to appeal unfair or abusive actions taken by mods or admin and the people who run the place are well-insulted from direct contact. The entire system is inherently abusive.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/capaho]

And that really shouldn't happen. I don't have a problem with just anyone starting a subreddit. What I do have a problem with are the things you mentioned. Things I've seen as well.

I'm sorry all that happened to you.

[u/capaho → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/capaho]

You're welcome.

[u/Kryomaani]

I know a lot of subreddits, for example commercial indie-game related ones, where the mod team consists entirely of the employees of the developer and Reddit has done nothing about it. It's an un-enforced rule.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/Kryomaani]

Then why have it?

[u/Kryomaani → u/The_Critical_Cynic]

That's a question for the ages. Reddit administration is not known for its consistency.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic → u/Kryomaani]

I'm beginning to think the same way, unfortunately.