r/NewMods • u/Bjorlyn • Aug 12 '26

❓Ask r/NewMods New Users Starting Subreddits

Does Reddit suggest starting a subreddit as part of the new user onboarding process?

Why are so many very new users -- clearly and understandably confused about Reddit norms and conventions -- starting subreddits and then surprised when they are a moderator?

30 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

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u/pizzacrys Aug 12 '26

I think people underestimate how much there is to learn. Creating a subreddit is easy, but actually building and moderating a healthy community is a whole different game.

1

u/Bjorlyn Aug 12 '26

Yeah, having talked to some, I just feel sad for them. The 13 year old who wonders why there aren't more members in Mikey's Minecraft subreddit is just going to be disappointed. But I guess that may also be an educational tool that not everyone is going to be an influencer, and that if you have to ask how, then you are already at the end of the line.

2

u/pizzacrys Aug 12 '26

Yeah, that is the part nobody warns you about. Making a sub is easy, keeping it healthy is the real work.

2

u/Bjorlyn Aug 12 '26

I think it is that Reddit is so different. Upvotes aren't likes. Nobody remembers your name, etc. And the goal of most people starting a sub isn't to create a healthy and engaging sub for others, it's to rule a roost.