Reddit, the self-proclaimed ‘Front Page of the Internet’ is the Hydra of social media sites. It has a front page but also countless, user-generated (and user-governed) ‘sub-reddit’ forums with posts that concentrate on everything from public relations to pyrotechnics. The organic content on the site draws millions of visitors and interactions each day. It has been a forum for anonymous disclosure of sensitive information, and has even hosted open discussions on public policy with none other than the President himself. In fact, Reddit was credited with first reporting Facebook’s potential interest in acquiring Oculus over a month ago, although traditional media only picked up on it a few days before the deal was done. This week’s Wrap serves up a few articles about the social phenomenon that is Reddit, and why you need to know all about it.
How Alexis Ohanian Built a Front Page of the Internet
Inc
From being politely refused funding for a different startup, to creating Reddit in three weeks and
selling it for millions within 16 months, the founders of Reddit have written an ambitious business storyline.
How to Capitalize on Reddit’s “Window of Vitality”
Fast Company
How does Reddit’s ‘front page’ work? How do headlines grab the attention – and upvotes – of thousands of Redditors and make it in front of the eyes of millions more around the world? Get to know how Reddit’s ‘hotness’ algorithm designates worthy posts, and how the “Window of Vitality” plays a part.
A Reddit cheat sheet for PR and marketing pros
Ragan’s PR Daily
Reddit is fundamentally democratic in nature and doesn’t respond well to contrivance. Self-promotion and shilling on the site can lead to disastrous outcomes, as Woody Harrelson learned while trying to promote a movie last year. Reddit is far from a marketer’s best friend, but with delicacy, a foray into Reddit might bear fruit.
Reddit is a simple interface that houses a labyrinth of information and opinion. In some ways, Reddit represents what the Internet is at its core: entertaining, sometimes unfortunate and tasteless, often informative and almost always honest. Do you use Reddit? If so, what do you use it for? If not, what is your impression of Reddit based on these articles? Please share your thoughts and comments below, and as always, thanks for reading!
