SOCIAL
Reddit Tests ‘Mod Notes’ to Provide More Insight on Users and Their Contributions in Communities
Reddit has launched an interesting experiment which essentially provides advice and ratings on contributors to subreddits, enabling more context as to how the user has contributed in the past.
As you can see in this example, Reddit has launched a new test of what it’s calling ‘Mod Notes’, which enables moderators to create informational notes and tips that are then attached to a user profile for that community.
Here’s another look at the Mod Notes process, which also includes a full log of notes and mod actions applied to a user within a specific subreddit.
As explained by Reddit:
“The profile hovercard will be your home base for accessing Mod Notes and any moderator with Manage User permissions will be able to utilize it.”
So it’s not intended to be a public-facing info source, as such, but it’s designed to give moderators more context on each individual user, and their actions within the group.
Moderators are able to mark each subreddit member with one of five labels:
- Helpful
- Good Contributor
- Spam Watch
- Spam Warning
- Abuse Warning
That provides more ways to not only weed out potentially problematic contributors, but also to recognize the top members for their ongoing contributions.
It’s an interesting approach, which could provide another way for Reddit, and potentially other platforms that might look to adapt similar, to share more context about each user.
Twitter is actually trying something similar with its Birdwatch experiment, which enables users to leave notes on questionable tweets to provide more context. Earlier this month, Twitter took that project to the next stage, with some users now able to view Birdwatch notes from other users on certain tweets.
Reddit’s Mod Notes are, again, not public, so it’s not exactly the same, but it takes a similar approach in enabling users to add context and oversight to contributors, in order to weed out questionable posts and users.
It’d actually be interesting to see Reddit make these notes available to regular users, especially after, say, a certain threshold of reports. If moderators flag a contributor with several spam or abuse warnings, they should be either publicly highlighted, or the user should be removed, while the ‘Helpful’ and ‘Good Contributor’ tags could add more context to these users’ comments, and more weight to their insights and notes.
The fact that these are allocated by the mods themselves could serve as both an endorsement and incentive, giving users another way to get credit for their interactions.
And again, that could work on other platforms too. Aside from Twitter, Facebook’s also testing up and downvotes on group comments, which could also serve as a means to flag good and bad contributors, and add an element of crowdsourced monitoring to its systems.
There are abuse risks too, which is why platforms need to tread carefully (note: Reddit says the feature has been in development for months). But if you can allocate a group of trusted overseers, like Reddit mods, or group admins, who can then approve such tags, it could be a valuable tool in enhancing engagement.
Reddit’s Mod Notes are now available to moderators in the app.
SOCIAL
Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
SOCIAL
Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
SOCIAL
Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement
Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.
That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.
Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.
That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.
Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.
Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
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