[tinkertamper]

I created a sub 9 years ago that now has a few million subscribers (so now requires a bit more effort to mod). I _don’t_ get paid, though I certainty wouldn’t turn it down. I started the sub because I like the content that is posted and I want to continue seeing more of it. Why continue to mod? Because I like to be involved and keep this little square of the internet free of toxic and often hateful spam/content.

> It seems threatening to take it away is making them compromise on their values quite effectively.

What exactly are you referring to here? I see this narrative in a lot of places and I’m confused about what “values” mods supposedly collectively have? So much discussion online paints moderators as some sort of a connected cabal with alternative motives instead of unrelated nerds who enjoy niche content.

[clnq]

> What exactly are you referring to here? I see this narrative in a lot of places and I’m confused about what “values” mods supposedly collectively have?

Taking communities private was a stand for values (or shown as such). Now that's being reversed when these mods are threatened with removal. So there seems to be some significant value in modding they don't want to lose.

> So much discussion online paints moderators as some sort of a connected cabal with alternative motives instead of unrelated nerds who enjoy niche content.

I wouldn't describe it as a cabal (some secret, influential, political org). But these strikes have been coordinated half-publicly[0] and half-privately among mods of subs. And the goal is to influence Reddit in a way that the group prefers. In a political context, that would be close to a cabal. Regardless, I don't think cabals are immoral unless their goals are.

[0] https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/

[riku_iki]

> So much discussion online paints moderators as some sort of a connected cabal

significant group indeed became well organized in aggressively pushing one sided narrative, it is possible you are not a member of that group.

[clnq]

> Because I like to be involved and keep this little square of the internet free of toxic and often hateful spam/content

So most of the personal value comes from being able to influence this part of the internet in a positive way?