Reddit forces personalized ads, starts X-like user payment program

Such a shame what’s become of Reddit. Such an excellent resource for knowledge on niche topics and especially good for buying recommendations.

But worse then these ad changes and the API changes forcing off 3rd party apps has been the increasingly overzealous mods exacting control over their fiefdoms, even among top subreddits. Doesn’t feel like you can have a real conversation in many parts anymore unless you toe the line with each sub’s personal agenda. A common example is very left-leaning (disclosure: I consider myself fairly left leaning) city subs barring discussion of certain crimes (see r/Oakland and r/washingtondc).

If Reddit cared about quality discussion they’d take back control from these mods but in the end the only thing that matters is brand-safe content that helps drive revenue. Enshittifcation strikes again.

Anyone know of a good Reddit alternative that has decent traction?