Does History Repeat Itself?: Digg vs Reddit

Some of us Remember Digg.com.

In the Early 2000's, it was one of THE top dog[g] 's of the 'link-sharing' platform format. Its front page was filled with articles and relevant comments that captured the zeitgeist of the time. However, like all good things, Digg.com eventually faced a decline in popularity and user engagement, leading to its ultimate downfall.

Why is Digg.com important today, almost ten plus years after its decline?

History tends to repeat itself, and we're witnessing another platform making eerily similar decisions that led to Digg's demise.

Recently, the link-sharing platform Reddit.com announced its intent to charge for the use of its API. It's a trend not uncommon among larger platforms, as charging for API pulls is intended to increase revenue and relieve some of the operating costs of an already tight budget.

However, these changes have raised concerns among both users and potential investors. Several key factors draw parallels between the two platforms and offer insights into what might be in Reddit's future:

1. Community Backlash: Both Digg and Reddit faced significant community backlash due to changes in their respective platforms. In 2010, Digg introduced a major site redesign that removed popular features and altered the user experience, leading to a mass migration of users to alternative platforms, including Reddit. Similarly, Reddit has faced backlash over policy changes, content moderation issues, and controversial decisions made by administrators, resulting in user discontent.
2. Algorithmic Changes: Digg's decline was exacerbated by changes to its algorithm, which heavily influenced the content displayed on the front page. The algorithm began favoring popular publishers and commercialized content, diminishing the diversity and quality of user-generated submissions. Reddit has also faced criticism for algorithmic changes that some users believe favor mainstream content and limit the visibility of smaller communities and niche interests.
3. Competition: In both cases, alternative platforms emerged as viable alternatives for disgruntled user bases. After Digg's decline, Reddit became the primary beneficiary, attracting a significant number of former Digg users. Similarly, as Reddit faces challenges and community dissatisfaction, alternative platforms like Voat, Saidit, and others have emerged as potential alternatives for disenchanted Reddit users.
4. Monetization Challenges: Both Digg and Reddit encountered difficulties in effectively monetizing their platforms without alienating their user bases. Digg's introduction of advertisements and sponsored content contributed to user dissatisfaction, while Reddit continues to grapple with striking a balance between generating revenue and maintaining a positive user experience.

While it's impossible to predict Reddit's future, we hope to see the platform remain relevant and its community engaged. However, the internet is a fickle place and its children are prone to wander.

What are your thoughts on the current Reddit situation?

Do you think the platform will continue to thrive, or will it relinquish its title as the "Frontpage of the internet"?