hey everyone. if you want to post links or discuss the Reddit blackout today, please localize it to this thread in order to keep things tidy! Thanks!
hey everyone. if you want to post links or discuss the Reddit blackout today, please localize it to this thread in order to keep things tidy! Thanks!
As I understand him, announcing a blackout for 2 days is equivalent to reassuring to come back for 363 days despite all that’s wrong. Basically signalling “you can do that with me”. I feel that interpretation has some truth, but also falls short.
As I understand the blackout, it is a warning shot. Like any political demonstration (and unlike romantic relationships, to which he compares it), it’s a show of strength and numbers to both sides. Both participants and recipients can see who else protests, and see how many.
A display of force alone can sway people to either join the protest, or to renegotiate. But those in power can always assume it’s a bluff and call it as such by ignoring the protest. Then, it depends on wether the protesting people are willing to follow through. What actual force stands behind that display of force? Are you willing and capable to escalate?
How many subscriptions and subreddits will leave if their demands are not met? And why didn’t they leave right away if they don’t like it anymore?
I think it’s perfectly fine to not escalate to the highest level right away. The intermediate steps are a form of communication and negotiation, and can prevent unecessary harm. But you should be prepared to follow through if the demands are not met, else you signal in fact “you can do that with us”.