Is this a recent change to deter people from complaining?

Most definetly. Could also be a technical necessity if they got spammed hard (as they should).

As far as I can see, the real number is already on top of the post. And then you have the split of up/downvotes near the arrows. So the “algorithm” is just basic addidion and subtraction. Someone correct me if I saw something wrong…

Yes it is! Exciting to discover it.

I was never really interested in twitter or similar services, so I pass on Mastodon.

😉

Heck, I might even quit the lurkin’ life if the trend stays that positive hehe.

It all reminds me a bit of the good old times of early reddit. People who are ready for conversation, relatively few trolling (and worse) and just a community or rather communities in the truest sense of the word.

But also I dont know how it is from a mods perspective.

I am enjoying it so far. I usually tend to lurk but the community is, as many have said, very welcoming and it creates an atmosphere where it encourages you to contribute (not just with up/downvotes but also comments).

I’ve got my politics, I’ve got my world news, techstuff, gaming & memes. I’d like to see picture subs like earthporn more populated. They’re currently pretty empty. Also missing content in my regional Austria sub but that will solve itself if the reddit exodus continues.

In all seriousness: I am trying. Hard to break the habit of lurking. But on the other hand I’ll often upvote something, so thats engagement right there :-)

edit: also since someone said “less memes” - I’d recommend you this watch on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

If you want me to comment, there will be SOME memes. Heck, look at OP’s handle, how did you expect me NOT to do it? :O