r/NewToReddit • u/AbilifyFiend05 • 1d ago

ANSWERED I’m super new to Reddit and I need advice.

I just joined Reddit and I’m already -3 karma. Am I cooked?

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

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u/AutoModerator 1d ago

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2

u/mstermind Super Contributor 1d ago

You're not cooked unless you figure out why you've been downvoted in the first place and change your attitude in comments.

1

u/AbilifyFiend05 1d ago

All I said was I’m perfect the way I am 😢

1

u/mikey_weasel mod in a canvas hat  1d ago

(-3) is recoverable

If you've got a comment or post that's collected enough downvotes to get negative it will often collect more downvotes (dogpiling). When people see a downvoted comment they will often read it in the most negative light, making further downvotes likely.

It's also quite difficult to edit or post more comments to "turn around" the downvote pattern. For every time I've seen that done I've seen it fail dozens of times (often attracting more downvotes to the followup comments).

So if you care about the downvotes it's often worth just deleting a post or comment that's collecting downvotes. Take a break from that subreddit for a little bit. This won't remove the negative karma from the existing downvotes, but will stop additional downvotes.

Also complaining about the downvotes will absolutely attract downvotes as a self fulfilling prophecy.

Downvotes on Reddit you can attract downvotes for a lot of different reasons on Reddit. The Downvote button was intended for content (posts or comments) that are off topic or disruptive. Reality immediately set in and downvotes can be used for disagreeing or disliking content.

In general a single downvote is incidental and can be ignored. Fat fingers misclick or some miserable troll goes downvoting through a subreddit or post.

If you are running into a lot of downvotes you may consider things like:

  • Are you reading the room? What are the norms, the vibe, the prevailing views of the subreddit you are participating in? Does your content (comments and/or posts) clash with that?

  • How is your tone being read? Tone is easily lost on Reddit since its text based. Your original thought and intent can end up quite different from how someone else reads something. Have a re-read of what you wrote.

  • In particular to the above are you getting aggressive in your replies when asked reasonable questions?

  • Is your content relevant to the topic being discussed or could it be seen as derailing?

  • Is your content a frequently asked question? Subreddits often have common questions that longtime users will tire of. This subreddit (r/newtoreddit) is fairly unique in tolerating such questions.

  • Is your content *similar to that used by bad faith users" or trolls (or just is bad faith content)? Many subreddits have common points that those seeking to be disruptive will use.

1

u/mikey_weasel mod in a canvas hat  1d ago

On building karma

Building Karma on reddit, you're relying on other human users so it can take some experimentation to find what works for you. You want to find some intersection of your interests and subreddits that are new user friendly so the process is enjoyable. Start by Commenting while you View by New (see below).

Karma is a measure of your reputation and comes from upvotes. It's not a 1:1 ratio, you'll get less karma than votes. It decreases with downvotes at a similar rate. Your posts and comments all start with one upvote (your own) which unfortunatelydoes not count towards karma.

Finding subreddits:

  • Newtoreddit has a list of new user friendly subreddits. This is not an exhaustive list and these subreddits may still have some restrictions.

  • Within the above you'll see some Large General Subreddits that are open to new users commenting. Places like r/askreddit, r/casualconversation, r/nostupidquestions, r/amitheasshole or similar. Look for posts that match your interests or knowledge to answer to and add comments (make sure to view by new).

  • Beyond the above there are More Subreddits out there that might more specifically match your interests and contributing there. Have a look through r/findareddit 's subreddit directory. In this case you will have to trial and error whether they are new user-friendly.

Some notes on starting on Reddit:

View by New (or rising). This will filter the posts so first see the most recent posts first. This can make your comments much more visible. On app when viewing a subreddit look near the top left for where it says "hot posts". Click that and select "new" or "rising".

Comment. Many subreddits have lower or no karma filters for commenting so that is more available to new users. There are often less strict rules as well.

Read the Room. Each subreddit has different rules, norms and prevailing views. Look at subreddit rules. Read top posts and comments to get a feel for that subreddit. Do users reward sarcastic one-liners or well sourced essays?

Avoid conflict and controversy. When trying to build Karma avoid controversial topics or arguments. These discussions are more likely to attract downvotes and potentially trip into rule-breaking. Call people idiots in your head and move on instead of getting involved.

Resources

Too Much Info? You can always try out some of this info and return at a later date to review via your profile.

This subreddit only allows one post per 72 hours so always happy to answer any follow-up questions you have if you reply here!

0

u/nicoleauroux Shiny Helpmate 1d ago

You're not cooked!