Former Redditor moderator, Stale2000, suggested there should be qualifications for anyone who wants to be a mod as the fallout from him leaving LiveStreamFails continues.
Reddit moderators are a key part of the website, even though they work on a voluntary basis. They ensure that discussions don’t get too out of hand, and that posts follow the necessary rules. However, there have been a few high-profile examples of them taking that power beyond it’s usual means.
The early part of 2026 has also seen another moderator-based drama with the LivestreamFails subreddit. Stale2000, a former moderator, was removed from his position after promoting a dubious reality show called ‘Million Dollar Fan.’
The ex-moderator was called out by posters on the subreddit, leading to a back-and-forth debate over the apparent promotion. After leaving his post, Stale2000 posted a YouTube video about the controversy, suggesting that moderators should be treated like celebrities as they “actually have real power and influence.”
Ex-Reddit mod continues to speak out after LSF exit
After being mocked by MoistCr1TiKaL, Stale2000 has responded to the YouTuber with another video, further suggesting that mods should wield more power and be qualified to be in the role.
“You’re right, there aren’t any qualifications, but maybe there should be. Maybe because there are no such qualifications, this is why you’re seeing all the problems that we see,” he said.
“I mean, you’re an influencer with a platform, why do you do it? You could say personal enrichment, but you don’t strike me as somebody who is completely motivated by money. I can imagine you doing a brand deal or partnership, not for money, but just with a group that is cool,” he added, hitting back at Moist’s questioning of him going after brand deals.
The ex-mod said that people should take their anger about mods and this controversy, and point it at the platform itself. “People who are looking at me in horror or laughter or pity should ask themselves what that says about the $50 billion platform that is Reddit,” he continued.
“Take every insult that you have against me, about how I’m incompetent, biased, egotistical, power hungry, all that, and ask yourself, how does that make you feel about Reddit? Knowing that I was able to control one of the top subreddits on the platform for over a year with borderline dictatorial powers, doing who knows what that you’ll never find out about and then realise, I’m the bull in the china shop. I’m telling you these things directly.”
As noted, this isn’t the only moderator controversy that Reddit has faced recently. Back in December, the r/Art subreddit was locked by one mod after an artist posted about selling their own prints. That forced Reddit staff to step in.
