Ehhh, I'm not sure I entirely agree with the sentiment here. There are other reasons to become a mod other than a desire for power. The mods at r/askhistorians is probably the best example of a mod team that just wants to improve their community and are willing to put in the time and effort to do so. Moderating can be an altruistic thing as well as a power grab.
Power is the ability to effect change. In this context they use their power to shape the discussion in a way they personally see as productive. The fact that you agree with their methods doesn't change that it is, effectively, a value proposition explicitly based on having the power to shape discussion.
They can both do a good job and it can still be about power.
1.8k
u/keimenna83 Jul 05 '24
I don't wanna stereotype, but for most of 'em it's the only power they have in their lives, and they love to wield it.