Reddit just wrapped up its second earnings call as a public company and CEO Steve Huffman hinted at some significant changes that could be coming to the platform. 3
i've been in there, and yea...how many posts about "yay we have gold and we have a subreddit only for us because we're special" does it take before you start to think "this is about the most pointless thing ever..."
It was a wholesome way to fund the site before they sold out. There was nothing wrong with it being mostly pointless. In fact, it's better that way. Money gated subs outside of that one meme seems pretty terrible.
basically /r/CasualConversation for people with too high post/comment karma for their own good. I've made a bunch of good friends over there, but the place has become watered down over time as it became so much easier to get the required amount of points.
The Lounge is where you were given access. That subreddit was ok on its own but really it was a good place to hang out, be friendly and helpful which sometimes resulted in being invited to other private sections of Reddit.
Some of those private subs have a true sense of community who are truly kind, respect each other and fun to interact with. Before the awards went away there were many games with prizes and multi-day parties with lots of engagement and fun. Not anything like the regular Reddit.
Those places still exist but activity has declined since most third party apps and the awards/coin system were taken away. That decision not only damaged the public Reddit subs but also the private ones.