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How to Use Old Reddit: A Nostalgic Guide for the Discerning Redditor

So, you’re yearning for the simpler days of the internet, the days before infinite scroll and algorithmic feeds held you hostage. You want to dive back into Old Reddit, the stripped-down, efficient, and arguably more focused version of the platform. The good news is, it’s still readily accessible, even if Reddit subtly nudges you toward the redesign. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use Old Reddit and answer all your burning questions.

Accessing and Navigating Old Reddit

The most straightforward way to access Old Reddit is through a simple URL tweak. Just add “old.” before “reddit.com” in the address bar. For example, instead of visiting www.reddit.com/r/technology, you would go to old.reddit.com/r/technology. This instantly transports you back to the classic interface.

Once you’re in Old Reddit, you’ll notice its distinct layout.

The Front Page: Displays a list of subreddits you’re subscribed to, along with their top posts. You can customize your subscribed subreddits to tailor your front page content.
Subreddit Pages: Individual subreddits follow the same linear listing of posts. You can sort posts by “hot,” “new,” “rising,” “controversial,” “top,” and “gilded.”
Post Pages: Display the original post, along with a hierarchical list of comments. You can upvote or downvote posts and comments, reply to comments, and report content.
User Profiles: Show a user’s post history, comment history, karma scores, and trophies.

Old Reddit relies heavily on text and hyperlinks. Navigation is primarily done through clicking links, using the browser’s back button, and utilizing the “next” and “previous” buttons at the bottom of pages to browse through posts. The search bar, located in the upper right corner, allows you to search for specific subreddits, posts, or users.

Key Features and Functionality

Despite its minimalist appearance, Old Reddit packs a powerful punch. Here’s a breakdown of essential features:

Subscribing to Subreddits: On a subreddit page, you’ll find a “+frontpage” button on the right sidebar. Clicking this adds the subreddit to your front page.
Posting: To create a new post, navigate to the subreddit where you want to post and click the “submit a new link” or “submit a new text post” button.
Commenting: To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of a post and type your comment in the provided text box. You can use basic Markdown formatting.
Voting: Upvote or downvote posts and comments by clicking the up and down arrows. Voting influences the visibility of content.
Messaging: Access your inbox by clicking the envelope icon in the upper right corner. You can send and receive private messages to other users.
User Settings: Access your user settings by clicking your username in the upper right corner and then selecting “preferences.” Here, you can customize various aspects of your Reddit experience, including display settings, privacy options, and messaging preferences.
Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES): One of the biggest draws for sticking with Old Reddit is the Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) browser extension. RES adds a plethora of features, from inline image viewing and comment filtering to advanced navigation tools and night mode. This is a must-have for serious Old Reddit users.

Why Choose Old Reddit?

Many users prefer Old Reddit for its speed, simplicity, and customizability. The lighter interface loads faster, especially on slower internet connections. The lack of distracting visual elements allows for a more focused browsing experience. Furthermore, RES offers a level of customization that isn’t available on the redesigned Reddit. While the new Reddit boasts a modern aesthetic, Old Reddit prioritizes function and efficiency.

Old Reddit FAQs

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to address common queries and concerns about using Old Reddit:

1. How do I permanently switch to Old Reddit?

The simplest method is to use the “old.” prefix in the URL. However, for a more permanent solution, you can configure your user preferences. Go to old.reddit.com/prefs, scroll down to the “beta options” section, and uncheck the “Use the redesign as my default experience” option. Save your preferences. You might also need to clear your browser cookies related to Reddit for this setting to fully take effect.

2. Will Old Reddit eventually disappear?

Reddit has stated that they will eventually deprecate Old Reddit, but no firm date has been given. It’s wise to enjoy it while it lasts. There are ongoing efforts by the community to create alternative frontends or clients that mimic the Old Reddit experience if/when the official version is retired.

3. Does Old Reddit work on mobile?

Yes, Old Reddit is accessible on mobile devices through your mobile browser. Simply use the “old.” prefix in the URL. However, the mobile experience might not be as optimized as using a dedicated Reddit app.

4. What is Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES) and how do I install it?

RES (Reddit Enhancement Suite) is a browser extension that significantly enhances the Old Reddit experience. It adds features such as inline image viewing, comment filtering, night mode, and advanced navigation tools. You can download RES from its official website, redditenhancementsuite.com, and install it for your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).

5. How do I format text in Old Reddit comments?

Old Reddit uses basic Markdown formatting. Here are some common formatting commands:

Italics: *text*
Bold: **text**
Strikethrough: ~~text~~
Superscript: ^text
Lists: * item 1 (unordered) or 1. item 1 (ordered)
Links: [text](URL)
Code: `code` (inline) or start line with four spaces (block)

6. How do I report content on Old Reddit?

Beneath each post and comment, you’ll find a “report” link. Click this link to report content that violates Reddit’s content policy. You’ll be prompted to select a reason for reporting.

7. How do I block a user on Old Reddit?

On a user’s profile page, you’ll find a “+friend” button. Click this button to expand a menu, and then select “block user.” This will prevent the user from contacting you and their content from appearing in your feed.

8. How do I create a subreddit on Old Reddit?

Creating a subreddit is done through your user preferences, even when using Old Reddit. Navigate to your preferences page (old.reddit.com/prefs) and look for the “create a subreddit” option (usually under the “subreddits” tab). There, you can name, customize, and set settings for your new community.

9. Can I use the Reddit app with Old Reddit?

No, the official Reddit app is designed for the redesigned version of the site. However, some third-party Reddit apps offer options to view content in a format similar to Old Reddit. Look for apps that offer a classic or compact view.

10. How do I customize my front page on Old Reddit?

Your front page displays posts from the subreddits you’re subscribed to. To customize your front page, simply subscribe to or unsubscribe from subreddits. You can also create multireddits (custom feeds combining multiple subreddits) for a more tailored experience.

11. What are multireddits and how do I create them?

Multireddits are custom feeds that combine multiple subreddits into a single stream of content. To create a multireddit, go to old.reddit.com/me/m/ and click “create.” Give your multireddit a name and then add the subreddits you want to include.

12. How do I find specific subreddits on Old Reddit?

Use the search bar located in the upper right corner of the page. Type in the name or keywords related to the subreddit you’re looking for. The search results will display relevant subreddits. Alternatively, you can directly type old.reddit.com/r/[subreddit name] into your browser’s address bar.

Conclusion

While the shiny new redesign may try to lure you in, Old Reddit remains a powerful and efficient platform for those who prefer simplicity and customizability. By understanding its interface, features, and utilizing tools like Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES), you can continue to enjoy the classic Reddit experience for as long as it’s available. Embrace the nostalgia and happy redditing!