Mastering the Art of Quotation on Reddit: A Redditor’s Guide

So, you want to quote someone on Reddit? It’s simpler than cracking the Enigma code, trust me. The primary method involves using the ‘greater than’ symbol (>) before each line of the text you wish to quote. This will render the text in a distinctive quote block, instantly recognizable by other Redditors. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of this powerful communication tool.

The Fundamentals of Reddit Quotation

Quoting effectively on Reddit is essential for clear communication, highlighting specific points, and engaging in meaningful discussions. It prevents misunderstandings, provides context for your replies, and demonstrates that you’ve actually read and considered what the other person said. Mastering the quotation technique is a crucial skill for any serious Redditor.

The Single Line Quote

This is the simplest form of quotation. Just place a ‘>’ symbol followed by a space at the beginning of the line you want to quote.

Example:

This is a quoted line.

Code:

> This is a quoted line.

The Multi-Line Quote

For longer quotes spanning multiple lines, you’ll need to precede each line with the ‘> ‘ symbol. Don’t skip the space after the symbol; it’s important for formatting.

Example:

This is the first line of the quote. This is the second line of the quote. And this is the final line of the quote.

Code:

> This is the first line of the quote. > This is the second line of the quote. > And this is the final line of the quote.

Quoting Multiple Paragraphs

To quote multiple paragraphs while preserving the paragraph breaks, simply leave a blank line between each quoted paragraph, ensuring each line within a paragraph is preceded by the ‘> ‘ symbol. This is key to readability and maintains the original structure of the text.

Example:

This is the first paragraph of the quote. It contains several lines of text.

This is the second paragraph of the quote. It continues the original message.

Code:

> This is the first paragraph of the quote. > It contains several lines of text.

>

> This is the second paragraph of the quote. > It continues the original message.

Nested Quotes (Quoting a Quote)

Things get interesting when you want to quote someone who is already quoting someone else. Reddit allows for nested quotes. Use multiple ‘>’ symbols to indicate the level of nesting. For example, if you’re quoting someone who’s already quoting someone else, you’d use >>.

Example:

Original poster: This is my statement.

Quoting the original poster: I agree with this statement.

Your response to the quote: I disagree with the agreement!

Code:

> Original poster: This is my statement. >> Quoting the original poster: I agree with this statement. >>> Your response to the quote: I disagree with the agreement!

Reddit Quotation: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions, along with expert answers, to further refine your Reddit quotation skills.

1. Why isn’t my quote formatting working?

Double-check for a few common culprits. Ensure you have a space after the ‘>’ symbol. Make sure each line of your multi-line quote starts with the ‘> ‘ symbol. Also, verify you are not accidentally introducing any unusual characters or markdown syntax that might interfere with the formatting. Sometimes, switching between the Fancy Pants Editor and Markdown Mode can reveal hidden formatting issues.

2. Can I quote from outside of Reddit (e.g., a website)?

Yes! The same ‘>’ symbol technique works regardless of the source of the text. Just copy and paste the text into your Reddit comment and precede each line with the ‘> ‘ symbol. Be sure to give proper attribution if the source isn’t already obvious.

3. How do I quote code snippets on Reddit?

While the ‘> ‘ symbol works for general quotes, for code snippets, use **backticks ()**. To format a single line of code, enclose it in single backticks:like this`. For multi-line code blocks, use triple backticks () at the beginning and end of the code block. Also, you can specify the language like thispython.

4. Can I use quote formatting within a list?

Yes, but it requires careful attention to spacing. Ensure that the ‘> ‘ symbol for the quote is properly aligned with the list item indentation. Experiment to find the correct alignment. Using Markdown Mode often gives you more control over the formatting.

5. How do I edit a quote after posting it?

Reddit allows you to edit your posts and comments. Simply click the “edit” button below your comment and correct the quote formatting as needed. Preview your changes before saving to ensure the formatting is correct.

6. Does the Reddit app handle quotes differently than the desktop site?

While the fundamental ‘>’ symbol method is consistent across platforms, some Reddit apps might have minor variations in rendering or editing. Always preview your comment after formatting to ensure it looks as intended. If you are having trouble with the app, try using Reddit on a desktop browser.

7. How do I remove quote formatting?

Simply remove the ‘> ‘ symbols from the beginning of each line. The text will then be displayed as regular text.

8. Is there a limit to how many levels of nested quotes I can use?

While there isn’t a formally documented limit, excessive nesting can quickly become confusing and difficult to read. Aim for clarity and conciseness. If you find yourself needing many levels of nesting, consider summarizing or paraphrasing instead.

9. Can I change the appearance of quotes (e.g., color, font)?

Reddit’s formatting options are somewhat limited. You cannot directly control the color or font of quotes using standard Markdown. The appearance is determined by the subreddit’s CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) or the user’s Reddit preferences (if they are using a custom theme).

10. How can I emphasize specific words or phrases within a quote?

You can use bolding () or italics () within the quoted text to emphasize specific words or phrases. Just ensure that the emphasis does not misrepresent the original meaning of the quote.

11. What’s the best practice for quoting long passages of text?

For extremely long passages, consider summarizing the main points and then quoting only the most relevant sentences or phrases. Provide a link to the original source if possible. This makes your comment more concise and easier to follow.

12. Are there any bots that automatically format quotes on Reddit?

While there aren’t many widely-used bots specifically dedicated to formatting quotes, some bots may detect instances where quoting would be helpful and prompt users to use the proper formatting. Relying on bots isn’t a substitute for learning the manual formatting techniques.

By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of Reddit quotation, you’ll be well-equipped to participate in meaningful and productive discussions on the platform. Now go forth and quote with confidence!