Reddit is an online community based on web pages. The website provides users with a large list of unique and popular content that the user can browse and rate. User votes can support or discourage viewing of a specific site. The homepage provides users with five main options, including “What’s Hot,” “New,” “controversial,” “Top” and “Saved.” The user can view each or select from a diverse list of categories, which includes technology, funny, gaming, politics, science, music, movies, best of and many more. Trendy categories are also included, such as aww, today I learned and advice animals. The user can search for specific pages or peruse the collection found on the homepage. Interactive features, such as commenting and sharing tools, are also included.

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Reddit was founded by Alexis Ohanian and Steve Huffman in June of 2005. The application received Y Combinator funding early on. The Reddit team later faced financial difficulties in July of 2010 when the company found it was severely underfunded despite growing popularity. During this time, the company introduced its paid Gold membership which allowed it to purchase additional services and grow its team. Reddit is currently operating as a subsidiary of Advance Publications.

Reddit stands out to some users because it became one of the most popular communities on the web. The application still holds appeal to its users however it currently offers a dated experience. The user can view many unique web pages or browse by category. Reddit has included a list of categories that range from standard topics to computer savvy subjects to give users more ways to browse content that interests them.

A new visitor on the Reddit homepage may feel a bit put off by the site’s dated appearance. A rather plain list of sites is presented with the headline in blue and a thumbnail image. A few stats, such as how long ago the item was submitted and how many comments it has received, are also listed. The site could benefit from an upgrade in design. A few sleek menus and dividers would do a lot to improve the currently plain interface.

A new user can join the Reddit community by clicking the blue “Register” link hidden in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage (above the search bar). The registration form appears along the left hand side of the pop up menu. The form asks for a username, optional email address, password and verification word entry. The user is automatically logged in after successfully submitting the registration form.

A new user is not required to purchase a subscription to create an access a Reddit account. The user can maintain free access for as long as they like. The site still offers a Reddit Gold membership option which costs $3.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The Gold membership includes a trophy on the user’s profile page, the ability to turn off advertisements, the ability to see twice as many comments without clicking the “load more comments” link, new comment highlighting features, friend tracking tools, up to 100 subscribed subReddits on the user’s front page and access to a members only community area.

Reddit is a fun website for anyone who enjoys exploring the web. The application is not terribly modern in appearance or function, but it is an entertaining way to spend a few minutes or a couple hours just browsing unique web pages. Users can also join the community and meet other Reddit users. The site contains a number of intriguing category options to keep the user busy as they explore.

• Users can submit new links to add to Reddit's extensive collection
• Comments can be posted and responded to
• Free access is available as well as paid membership options
• Links can be shared with others on and off Reddit
• Multiple language options are available to all users

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