Like the author of this paper said, for me it’s not really about third party apps. The problem is that reddit try to monetize a content that is our collective property.

I completely agree with you, and your example is very good indeed. (Maybe my previous comment was not clear ? English is not my mothertongue)

The algorithm really doesn’t work when you are critical or sceptical over a subject. For instance crypto sceptics from r/buttcoin being shown binance ads. Yes, they do show an interest in crypto, but may be the least suceptible persons to that ad.

The problem is when the funny answers bury the experts post that you are looking to.

Usenet was one of my startng point too… Funny to think it was (in a way) decentralized.

Edit: still is of course. Usenet is still around.