Not OP; just a guess: old.reddit.com is a way to view and interact with Reddit using the original theme (or closely based on original look). A ton of tools were built for the site to look for data in a specific format. Many users likely utilize this “old” Reddit due to using legacy tools. It’s a way to get people onto the newer product so you can retire old infrastructure.

Basically, an enshittification decision by Reddit because they need to make more money.

[–] halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world 34 points 1 week ago (1 children)

old.reddit also bypasses a lot of the new blocks in place. For example, the constant full screen nag to make an account to view nsfw communities and posts. Just swapping www for old in the url and it shows right up.

[–] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

true, and it also prevents intentional lagging that happens on the "forever scrolling" on the browser( plus it resets your feed everytime you refresh) to force you to use the datamining intrusive app.

[–] charade_you_are@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago

Also, old.reddit didn't make me nauseous when looking at it like new reddit did

[–] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

they were in a downward spiral the moment they went PUBLIC. they have to please right wingers and advertisements somehow.