Private trackers are well known for their elitist and insufferable users. I'd like to know the reasons behind their gatekeeping. Is it just mere elitism to feel superior or are there any other reasons? I've heard people saying they like to have a smaller number of high quality users for long term stability. I've even heard people tell they're designed to keep government and federal agents away. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

  • hexaflexagonbear [he/him]5•4 months ago

    Is it just mere elitism to feel superior or are there any other reasons?

    Security concerns are a part of it. The idea is that there's an added layer of security if everyone is a friend of a friend, but obviously it's not very practical. Generally the security is added by making sure you're drafting from an "in"-crowd, which usually means familiarity with the content hosted and how the content is generated (like the old what.cd test) in addition to being a member in good standing in a tracker or a proven history of seeding. User limits also make the need for people to be very into the specific content type in order to make sure even the more obscure content is well seeded.