---

name: reddit-karma-scanner description: Automated Reddit opportunity scanner that finds high-potential posts for karma building. Scans target subreddits, analyzes engagement patterns, and generates ready-to-post comments using OpenAI. Use when you want to build Reddit karma strategically through quality contributions on r/MachineLearning, r/cscareerquestions, r/artificial, and other tech subreddits. metadata: {"requires": ["node"], "env": ["REDDIT_CLIENT_ID", "REDDIT_CLIENT_SECRET", "REDDIT_USERNAME", "REDDIT_PASSWORD", "OPENAI_API_KEY"], "tags": ["reddit", "social-media", "karma", "engagement", "openai"]}

Reddit Karma Scanner

Automated system for finding and engaging with high-potential Reddit opportunities. Designed for strategic karma building through quality technical contributions.

Quick Setup

1. Reddit API Credentials

export REDDIT_CLIENT_ID="your_client_id"
export REDDIT_CLIENT_SECRET="your_client_secret"
export REDDIT_USERNAME="your_reddit_username"
export REDDIT_PASSWORD="your_reddit_password"

Get credentials at: https://www.reddit.com/prefs/apps

2. OpenAI API Key

export OPENAI_API_KEY="your_openai_api_key"

3. Run a Scan

node scripts/reddit-scanner.mjs --subreddits "MachineLearning,cscareerquestions" --user-context "Your background description"

Core Features

Smart Opportunity Detection

• Scans multiple subreddits for rising posts
• Filters by engagement sweet spot (20-100 upvotes, 5-50 comments)
• Identifies 24-48h old posts for optimal timing
• Prioritizes low-competition, high-growth potential

Context-Aware Comments

• Generates personalized responses using your background
• Maintains professional tone matching your expertise
• Creates value-add content, not generic replies
• Ready-to-copy-paste format

Anti-Spam Protection

• Max 1-2 opportunities per scan
• Natural posting patterns
• Quality over quantity approach
• Timing optimization to avoid detection

Strategy Overview

The scanner implements a quality-first approach:

1. Target Selection: Focus on technical subreddits where expertise matters
2. Timing Optimization: Hit posts in their growth phase, not peak
3. Competition Analysis: Avoid oversaturated threads
4. Value Creation: Generate substantive, helpful comments

Usage Patterns

Automated Scanning (Recommended)

Set up cron jobs for regular scanning:

# 3x daily at optimal Reddit times
30 8,13,22 * * * /path/to/scripts/reddit-scanner.mjs --auto

Manual Opportunity Search

node scripts/reddit-scanner.mjs --subreddit "MachineLearning" --limit 5

Custom User Context

node scripts/reddit-scanner.mjs --user-context "Senior ML Engineer at startup" --expertise "computer-vision,nlp"

Configuration

Create config.json in the skill directory:

{
  "target_subreddits": ["MachineLearning", "cscareerquestions", "artificial"],
  "user_background": "Your background description",
  "expertise_areas": ["machine-learning", "data-science"],
  "quality_threshold": 40.0,
  "max_opportunities": 2
}

Advanced Features

User Profile Customization

Tailor comments to your background and expertise. Configure user_background and expertise_areas in config.json to match your professional context.

Subreddit Strategy

Different subreddits reward different engagement styles:

• r/MachineLearning: Deep technical discussion, cite papers
• r/cscareerquestions: Practical career advice, share real experience
• r/artificial: Broader AI conversation, accessible explanations
• r/SideProject: Build-in-public culture, share what you learned

Engagement Analytics

Track karma growth and comment performance by logging replied post IDs and monitoring upvote velocity over 24-48h windows.

Scripts Reference

• reddit.mjs — Core Reddit API interface (PRAW-compatible OAuth flow)
• generate-reddit-comments.mjs — OpenAI-powered comment generation
• reddit-scanner.mjs — Main scanning and filtering logic

Best Practices

1. Start Conservative: Begin with 1 scan per day
2. Monitor Results: Track which subreddits and comment styles perform best
3. Stay Authentic: Use your real expertise and opinions
4. Engage Genuinely: Follow up on your comments when appropriate
5. Respect Communities: Follow each subreddit's rules and culture

Troubleshooting

Rate Limiting: Reddit allows ~60 requests/minute with auth, 10/minute without. Add --delay 2000 flag to slow down requests.

Comment Rejected: Check subreddit karma/age requirements. New accounts often need 30+ days and 50+ karma before posting in strict subreddits.

Low Quality Score: Refine your user_background and expertise_areas in config. More specific context produces better comments.

401 Unauthorized: Re-export credentials and verify your Reddit app type is set to "script" at https://www.reddit.com/prefs/apps.

Built for strategic Reddit engagement that builds genuine reputation through quality contributions.