Reddit's decision to begin charging for its API has been met with intense backlash from users, causing concern among some employees. Until this year, the API was free, making the decision to start charging for it a controversial one. This move has caused moderators and users of thousands of subreddits to organize a site-wide blackout in protest. Over eight-thousand subreddits have joined in, making it one of the largest organized protests in the site's history. In response, Reddit's CEO Mike Huffman has addressed employees, acknowledging the blackout and its impact.
An official memo obtained by The Verge revealed that despite the ongoing protests against API pricing, Reddit employees were advised to continue business as usual. In the memo, Huffman reassured employees that the company's revenue has not been significantly impacted by the protests. He also expressed optimism that the situation will pass, as with previous incidents on the platform. While numerous Reddit communities are taking a stand against the pricing changes, Huffman's memo provides a hopeful perspective on the matter.
Despite Huffman's confidence in the memo, the duration of the blackouts and protests remains uncertain. The decision to monetize Reddit's API has resulted in negative consequences for third-party apps, such as Apollo for Reddit. Even if some subreddits end their blackouts soon, there will undoubtedly be those that continue to protest for as long as possible. While Reddit is a platform for sharing art and ideas, it is intriguing to observe the community banding together to voice their opinions. The ultimate impact of these blackouts on the company remains to be seen, and only time will provide clarity.
Source: The Verge
