Key Takeaways
– Over 8,000 subreddits have gone dark in protest of Reddit’s decision to charge for API access.
– NSFW subreddits are affected by this protest, preventing third-party apps from displaying their content.
– Reddit’s advertising revenue is impacted as ads cannot run on NSFW subreddits.
– Some moderators have been locked out of their accounts as a result of the protest.
– The r/Videos subreddit changed its classification to NSFW and is exclusively posting John Oliver content as a form of protest.
– Some reopened subreddits have relaxed their rules, leading to the posting of porn.
– The controversy surrounding the API change highlights the importance of unpaid moderators in maintaining Reddit’s value.
Subheadings
1. The API Change Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding Reddit’s decision to charge for API access has sparked widespread protest among Reddit users. Over 8,000 subreddits have gone dark in response, with some classifying themselves as not safe for work (NSFW). This move not only restricts third-party apps from displaying these subreddits but also impacts Reddit’s advertising revenue, as ads cannot run on NSFW content.
2. Impact on Moderators
As a result of the protest, some moderators have been locked out of their accounts. This action by Reddit has further fueled the anger and frustration of the protesting moderators. They argue that their unpaid work is crucial in making Reddit a valuable platform and that their voices should be heard in decisions that affect the community.
3. r/Videos Protest
One notable subreddit that has joined the protest is r/Videos. The subreddit changed its classification to NSFW and is now exclusively posting content from John Oliver as a form of protest. The moderators of r/Videos have also mocked Reddit CEO Steve Huffman’s comments comparing them to “landed gentry,” further highlighting their dissatisfaction with the company’s actions.
4. Loosened Rules and the Posting of Porn
While some subreddits have reopened, they have chosen to relax their rules in response to the API change controversy. This has led to the posting of porn on these subreddits, further complicating the situation. The presence of explicit content on these subreddits raises questions about the boundaries and guidelines that should be in place to maintain a safe and inclusive environment on Reddit.
Conclusion
The API change controversy on Reddit has sparked widespread protest among users and moderators alike. The decision to charge for API access has resulted in over 8,000 subreddits going dark, impacting NSFW content and Reddit’s advertising revenue. The actions taken by Reddit, such as locking out protesting moderators, have only intensified the frustration and anger within the community. The r/Videos subreddit’s protest and the posting of porn on reopened subreddits further highlight the ongoing issues surrounding the API change. This controversy serves as a reminder to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman of the crucial role that unpaid moderators play in maintaining the value and integrity of the platform.
