[prahladyeri]

They're testing the water it seems. They must have realized that those leaving Reddit for other pasteurs must have already left by now, so there will be little resistance in monetizing those on the platform. Either that, or they're deliberately wanting to lose their user base as part of some grand strategy as Digg did many years ago!

[zui]

I agree. They probably have the stats to predict how much the "revolt" is costing them long term, compare to the upside of the IPO.

But only time will tell whether this actually hold.

[soultrees]

Did their algorithm account for a CEO with major foot in mouth syndrome?