The firm argues that this isn't really a change in its behavior, but it'll still have an effect -- you're only going to get access to bits and pieces of Reddit, rather than everything all at once. And some in the community have pointed out that Reddit could theoretically develop features behind closed doors and still release source code once it's officially ready.

However, it's not hard to see why Reddit would make the move. It isn't in a rush to offer public stock like some social companies (it actually ruled out an IPO), but it's still a large internet company feeling pressure to keep its strategy a secret and stay ahead of would-be rivals. It's just trying to balance this strategy with the community-driven approach it's had for more than a decade.