>'But is it possible to run a successful social site without that?' Yes. Snapchat pretty much has been successful in operating with a private API and banning b

>'But is it possible to run a successful social site without that?' Yes. Snapchat pretty much has been successful in operating with a private API and banning bots and users who use third party apps or tweaks to access its service (They actually have a DRM vendor to do this for them). But I find it very interesting how long they can fortify their API from external parties whilst competing with other social media companies who support third-party devs.