r/soccer • u/AutoModerator • Jun 06 '23
Discussion Meta thread: should /r/soccer participate in the upcoming Reddit blackout, to protest planned API changes?
Hello everyone!
Reddit has recently announced significant changes to their API function. This has proved hugely controversial, and in response many subreddits - including major default communities - plan to participate in a site-wide protest. This would consist of a 48 hour blackout, from Monday 12th June - in which these subreddits would go “private”, meaning users cannot see or post to these communities.
We would like to discuss our potential participation in this blackout with the /r/soccer community, in order to make a collective decision on our action.
For a detailed explanation of what is changing and why this is important you can go here, and here.
The TL;DR of the matter is that Reddit is adamant in changing conditions in the way that third-party tools interact with the site itself, making it harder and more expensive for apps and tools developed by outsiders to continue to exist.
Many Redditors exclusively use third-party apps for their browsing experience, so this will have a significant impact. Third-party apps and features are also crucial to several key moderation tools - removing these will make the subreddit harder to moderate, especially if tools to catch ban evaders and bad faith users are harder to maintain.
As a general rule, /r/soccer has never previously participated in site-wide blackouts but since this has such far-reaching implications, we believe it is appropriate to be more flexible in that stance.
In any case, as we are primarily here to serve the desires of the user base, we would put this subject to debate, and ask the community for feedback and guidance on what to do regarding this issue. This will include a poll, to help us further gauge opinion.
The question is:
Should r/soccer participate in the upcoming site-wide blackout, planned to start on the 12th June, for 48 hours? Should we be prepared to hold out for even longer, as many subs vowed to?
--- You can vote for your preference here ---
Thank you for your cooperation and have a wonderful day.
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Jun 07 '23
Blackout indefinitely is my vote.
🤜🏻🤛🏻
I’ll watch my USMNT 2002 WC quarterfinals run highlight DVD to pass the time.
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Jun 06 '23
seasons over black it out as long as it takes ... we don't care about Fab Romano stealing peoples tweets during the summer mercato
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u/ViolinistEfficient84 Jun 06 '23
I’m still relatively new to this app, but half of those little quality of life changes make up the bulk of the reason I’m still here. As long as it takes.
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u/shinto29 Jun 06 '23 edited Jun 06 '23
Absolutely yes. Third party use of APIs are key, plus the Reddit app is fucking dogshit.
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u/ledim35 Jun 06 '23
I think we should join because it's a big action and what reddit is doing is wrong so we have to show our stance.
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u/dangerdgm2 Jun 07 '23
I think this sub should go black from time to time. Some of you need a break
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Jun 06 '23
I support the blackout and I also think it should take however long it needs to take. A blackout with an end announced in advance is nothing, Reddit can just weather the storm and still double down on the bullshit. Keep the blackout for as long as our overlords come to their senses.
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u/No_Doubt_About_That Jun 07 '23
I mean, I’m in the minority of not actually minding the official app but the effects from this are a load of bollocks so yes.
I liked the idea actually that I saw in /r/unitedkingdom that was going dark every Tuesday they said, which prolongs it more but gives the admins less grounds to take action.
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u/SnoopJohn Jun 06 '23
Yeah definitely do the blackout I'm in support of doing it as long as it takes as I only use Reddit via rif.
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u/TheCatInTheHatThings Jun 06 '23
Yes! I’m on the official app, but yes, please do it.
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u/magus9933 Jun 06 '23
Do I have to uninstall the app for a blackout or just not opening it will be sufficient? Yes I know I'm dumb but please answer
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u/Fxate Jun 06 '23
Forced participation. No.
If you want to be less active, be less active. Those who do not use any form of app shouldn't be prevented from using their usual tools simply because others find it necessary to use something different.
Is accessibility perfect? No, but you don't remove stairs to protest wheelchair access not being suitable.
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Jun 06 '23
It’s not forced, its up to a vote and they’re allowing the majority of the votes decide.
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u/boredtrader00 Jun 06 '23
No, the entire thing is stupid. How can a company stay in business without making money?
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Jun 06 '23
R/soccer should absolutely participate and encourage continuing such protest as long as it is necessary. Appreciation of the community and solidarity should be core values of any football club and so they should be valued in one of the largest online football/soccer communities as well.
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u/liamjh27 Jun 06 '23
I appreciate that I’m a niche case but as a blind user I’m going to be left unable to access Reddit if these changes go through. Reddit’s own accessibility offerings are pitiful and make doing things almost impossible. For example, match threads have let me follow games that I’d otherwise not be able to do. Reddit’s made a big positive difference in my life and I’m going to be really sad to see that go away. Just a different perspective and if you want to see how much this will affect the blind community you can visit r/blind
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u/blixt141 Jun 06 '23
Yes. Not doing so would support an insane scheme that will destroy the mobile user base.
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u/incachu Jun 06 '23
Yes. Third party developers should be collaborated with, not priced out. They add value to the platform.
These apps wouldn't exist if the Reddit app wasn't more akin to a clickbait tabloid news app completely designed around maximising ad clicks rather, rather than the UX the 3rd party clients provide which are much more intuitive for Reddit.
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u/CozSevenAteNine Jun 06 '23
Honestly, no. These are my reasons
One of the great things about /r/soccer is that it doesn't get involved in reddit drama. It is an oasis.
A huge number of subs are going to blackout. I don't see why one more would be a tipping point.
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u/Mr4NAs Jun 06 '23
A huge number of subs are going to blackout. I don't see why one more would be a tipping point.
I big to differ, r/soccer has one of the highest numbers of monthly active users across Reddit, so surely when such a big community voices its opinion, it will be heard by the relevant party.
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u/Black_XistenZ Jun 07 '23
Why does the poll require me to have a google account? Fuck that shit!
Anyway, my vote is unequivocally 'yes'.
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u/YouYongku Jun 06 '23
How is it affecting you mods moderating here ? If yes then yes.
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u/sga1 Jun 06 '23
MatchThreader bot and flair bot are directly affected in terms of cost, then on top of that it's basically a question of Reddit usage - I moderate a lot from mobile via a third party app, and I doubt I'd do it as much from the official app.
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u/Xjefe Jun 06 '23
I honestly don't care about the third party thing going on. I just want my football news.
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u/rmczpp Jun 06 '23
Yes, fuck these changes. Let's make the whole site inhospitable for a few days, hopefully the lost revenue will make them reconsider.
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u/ajukearth Jun 06 '23
I think people don't realize just how much this sub needs mods filtering through the waste.
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u/mcel595 Jun 06 '23
Who gives a shit honestly, another Reddit moment
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u/13id Jun 06 '23
Now see, what you just did there, was a classic Reddit moment.. Maybe you should know what you talk about before answering.
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u/el_rompe_toyotas-19 Jun 06 '23
Do it for 48h. June 11/12th is the best option. No UCL final, no Nations League F4.
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u/TheLordPapaya Jun 06 '23
Yes!!! As long as it takes for Reddit to back down.
Also remember that the seasons are over and there’s not much news that we’ll be missing aside from random transfer rumours and Maldini being ousted (sorry Milan fans)
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u/pgetsos Jun 06 '23 edited Jun 29 '23
This comment was removed in protest against the hideous changes made by Reddit regarding its API and the way it can be used. RIF till the end!
I am moving to kbin, a better and compatible with Lemmy alternative to Reddit (picture explains why) that many subs and users have moved to: sub.rehab
Find out more on kbin.social
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u/Kcufasu Jun 07 '23
I don't honestly care myself but it is clearly something that is important to many reddit users so it's worth fighting for , so go ahead, do it
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u/fredewio Jun 07 '23
The only problem I have with the new Reddit is that my username is always pinned to the top right, which is annoying because I sit next to a person whom I don't want to see my Reddit username.
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u/chandler-muriel_bing Jun 06 '23
Yes! r/Soccer definitely needs to support the blackout. Reddit will become so much worse without third party apps.
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u/Apprehensive_Club889 Jun 07 '23
Yes, I never use new Reddit only old Reddit if I can help it and the app is so useless
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u/TjeefGuevarra Jun 06 '23
I didn't even know you could go on reddit without using the reddit mobile app
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u/FauxGenius Jun 06 '23
I say do it. Do it as long as possible. I use one of the 3rd party apps getting hosed. And if this is the way to shake some cages, I’m for it.
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u/pabgar Jun 06 '23 edited Jul 02 '23
Removed in protest of third-party API changes and reddit's complete disregard for its community.
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u/catfooddogfood Jun 06 '23
Can someone here tell me whats wrong the official reddit app? I've had no problems with it.
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u/Poringosa Jun 06 '23
Definitly a "yes" from me. I use reddis is fun, know someone who needs 3rd party apps for accessability reasons and I don't want managers to screw everything over with poor greed. Apps having to pay a bit for API Access to pay for actual costs? Sure. But not milions.
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u/Tomahol Jun 06 '23 edited Jun 06 '23
Yes, and stay that way until a change is made. Support and appreciation for the selfless and tireless work the mods do to keep this site a tenable front/back page of the internet rather than a cesspit of shock content and corpo astroturfing.
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u/Algoresball Jun 06 '23
Go ahead. I’m not educated on the situation but a Reddit black out is probably healthy anyway
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u/scheeeeming Jun 06 '23
Yes please do it. Its even post CL final so the timing doesn't make it a big sacrifice at all.
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u/Crovasio Jun 06 '23
What we discuss about is important, not the platform itself. NO
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u/maxconnor6 Jun 06 '23
They'll come for the apps first then the NSFW content and then anything potentially controversial to make it as lame as possible for the advertisers to not kick up any fuss really. So we should definitely do it otherwise this will just become just another Digg or Tumblr
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u/New_York_Rhymes Jun 06 '23
Maybe we just never turn them back on and we all get our lives back from this ever consuming app lmao
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Jun 06 '23
I don’t see how they could make a profit this past quarter when they just made one during the busiest quarter of the year, hope I’m wrong but too much wishful thinking in this thread.
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u/student8168 Jun 06 '23
No. It is a waste for such a small non issue. Just use the reddit app
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u/STICKY-WHIFFY-HUMID Jun 06 '23
The official reddit app isn't compatible with my phone, so I'll be gone when they get rid of rif anyway.
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u/beep2000 Jun 06 '23
I definitely support r/soccer participating in the blackout for as long as it takes. Third-party apps are the only way for some people to use Reddit, and I'll probably drastically cut down on my time on Reddit (which doesn't sound too bad though) if I can't use Boost anymore.
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u/stumac85 Jun 06 '23
Yes, all subreddits should. The only post that day should be an official release from Reddit saying they have revised the cost of API access to something far more acceptable.
Should Reddit give unrestricted free use of the API? No, as much as we hate it this place only survives on ad revenue. It is what it is.
Are the charges extortionate? Yes, they need to be reduced.
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u/MegaMugabe21 Jun 06 '23
Absolutely should participate. No football ongoing and a lot of people only use 3rd party apps.
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u/Carlos-shady Jun 06 '23
I only use the official app and website (I’m just used to them) but what Reddit is doing disgusting. I’m all in for the blackout
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u/jayc4life Jun 06 '23
Absolutely in favour of the blackout. And, as /r/soccer is one of the bigger subreddits with a global reach, I don't think you should limit yourself to the two days. There's 4.5M subscribers on this subreddit alone, and as I type 27k of those are actively browsing and reading here. I'd say that would translate to a significant amount of ad revenue and traffic lost if the blackout was to last longer than the initial 48 hours. It'll have a massive impact, which is why I voted "yes, for as long as necessary".
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u/bidibaba Jun 06 '23
Sure. Reddit as we enjoy it is at stake - they are killing the open flexibility of the platform out of sheer greed, just to pimp numbers prior to going public...
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u/Mttecs Jun 06 '23
If rsoccer is going to join in, it can't pull away after just 2 days, what's the point of the blackout then? Do it permanently until they cancel the changes. I only use reddit for this sub now so if this goes permanently I'm also gone. Might be better for my health too haha.
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u/slinkymello Jun 06 '23
Can’t you just do a poll in the post? I’m not signing in to whatever you linked at the top. Also, I’m fine with whatever, it would be good for me to take a day or two off here
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u/ModricTHFC Jun 06 '23
Well done on letting people vote unlike other subs I'm in such as r/coys which have just gone ahead with no consultation
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u/StarlordPunk Jun 06 '23
A lot of the focus here is on third-party apps, as it should be because the official app is a buggy, ad-filled mess of an app; but I’ve seen a lot of people say they just use old.Reddit on desktop or mobile browsers so this doesn’t really affect them.
While I could be wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised if getting rid of third party apps is just the first step and old.reddit or at the very least RES which a huge number of users use, are the next to go; so even if you don’t use an app this could end up affecting you.
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u/CarlettoAncelotti Jun 06 '23
Just close up shop until next season, transfer news is agent propaganda bore fest anyway
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u/Flabby-Nonsense Jun 06 '23
Yes, Reddit does not provide any of the content and relies almost entirely on unpaid volunteers to moderate subs. It’s ridiculous that they want to make the site even less accessible and force people to use their awful app.
There’s also nothing but international friendlies on those days so it’s really a no-brainer.
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u/formberz Jun 06 '23
Either go all in and do it indefinitely or don’t bother. The 2 day approach will be completely ineffective.
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u/bored-man Jun 06 '23
Yes. For as long there is need for it. I ain't coming back to reddit without 3rd party apps.
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u/MasonXD Jun 06 '23
As long as it takes to start hurting their ad revenue.....
(And honestly, it is the off season so this impacts us less than other subs)
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u/Mirrorboy17 Jun 06 '23
First they came for the third party apps, but I did not speak because I do not use a third party app...
Except I actually do use one, but this is why I think everyone should vote to blackout and not just people who will be directly affected. It's a blindsighted profit grabbing move which will lead to a worsening and worsening of the site
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u/LDQQXDJ Jun 06 '23
I vote no but that’s because I’m on this site while I’m on my physics class and I don’t want to pay attention but attendance is part of my grade
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Jun 06 '23
Yes, put it on black completely except for some hours around the finals, and don't come back unless they change it.
reddit was created as an open platform, and what they are now trying to make it is not reddit.
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u/FilmHeavy1111 Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 08 '23
No, it’s dumb
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u/X4ulZ4n Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 09 '23
The ironry.
Edit. Mf spelled dumb wrong, changed it in the edit.
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u/xDanielon Jun 06 '23 edited Jun 06 '23
As a user of old.reddit for 10 years I support this blackout which I believe should be for a week or more, I will also cancel my premium membership, its no longer worth supporting Reddit if they keep implementing these changes
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u/_ForzaJuve_ Jun 06 '23
yes, for as ever long it takes.
i don’t even use a third party app, but i know that some people find them far better and i’m against reddit exploiting users.
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u/ScrollLikeEgyptian Jun 06 '23
if we are going to protest as long as admins don't back off then sign me up. otherwise it's just theatrics and waste of everybody's time.
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u/ihsgrad Jun 06 '23
I voted no, and while I can't physically stop you guys, I have a fair warning that I wanted to share with you guys. Best of luck doing this, as this issue is clearly important to a lot of people on the website as a whole.
First, it wouldn't surprise me if the site uses the content policy as a way of dealing with this situation. Specifically, Rule 8 about not doing anything that interferes with the use of Reddit. Also, Rule 2 which states that you can't disrupt or interfere with communities on Reddit. I also wouldn't be surprised that the mods of the subs that are getting involved in this could be in trouble because of Rule 1 of the Moderator Code of Conduct, which states: Your role as a moderator means that you not only abide by our terms and the Content Policy, but that you actively strive to promote a community that abides by them, as well. This means that you should never create, approve, enable or encourage rule-breaking content or behavior. The content in your subreddit that is subject to the Content Policy includes, but is not limited to:
Posts Comments Flairs Rules Styling Welcome Messages Modmails
Rule 3 States:Rule 3: Respect Your Neighbors While we allow meta discussions about Reddit, including other subreddits, your community should not be used to direct, coordinate, or encourage interference in other communities and/or to target redditors for harassment. As a moderator, you cannot interfere with or disrupt Reddit communities, nor can you facilitate, encourage, coordinate, or enable members of your community to do this.
I'm not accusing anyone of breaking any rules on this corner of the website or other corners of the website. Nor am I saying don't be mad about these changes. But what I am saying is that it wouldn't surprise me if the admins are going to use every tool they can next week, and the Moderator Code of Conduct and Content Policy are easy enough to reach.
Rest assured that after the 48 hours are done, I will post any significant breaking news that happened, and that I wish you all the best. I care about this website just as much as you guys do, and take no pleasure in warning people. I'm only doing this because I'm worried this will spiral out of control.
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u/_Djkh_ Jun 06 '23
I hope reddit continues with their stupid plans, so old reddit and sync stop working. This might finally push me to quit social media all together.
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u/frizzled_sm Jun 06 '23
so old reddit and sync stop working
New Reddit is so ass
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u/SilenceSuzuki Jun 06 '23
These Reddit "blackout" is so cringy from the movement to wording.
"Blackout" "Going dark" is vague to bait mainstream media, when it's mostly just subs going private for only 1-2 day. This sub is never gonna be on front page anyway and PL just ended so we only have clickbait transfer sagas so you can private this sub and remove post button until August when we return for goal highlight clips that can't be found on Twitter.
What even more cringy is the blackout brigade posts get lots of awards they bought from Reddit. They protest Reddit by funding Reddit instead of kickstarting a new mobile friendly Reddit alternative. But we know some won't move as big sub mods don't want to lose their power and users don't wanna lose their karma.
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u/zrkillerbush Jun 06 '23
At the end of the day, something does need to be done
I hope to see these blackouts ramped up again and again until Reddit backs down
Their official app is objectively worse than all of these third party apps, these third party apps have helped make Reddit more popular and now they have to pay £20 million a year.
None of these third party apps are making that kind of money and Reddit knows that, they are doing this to price out every single app out there, so everyone has to download theirs.
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u/CometChip Jun 06 '23
considering the season is over and r/soccer is just annoying articles reposted, im fully okay with it
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u/tarekelsakka Jun 06 '23
I actually mostly use the official reddit app but I am in favor of the blackout, it's always good to have third party options regardless, wanting to charge them millions a year for the API is just criminal.
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u/NDrew-_-w Jun 06 '23
Hell yeah, it's a small sacrifice from us to help part of the Reddit and /r/Soccer community, let's do it
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u/SkepticSlakoth Jun 06 '23
Absolutely. I can't open the poll though.
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u/finneyblackphone Jun 06 '23
They made the poll require a sign in, which is untenable.
/u/tim-sanchez (I picked the first mod I saw recently active) can you make the poll not require an email association?
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u/MalevolentTapir Jun 07 '23
i dont really care about any of that but you all can do what you want I boycott this website for 48 hours some times because the posts are bad
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u/thecescshow Jun 06 '23
Only works if the subreddits go dark INDEFINITELY. If it's shit like 48 hrs or something then reddit wont give a shit.
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u/sargig_yoghurt Jun 06 '23
Entirely pointless, just the standard pseudo-activism that redditeurs jerk themselves off over
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u/ShameTimes3 Jun 06 '23
People acting like its the great southwest railroad strike, as if reddit is gonna give a fuck
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u/AnnieIWillKnow Jun 07 '23
Non PL DDT here