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Yup. RSS is the way to go for browsing Reddit without all the dark patterns. Self plug - you can try my app Plenary on Android (no ads/trackers) - https://play

by spians 6y ago

Yup. RSS is the way to go for browsing Reddit without all the dark patterns. Self plug - you can try my app Plenary on Android (no ads/trackers) - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spians.plenary https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spians.ple... that has Reddit as one of the RSS Assistant option. It basically creates RSS feed for subreddits, users, search terms etc for you.

robinduckett 6y ago
A feature of the app that you can't use without buying a monthly subscription or paying £10.49, to whom it may concern.
- spians 6y ago
  Thank you for trying it out. Plenary has monthly, quarterly and yearly subscription options and even has a lifetime purchase plan. That is the way support the development of the app so that it doesn't have to rely on ads and works without any intrusions to users. That is the point of this post, right?
- YPCrumble 6y ago
  Interestingly parent’s plug is a dark pattern to avoid dark patterns! It’s also surprising that even on HN, a place where many people write software for a living, people are avoidant of advertising paid features.
  - spians 6y ago
    > Interestingly parent’s plug is a dark pattern to avoid dark patterns! Sorry I didn't find any dark patterns here. If you can elaborate more on this, that would be really helpful. > It’s also surprising that even on HN, a place where many people write software for a living, people are avoidant of advertising paid features. Exactly! A lot of users want privacy focused - no ads apps. But many of them are hesitant to pay for it. For them, all apps should be FOSS (that means relying on good will of the developer that he will have motivation to maintain the app regularly or relying on some bug foundations) and no dev should generate revenue from their apps.
    - giancarlostoro 6y ago
      > Sorry I didn't find any dark patterns here. If you can elaborate more on this, that would be really helpful. I don't think you were being malicious, but it would of been useful to know up front that those RSS features cost money is all. Otherwise I see nothing wrong in your initial comment.
      - spians 6y ago
        Yes I agree, could've been clearer upfront about it being a premium feature. Thanks!
    - freedomben 6y ago
      You're right, I do want a FOSS solution and I'm hesitant to pay for something closed and controlled entirely by the dev. But I am not opposed at all to pay for apps that include the source (and build instructions). I don't mind if it's licensed accordingly to prevent me redistributing it (which would undermine sales). I frequently buy apps like that. More times than I can count I have bought an app that was later either abandoned when it stopped making money, or got an unwanted UI overhaul that wrecked it, or removed an obscure feature I depended on, etc. I will happily pay for software, but if it's not software I could potentially maintain myself then the amount of money I'm willing to spend goes way down and I'm a lot more hesitant to make the initial purchase. It's not about money, it's about freedom.
    - Chris2048 6y ago
      > that means relying on good will of the developer that he will have motivation to maintain the app regularly or relying on some bug foundations As opposed to paying for it which guarantees you'll get the service you want - except it doesn't. At least FLOSS would give you and others the opportunity to fix bugs /maintain the app themselves. > But many of them are hesitant to pay for it Depends what it is. There's a difference paying for a non free app, and tipping for a free app.

by spians 6y ago

robinduckett 6y ago

A feature of the app that you can't use without buying a monthly subscription or paying £10.49, to whom it may concern.

spians 6y ago
Thank you for trying it out. Plenary has monthly, quarterly and yearly subscription options and even has a lifetime purchase plan. That is the way support the development of the app so that it doesn't have to rely on ads and works without any intrusions to users. That is the point of this post, right?
YPCrumble 6y ago
Interestingly parent’s plug is a dark pattern to avoid dark patterns! It’s also surprising that even on HN, a place where many people write software for a living, people are avoidant of advertising paid features.
- spians 6y ago
  > Interestingly parent’s plug is a dark pattern to avoid dark patterns! Sorry I didn't find any dark patterns here. If you can elaborate more on this, that would be really helpful. > It’s also surprising that even on HN, a place where many people write software for a living, people are avoidant of advertising paid features. Exactly! A lot of users want privacy focused - no ads apps. But many of them are hesitant to pay for it. For them, all apps should be FOSS (that means relying on good will of the developer that he will have motivation to maintain the app regularly or relying on some bug foundations) and no dev should generate revenue from their apps.
  - giancarlostoro 6y ago
    > Sorry I didn't find any dark patterns here. If you can elaborate more on this, that would be really helpful. I don't think you were being malicious, but it would of been useful to know up front that those RSS features cost money is all. Otherwise I see nothing wrong in your initial comment.
    - spians 6y ago
      Yes I agree, could've been clearer upfront about it being a premium feature. Thanks!
  - freedomben 6y ago
    You're right, I do want a FOSS solution and I'm hesitant to pay for something closed and controlled entirely by the dev. But I am not opposed at all to pay for apps that include the source (and build instructions). I don't mind if it's licensed accordingly to prevent me redistributing it (which would undermine sales). I frequently buy apps like that. More times than I can count I have bought an app that was later either abandoned when it stopped making money, or got an unwanted UI overhaul that wrecked it, or removed an obscure feature I depended on, etc. I will happily pay for software, but if it's not software I could potentially maintain myself then the amount of money I'm willing to spend goes way down and I'm a lot more hesitant to make the initial purchase. It's not about money, it's about freedom.
  - Chris2048 6y ago
    > that means relying on good will of the developer that he will have motivation to maintain the app regularly or relying on some bug foundations As opposed to paying for it which guarantees you'll get the service you want - except it doesn't. At least FLOSS would give you and others the opportunity to fix bugs /maintain the app themselves. > But many of them are hesitant to pay for it Depends what it is. There's a difference paying for a non free app, and tipping for a free app.