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From the author (in the linked thread): > If the app can't be in the Play store anymore, there is no point in continuing supporting this app because about 99%

by FabHK 4y ago

From the author (in the linked thread): > If the app can't be in the Play store anymore, there is no point in continuing supporting this app because about 99% of the users download the app from the Play store. And some more context: --- Begin quote --- The balance The few euros I receive in return for what's being offered and the fun of developing things are no compensation for the thousands of questions I answer every month, for unfair Play store reviews and for stress about unclear Google requirements. The verdict I have not reached a conclusion yet, but the question I am asking myself is why I would continue with the project. Maybe it is the moment, with a sick girlfriend, but I currently don't see it. Alternatives GitHub only version: 98% of the audience will be lost. Strip down the app: more bad reviews Paid support: more bad reviews Stop answering questions: more bad reviews Bad reviews will shift the balance only in the wrong direction. Core problem Google. There is no sensible way to appeal in case of bad reviews or alleged violations of Play store policies. People. They are generally pretty demanding and on the other hand everything should be free. Myself. An old and grumpy developer, who maybe should retired. Input is welcome. --- End quote ---

BeefWellington 4y ago
I think we're reaching a point where because of the unreliability of the two major platforms there may be a path for developers to go the Youtuber route and start Patreon to fund development. You already see this in certain genres of games (notably adult content) that are typically just hidden on stores. I can certainly understand the reasons behind simply abandoning ship at this point. If it's not worth it, it's not worth it. My only hope now is that Thunderbird on Android will approach the quality without adding any heinous anti-features.
- nicolas_t 4y ago
  I suggested that in the forum too. I support quite a few developers through patreon, paypal subscriptions or Github: Calibre, a lot of mister devs, Karabiner Elements (Tekezo), Scummvm (Eugene Sandulenko) From what I've seen from comments of supporters on patreon, the community tends to be much nicer to the dev than typical forums. It's always strange to me that people who don't want to pay tend to be the worst when it comes to support and politeness.
  - prmoustache 4y ago
    > From what I've seen from comments of supporters on patreon, the community tends to be much nicer to the dev than typical forums. It's always strange to me that people who don't want to pay tend to be the worst when it comes to support and politeness. I would say that it is rather that only a small fraction of people pay, and those are usually the most satisfied users anyway to be willing to pay for the additionnal features. The platform has little to do with it.
    - nicolas_t 4y ago
      Oh yes, I don't mean that's specific to Patreon the platform. It's just that in my limited experience dealing with a not that popular opensource software and dealing with support for an old school shareware back when that was a thing, the most entitled, the least friendly and the most aggressive emails were all from people who didn't donate, didn't pay or didn't contribute to the code (in the case of my opensource project). And once you help them, they're not necessarily going to donate either or try to help in any way (a big percentage of those problematic users have the mentality of not paying for software ever). So filtering support to only supporters is a good way to stay sane as a developer and stop dealing with negativity.
- seanw444 4y ago
  This already exists in things like Liberapay. I've seen many projects using it.

by FabHK 4y ago

BeefWellington 4y ago

I think we're reaching a point where because of the unreliability of the two major platforms there may be a path for developers to go the Youtuber route and start Patreon to fund development. You already see this in certain genres of games (notably adult content) that are typically just hidden on stores. I can certainly understand the reasons behind simply abandoning ship at this point. If it's not worth it, it's not worth it. My only hope now is that Thunderbird on Android will approach the quality without adding any heinous anti-features.

nicolas_t 4y ago
I suggested that in the forum too. I support quite a few developers through patreon, paypal subscriptions or Github: Calibre, a lot of mister devs, Karabiner Elements (Tekezo), Scummvm (Eugene Sandulenko) From what I've seen from comments of supporters on patreon, the community tends to be much nicer to the dev than typical forums. It's always strange to me that people who don't want to pay tend to be the worst when it comes to support and politeness.
- prmoustache 4y ago
  > From what I've seen from comments of supporters on patreon, the community tends to be much nicer to the dev than typical forums. It's always strange to me that people who don't want to pay tend to be the worst when it comes to support and politeness. I would say that it is rather that only a small fraction of people pay, and those are usually the most satisfied users anyway to be willing to pay for the additionnal features. The platform has little to do with it.
  - nicolas_t 4y ago
    Oh yes, I don't mean that's specific to Patreon the platform. It's just that in my limited experience dealing with a not that popular opensource software and dealing with support for an old school shareware back when that was a thing, the most entitled, the least friendly and the most aggressive emails were all from people who didn't donate, didn't pay or didn't contribute to the code (in the case of my opensource project). And once you help them, they're not necessarily going to donate either or try to help in any way (a big percentage of those problematic users have the mentality of not paying for software ever). So filtering support to only supporters is a good way to stay sane as a developer and stop dealing with negativity.
seanw444 4y ago
This already exists in things like Liberapay. I've seen many projects using it.