Technology @beehaw.org alyaza [they/she] @beehaw.org 1y ago

a megathread for developments on Reddit and with third-party Reddit apps

just so this doesn't overwhelm our front page too much, i think now's a good time to start consolidating discussions. existing threads will be kept up, but unless a big update comes let's try to keep what's happening in this thread instead of across 10.

developments to this point:

The Verge is on it as usual, also--here's their latest coverage (h/t @dirtmayor@beehaw.org):

It’s not just Apollo: other Reddit apps are shutting down, too

other media coverage:

Reddit CEO doubles down on attack on Apollo developer in drama-filled AMA

464

You're viewing a single thread.

464 comments

I keep sitting here waiting for Reddit to backtrack. But it keeps not happening.
- Reddit isn't going back. Even if they did I'm sure they just convinced multiple users to not go back. I hope the blackout and tons of users moving will have a big enough impact to devalue Reddit even if somewhat.
  
  I predict Reddit backing out, lowering the API price to something realistic, and then everyone forgets what happened, like every other time something like this has happened.
  
  If they choose to lower the API price after all the 3rd party apps have already been disconnected for a day or two, it’s already too late. At that point the damage is done and there’s no going back
  
  yeah but people are addicted and will forget. most users here will eventually return to reddit, that's just how it works.
  
  It depends on how much people care about UX.
  
  Some people don’t care at all. They’re probably very casual users, and the default app is good enough for them. They will continue using Reddit as if nothing happened, but they’ll notice that a lot of subs are gone for good and junk to quality post ratio has changed. That’s not really a problem as long as these people can get their cat gifs.
  
  Some people care a bit, and they will be slightly bothered by the significant drop in UX and the quality of all subs. These people will probably spend less time, since Reddit is unable to provide what it used to.
  
  Some people care a great deal and they will be gone by the end of the month. Actually some have already deleted their account.
  
  I predict that Reddit has already lost a lot of users for good. Only reason I'm going back is to promote lemmy over there
  
  I really hope not. Switching to a new platform has made me realize how much I wasn’t being social on a social media site. Because of all the toxicity I was only going to a few subreddits. I’ve already created my first community here in Lemmy and I’m commenting and engaging again.
  
  if there can be a coordinated migration to the fediverse during blackout, that'd be the dream.
  
  wouldn't it be amazing when all of spez's attempts to make reddit look pretty for shareholders completely fail so they ruined their community for absolutely nothing
  
  Yeah I think this is going to be the event that finally causes a critical mass exodus. I mean, digg tried to keep going after the migration to reddit, but it was never the same again. Reddit is dead, it's only a matter of time until it's a called.
- Question:
  
  How do you address the concerns of users who feel that Reddit has become increasingly profit-driven and less focused on community engagement?
  
  Answer:
  
  We’ll continue to be profit-driven until profits arrive. Unlike some of the 3P apps, we are not profitable.
  
  This is where I lost all hope.
  
  There'd be all kinds of better ways to go about making profit / becoming financially sustainable. This is blatant ignorance and mismanagement, without hearing or seeing anything. Complete mismanagement.
  
  That comment had real “The beatings will continue until morale improves.” energy.
- I’m doubtful because I feel like the business goons did the math, found the expected profit of killing 3rd party apps and taking the backlash was higher than keeping the status quo, and have committed to the more profitable option.

464 comments