**Title**: The Anti-Consumer Nature of Reddit API Pricing Changes
**Description**:
In this video, we discuss the recent changes to the Reddit API pricing and how it negatively impacts consumers. While it may be their right to make these changes, it does not make it acceptable. It’s essential to prioritize the needs of the community over advertising agencies. As a former professional developer, I provide a metaphor to explain the severity of the price hike and its implications. Join me as I shed light on this issue and advocate for a web that benefits everyone.
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**Keywords**: reddit, twitter, API, technology, big tech
**Full Transcript**:
Hey, I just hit record and want to talk about something. But before we get to it, here’s a fun mug with polar bears. Let’s dive into the topic. I recently started a new series called “Hey Real Quick” on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In this series, I address one topic in a quick and entertaining manner. Today, I want to discuss the changes happening to Reddit’s API, specifically the price hikes that are detrimental to third-party apps. This situation is similar to what Twitter previously did.
Most people fail to grasp the severity of these changes and how they will impact consumers. You don’t need to know the technicalities of an API, but as someone with experience in consumer technology, I want to shed light on the situation in an entertaining way.
Imagine Reddit as a bustling community center in a town. It has been the go-to place for years, attracting people from various modes of transportation. This center is entirely free and run by volunteers, creating a vibrant space where people make friends and explore shared interests.
Suddenly, after years of building a loyal user base and establishing communities, Reddit implements new rules. They now only allow transportation on their issued buses, which come at a cost or require constant surveillance for data collection. It’s like a bus with cameras that record everything you do and sell that information.
An API, short for application programming interface, is a means for platforms to integrate with third-party services. It facilitates app development and seamless interactions. For example, a social media management tool uses the API to schedule posts.
However, Reddit’s profit model revolves around collecting user data rather than providing a quality service. They have now unleashed strict regulations, dictating how the center can be used. Failure to comply means exclusion from the community and potential privacy concerns.
The frustration lies not in Reddit’s ability to enforce these changes, but in the lack of regulation and oversight in the industry. There is no requirement for platforms with a massive user base to provide open and free access to their data, hindering research and user-friendly experiences.
Join me in this video as we delve into the anti-consumer nature of Reddit’s API pricing changes and explore the need for regulations to protect users and foster a better online ecosystem.
(Source: [Source Title](Source URL))
I wanted to talk a bit about the recent Reddit API pricing changes and just how anti-consumer they really are.
It’s super easy to just say “that’s their right” because, well, it is. But that doesn’t make it okay, and that doesn’t help make the web better for anyone but advertising agencies, who I don’t personally think need much better representation online.
I’d rather communities be the driving force, but what do I know?
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This is a perfect example of enshittification.
I’m sad that I just found out about apollo 😢
Maximum amount of milk with the minimum amount of Moo.
I can see needing to set limits for large companies constantly scraping their site to feed AI algorithms. Yet you could do that while offering different pricing structures for different API use. I think it's time we all gave Lemmy a chance as it's a growing reddit style platform built on activitypub.
It is amazing how people will defend their right to be Fked over.
I genuinely learned something today, thank you
Very well explained, thank you for this breakdown. I hope to see your channel continue to grow, you got my sub.
Anyone remember Myspace? What ever happened to that? It's sad how these companies see something working well and have to destroy it just because of money 😮💨
Best breakdown I've heard so far. Thank you for this. Really hope reddit doesn't follow through. But ik if it does we as humans will still seek out community in other ways
then their is AO3 that just ask people for money and it works well.
I'm pretty frustrated with the idea that we can't leave. The f we can't. People won't, maybe, for a variety of reasons that seem good to them. But Reddit is not a necessity. Fking bounce and see how much money they make with no content.
Also yes, I see who the villains are here. It sucks and I hope they go bankrupt. If they know they're going to get away with it, make them wrong.
The best part about the whole twitter API thingy? It /didn't/ get rid of bot spam. Now it did get rid of all the fun bots like quote bots, photo bots, etc. But as for the spam bots Elon muskrat kept talking about? Nope, still there and paying the fee with no problem. These websites just hate fun and are trying to squeeze as much money out of people as physically possible and its… I hate it here.
Sounds incredibly American…
THE OTHER HALF OF THE ROOM EXISTS :O
Gnarly Chuds. Thank you for helping us understand what's going on. Even if you think you're rambling, you give enough detail to piece an overall picture together.
Honestly the whole concept of price gating basic API access is ridiculous. Already had this issue with twitter, but it's killed a few of my (admittedly already backlogged) project ideas. And of course they can go ahead and justify it by saying "oh spam bots bad" but like they'll just find a way around it all.
I agree