r/TechSupport Takes a Stand: A Call to Action Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a bold move, the moderation team of r/TechSupport has announced that they will be temporarily shutting down the subreddit on June 12th, in response to Reddit’s recent API pricing strategy that threatens to eliminate many cherished third-party applications. This change not only impacts mobile users but has repercussions for the entire Reddit community.

The Impact of Reddit’s API Changes

On May 31st, Reddit revealed a significant increase in the fees for API calls, shifting from a complimentary model to one that will likely spell doom for popular third-party applications such as Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader. These apps offer a variety of features not found in the official Reddit mobile application, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

But the implications go beyond mobile app enthusiasts. The newly implemented pricing strategy poses a considerable threat to customization options available to all Reddit users, including beloved browser extensions like Reddit Enhancement Suite and the classic old.reddit.com interface.

Moreover, subreddit moderators, who play a crucial role in maintaining the health and relevance of their communities, often depend on functionalities provided by third-party tools. The potential loss of these resources will compromise their ability to keep discussions on track and free of spam.

Rising to the Challenge

In light of these concerns, the r/TechSupport moderation team has taken a stand. By going dark for at least 48 hours starting June 12th, the team aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue about Reddit’s recent policy shift.

How You Can Contribute

• Sign the Open Letter: We encourage you to read and consider signing the open letter addressing these issues. You can find it here.

• Spread the Word: Share your thoughts across social media platforms. The more voices that join this conversation, the greater the impact.

The team understands this pause may cause inconvenience for users who rely on the subreddit for assistance, but they firmly believe this is a necessary step for the greater good of the community. To continue providing support during this time, a Live Chat will be accessible via Discord, even while the subreddit is inactive.

Additional Resources for Awareness

For those interested in diving deeper into the situation, a wealth of resources has been compiled to elaborate on the concerns surrounding Reddit’s API policy