r/TechSupport Goes Dark: A Protest Against Reddit’s API Policy Changes

In a significant move that reflects the growing discontent with Reddit’s recent changes, the moderation team of r/TechSupport has announced its decision to go dark for a minimum of 48 hours starting June 12th. This protest is a response to Reddit’s recent policy revisions affecting its API, which jeopardizes the existence of many beloved third-party applications.

The Issue at Hand

On May 31, 2023, Reddit revealed plans to dramatically increase the pricing for API usage—from a free model to a prohibitively expensive one. This shift threatens the future of numerous third-party mobile applications like Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader. Many users rely on these apps for enhanced functionalities and a smoother user experience that the official Reddit app simply does not provide.

But this situation extends beyond just mobile app users. Reddit’s changes threaten the customization capabilities that many users appreciate, including tools like Reddit Enhancement Suite and the old desktop version of Reddit. Moreover, subreddit moderators heavily rely on these third-party tools to maintain the quality and relevance of their communities.

A Call for Solidarity

As a united front, the r/TechSupport moderation team stands opposed to the new API pricing structure. In an effort to raise awareness and advocate for the community, they are temporarily shutting down the subreddit. The team understands that this inconvenience may impact users who depend on r/techsupport for assistance, but they firmly believe that this action is necessary for the greater good.

How You Can Support the Cause

If you want to lend your voice to this movement:

• Sign the Open Letter: Show your support by reading and signing the open letter available here.

• Spread the Word: Use social media platforms to share your thoughts and bring awareness to this issue. The more people who know, the more impactful this movement can be.

Staying Connected

While r/techsupport may be dark for the protest, the moderation team will keep the Live Chat operational on Discord. They encourage users to engage with the team there for ongoing support during this period.

This decision is a pivotal moment for the Reddit community, as it highlights the importance of user experience and access to third-party applications. The r/techsupport team appreciates your understanding and