r/techsupport Takes a Stand: Going Dark to Protest Reddit’s API Changes

In a bold move to protest recent policy modifications, the moderation team of r/techsupport has announced it will temporarily shut down the subreddit for at least 48 hours starting June 12. This decision arises from serious concerns regarding Reddit’s recent changes to its API pricing, which threaten the existence of numerous beloved third-party applications that enhance the Reddit experience.

On May 31, 2023, Reddit revealed significant price hikes for API access, which have implications for third-party apps like Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader. These beloved applications provide features and functionalities that are simply not available in the official Reddit mobile app.

This issue goes beyond just mobile users; it impacts anyone who enjoys customizing their Reddit experience, whether through tools like Reddit Enhancement Suite or the classic old.reddit.com desktop view. Moreover, many subreddit moderators rely on external tools for effective community management, ensuring conversations stay relevant and free from spam.

In light of these developments, r/techsupport’s moderation team believes raising awareness about this matter is crucial for the community. To effectively communicate their stance, they are temporarily taking the subreddit offline as a form of protest.

How You Can Support the Cause

There are several ways you can stand in solidarity with r/techsupport:

Sign the Open Letter: Show your support by reading and signing the open letter that calls for action against these changes. You can find it here.
Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to amplify this message. Share your thoughts and raise awareness about the potential consequences of these policy changes.

The moderation team acknowledges the temporary inconvenience this may cause for users seeking assistance. However, they firmly believe this action serves the greater good of the community as a whole. For those in need of support during this dark period, the r/techsupport Live Chat on Discord will remain active for ongoing discussions.