r/techsupport Goes Dark: Standing Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a strong statement of solidarity, the moderation team of r/techsupport has decided to temporarily shut down the subreddit in response to significant changes in Reddit’s API policy that threaten the viability of beloved third-party applications. This alarming move is set to take effect for a duration of at least 48 hours starting on June 12th.

What’s at Stake?

On May 31, 2023, Reddit announced a dramatic increase in the costs associated with accessing their API. This shift threatens to devastate numerous popular third-party mobile applications that millions of users rely on for a superior Reddit experience. Apps like Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader offer unique features that are absent from the official Reddit mobile app. As a result, this policy change could render these tools obsolete, diminishing the overall user experience.

Beyond mobile users, the implications stretch far and wide. Many subreddit moderators utilize tools outside the official app to maintain community standards and ensure discussions remain relevant and free of spamming. The future of many user-created enhancements, such as the Reddit Enhancement Suite and the classic old.reddit.com format, also hangs precariously in the balance.

Our Call to Action

In light of these pressing concerns, we urge all Reddit users to take action. Here’s how you can support the cause:

Sign the Open Letter: We invite you to read and add your name to the open letter available here. Your voice matters.
Spread the Word: Utilize your social media channels to share your thoughts and raise awareness about the repercussions of these policy changes. The more people know, the better equipped we are to foster change.

We understand that this temporary closure may cause inconvenience to our community, particularly for those who count on r/techsupport for assistance. Nevertheless, we firmly believe this action is necessary for the long-term benefit of our user base. During this dark period, our Live Chat on Discord will remain available for real-time support.