r/TechSupport Takes a Stand: Subreddit to Go Dark in Protest of Reddit’s API Changes
In a significant move aimed at preserving community resources, the moderation team of r/TechSupport has announced that it will be shutting down the subreddit for a minimum of 48 hours starting June 12, 2023. This action is in response to recent changes to Reddit’s API that threaten to eliminate access to numerous beloved third-party mobile apps.
The Implications of Reddit’s API Policy Shift
Recently, Reddit revealed plans to raise the cost of API calls to a level that is not sustainable for third-party applications. This change stands to impact popular apps like Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader, effectively rendering them obsolete. These applications have long enhanced the user experience by offering features and customization options that are not available through Reddit’s official mobile interface.
Even for those who may not use mobile applications, these changes pose a threat to various customization tools like Reddit Enhancement Suite and the old.reddit.com interface. Furthermore, many subreddit moderators rely on external tools to manage their communities effectively, keeping discussions focused and free of spam.
A Call for Solidarity
In light of these developments, the r/TechSupport moderation team is calling on the community to support their protest. They are asking members and supporters to:
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Read and sign an open letter expressing discontent with these changes. Access the letter here.
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Share your thoughts across social media platforms. Raising awareness about the implications of the API changes is crucial.
Though the r/TechSupport subreddit will be temporarily unavailable, the team emphasizes that they are committed to their mission. Consequently, the Live Chat feature on Discord will remain active during the protest period to provide assistance to users who still require help.
Additional Resources for Further Reading
If you want to delve deeper into the implications of Reddit’s API changes, here are some resources:
- What We Want: A Community Call to Action
- [Don’t Let Reddit Kill 3rd Party Apps](https://www.reddit.com/r/Save3rdPartyApps/comments/13yh0jf/dont_let_reddit_kill_
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