r/techsupport to Go Dark: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a significant move to advocate for the future of Reddit’s user experience, the moderation team of r/techsupport has announced that their subreddit will temporarily go dark on June 12, 2023. This decision comes as a direct response to Reddit’s recent changes regarding API pricing, which pose a serious threat to beloved third-party applications.

The Impact of Reddit’s API Policy Change

On May 31, 2023, Reddit revealed a drastic increase in the fees for calls made to their API—from free to prohibitively expensive. This shift is set to jeopardize numerous third-party applications, such as Apollo, Reddit is Fun, Narwhal, and BaconReader, which have long added unique features that enhance the Reddit user experience beyond what is available in the official app.

Even for those who primarily browse Reddit through the official mobile application, this change is alarming. It marks a troubling trend that could limit customization options that many users rely on, including the Reddit Enhancement Suite as well as the traditional old.reddit.com interface. Furthermore, many subreddit moderators depend on external tools to maintain their communities’ focus and protect them from spam.

A Unified Response

In light of these developments, the r/techsupport moderation team believes it is essential to take a stand. By implementing a 48-hour shutdown of the subreddit starting June 12, they aim to raise awareness about the potential repercussions of these API changes.

What You Can Do to Help

1. Support the Cause: Read and consider signing the open letter available here.

2. Spread the Word: Share your thoughts on social media platforms to amplify this cause. Increasing awareness is crucial in gathering a collective voice against these changes.

While the moderation team apologizes for any disruption this may cause to users seeking help through the subreddit, they firmly believe that this action is necessary to protect the broader interests of the community. Importantly, the Live Chat on Discord will remain operational during this period to ensure that support is still accessible.

Additional Resources

For more information and to stay informed about ongoing developments, consider checking out the following resources:

• [What We Want](https://www.reddit.com/r/Save3rdPartyApps/comments/13yh2te/what_we