Reddit has been largely criticized these last couple of days after it launched its new API pricing. A lot of users have been criticizing the social site. However, accessibility-focused apps won't have to worry about paying a cent as they are exempted from the new pricing.
Reddit Makes an Exemption
Developers have not been subtle about their protests when it comes to the social network's new pricing to access its API. Luckily for some, they will not have to carry the burden of the changes, given that the apps fit into a particular function.
Reddit spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt stated that they have connected with select developers of non-commercial apps that address accessibility and offered them exemptions from the "large-scale pricing terms," as mentioned in The Verge.
This may be in response to the protests of moderators from the r/Blind subreddit three days ago, where they expressed in a long message that the price changes may affect how screen reader apps like RedditForBlind and Luna For Reddit work.
It was stated that not only will it impact the ability to access Reddit in a fluid, customizable, and efficient way, but it may also interfere with the moderators' roles to keep the community safe, fun, and productive as they themselves too, are blind.
Although Reddit has provided its own apps to address accessibility limitations, the moderators claim that the services don't provide them with the levels of accessibility that they need in order to "continue effectively running this community."
r/Blinds is among the subreddits that intend to participate in the blackout protest that will happen between June 12th to June 14th. With the new policy that excludes them from the new price changes, it's unclear whether the group will still join the Reddit protest.
Reddit Users Protest
r/Blind is not the only subreddit that expressed their dismay toward the new policy. Even major subreddits with millions of members decided to go dark as a protest such as LifeProTips, ReactionGIFs, and Earthporn, among others.
While some are doing so in just two days, others are taking more extreme measures by shutting down until Reddit removes its pricing. There are even users who decided that they will just be boycotting the social network site altogether.
The Apollo app's developer tried to estimate how much the new pricing would cost the company, ultimately revealing that they will need to pay $1.7 million or $20 million a year. Apollo, according to the developer, gets around seven billion requests per month, thus, the huge cost.
Reddit still offers a free API option, but for apps that are more largely used, its limitations may not work for them. As a result, third-party apps may just leave Reddit, which could cause inconveniences for its users.
Third-party apps are used for several cases such as streamlined interfaces, quality-of-life improvements, as well as moderation, most of which are not offered by Reddit itself, as mentioned in Engadget. Despite that, Reddit stands firm on the changes.
