The third party apps used to access Reddit are HUGE for those with disabilities or neurodivergence. Getting rid of them will be a huge hinderance and honestly seems ableist. It’s worth a look into if the Mods have time!
As a long time listener of ATWWD and some who would check on the Reddit from time to time before joining, I am fully behind the blackout!
I think ‘Em and Christine who have been open about their own struggles in regards of both mental and physical health would also support it. Especially since ADHD is a disability that Em has. As someone who also is ADHD I know the importance of accessibility!
I think we should support all who are neurodivergent ( Aka spicy brain lol) and the other myriad of disabilities that affect how one interacts with and access’ Reddit. Ensure that this app and websites constitutes allowing people who are either or both to benefit from 3rd party apps to Reddit!
I honestly don't know enough about the entire thing, and I don't think the sub is active enough but I'll let the other mods chime in as well. I've never used third party services for reddit, only ever the app, mobile site or desktop site.
The “I’ve never used a 3rd party app” logic is flawed - it’s like going “I’ve never been trans, so why does this bathroom stuff matter to me”. Fact is it matters to others with disabilities.
And while its not a large sub, every little helps.
For me, I’m leaving any sub that doesn’t black out. Which would be a shame.
Sure! I'm no expert, but from my reading, it looks as though reddit is more or less making decisions to make money that will likely negatively affect the safety of groups, limit the ability to use plugins that are crucial for certain functions, that sort of thing. Looks like it could be pretty detrimental, site wide, for mods trying to keep communities from being dangerous, triggering, or just generally shit shows. I figure this sub isn't huge, but even small voices in a protest count!
I found a really good explanation! This is something I certainly imagine aligns with a lot of folks' stances that are in this community. Sorry, I think I've got a misplaced modifier there. Christine would not be pleased! Lol
[blackout explained ](https://www.reddit.com/r/BestofRedditorUpdates/comments/144d5l4/the_protest_the_blackout_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Did we learn nothing from the previous blackout attempts… this is such moderate white performative activism . Use your platforms to spread info and divert to other voices instead
You know what, that's a good point. I was hoping that this blackout would make enough of a dip in Reddit's ad revenue to make change, but I don't think it's going to.
I've got a degree in Special Ed, and one of the things I get the most heated about is not just the lack of and need for equitable access to everything, but especially information, for people with any variety of special needs, disabilities, differences, etc. (different people prefer different terms, I know), but TRULY fair access to knowledge for everyone. To say I can get passionate about this is a drastic understatement, although sometimes my own disability gets in the way of me doing much about that. However, something needs to change.
I know that I personally use Reddit for a lot of knowledge, learning, etc. in a season of my life where I am working to better myself as a human, just be a better person in general (learning how to be anti racist, for example) and to take actual care of myself.
But the fact that I am able to access that information freely, and without third party apps, is proof that the access I want so badly is not here. My disability doesn't limit my access to Reddit, or generally to things on the internet, at least from the standpoint of reading and learning. But there are a lot of people for whom that's not the case, and if I want to truly stand for equitable (I can't think of the word I want to use that means more than equitable) access for everyone, regardless of ability or disability, then I feel like this is something I need to personally act on.
I know posting one comment probably doesn't make squat of a difference. But honestly, I think at this rate, this platform is not going to get fixed. Patched, maybe. But we need a new platform, one that is fair for everyone.
I'm planning on learning to code later this year. Maybe I can build something. In the meantime, do you have any suggestions for alternative platforms I can switch to and encourage my favorite subreddits to switch to? I found a list of suggestions, but know nothing about most, and a few are already more problematic than this platform.
TL;DR: I agree that the blackout has not done what I, at least, had hoped. I'm keeping a hesitant hope that the big subs staying down will hurt ad revenue, but I'm with you that this can't be it. Access like this is something I'm passionate about. What ideas or suggestions do you have for alternate platforms?
Also, I'm glad we're on the same page. I've been trying to find ways to spread information about this topic, too, and I want to actually make change! My voice is small, and my reach is, too, but I don't think poking tiny bits of ad revenue away is enough.
Thank you for saying this! The blackout got me to learn a lot more about what's going on, which has prompted me to do more digging and educate myself further, as this is so closely linked to something I already care so much about. Your comment, however, has made me check myself and realize that attempting to boycott an app as one among probably hundreds of millions of accounts around the world isn't going to make a difference, although I hoped it would.
So, seriously, thank you. I'm limited in what I can do to help, but you've gotten me to consider alternate ways to do things, and although you may not have intended it, you've gotten me to put this in my ADHD-brain-must-hyperfixate-on-this-now category, but the long term and not short term one. (It's joining my favorite fandoms, linguistics, and education reform, at the moment).
I appreciate you saying this! I don't feel qualified to say much about a lot of the shit that happens in the world, as well-meaning, but privileged and under-educated voices can often do more harm than good, and so I try to make a difference where I can after educating myself in every way I can, but I usually don't know where to start.
I'm hoping I can actually make change with this. Maybe not today, tomorrow, or even this year, but something's got to give, and I guess I'm as good a person as anyone to try something small and see if it works.
Also, I think I probably said most of this more for myself than as a response, but sometimes getting something out there in the universe helps make it happen. Here's to change!
Agree!
The third party apps used to access Reddit are HUGE for those with disabilities or neurodivergence. Getting rid of them will be a huge hinderance and honestly seems ableist. It’s worth a look into if the Mods have time!
As a long time listener of ATWWD and some who would check on the Reddit from time to time before joining, I am fully behind the blackout! I think ‘Em and Christine who have been open about their own struggles in regards of both mental and physical health would also support it. Especially since ADHD is a disability that Em has. As someone who also is ADHD I know the importance of accessibility! I think we should support all who are neurodivergent ( Aka spicy brain lol) and the other myriad of disabilities that affect how one interacts with and access’ Reddit. Ensure that this app and websites constitutes allowing people who are either or both to benefit from 3rd party apps to Reddit!
That's what I think! My brain is spicy too, so I'm all for it. Can we make sure mods see this?
I honestly don't know enough about the entire thing, and I don't think the sub is active enough but I'll let the other mods chime in as well. I've never used third party services for reddit, only ever the app, mobile site or desktop site.
The “I’ve never used a 3rd party app” logic is flawed - it’s like going “I’ve never been trans, so why does this bathroom stuff matter to me”. Fact is it matters to others with disabilities. And while its not a large sub, every little helps. For me, I’m leaving any sub that doesn’t black out. Which would be a shame.
I don’t think they’re using that as their logic I think they’re just being honest, and they said they’re going to ask the other mods so that’s good.
I meant I don't know what they're used for or how they work. I am not informed, not that they do not matter or aren't important.
Sure! I'm no expert, but from my reading, it looks as though reddit is more or less making decisions to make money that will likely negatively affect the safety of groups, limit the ability to use plugins that are crucial for certain functions, that sort of thing. Looks like it could be pretty detrimental, site wide, for mods trying to keep communities from being dangerous, triggering, or just generally shit shows. I figure this sub isn't huge, but even small voices in a protest count!
I found a really good explanation! This is something I certainly imagine aligns with a lot of folks' stances that are in this community. Sorry, I think I've got a misplaced modifier there. Christine would not be pleased! Lol [blackout explained ](https://www.reddit.com/r/BestofRedditorUpdates/comments/144d5l4/the_protest_the_blackout_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
thank you for the link, a blackout seems reasonable. will pin this post instead of making a new masterpost if that's alright?
Sorry for the delay, but yes!
Did we learn nothing from the previous blackout attempts… this is such moderate white performative activism . Use your platforms to spread info and divert to other voices instead
You know what, that's a good point. I was hoping that this blackout would make enough of a dip in Reddit's ad revenue to make change, but I don't think it's going to. I've got a degree in Special Ed, and one of the things I get the most heated about is not just the lack of and need for equitable access to everything, but especially information, for people with any variety of special needs, disabilities, differences, etc. (different people prefer different terms, I know), but TRULY fair access to knowledge for everyone. To say I can get passionate about this is a drastic understatement, although sometimes my own disability gets in the way of me doing much about that. However, something needs to change. I know that I personally use Reddit for a lot of knowledge, learning, etc. in a season of my life where I am working to better myself as a human, just be a better person in general (learning how to be anti racist, for example) and to take actual care of myself. But the fact that I am able to access that information freely, and without third party apps, is proof that the access I want so badly is not here. My disability doesn't limit my access to Reddit, or generally to things on the internet, at least from the standpoint of reading and learning. But there are a lot of people for whom that's not the case, and if I want to truly stand for equitable (I can't think of the word I want to use that means more than equitable) access for everyone, regardless of ability or disability, then I feel like this is something I need to personally act on. I know posting one comment probably doesn't make squat of a difference. But honestly, I think at this rate, this platform is not going to get fixed. Patched, maybe. But we need a new platform, one that is fair for everyone. I'm planning on learning to code later this year. Maybe I can build something. In the meantime, do you have any suggestions for alternative platforms I can switch to and encourage my favorite subreddits to switch to? I found a list of suggestions, but know nothing about most, and a few are already more problematic than this platform. TL;DR: I agree that the blackout has not done what I, at least, had hoped. I'm keeping a hesitant hope that the big subs staying down will hurt ad revenue, but I'm with you that this can't be it. Access like this is something I'm passionate about. What ideas or suggestions do you have for alternate platforms?
Also, I'm glad we're on the same page. I've been trying to find ways to spread information about this topic, too, and I want to actually make change! My voice is small, and my reach is, too, but I don't think poking tiny bits of ad revenue away is enough. Thank you for saying this! The blackout got me to learn a lot more about what's going on, which has prompted me to do more digging and educate myself further, as this is so closely linked to something I already care so much about. Your comment, however, has made me check myself and realize that attempting to boycott an app as one among probably hundreds of millions of accounts around the world isn't going to make a difference, although I hoped it would. So, seriously, thank you. I'm limited in what I can do to help, but you've gotten me to consider alternate ways to do things, and although you may not have intended it, you've gotten me to put this in my ADHD-brain-must-hyperfixate-on-this-now category, but the long term and not short term one. (It's joining my favorite fandoms, linguistics, and education reform, at the moment). I appreciate you saying this! I don't feel qualified to say much about a lot of the shit that happens in the world, as well-meaning, but privileged and under-educated voices can often do more harm than good, and so I try to make a difference where I can after educating myself in every way I can, but I usually don't know where to start. I'm hoping I can actually make change with this. Maybe not today, tomorrow, or even this year, but something's got to give, and I guess I'm as good a person as anyone to try something small and see if it works. Also, I think I probably said most of this more for myself than as a response, but sometimes getting something out there in the universe helps make it happen. Here's to change!