You must log in or register to comment.
Holy shit y’all. Developers need to eat too. It’s totally fine to charge for an app or serve ads. LjDawson is a fantastic developer and really listens to his user base. Yes there are plenty of open source apps to use, but sometimes closed source is way more polished because the developer makes it their job to create the app. Living isn’t free. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It’s like having Reddit back, this is amazing. 🙏
For as long as I can remember Reddit and Sync have been one and the same. I never used Reddit website or app, only ever used Sync to browse Reddit hosted content. I used it a lot. I’ve missed it a lot.
Between the Lemmy platform and Sync client, to all intents and purposes what Reddit was has been fully restored/migrated.
I know it’s early days, but I did not expect to see anything like this so soon and it gives me hope that Lemmy can grow and thrive into the network of people that always made Reddit what it was. Everything that’s needed is there - early, a little rough around the edges, but there. And being improved constantly.
Hallelujah!
Definitely agree. This has pretty much completely restored the reddit experience for me after I chose to delete my reddit account in the wake of reddit’s third-party app debacle. The Sync developer deserves major props. This app will surely make lemmy so much more attractive and accessible to a host of new users in the coming weeks and months.
Yup. The third party devs ought to bring in the charm, and the people along with it as well… Fingers crossed.
Hoping that guys like the dev of joey app too shows up 🤞🏻
It’s the same experience for me, but I still do a lot of Google searches based on Reddit content since there is a lot of information posted there over the years.
Well said. I paid for the ad free version right away. Years of sync use gives me full confidence it’s worth it.
Me too, instabuy. No question.
There’s also old.lemmy.world in case you’re more comfortable with that. Loving all the choices available so far!
Let’s hope that all the subs gonna start appearing in as well… Complete with the footfalls + content Ofc. 👍🏼
Be the change you want to see! If the sub doesn’t exist yet, make it yourself, and people like you will come to fill it. Welcome home!
Got plans to. Never want to see a repeat of the stunt that ahole of reddit pulled on so many people.
Privacy policy: AdMob
Personal Data: Trackers; unique device identifiers for advertising (Google Advertiser ID or IDFA, for example); Usage Data Amazon Mobile Ads Personal Data: Trackers; Usage Datadeleted by creator
Me too but it looks really good by the way , I am using liftoff right now if you are interested for a similar option.
Yeah, I’m liking lift off. Only thing I miss is better filtering options like keywords. But, it’s one I’m using right now to type this message.
I like connect. It’s similar to Sync.
Can someone please explain a bit what is included as part of a “unique identifier”… does it mean the app sends Google what communities you’re visiting or content you’re consuming, so they can advertise to you personally?
I believe that every android phone has a unique advertising ID and the app match it in order to serve you ads based on you also Amazon Ads are here.
Starting with Android 12 (and maybe earlier, I think it may be a part of a Google Play update?), you can delete your advertising ID in settings - definitely worth doing!
Unique device identifier would be some information unique to your device that can identify it. A common example of such a unique Id would be your IMEI although that isn’t necessarily what they are using. Minecraft as an example creates a unique user ID based on your account that system administrators can use to keep your player records even after you change your Microsoft account name or gamer tag.
It doesn’t have to be specific data related to your activities in the app per se, but it could potentially be used in that manner depending on the app.
This is present in all apps in the playstore for serving ads. If you are running away from it you have to run from the entire internet. You want to live a life like the people in privacy sub reddit with that tin foil hat. For the developer to serve ads this is necessary.
deleted by creator
Exactly people really dont care about privacy nowadays , even calling us thin foil thats. Just look at the republican states asking Facebook to share messages about abortion with a mom and her daughter.
I think there’s some nuance there too. I’m not keen on the idea of my facebook messages, or google chats, or private emails, things like that going into other peoples hands (regardless of how much I can do to stop it), but purely ad-based stuff doesn’t bother me. I’m gonna be seeing ads for something, and whether or not they’re things google or amazon think I might want doesn’t really change the equation for me.
However, I do hold it to be true people should be in control of that if they want to. I feel like the choice is important.
Then sell all your shit and live without any device connected to the internet. If you believe a trillion dollar company can’t track what you like then I’ve got bad news for you.
Oh wait, even if you sell your shit, they just need to know who your friends are and they can create a profile of you… Woops! 🤷
What’s funny is that you’re trusting a bunch of random Lemmy hosts right now, but not companies that can be identified and that you can tell which laws apply to them.
deleted by creator
Lemm.ee’s host is such a nice dude, I don’t think he’d sell people out either.
Individuals can’t be corrupted in exchange for money, good to know 👍
I’m sure they would also protect your data with their life if authorities came knocking.
deleted by creator
Wtf are you talking about? No one its exempt from authorities search , if a government wants you they will find you. We are against companies!! Not governments. You just want to be against open source free software if you want to pay for an app go ahead but stop minimizing people that wants privacy.
I am self hosting my instance , how ignorant you can be. And even if I have my account on a server do you think a regular person would care or have the capacity to create a profile on me. I do believe a trillion company can track me and its not 100% but the less they have the better. Also why does it matter to you? Fuck off. Laws? No law can apply to this coporporations.
Would love to see you GDPR your data from all instances 😂
Not important data at all. Probably my ip address not relevant to me.
I dont install aps from the play store , and what’s wrong with wanting to not see ads or my data with Google? The less data they can have from me , the less the ads are relevant, the less likely to work in me.
Or just block ads…
I entirely agree. This is breaking the unspoken rules of Lemmy for me.
Its not open source , how we all know if its not doing that?
Logcat is your friend. Someone on one of these threads mentioned they confirmed via logcat that the dev is correct.
This is all you need to see, folks.
Jesus, the absolute entitlement in this thread. Can everyone just chill until the app is out of the beta version? Some of us are fine with seeing ads until the lifetime fee is available, and some of us are fine paying a subscription until the lifetime fee is available. If you’d rather not use the app until then don’t, but trashing the dev for getting paid while he works endlessly to create the sync experience for us is so ignorant and childish.
Sync is by far the best user experience app for lemmy that’s available for Android, just as it was for reddit, and it’s worth the wait and the price until the pro version is available.
I hope the dev ignores the whiners and focuses on those of us that get it. How demotivating to see people run their mouths when they dint know what they’re talking about.
My God, I missed Sync so much. Devs , thanks.
Storing data usage, personal ads, 21.99€ just to remove ads or a subscription model.
I’m a dev myself and I get that everyone needs to be compensated, but right now I have only one thought:
“You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.”
I honestly can’t believe what I’m seeing on Lemmy RE: Sync. Lemmy itself doesn’t have ads, neither do the iOS apps that I’ve been using - Memmy (which is AMAZING) and Liftoff, yet here comes Sync injecting ads in and having absurd subscriptions or one time fees…and I’m seeing comments about people “crying because I’m so happy” and “can’t stop smiling” lol.
Seems the reddit app devs who made their millions off the back of reddits free content are now coming here and just going straight to reddit 2.0 money making mode lol. They’re now charging people to use their app that is using a free API. These are the same devs that chose to close their reddit apps completely instead of offering a subscription model that would pay for the api access. Make it make sense.
It’s worth noting they did already have a subscription model in place with Sync for Reddit. The difference would’ve been in losing the ad-supported free version of the app due to the API changes.
And instead of just making it subscription only he decided to kill the entire app…to then come here and milk the Lemmy crowd and show them ads lol.
Reddit was the one who killed the app by implementing the API changes (it actually killed a number of apps earlier than expected that day).
No, what killed the app were the devs choosing not to switch to a subscription-only model.
$170 AUD for a lifetime “ultra” license.
Absolute farce of a price
Where are you even seeing a lifetime option?
Been a long time supporter of sync. Honestly a bit sad to see there’s nothing for those that had pro/ultra before :/
deleted by creator
Yeah, just seeing that it will collect data about me for personalized ads was a turnoff. There are plenty of Lemmy clients without ads. I can’t imagine seeing ads while using Lemmy, either.
so that’s why everyone hates reddit?
Sync Ultra and Adfree are two different things altogether.
Ultra comes with adfree as a perk among with a ton of other stuff, but if all you care for is adfree, that’s $9.99 lifetime.
Ad free in the app is $22 for me. Does it vary by region? Or is it dynamic pricing? (US)
I’m seeing $30.50 to remove ads. Way higher than I paid for sync for reddit :/
This is the only source of income for the developer
Removed by mod
I’m not advocating for anyone to buy a price they’re not comfortable with, but personally I reasoned that, having used Sync for nearly 10 years, it would be like paying 10 bucks for each of those years for an app that I have used the most out of all the apps in my life
Sync was a huge part of my life (will continue to be), and I am happy to compensate for that.
Or you use discord and direct engagement with users to cultivate a fanclub around yourself, and set them lose to brigade everywhere and defend literally every single decision. Then they’ll cheer you as you become the villain
You are saying that the dev does this? Initiating brigades?
Don’t question Just BUY
ITT, bunch of people who have never used Sync for Reddit whining about Sync Ultra and the app having ads. 🤦🏻♂️
Ads or subscription.
Yeah, I’ll stick with Thunder. Having used Lemmy and Mastodon, I realised how much I hate ads.
Contains ads
ಠ_ಠ
That was the case with the original Sync, no surprise here.
Although there was the option to purchase Pro as a one-time fee. This one unfortunately only has a subscription option (which I’m not too keen on).
Edit: ljdawson has confirmed there will be an one-time payment options for both Ultra and ad removal!
Screw subscriptions. They’re invariably a rip off and I’m not made of money.
Same… I rarely buy apps. I’m definitely not subscribing to something.
And not to an app to browse a social network, when there’s free alternatives without ads
I am in the same boat. Bought RIF years ago and there are a couple of other apps I got as a one time purchase but subscriptions mostly make me delete an app immediately. Stuff like Spotify or Netflix are exceptions of course but those apps are just the gateway to a paid service. Sync doesn’t have to pay money on an ongoing basis to Lemmy. It’s straight up a purchase to the developer for an app.
Not too concerned though, I use Voyager at the moment and it’s just such a great way to browse Lemmy, I have no problem sticking with it!
Technically, they could be fair but they’re just always extremely overpriced. If you buy an app for $5 and use it for 5 years, it comes out at 8 cents a month. You’ll never find an app subscription that costs you 8 cents a month, but that would be a fair deal.
Afaik a one-time-purchase to get rid of the ads is planned.
Do you happen to have a source? This is what I’m hoping for.
Yes, according to ljdawson on discord, lifetime ultra will be coming back. Not sure about pro though.
Yeah, I’m thinking more the ad-free pro option, rather than the Ultra. That’s all l need 🙂.
It’s on Sync’s discord
deleted by creator
It’ll probably have a one time fee option. The dev must know that not everyone will want to pay a subscription. I paid for removing ads on Sync for Reddit and I’ll happily do it again, so hopefully there will be an option of just removing ads. I don’t use either Lemmy or Reddit enough to justify paying a subscription, even though I really respect the dev.
This is what I’m hoping for!
While I’ve never used this app, it seems like there are so many good quality free/open source Lemmy apps now that an app with ads and subscriptions doesn’t really make sense.
there will be an option to buy an ad-free version in the future (IAP).
The future is now.
I’m fine with an ad version and then an upgrade to an ad-free version.
What’s insane here is this developer making a subscription service instead of an ad-free pro version
I mean, he’s competing against TOTALLY FREE, Ad-free lemmy apps RIGHT NOW, and every 3rd-party Reddit app developer is working on a lemmy version as we speak.
This was a total clown move. I was ready to drop like $10 on a pro version right now, if it had great UI. But a subscription … For access to a FREE service? The balls on this guy.
😂 nailed it. There are other amazing apps that are completely free
Yup what a let down. Luckily there are also open source apps.
Lemmy is not a free service. You might not be paying for it but some of us are. With subscriptions too. Subscriptions are the better funding model for continued development and operation.
Lemmy instances are not a free service. Yet don’t have ads and instead rely on donations or are self funded. And then this app comes out with a subscription model to remove ads despite instances doing the heavy lifting of this space that has been contrary to the usual monetization model?
I’m not sure this type of defense you make really applies in this situation. If it was a reddit app sure, but in the space of the fediverse it stands out as rather unusual.
I’m not defending anything. Simply pointing out that Lemmy isn’t a free service even if it looks that way for some (or many).
I’m not sure who does the heavy lifting btw. It’s not easy to decipher whether running an instance or developing the cloud components or the mobile components is easier. Also the funding is a bit wonky at the moment. The core Lemmy development is woefully underfunded compared to some of the large instances. It’s likely to get better eventually but so far I’ve noticed that core development funding barely budged for the last month or two. Instances are vitally dependent on the core project.
People are understandably reluctant to donate to the core Lemmy devs, but donating to an instance is a lot more reasonable to many folks so that’s why it’s unfolding that way.
Yes, lemmy isn’t a free service So the argument to defend lemmy and give them money makes more sense when it comes to instances than it does for an app that shows up with a subscription model to remove ads.
The subscription from sync is not one run directly by the lemmy instance that is not charging api calls, not showing ads to users, and not paywalling users yet taking on so much expense. Which is why I’m not really sure what role sync plays here from your comments, since sync app and the costs of hosting a lemmy instance seem like entirely different matters.
I have to agree with you, I feel Sync has gone against the Fediverse ethos.
Most of us understand fully the “why” of a subscription model, however, this is not the place, not on a free service.
You must not have read that first sentence.
Actually haven’t. Do you know what he meant by that?
Literally what I said - Lemmy is not a free service. Free as in free beer. Most of Lemmy is a service that costs real money to real users. Maybe not to all of them. Maybe it doesn’t cost you in particular anything, but it costs another user on the instance money. They’re just happy to pay for you. There’s a ♥️ button up top in the web interface. There’s likely another link in the sidebar. If you follow them to the respective payment service, you can see how much it costs and sometimes who’s paying for it, if they chose to not pay anonymously.
Makes sense. Thanks for explaining!
I believe in paying for the things I use - unless there’s no practical way for me to pay. See below - because if I don’t pay, whoever supplies the service I use is either an idealist and I’m a freeloader, or they’re milking my private data for money.
That’s why the Fediverse instances I use are hosted on SDF and I pay SDF for the privilege.
There are also cases where I would like to pay for the service but I can’t. For instance, Youtube: I would gladly pay for Youtube. I literally consume hundreds of gigabytes worth of video every month. $10 for that is very cheap.
But I can’t because paying Youtube means having a Youtube account, and there’s no way in hell I’m opening any account with Google and help them track me and monetize the shit out of my viewing habits even more than they do. So I don’t.
I wish I could, but Google is so invasive that it’s a better option to freeload off of them than pay them the money they legitimately deserve.
deleted by creator
Should update that subscription page in the app with the disclaimer. ‘App is in beta and there will be a one time payment option to remove ads once it gets out of beta’. Since right now the subscription only model to remove ads is leading to bad impressions that is drawing attention away from the actual app.
Especially on Android where not a lot of people encounter subscription models, and this is the first of its kind I’ve encountered on Android.
deleted by creator
On sync for reddit there always was a one time purchase to remove ads. The subscription is for extra features which you honestly don’t need. I believe the one time purchase is coming back on this version as well.
It’s just evidence it’s a gold rush.
I wasn’t expecting an ideologically motivated project by any means, but his focus is on the diminishing parade of users he’s got from the previous app and not where he’s sending them.
I got kinda disappointed when I noticed that the author almost doesn’t visit Lemmy and everything is coordinated on Discord instead of the, you know, forum-thingy which you make an app for.
deleted by creator
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
Where?
After updating, it’s in the sidebar. $12.99 for me.
$20 for me.
Lol. I said I was ready to drop $10.
This Dev is really trying to milk this.
We lose some we gain some.
I haven’t seen any… Yet
I’ve only noticed it on the ‘slide’ view mode so far.
I just switched and saw it immediately. What a disappointment :(
Given the dev history on the reddit app and implementation of features and changes based on users feedback, I’m willing to pay for a pro version, not so sure about the subscription model though.
https://lemmy.world/comment/1975537
Looks like the Dev is looking to add a lifetime option and an option to remove ads in the future.
I am testing it out now. It seems really good.
Lol! The choice is ads or a SUBSCRIPTION!?
My friend, we know other 3rd party Reddit app developers are working as fast as they can to make lemmy apps. One of them is bound to have a one-time pro version upgrade. I’ll hold out for that.
LMAO … Subscriptions. Why on earth do you think we left Reddit?!
I left Reddit because Spez is an asshole and he killed third-party API access (which, btw, impacted more than just clients - many useful bots/scripts died too as a result of this change).
For many of us, Sync was Reddit, and killing Sync basically killed Reddit for us, but now that Sync is back (for Lemmy), many of us are more than happy to pay a subscription to support the dev, instead of supporting Reddit. ljdawson is an awesome developer who actually listens to his users and updates his apps regularly. If you don’t want to support him and/or use a different app, that’s your call of course, but for fans of Sync, it’s like coming back home after a long time and getting that feeling of “there’s no place like home”.
It’s certainly a nice app, but I’ve also grown attached to Connect over these last few weeks. I even donated to the dev, which is something my stingy ass never does.
While I loved Sync, I’m not paying $20/yr for any social media. If I recall, Sync Pro for Reddit was something like $5-6 lifetime. I’d pay that again without blinking an eye.
Yeah, this subscription for everything is getting out of hand now a days. Thankfully, we have a bunch of other solid Lemmy apps. All free and open source. You can donate to the devs here and there when you can, but I ain’t paying monthly for a social media app while a ton free others exist.
If you use private dns if on android then no ads in sync. I just saw this post and noticed there were no ads in my sync app. Then I remembered that I am using private dns for blocking ads. I might switch it on for supporting the dev. Because non intrusive ads are fine for a great lemmy experience. Now I am having the same experience of sync when I use reddit.
It’s fine that you’re supporting the dev, but I didn’t feel comfortable seeing the trackers are google and Amazon. I mean, I know they’re everywhere in our lives, but I can’t just add more spying to my life.
I don’t see ad because I have it blocked system wide on the phone, but I’ve moved towards not keeping apps that show ads installed anymore. Have moved onto either foss or paid versions.
And subscription only model to remove ads is definitely not something I want to support, and the first of its kind I’ve encountered on Android outside of Apple.
I was on Reddit for 13 years, and bought the pro version every app ever made for the platform (sync, RiF, bacon reader, boost, Apollo, Joey, etc, etc.). Sync was … fine. But in no way was it a stand out. RiF had them all beat by a mile for nearly a decade, then Joey elbowed them out in the last few years.
Anyway, I’d have been happy to buy sync Pro for lemmy, but a subscription is bonkers when there are free alternatives.
If the RIF app comes to Lemmy I will die happy.
My phone screen has burn in of the RIF refresh button lol
Dev has to somehow pay their bills. And for continuous support they need some kind of reward for their time and effort. Eventually other apps will be moved to subscription or they will just stop updating. These apps will still run because of ad support or subscription. Ads are actually non intrusive.
If you think ads are non intrusive we have different definitions.
If any selection of the free content network I’m a part of isn’t showing me the content I want it’s an intrusion.
There are umpteen services that run on donations, telling yourself ads are necessary is the same deal with the devil as the public Internet.
Dude. There are different types of ads. Small ad banners which don’t affect normal posts is not an issue for me. I am getting a good experience so this is the way I am going to pay for it.
There are umpteen services that run on donations
A lot of them when the user base has grown, wasn’t sustainable and also got closed down and moved to subscription.
If any selection of the free content network I’m a part of isn’t showing me the content I want it’s an intrusion.
You can pay for subscription or use another app. It’s fine. Other devolopers who don’t charge a single bit now will change it in the future. Who is mad to support an app without getting any kind of benefit. There are some open-source developers who do that. Still.
I’m here on the fediverse because ads are poison.
Knowing my neighbors are swigging more of that shit doesn’t make me feel any better.
When I accidentally tapped on the first ad and it automatically opened a shopping app I had on to a product I have no care for. Personally for me, the ads ARE intrusive. I instantly uninstalled after that.
Joey ❤️
The issue people have with Sync is the model going against the philosophy of Lemmy and the fediverse.
People aren’t mad at paying for the app if it was a one time payment.
Yup and I added the option
who actually listens to his users
Support of non-Google-Play version is where? I personally asked about it multiple times and I’ve seen many other people ask as well.
there will be a separate in app purchase structure
the ultra subscription was a separate sub model from sync for reddit that was on the side to help support the 1 developer who works on the app if you want to. the model was already there and nothing has changed from reddit, so it was probably easy to leave the code in with the same features and keep it in.
you also need to realize this is a beta as well so it’s not “officially” released yet. if sync for reddit is anything to go by, once LJ is content on the app it will be released in full, with additional pro / dev variants to come. but since those are considered separate apps, those won’t come until later since they need to be reviewed and put on the app store… which makes sense there’s only 1 variant at this time
edit: pro model won’t happen due to Google play store policies on duplicate apps. one time in app purchase is coming
Chill, mate, it’s open-beta. Sync Ultra was a thing on Sync for Reddit as well, which comes with features that need constant cash such as server maintenance etc. IAP for ad removal will come soon.
I left reddit because of asshole decisions. I think 18 Euro per year is pretty fair for an app you probably use every day. I prefer one time payment over subscription, too. But the price for sync is nothing to rant about imo.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
I’m not addicted to any social media enough to pay for a subscription. And I’m sick of subscriptions in general. I’m fine with liftoff.
I disagree. I think there’s a lot of people living in a fantasy. Things cost money. You can’t rely on good will to pay for developers, engineers, and hardware.
Maybe ads aren’t the way to go but you’re not being realistic if you want this place to grow without some kind of funding.
Voyager is the way to go. It doesn’t even feel like it’s “just” a WebApp.
I respect your opinion. For me it was super clunky. I tried every app for lemmy. The best one is sync for now. If there is a proper competition it will be boost for lemmy.
I’m back after testing Sync for a few minutes and… You’re absolutely right and I think Sync is winning me over!
I mean it’s nice, but it’s also super clunky
Voyager is amazing. I’m now battling between it and thunder. I’ve been using Voyager a lot more than thunder.
I haven’t checked out Thunder yet! I’m amazed at how fast apps for Lemmy started showing up after the whole Reddit API fiasco!
Thunder is a very good app. I’ve been testing it on both Android and iOS. It’s been solid. Still missing a thing or two and has some issues, but it is really nice. I do like voyager a lot, too
None of the other lemmy apps I’ve used have quite felt right, though I think voyager was the best of the ones I tried in terms of ease of use. I really liked sync for reddit, so I’m hoping I’ll like the lemmy version too. I generally try to avoid subscriptions, but if I like the app and they offer a one time payment to be ad free at some point then I’m fine with that. Tbh so far I haven’t actually seen any ads though so if they’re not obtrusive then they won’t bother me. Devs gotta put food on the table somehow.
I just started testing it out and I gotta say, Sync for Lemmy is absolutely beautiful!
I’d buy it in a heartbeat if it offered a one time option!
It’s available as a one time purchase now
It’s good to be home :)
Yes it contains ads. I’d rather have a single purchase.
But, DNS adblocking does remove the ads, just leave a grey box. It’s also definitely far more polished than any of the other Lemmy apps right now.
lemmy users when a developer wants to earn money
Fediverse is when someone else uses their own money so I can post memes - John Lemmy
Going from $35 to $115 for the lifetime subscription is an absolute farce
