this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2025
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As a free alternative, it is unfortunately cluttered with ads and tracking features.
Moreover, it employs a predatory strategy by removing these inconveniences only if users opt to pay, despite the existence of equally effective free alternatives.
This approach can confuse (especially new) users, potentially leading them to choose a less favorable option due to lack of awareness.
"predatory". You are really stretching it. A full screen message is displayed on first launch explaining the options.
I mean if a free software that is funded via ads using tracking for their ads (a required for ad networks after all) is "confusing" to users, I honestly don't know what to say. 🤷
Also what would be that less favorable option? Paying a dev? What a horrible fate indeed. 😅
It's pretty obvious, nothing is secret here. This strategy has been 1000% standard for like 20 years now.
For sure, it's worth letting people know if they aren't aware. It's been a while since I installed boost, but I remember there being very clear messages about the ads and tracking, explaining it was to compensate the developer for the time he spent converting the reddit client to lemmy, and with the option of a one time fee to completely avoid trackers and ads.
While I love it when things are truly FOSS, I understand that I pay my barber and my plumber for their time, and I don't have a problem paying a one-off fee to buy software I want. What is exploitative are many subscription models, and all software that takes your money AND still monetises you (looking at you microsoft).
It's good to make people aware of genuinely free alternatives. But I used jerboa, voyager and a few other lemmy clients and I'm much happier with Boost and it was worth every cent.
As long as you are in the know and knowingly know what you are paying for it's all good.
I personally wouldn't because supporting them (by using or paying) will bump them up on App-store popularity lists when you search for "Lemmy" and that would only keep misleading more unaware people.
You're completely free to support the apps and developers you prefer, but I don't think I understand what you mean by "keep misleading more unaware people"? The play store listing for Boost for Lemmy says "Contains ads." and "In-app purchases" in multiple places (for one, it's the the third line after the name and developer). Its really not misleading anyone. Do you have examples of Boost or the developer claiming it is ad free or FOSS? Or do you mean something else?
I don't approve of predatory practices, so if you can provide any evidence I would be keen to change my 5 star review and stop using the app.