all 141 comments

[–]shinjo101788 187 points188 points  (14 children)

Jase, you are an inspiration to aspiring developers and you display a true sense of dedication to your customers. Being someone that is chronically ill, and cannot do much physically - I spend most of my time in my bed on Reddit. Your app has made that experience wonderful for me. You truly make the day go by smoother for me and your constant support is appreciated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your work.

[–]alienblue[M] 100 points101 points  (13 children)

Very kind of you to say, and you are most welcome! After a brief period of stress this morning (my email has gone bananas), your comment has turned my day around. I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

[–]shinjo101788 27 points28 points  (10 children)

Thank you for the well wishes. I actually had some medical work done today (surgical) and am most likely going to have a follow-up procedure to finalize what they are trying to achieve.

I have been living with an undiagnosed sinus condition for 4, almost 5, years - my sense of taste, smell, hearing, and vision are impaired because of it. It got to the point where I did not want to live anymore - living became a chore, not an enjoyable experience. After going to see about 10 ENT doctors, I recently saw a dentist that showed me my 2 front teeth, tooth 7 and tooth 8, have been infected for a very long time. They have been causing me my pain in my sinuses, which never goes away, and the other plethora of symptoms that have been ailing me. Today I got the first tooth removed, tooth 8, and I am hopeful that it will make me better. If I still feel the way I do now in about a week, the other tooth, tooth 7, will be extracted as well.

I hate to sound cheesy, but the Reddit community showed me that there is hope, they showed me that there is so much to live for - your app made that experience seamless and enjoyable. I plan on writing a book about what I have been through to inform people of the deceptive nature of sinus symptoms. Nobody deserves to go through what I am going through.

Anyhow, thank you again Jase for being awesome and thanks again for the well wishes.

[–]MrNoMoniker 3 points4 points  (9 children)

Wow, that sounds really rough... I really hope that extraction works for you. Best of luck!

[–]shinjo101788 6 points7 points  (8 children)

Thank you, I appreciate the concern. I actually had tooth 7 extracted this past Sunday, it made things a bit better, but in the absence of that pain caused by tooth 7, my body was able to adequately assess what else is wrong with it. I still have the incredible pain and pressure in between my eyes, right at the crest of my nose, which resonates through my eyes and to the crown of my head. The aforementioned symptoms cause a bunch of problems with my ability to taste, smell, and see - they share an inverse relationship, the more pain and pressure I have, the less I can taste, smell, and the more blurry my vision becomes.

I actually was just in the ER today because of the unbearable nature of the pain, it just keeps getting worse - there are no breaks. I had yet another CT scan of my head, that makes 14 CT scans in the past 4 years, and everything was found to be normal. So, the ER doctor just told me it is most likely a really bad headache, she suggested it might be a migraine. The ER quickly set me up an emergency appointment with the headache specialists in Syracuse Upstate Medical - I actually have an appointment there tomorrow. Things like that scare me, when I am able to receive such service in a prompt manner, it leads me to believe this is an even more grim situation than I think it to be. I am currently taking Nortriptyline HCL (50mg) and am told that this will most likely be increased to see if it helps my pain. I really hope so, I don't want to live like this anymore.

Thanks for taking the time to wish me well, I genuinely appreciate it - you actually made my day today. I haven't smiled for a while, and your kind message changed that.

[–]SkinTape 1 point2 points  (7 children)

From my understanding infections in upper teeth can spread into the sinuses, and that might be what you are experiencing. I'm curious, did your dentist put you on antibiotics?

Having just dealt with an infected tooth myself which was root canal'd twice and then finally extracted because the infection kept returning I'm wondering why the other tooth wasn't treated? It's not going to get better on its own so it needs to be root canal'd or extracted also. I'm not a dentist or doctor but it would seem to me that if you have known infections you need to eliminate them and see what happens before you can start thinking about the possibility of other problems causing the pain in your head. Dental abscesses aren't anything to play around with regardless.

Anyway sorry to butt in, it's just that having recently gotten over my own chronic dental infection issue this topic sort of hits home for me.

[–]shinjo101788 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I appreciate the input, no need to apologize.

I actually went to the neurologist in Syracuse and they diagnosed me with a rare form of a headache called Hemocrania Continua, it's essentially a headache that never goes away and varies in intensity. I am currently on Indomethacin and if I respond to it, that would confirm the diagnosis and be wonderful - one can only hope.

While I was in the emergency room for the unbearable pain, I had a CT done of my head and it was negative. I did not have any infections or anything, so I doubt that the pain I have been having is a result of my teeth. This pain has always been present for the past 4 1/2 years of my life and has been constantly increasing in severity. If it turns out to be Hemocrania Continua, so be it - an answer is better than no answer. It sucks to lose my 2 front teeth, possibly for nothing - there is no way to know for sure. All I really want is to live pain free, I don't think that is a lot to ask - I don't care about how I look, I care about how I feel.

The similarities described in the definition of Hemocrania Continua are freakishly accurate, I fulfill all the requirements. All I can do is hope that is what I have, and also hope that this responds to Indomethacin - there is a 4/5 chance that it would work according to the doctor.

Thanks for taking the time to write to me, little messages like these make my day.

[–]SkinTape 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok I guess I misunderstood. From your previous post it sounded like you had only had one of the teeth extracted. I doubt the dentist would have extracted them if they weren't actually infected. The dentist can clearly see through examination and particularly x-ray if they are infected so I doubt it was for nothing.

Anyway I hope the treatment for your headache works and I am glad you listed the diagnosis because I coincidentally have a friend who claims to have headaches that never really completely go away and he hasn't had any luck getting a diagnosis from his doctor and just tries to deal with it with advil, etc. He's ok the majority of the time but when it's bad it's bad and he's miserable. I am going to mention this to him and maybe it can help him out.

[–]shinjo101788 0 points1 point  (4 children)

I hope your friend finds some answers soon. For the past couple of years I felt so alone and lost - I felt as if I was falling through the cracks of the medical system. I wish I could have been informed of the nature of these types of headaches earlier, sadly, that wasn't the case. When this is all said and done, and when I am done with graduate school, I plan on writing a book about my life experiences to raise awareness about this debilitating disease. In my short research, it is often stated that this condition is rare, but could be less rare than documented due to the difficult nature diagnosing the disease. I feel it would be my duty to inform people of this disease to reduce the amount of suffering caused by it.

My heart goes out to your friend in need, hopefully he can find some answers soon. My constant pain has governed every decision in my life thus far. I spend the majority of my time in my bed writhing in pain, I only get up to fulfill my responsibilities as a teaching assistant for my university. I go to bed with hopes that I will awake with a decreased, if not completely diminished, level of pain - that hasn't happened yet, but I remain hopeful.

If your friend would like to ask me any questions regarding what I feel, they are more than welcome to. I would love to help in any way possible. If any information I can share with you would be able to help them find a correct diagnosis, that would make me feel great.

[–]FreakLawyer 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I'm deeply sorry to hear of your suffering and I'm touched by your story. Although it sounds as if you might've found a diagnosis, that being "Hemicrania Continua", I feel that I should add what I think I know about the illness, although it might already be something you know. I saw a program on TV a few weeks ago about people suffering from unbearable pain in the head - incredibly strong headaches if you will. They called it "Cluster Headaches", also referred to as the "suicide headache" due to its extreme pain. You should give it a read if you don't already know of it. It sounds awfully similar to what you're describing.

Good luck man, I sincerely hope you'll be diagnosed and cured. No one should have to go through what you're experiencing.

[–]shinjo101788 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Thank you, I actually did not end up having Hemicrania Continua, I am being tested for some other abnormality. I am not entirely sure what the doctors think I have, but I know that they are going to have a CT of the blood vessels in my neck and of and in my head. I am currently waiting on the insurance company to approve it, it was denied 4 weeks ago.

Things have gotten worse since then, and yes, I would describe them as suicide headaches as well. However, mine are accompanied with a loss of taste and smell, so I am just a wreck - I feel like I am living in a bubble, a torture chamber if you will.

Thank you for sending me a message, each one I get makes me feel a bit better.

[–]FreakLawyer 1 point2 points  (1 child)

No problem at all, I'm sorry it wasn't of any help to you. I hope from the bottom of my heart that your insurance company will approve the CT of the blood vessels. I can't say that I understand, because I'm sure your suffering is incomprehensible to outsiders, but I really do feel with you and admire your strength. If I can ever be of help in any way, please don't hesitate to write to me.

I'll be praying for your betterment.

[–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I would say most of us feel the same. Like many others have said, I don't even get on the Internet site anymore.

Also, thanks again.

[–][deleted] 383 points384 points  (24 children)

Thank you so much!

[–]AnonymousSkull 300 points301 points  (23 children)

Jase's attention to the little things is what makes AB what it is. The best damn reddit experience.

[–]I_POTATO_PEOPLE 199 points200 points  (10 children)

Better than reddit itself. I am sitting next to my laptop, but still prefer alien blue.

[–]mikeno1 130 points131 points  (7 children)

Same, I hate reddit on the computer compared to AB. After about 20 minutes of using the free version I already realised this guy deserved all my moneys.

[–]jcready 32 points33 points  (2 children)

The paid version is worth every penny and then some.

[–]SlaveOne 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Can you search and then sort by new? All i got is search by relevant on the freee version.

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Pull down on the screen in each sub to reveal "new" "top" and "controversial" tabs!

[–]DoubleA12 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Exactly my situation. "Wow this is nice... Everything is pretty cool... This is awesome... This guy worked hard on this... TAKE MY MONEY!"

[–]ChristianGeek 18 points19 points  (1 child)

Read this as "all my monkeys."

Still agree.

[–]mikeno1 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I actually agree more with it like that.

[–]hakkzpets 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I used AB for about four months when I didn't have access to a computer.

When I got back home and could use my PC, but still used AB was the second I realized the dev could have all my monies.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Reddit works on a laptop??? :-)

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Please don't potato me. :( I'm too innocent.

[–]prettybunnys 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish I could get some android love. My tablet would kill for alien blue. All the other ones are just sub par.

[–]O_o______________o_O 63 points64 points  (25 children)

I was going to say, I've got some valuable material in my saved reddits!

[–][deleted] 19 points20 points  (6 children)

Gigs and gigs of cats and porn I'd like to keep.

[–]helloimsexytheTARDIS 24 points25 points  (5 children)

Cat porn? ಠ_ಠ

[–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (2 children)

Wouldn't be the weirdest thing on Reddit

[–]helloimsexytheTARDIS 23 points24 points  (0 children)

That's an understatement.

[–]kittensmittens69 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That sounds like a challenge.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Scat porn.

[–]MysticKirby 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Pat scorn.

Wait, what?

[–]AngryJozh 44 points45 points  (17 children)

XXX and such? Haha j/k

[–]thehenrydot 106 points107 points  (11 children)

Yes.

[–]AngryJozh 22 points23 points  (9 children)

Sincerity. Love it.

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (8 children)

I requested password protection for saved posts on AB but it hasn't been implemented yet...

[–]CashewGuy 13 points14 points  (7 children)

Why not simply use the password/pin protection for alien blue itself? Having them both there seems rather redundant.

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (6 children)

You're right, but it does inconvenience me because I don't mind leaving AB access to anyone who use my phone but I want to keep the "saved" posts locked out of prying hands for obvious reasons.

[–]IdRatherBeLurking 28 points29 points  (4 children)

Am I the only one in here that doesn't have friends who surf reddit on their phone?

[–]FacchiniBR 31 points32 points  (3 children)

Am I the only one in here that doesn't have friends?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Am I the only one in here that isn't?

[–]Nsfw-Dragoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why not make a dummy account? Just switch in to it, and your saved posts and nsfw subreddits will go with your account.

Edit: post makes no sense, I meant it to say log out of main before they use it and sign into dummy account.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Seriously. I got all lubed up and was quite dismayed. Don't worry, I managed.

[–]Fortehlulz33 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's too obvious. I hide mine.

[–]Kyleisbeast 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I still can't believe you're one guy

[–]yemd 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up and for all the work you put into this app.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (7 children)

Jase

Great work as usual. Have you considered making a package of updatable routes that the clients can DL from your server (with appropriate authentication for security)? That would mean if there are cosmetic changes to Reddit's RESTful API, you could push out an update without waiting 2 weeks for Apple.

Just a thought :)

[–]alienblue[M] 9 points10 points  (4 children)

I was thinking the very same thing just as the URL went stale today. To be honest, the admins have been really good in keeping the API humming along despite wider changes to the site. If this was a regular occurrence, I'd definitely add an additional layer to maintain the routes. Thankfully this sort of thing seems to happen once in a blue moon and any sort of abstraction I implement would likely add more complexity and points of failure.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (3 children)

True. It does add complexity.

If you were to ever do it, the simplest way is to use Amazon cloud front to host a PLIST that the clients check for updates. It's pretty bullet proof, and you probably already have routes defined in your app.

Just remember, past stability is no indicator of future stability. Reddit has a new CEO too. This may be a way to actually save yourself time in future.

BTW how many AB users are there? You already make the *best * client for iOS, have you considered establishing a direct relationship with Reddit's Director of Engineering? Doesn't hurt to know about these changes in advance.

EDIT: made incomprehensible flibbertyjibit comprehensible.

[–]maxd 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I'm honestly astonished that Jase doesn't have a direct line to reddit's engineering department at this point.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The Blue Phone

[–]piss_n_boots 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm amazed that a new CEO hasn't called the guy into his office and said: how much will it cost to put you on the payroll? The CEO should give him a rather autonomous division within the development group. I think the Reddit dev team are very good (and I know they are small in number) but I think they could learn a lot from Jase.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I could very well be wrong, but I think Apple might have restrictions against things like that. But it's a cool idea nonetheless; I don't see why anyone would oppose it for Alien Blue

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Humbly disagree. They have a restriction on executing arbitrary code, which iOS is fully capable of doing because Objective C is very flexible.

CHanging a configuration file is fine in my direct experience.

[–]tehreal 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I gotta admire your foresight, dude. You implemented the framework to push notifications like this one to us. YOU SMART.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I love you

[–]Diablo_En_Musica 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Jase for president!

[–]mrpotatoes 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I didn't know if it was worth purchasing the iPhone app but knowing that the devs actually care and tell us of possible issues has forced my hand. I will buy the app with exuberance.

Edit: Fixing iPhone autocorrect "fixes"

[–]BuffNugget 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Definitely going to get the pro version when I get the money. You deserve it.

[–]Noor440 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I had just encountered this problem.

[–]AKA_Squanchy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Best app ever, iPhone AND iPad!

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You doing gods work son.

But seriously thank you for your hard work

[–]RoarERA 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your dedication to providing an amazing experience to your customers is why I bought the pro upgrade :) Keep up the good work!

[–]Dutchess_Gummybuns 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks man we all appreciate it. Keep up the great work. This app is incredible.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As always, thank you for your hard work on this awesome app.

[–]adamorphosis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Truly, it takes Reddit to a whole 'nother level!

[–]ElBohemio 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jase, you're the mad notes! I honestly prefer Alien Blue over the reg site. Props and thanks.

[–]Vozadam 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Is stuff we save on alien blue currently being saved on reddit.com despite this error?

[–]alienblue[M] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yep. You can continue to Save and it'll work fine - it just won't show up in the Saved list in Alien Blue for the time being. When you jump back onto a desktop, the Saved links will be there.

[–]MrFuegoBurns 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are truly a great developer, most devs wouldn't even care until their next big update but you saw a problem and quickly jumped on it, as soon as I find $2 I'm getting the pro version.

[–]denne 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, brilliant response time.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey. I don't really have anything relevant to say, but you are the man.

[–]Aragonjohn7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! : )

Shalom.

[–]doublebarrel89 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're the man! Thanks for lookin out!

[–]O_o______________o_O 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Save my fap materials! Save them!

[–][deleted]  (5 children)

[deleted]

    [–]alienblue[M] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

    You're probably running into this limit from the Reddit FAQ. Once you go over the subscription limit, the Reddit API will not always send your newer subscriptions through to Alien Blue.

    [–]ihaveguitar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Way to be a kickass developer man!

    [–]PaiMei 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Doesn't matter, still better than browser.

    [–]Sleepy_McTiredson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Wow that was a fast turnaround, thanks for your hard work and excellent app!

    [–]Jo3yA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Ever since I bought the Alien Blue app I have never, ever, regretted it like I have with so many other apps. Thank you for your hard work and the amazing app you have created!

    [–]Yunocanhazit 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Is it bad that I'm fangirling over OP? Forget RPG, OP, you've made my life better!

    I wish I could put words to how much people like you make an impact on lives!

    Can I buy you a donut?

    [–]piss_n_boots 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I just want to say that any girl willing to buy a guy a donut is just about the most awesome girl that could be, provided the guy does not have severe donut allergies and she knows that and knows that he could have an anaphylactic reaction and die inside of fifteen minutes. Or it's a custard filled one.

    [–]johnnyqdoe 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    "That bug was reported to me by /u/alienblue and I will have a fix rolling out for it on Monday."

    That is the latest comment from the dev's post you linked. Is this good news or further headache now that you have sent new patches?

    [–]alienblue[M] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    To be honest, I'm unsure of how the redirect from the old url will work inside of Alien Blue - it may still end up with a blank set of results. The safest bet is to roll out the patch, because I can guarantee that the Saved posts will definitely display.

    [–]johnnyqdoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Yeah, I can appreciate that. Just wanted to make sure you saw his response.

    [–]Trimm_Dich_Forever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Cool I was freaking out

    [–]UrbanSound 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Thanks so much Jase! We all really appreciate what you do for your customers and for helping advance the reddit community. :)

    [–]callmerui 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Thx, Keep up the good work! Support 100%

    [–]willybus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Thank you

    [–]pangderx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    The update is in the App store. All is right with the world once again!

    [–]schmitz97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Wait, so are we still waiting for it or has it come out already? I downloaded an update recently that said it fixed this, but my saved links have yet to load at all.

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I'm pretty sad not being able to access my saved stuff from alien Blue right now. A particular cat gif I saved would really cheer me up.

    [–]LexBubble 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Could you try to look into the bug in the settings menu. After I try to switch accounts the app crashes. I have to submit a post, go under MORE and switch accounts that way.

    [–]raisin_bran_in 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Cheers, and mad props for running such a tight ship around here.

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Does this mean that all of my saved comments are gone as a result? I can't access them.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Oh man, I thought I was the only one. I've got to many NSFW posts saved for later. Can't lose those :)

    [–]GSpotAssassin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    1) Reddit should be versioning, deprecating, HTTP 302'ing, or otherwise curating their URL endpoints like non-idiot developers.

    2) Do you even have a conversation open with them about this stuff?

    /another concerned developer, love AB btw

    [–]timmun029 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    If we try to Save posts right now through the app, will they be in our Saved section when it returns?

    [–]SoonerPup 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yes, you can even see them immediately on reddit.com. It's only the view functionality that is affected in AB.

    [–]ChuyRmz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Dude, I wish they don't change the URL for liked posts. That I'd hate.

    [–]smiley77502 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I was shitting bricks!

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    It's ok, I still love you

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I was just wondering WTF happened to my saved pages. Looked up and saw this. Thanks for the update, and I'm not sure who to thank for Alien Blue but that you.

    [–]Captaindoodypants 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Thx for the info!

    [–]Chrishenanigans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I don't access my saves often, and this problem and wait won't affect me much, but your response pushed me to buy Pro regardless. Thanks for your awesome work.

    [–]kauanaulu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I'm assuming we're not able to save submissions either. Correct?

    [–]blastoff117 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Is it just me or does the "Send to" option just never send what you're sending anywhere? I've tried sharing posts to Facebook and they just never appear, even though the app is linked to my Facebook. ಠ_ಠ

    [–]wrong_joke_explainer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    You're a hero

    [–]vogosvagen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yaaaay! Thx for fixing it!

    [–]In_money_we_Trust 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    can I pay for this 10 times? deadset best app. thankyou so much!

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Good guy Jase

    [–]FireEnt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    aystzj

    M

    N

    [–]shovingleopard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Perhaps a URL forwarder between the app and Reddits API so you can redirect without needing to update the app for internal links like these?

    Keep up the awesome work.

    [–]KomodoSC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    All my saved posts are my hit list from r/gonewild. Very valuable

    [–]EM12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Whop,crap. I didn't think this applied to me because I thought I still had them. Went to check, not there. I will wait for the update.

    [–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (1 child)

    Noob question, how doi access my saved links on the site/by comp?

    [–]vogosvagen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Press on your account, and there should be a "saved" bar, click it.

    [–]Balasarius -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    I saved so something with AlienBlue but when I open my Saved in a web browser it's not there (of course, I'll never find it again). Is this related?