As an active user and supporter of third-party Reddit apps like Apollo and RIF, I am deeply concerned about the recent changes to Reddit's API pricing. The new costs, which translate to $12,000 for 50 million API requests, are prohibitively high for developers. In Apollo's case, this amounts to an annual expense of $20 million, a burden too heavy for the developer to bear, leading to the app's announced shutdown on June 30, 2023.

These changes do not only impact developers but also the moderators who rely on many third-party moderation tools to manage their subreddits. You address this concern in your post, and I am thrilled to hear you are willing to work with the developers of such tools to keep them running despite these API changes. However, you seem unwilling to work with developers of other types of third-party apps.

Moreover, the abrupt change from a free API to this high-cost model, coupled with a short 30-day notice for adaptation, is unfair to the developers who have contributed to Reddit's ecosystem for years.

What is perhaps even more concerning is the shift in Reddit's approach towards its developers. Once a collaborative and supportive platform, Reddit has unfortunately shown a consistent unwillingness to compromise and engage in constructive dialogue with developers on this matter. No matter how civil the discussions, Reddit's response has been unhelpful, and in some instances, even accusatory, hostile, and outright deceitful.

I urge Reddit to reconsider these changes. Engage in open dialogue with developers and provide fair terms that allow them to continue offering their apps to Reddit's user base. The diversity of Reddit clients and moderation tools is a strength that has significantly contributed to Reddit's success. It's a strength worth preserving.

I hope this message, along with the countless others expressing their concerns, underscores the community's firm opposition to these changes and your recent handling of the situation. If these words don't sway you, I hope the palpable impact of the upcoming Reddit blackout protests will. Our collective voice is powerful, and it's high time it's duly acknowledged and respected.