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)_/¯
Holy shit y’all. Developers need to eat too. It’s totally fine to charge for an app or serve ads.
You might be forgetting that these same developers refused to simply put in a subscription to their reddit apps to continue them, instead closing their apps and telling everyone to move to lemmy because that's where their app will be........and now adding huge subscription fees and one-off fees on a platform that doesn't charge them to use their API lol.
Maybe I'm just cynical but this really seems like the dollar signs lit up in the reddit app devs eyes the second reddits API changes got announced.
Okay let's do the math. According to here there is expected to be about 55.79 million folks using reddit daily. Let's say a good 5 million folks use Sync. Now, reddit said it would charge $0.24 per 1000 API calls. You can find that here. Now 1000 calls isn't much at all really. Let's say those 5 million folks just 1000 API calls a day ( they wont' actually use ONLY 1000 ). So we have 1000 * 5,000,000 * 0.24 = $1,200,000,000. That's per day. Does that seem sustainable to you? Like if folks were using MUCH MUCH less I could see your point. But the fact is....they weren't and reddit were being assholes about it. Now compare that to what he's charging. $17 bucks for a year. Let's break that down and compare it to what he'd be paying per day. Say all 5 million users were paying for Ultra. That's 5,000,000 * 17 = $85,000,000. Divide that by 12 to get per month. 85,000,000/12 = $7,083,333 per month. Divide by 30 for average revenue per day. $7,083,333/30 = $236,111. Now tell me that even comes close to $1,200,000,000. Your logic is flawed. This doesn't even account for fees and possible server costs.
Let’s say those 5 million folks just 1000 API calls a day ( they wont’ actually use ONLY 1000 ).
Correct - 99% of those people will use nowhere near 1000 API calls a day. Each persons subscription only has to cover the costs of their API usage.
A $5/month subscription, at $0.24/1000 api calls, gives each user just under 21,000 API calls per month. Most people aren't going to be doing anywhere close to that.
This doesn’t even account for fees and possible server costs.
Sync doesn't need any server costs. It's not hosting an instance of Lemmy.
Also your maths is off by 1000x lol. The cost would be 1.2mil a day, not 1.2bil a day. You're multiplying by 1000 for some reason, when the $0.24 already gets you 1000 api calls. So if all 5 million used 1000 calls per day, that's 5 million x $0.24, which is $1.2mil.
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 Data
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.
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.
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.
Yeah man. I was a sync for reddit user for like a decade. I don't actually know, but my reddit account was more than a decade old, and I really only was a user on sync for as long as I can remember. Sync was reddit for me.
I happily paid for the app forever ago, and I reckon I'll use lemmy much the way I did reddit. And I tried a bunch of the different FOSS clients and none of them are as clean and polished as Sync was or is now. Maybe that's because I just got so used to sync? I don't know. But I do know that at this point in time, paying 20 bucks a year to support a developer whose work I've enjoyed for a significant portion of my life is 100% worth it. And I can afford it.
I used to have to use open source software all the time. I used gimp for so long, I'm just glad I have a job now that I have free access to photoshop. Why? Because it's fuckingbetter! Because paying for a well refined product makes it easier to use.
So all these sync haters, keep hating. But now, I can highlight the haters so the next time I come across them I already know what they are about and how they are just haters.
Hey buddy, we are having a discussion about ads and tracking not the developer. I am really thankful for this guy to make a great app so everyone who used to like the app for Reddit can have a great experience here in Lemmy. If I like the app , I will pay for it for sure , but I dont like ads and I have the right to say no I dont want ads , and I want an open source app.
It's identical to sync for Reddit. You even added the ability to restore from backup from Reddit. You've done amazing work
I need an excuse to try a comment and this seems perfect. Thanks dude you've clearly been putting in some work. It's like coming home.
Great job! 5 stars!
You know, you have many fans all around the world. This must be great feeling. And your product is/was the meaning of Redd*t for a long time, now it's will be Lemmy=Sync
(☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞
It was seriously like hugging an old friend when I woke up to the download this morning! So happy and warm to be back!
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.
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)
ITT, bunch of people who have never used Sync for Reddit whining about Sync Ultra and the app having ads. 🤦🏻♂️
The ads through me for a sec, but then I realized this wasn't the Dev or Pro version.
I'll end up subscribing at some point, but I do wish there was a one time option like last time. Not really interested in the cloud backups and all that, just the ad free experience.
Edit: Spoke too soon. Looks like there wil be a one time option at some point in addition to a version with no ads. Looking forward to it.
Just pushed beta 25 that adds a one time option.
A wise decision.
See everyone, it's this level of responsiveness and communication that's led many of us to want to pay for this app.
Thanks mate, your work is deeply appreciated the world over.
How does that work if I already purchased the yearly model? Can I transfer the yearly to the ad-free one time?
Email me your order number and I'll help here
You know what, I had paid for the lifetime pro mode in sync for reddit, and usually prefer one-time payments to recurring subscriptions, but I chose to go with the recurring ultra subscription this time, to contribute to your regular financial stability. Your dedication is commendable. Thanks for all the work you've done over the years!
Awesome 👍
Thanks for that. Before I go ahead with it, just wondering if there will be a Dev version similar to the way you did it with Sync for Reddit that has beta updates baked in or will this be that version.
No. In a previous post he mentioned that Google has really cracked down on apps that are too similar. I really enjoyed Sync Pro in the past, but looks like papa Google said no.
After a while, I realized i was not seeing ads because I use adguard DNS.
I am using the VPN (I think DNS too) and I get an empty box between posts saying "sponsored content" or something like that
I used sync for reddit for a decade. No way in hell I'm paying $20 for the ad-free upgrade. Explain how lemmy which is months old and a minute fraction of the size of reddit, should cost me more to browse ad-free than reddit? It's mind boggling that we're in the age where asking $20 for a 3rd party social media app is being defended as reasonable.
you aren't paying for volume of content available, that would only make sense if you were subscribing directly to reddit or lemmy as you would with netflix, disney etc
revenue goes to the app dev, and sync for lemmy and sync for reddit have i would presume, identical development and maintenance costs.
your logic is like saying that fuel should be cheaper for a 1.4l mini than it is for a ferrari
That said, I do think £18.99 lifetime just to remove ads is a bit extreme, its certainly not affordable for me. That's more than a year of Ultra without the extra features. I think sweetspot for "pro" edition that has no ads certainly would have been sub £10, especially when im gonna be a large volume of users have dns that removes ads anyway and really the "pro" is just a "one time donation" kinda thing
Yeah, I wasn't seeing the ads on the free beta because of my dns settings but immediately bought the remove ads version when it became available to support the developer. I bought Sync Pro for Reddit ages ago for a very small amount and used it every day for years. So happy to have the one time option as I am not a fan of the subscription model.
Uhm, then don't pay? No one is forcing you to pay or even use Sync. I don't think it's worth it for me too at this moment to pay that much for an app to browse Lemmy (because in my opinion it's still riding the hype train, it's long term future is still to be determined). So I accept that I will have to see ads.
Sync is an app by a private developer, who has his own rights to set the price for something he produced. He can put the price at 100€ and still no one has the right to whine about it. If you think it's not worth it, then don't buy it. It's not like you need this to survive.
Yah no shit I didn't say I'm starving bc of him. I asked for someone to make it make sense. Which you haven't, instead you went with "wah wah go use something else then" - really constructive conversation, why raise complaints about things that could be better? Why try to push for improvements in something you like/care about, that's what you're arguing for me to do. "Pay for it or shut up", how about I don't pay, and instead voice my opinion on the Internet like the sites designed for.
Yeah, I'll stick with Thunder. Having used Lemmy and Mastodon, I realised how much I hate ads.
Yup that is a real rough pill to swallow when the default is free AND no ads. If I'm going to drop money on lemmy I'd rather just donate to whoever is hosting my instance.
I hear what you (and everyone else) is saying, but the developer needs to make money somehow or they'll have to go get a regular job, and then who will develop?
I think what I'm saying is, how else is the Dev meant to feed his face?
I miss the days when I could just drop a couple of dollars on the paid version, stops the ads and works forever, subscriptions turn me off.
He can release it as a one time payment without free version.
Look at how people are reacting to paying for a subscription. If he had no free version people would NOT try it.
I tried multiple Reddit apps before I settled on Sync. I went through a phase of trying a different one every week. They were all free versions with a paid version. I paid for the ones I liked.
That's all I wanna do, buy it once, no subscription.
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'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).
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.
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.
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.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
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.
if it's your first time using sync...open new window is a great feature for muti tasking subbed list..look at your subscriber list, press the 3 dots and open in new window will appear, you can open a subbed community entirely in a new window
it has ads.
and you can't post.
but otherwise I agree.
IAP for ad removal will come soon. It's the first open-beta, give it some time.
weird, I haven't seen any ads yet
Interesting! Here's what it looks like for me:
Beta 25 is available for internal testers and guess what...
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.
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.
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.
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
Sounds like pro will not be a separate app and will only be unlocked with an in-app purchase due to Google Play policies around 'duplicate' apps.
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.
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.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
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.
I personally just don't believe in subscriptions for apps. I'd rather just pay a fair amount up front. Especially since my usage patterns aren't consistent (I may not use something for a good while but return to it later). Perpetual licenses are why I own such a large library of paid apps and why I'm okay with paying even if I might not really maximize my use of it today. It's also why my Steam library is filled with games I don't play... 😅.
You guys were all taking how you'd pay the developer twice for his work if possible, and how everyone should purchase the Pro version without question on day one etc.
Maybe it wasn't you sucking the dev off sideways for weeks straight - but the community at large is and has been.
I mean, I like the app and all, but the price is steep. Steeper than it was for reddit and steeper than all the other apps as well.
As far as I know it's the only one with a subscription model, and we don't even have the "sync" feature that is its namesake.
I know there is some controversy with the ads and that it's closed source but wow this app is really nice. I never used it for reddit I used rif so I didn't understand the hype but I get it now. I'm holding out for an app with multireddit though. That's the one feature I really want.
Sync for reddit had support for such things. I have no affiliation whatsoever but I wouldn't be surprised to see such things in the future.
And the best part is that settings backed up from sync for reddit, can be simply restored into sync for lemmy. Thank you ever so much dear developer!!!
Thanks for mentioning this, I didn't even know that was possible but it worked like a charm!
Finally I can feed myself information at an alarming rate once more
Not interested in something that supports ads or subscriptions.
It definitely doesn't fit the ethos or average desires of most lemmy users from what I understand.
The free and open source applications for lemmy are working out for me, so I really have no need for something like this that goes against what I believe lemmy stands for
Sometimes you have to pay for keeping things free, if that makes any sense.
FOSS can't exist in a vacuum. The developers spend a lot of time on things and they need to be paid for their efforts, otherwise we won't get great products like Sync.
If you want things that are well maintained and supported, then there has to be income for those owners to provide those services.
Sync for lemmy is a top tier client. I'm willing to pay to get and support that model. It's not like the 17 dollars a year is a big deal. I spend more than that on a single sushi roll sometimes.
This is why I pay for most of the FOSS apps I use
That's true. But does not change my opinion or preferences.
But the choices I have at the moment I suppose, is remain with the current application I am using (which is adequate and serving me well), try out an ad based application, and choose to pay to get rid of the ads.
I am at a point where my choice of remaining where I am is the most appealing.
Even king neckbeard said "I'm happy to pay for software so long as it's free" - if you want to purity-test, complain that it's not FOSS. Devs need to eat too.
What?? Ads is the first thing I see.. My dude have you seen your competition? Thunder's latest update is amazing zero ads. Why would I change?
It's full of personalized profiling too. Hard pass from me.
I installed it, used it for 5 mins and uninstalled it to go back to Thunder.
I've always loved sync, but just checked thunder. Almost immediately uninstalled as on default settings the ui is way too cramped and lacks contrast with all posts blending to each other. Very hard to read for me. I guess you could make it better by fiddling with the settings, but I just went back to go sync where it's already very good on default settings and I was able to make it perfect for me just by changing a couple of settings.
Edit: downvote as much as you want lol, it's just my opinion. Good to know that Lemmy is just like reddit with opinions ;)
Already very good on default? The text size on default is tiny so straight away I was in the settings looking to enlarge font size for posts and comments
Feels SO GOOD to use this app again, even if it's on a different platform
Used your reddit app so now I'll use your lemmy app
My life is now back to complete
Fuck yes thankyou lj
Now I can uninstall Liftoff . Sync's interface was Reddit for me . And now it is Lemmy for me . The custom theme base colors are great for keeping my different accounts visually separate .
Sync's interface was Reddit for me
Same. I spent 12 years on Reddit, and barely even saw the desktop site, I almost exclusively used mobile apps.
When I moved to Lemmy, the experience of Jerboa, Liftoff, the mobile site, etc just wasn't hitting right. Sync has been out for half a day, and it feels like home again lol.
I don't particularly care about the ads they seem pretty unintrusive but I've got to say that connect has won me over at this point and I don't see any reason to switch.
Very appreciative of the work that went in to getting this out so quickly. I have happily subscribed.
I'm in!!!
So far it's a seamless transition, glad iamthatis decided to release it. I feel like many users have less of a barrier to entry now.
I guess you are talking about ljdawson. Iamthatis is the dev of Apollo :)
It's so good to be back. Reddit was absolutely bone headed when they threw this away
I was a reddit sync user. Same experience. Better than all other lemmy apps available now. Smooth and easy to use. Decently customisable.
Yup, I'm on it right now, works great!
Thank you Devs, you're amazing.
There is only one dev.
Awesome! Typing my first comment now.. cheers
Damn. After using Thunder and Jerboa for a while... I feel at home again.
I'm officially a Lemmy user. Thanks Sync!
How do I get the subreddit menu when I swipe right? I have that setting on my old sync and I can't for the life of me figure it out.
I'm rocking both Reddit Sync and Lemmy Sync in the meanwhile since my reddit version is patches to still work. Dipping my toes in both pools.
Omg I love it
Any plans to add support for lemmy.nsfw accounts?
Just type in a different instance name.
They are already supported. You just have to type the instance URL out instead of selecting from the dropdown menu.
Will stick to Jerboa. But I am happy for the Sync app only because some people will know about Lemmy.
Looks like logging in with 2FA isn't working for me. Works fine on a browser, but not with the app. Anyone else seeing this problem?
EDIT: This might be an issue with Lemmy.world right now. Login takes so long that the 2FA token has already rotated by the time it actually sends. I'll try it again later.
That's absolutely crazy. It's sad it's an app as a service. I would gladly pay a good amount for a one time purchase. I have more than enough subscriptions already, and am not willing to commit to another one.
The Dev said that he'll soon add the option of a one time purchase to remove ads.
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)_/¯
Free as in freedom. Not free beer.
And it's a one-time fee.
I used Sync for Reddit for 11 years.
You might be forgetting that these same developers refused to simply put in a subscription to their reddit apps to continue them, instead closing their apps and telling everyone to move to lemmy because that's where their app will be........and now adding huge subscription fees and one-off fees on a platform that doesn't charge them to use their API lol.
Maybe I'm just cynical but this really seems like the dollar signs lit up in the reddit app devs eyes the second reddits API changes got announced.
Okay let's do the math. According to here there is expected to be about 55.79 million folks using reddit daily. Let's say a good 5 million folks use Sync. Now, reddit said it would charge $0.24 per 1000 API calls. You can find that here. Now 1000 calls isn't much at all really. Let's say those 5 million folks just 1000 API calls a day ( they wont' actually use ONLY 1000 ). So we have 1000 * 5,000,000 * 0.24 = $1,200,000,000. That's per day. Does that seem sustainable to you? Like if folks were using MUCH MUCH less I could see your point. But the fact is....they weren't and reddit were being assholes about it. Now compare that to what he's charging. $17 bucks for a year. Let's break that down and compare it to what he'd be paying per day. Say all 5 million users were paying for Ultra. That's 5,000,000 * 17 = $85,000,000. Divide that by 12 to get per month. 85,000,000/12 = $7,083,333 per month. Divide by 30 for average revenue per day. $7,083,333/30 = $236,111. Now tell me that even comes close to $1,200,000,000. Your logic is flawed. This doesn't even account for fees and possible server costs.
Correct - 99% of those people will use nowhere near 1000 API calls a day. Each persons subscription only has to cover the costs of their API usage.
A $5/month subscription, at $0.24/1000 api calls, gives each user just under 21,000 API calls per month. Most people aren't going to be doing anywhere close to that.
Sync doesn't need any server costs. It's not hosting an instance of Lemmy.
Also your maths is off by 1000x lol. The cost would be 1.2mil a day, not 1.2bil a day. You're multiplying by 1000 for some reason, when the $0.24 already gets you 1000 api calls. So if all 5 million used 1000 calls per day, that's 5 million x $0.24, which is $1.2mil.
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
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.
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.
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.
Yeah man. I was a sync for reddit user for like a decade. I don't actually know, but my reddit account was more than a decade old, and I really only was a user on sync for as long as I can remember. Sync was reddit for me.
I happily paid for the app forever ago, and I reckon I'll use lemmy much the way I did reddit. And I tried a bunch of the different FOSS clients and none of them are as clean and polished as Sync was or is now. Maybe that's because I just got so used to sync? I don't know. But I do know that at this point in time, paying 20 bucks a year to support a developer whose work I've enjoyed for a significant portion of my life is 100% worth it. And I can afford it.
I used to have to use open source software all the time. I used gimp for so long, I'm just glad I have a job now that I have free access to photoshop. Why? Because it's fucking better! Because paying for a well refined product makes it easier to use.
So all these sync haters, keep hating. But now, I can highlight the haters so the next time I come across them I already know what they are about and how they are just haters.
Hey buddy, we are having a discussion about ads and tracking not the developer. I am really thankful for this guy to make a great app so everyone who used to like the app for Reddit can have a great experience here in Lemmy. If I like the app , I will pay for it for sure , but I dont like ads and I have the right to say no I dont want ads , and I want an open source app.
My God, I missed Sync so much. Devs , thanks.
(シ_ _)シ
It's identical to sync for Reddit. You even added the ability to restore from backup from Reddit. You've done amazing work
I need an excuse to try a comment and this seems perfect. Thanks dude you've clearly been putting in some work. It's like coming home.
Great job! 5 stars!
You know, you have many fans all around the world. This must be great feeling. And your product is/was the meaning of Redd*t for a long time, now it's will be Lemmy=Sync
(☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞
It was seriously like hugging an old friend when I woke up to the download this morning! So happy and warm to be back!
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.
$170 AUD for a lifetime "ultra" license.
Absolute farce of a price
Been a long time supporter of sync. Honestly a bit sad to see there's nothing for those that had pro/ultra before :/
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)
ITT, bunch of people who have never used Sync for Reddit whining about Sync Ultra and the app having ads. 🤦🏻♂️
The ads through me for a sec, but then I realized this wasn't the Dev or Pro version.
I'll end up subscribing at some point, but I do wish there was a one time option like last time. Not really interested in the cloud backups and all that, just the ad free experience.Edit: Spoke too soon. Looks like there wil be a one time option at some point in addition to a version with no ads. Looking forward to it.
Just pushed beta 25 that adds a one time option.
A wise decision.
See everyone, it's this level of responsiveness and communication that's led many of us to want to pay for this app.
Thanks mate, your work is deeply appreciated the world over.
How does that work if I already purchased the yearly model? Can I transfer the yearly to the ad-free one time?
Email me your order number and I'll help here
You know what, I had paid for the lifetime pro mode in sync for reddit, and usually prefer one-time payments to recurring subscriptions, but I chose to go with the recurring ultra subscription this time, to contribute to your regular financial stability. Your dedication is commendable. Thanks for all the work you've done over the years!
Awesome 👍
Thanks for that. Before I go ahead with it, just wondering if there will be a Dev version similar to the way you did it with Sync for Reddit that has beta updates baked in or will this be that version.
No. In a previous post he mentioned that Google has really cracked down on apps that are too similar. I really enjoyed Sync Pro in the past, but looks like papa Google said no.
I haven't seen any ads yet. Where are they
After a while, I realized i was not seeing ads because I use adguard DNS.
I am using the VPN (I think DNS too) and I get an empty box between posts saying "sponsored content" or something like that
I used sync for reddit for a decade. No way in hell I'm paying $20 for the ad-free upgrade. Explain how lemmy which is months old and a minute fraction of the size of reddit, should cost me more to browse ad-free than reddit? It's mind boggling that we're in the age where asking $20 for a 3rd party social media app is being defended as reasonable.
you aren't paying for volume of content available, that would only make sense if you were subscribing directly to reddit or lemmy as you would with netflix, disney etc
revenue goes to the app dev, and sync for lemmy and sync for reddit have i would presume, identical development and maintenance costs.
your logic is like saying that fuel should be cheaper for a 1.4l mini than it is for a ferrari
That said, I do think £18.99 lifetime just to remove ads is a bit extreme, its certainly not affordable for me. That's more than a year of Ultra without the extra features. I think sweetspot for "pro" edition that has no ads certainly would have been sub £10, especially when im gonna be a large volume of users have dns that removes ads anyway and really the "pro" is just a "one time donation" kinda thing
Yeah, I wasn't seeing the ads on the free beta because of my dns settings but immediately bought the remove ads version when it became available to support the developer. I bought Sync Pro for Reddit ages ago for a very small amount and used it every day for years. So happy to have the one time option as I am not a fan of the subscription model.
Uhm, then don't pay? No one is forcing you to pay or even use Sync. I don't think it's worth it for me too at this moment to pay that much for an app to browse Lemmy (because in my opinion it's still riding the hype train, it's long term future is still to be determined). So I accept that I will have to see ads.
Sync is an app by a private developer, who has his own rights to set the price for something he produced. He can put the price at 100€ and still no one has the right to whine about it. If you think it's not worth it, then don't buy it. It's not like you need this to survive.
Yah no shit I didn't say I'm starving bc of him. I asked for someone to make it make sense. Which you haven't, instead you went with "wah wah go use something else then" - really constructive conversation, why raise complaints about things that could be better? Why try to push for improvements in something you like/care about, that's what you're arguing for me to do. "Pay for it or shut up", how about I don't pay, and instead voice my opinion on the Internet like the sites designed for.
Ads or subscription.
Yeah, I'll stick with Thunder. Having used Lemmy and Mastodon, I realised how much I hate ads.
Yup that is a real rough pill to swallow when the default is free AND no ads. If I'm going to drop money on lemmy I'd rather just donate to whoever is hosting my instance.
I hear what you (and everyone else) is saying, but the developer needs to make money somehow or they'll have to go get a regular job, and then who will develop?
I think what I'm saying is, how else is the Dev meant to feed his face?
I miss the days when I could just drop a couple of dollars on the paid version, stops the ads and works forever, subscriptions turn me off.
He can release it as a one time payment without free version.
Look at how people are reacting to paying for a subscription. If he had no free version people would NOT try it.
I tried multiple Reddit apps before I settled on Sync. I went through a phase of trying a different one every week. They were all free versions with a paid version. I paid for the ones I liked.
That's all I wanna do, buy it once, no subscription.
One time purchase coming soon, its still in beta after all
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
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).
https://lemmy.world/comment/1969752
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.
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.
I have to agree with you, I feel Sync has gone against the Fediverse ethos.
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.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
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 was wondering what was up with the ads consent things. The reason I switched to Sync in the first place was to get rid of ads on Reddit...
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
Where? I can't see it in the Ultra section??
Update
Found it.
£12.99
The option is available by clicking your profile icon and selecting 'remove ads'.
£13??
Mine is $20 for the remove ads option, how does that make sense?
it's already there. 'remove ads' button. steep given you can get Microsoft Office for that price if you look hard enough but I will probably get it.
I am testing it out now. It seems really good.
if it's your first time using sync...open new window is a great feature for muti tasking subbed list..look at your subscriber list, press the 3 dots and open in new window will appear, you can open a subbed community entirely in a new window
it has ads.
and you can't post.
but otherwise I agree.
IAP for ad removal will come soon. It's the first open-beta, give it some time.
weird, I haven't seen any ads yet
Interesting! Here's what it looks like for me:
Beta 25 is available for internal testers and guess what...
What a boss!
I did post.
It's pretty good, I'm just checking I can reply. You're right about posting, guess I'll have to keep Wefwef for that for now
I can't post?
i couldn't post.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sounds like pro will not be a separate app and will only be unlocked with an in-app purchase due to Google Play policies around 'duplicate' apps.
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.
https://lemmy.world/comment/1969752
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.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
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.
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.
Oh I thought it wasn't implemented. I forgot I have dns ad blocking :) :)
But this app is worth paying for if you like it. It's also very cheap, something like 3 dollars or less per month.
Haha yes me too. I thought "hmm guess he hasn't quite implemented that yet" but of course I have DNS AdBlock. Nice to know that works (:
It's $1.99/month or $16.99/yr, which is waaayyy less than $3/month. Less than half that, if paid annually.
I personally just don't believe in subscriptions for apps. I'd rather just pay a fair amount up front. Especially since my usage patterns aren't consistent (I may not use something for a good while but return to it later). Perpetual licenses are why I own such a large library of paid apps and why I'm okay with paying even if I might not really maximize my use of it today. It's also why my Steam library is filled with games I don't play... 😅.
Beta update released within the last hour adds the option for lifetime ad removal.
Using Sync for Reddit for so long I realized I missed the layout of Sync so I'm glad to see it back for Lemmy.
Bought a month subscription since I can use my rewards to pay for it. Worth it for the no ads.
I'm sorry. I get a developper needs to eat but 100+ dollars for the lifetime is absolutely outrageous. That is more than some AAA games on release.
For some people, that's the price they paid for their entire low/mid-range Android phone.
That's for ultra which requires server costs. Ad free lifetime price is more reasonable (in some countries).
I didn't see the option for just ad free?
Long time Sync user and Ultra (lifetime).
Now I am really disappointed the lifetime membership isn't transferable to Lemmy. Nothing. Not even a discount, a note, nothing.
How much did lifetime Ultra cost for the Reddit app, by the way?
20$ or something
You guys were all taking how you'd pay the developer twice for his work if possible, and how everyone should purchase the Pro version without question on day one etc.
Maybe it wasn't you sucking the dev off sideways for weeks straight - but the community at large is and has been.
I mean, I like the app and all, but the price is steep. Steeper than it was for reddit and steeper than all the other apps as well.
As far as I know it's the only one with a subscription model, and we don't even have the "sync" feature that is its namesake.
I know there is some controversy with the ads and that it's closed source but wow this app is really nice. I never used it for reddit I used rif so I didn't understand the hype but I get it now. I'm holding out for an app with multireddit though. That's the one feature I really want.
Sync for reddit had support for such things. I have no affiliation whatsoever but I wouldn't be surprised to see such things in the future.
And the best part is that settings backed up from sync for reddit, can be simply restored into sync for lemmy. Thank you ever so much dear developer!!!
Thanks for mentioning this, I didn't even know that was possible but it worked like a charm!
Finally I can feed myself information at an alarming rate once more
Not interested in something that supports ads or subscriptions. It definitely doesn't fit the ethos or average desires of most lemmy users from what I understand.
The free and open source applications for lemmy are working out for me, so I really have no need for something like this that goes against what I believe lemmy stands for
Sometimes you have to pay for keeping things free, if that makes any sense.
FOSS can't exist in a vacuum. The developers spend a lot of time on things and they need to be paid for their efforts, otherwise we won't get great products like Sync.
If you want things that are well maintained and supported, then there has to be income for those owners to provide those services.
Sync for lemmy is a top tier client. I'm willing to pay to get and support that model. It's not like the 17 dollars a year is a big deal. I spend more than that on a single sushi roll sometimes.
This is why I pay for most of the FOSS apps I use
That's true. But does not change my opinion or preferences. But the choices I have at the moment I suppose, is remain with the current application I am using (which is adequate and serving me well), try out an ad based application, and choose to pay to get rid of the ads. I am at a point where my choice of remaining where I am is the most appealing.
Even king neckbeard said "I'm happy to pay for software so long as it's free" - if you want to purity-test, complain that it's not FOSS. Devs need to eat too.
Loving the Foss spirit of Lemmy so far reading the comments
What?? Ads is the first thing I see.. My dude have you seen your competition? Thunder's latest update is amazing zero ads. Why would I change?
It's full of personalized profiling too. Hard pass from me.
I installed it, used it for 5 mins and uninstalled it to go back to Thunder.
I've always loved sync, but just checked thunder. Almost immediately uninstalled as on default settings the ui is way too cramped and lacks contrast with all posts blending to each other. Very hard to read for me. I guess you could make it better by fiddling with the settings, but I just went back to go sync where it's already very good on default settings and I was able to make it perfect for me just by changing a couple of settings.
Edit: downvote as much as you want lol, it's just my opinion. Good to know that Lemmy is just like reddit with opinions ;)
Already very good on default? The text size on default is tiny so straight away I was in the settings looking to enlarge font size for posts and comments
The return of the king 😎
Yay so happy Sync is back! Feels like home... :)
The most common gesture I've been missing up to this point is swipe to hide. Now it's back and I'm so happy!
It's good to be back ya'll
Yyyeeaa! God this UI is a breath of fresh air compared to the Hell that was the regular reddit app for the last month or so
Interested in the lifetime membership but its so damn expensive!! Would wait to see how Boost is before deciding on which app I would be staying in.
Yeah, I'll likely use Boost. It was the best reddit app.
Fingers crossed Relay joins the party.
That's for lifetime ultra. You can do a one time purchase to remove ads.
Yeah, gotta kind of see if Lemmy catches on before investing that kind of money. I'd be much more likely to toss them $20 or something more reasonable
It does feel nice feeling home again after years of using Sync though. That official Reddit app is so clumsy.
$20 is what it takes to remove ads. Ultra is another subscription with different benefits altogether.
And I'm back in the game
I use adguard dns and I don't even see the ads. Honestly a non issue for me.
Same, I run AdGuard Home. No ads for me.
Commenting from it now.
It appears to work, thanks!
It's so damn good too.
Already got my settings customized just like I always liked them on Reddit.
I'm so happy to have it back, even if it's not reddit
it's my first post using sync for lemmy, before i just didn't know to post comments
Feels SO GOOD to use this app again, even if it's on a different platform
Used your reddit app so now I'll use your lemmy app
My life is now back to complete
Fuck yes thankyou lj
Now I can uninstall Liftoff . Sync's interface was Reddit for me . And now it is Lemmy for me . The custom theme base colors are great for keeping my different accounts visually separate .
Same. I spent 12 years on Reddit, and barely even saw the desktop site, I almost exclusively used mobile apps.
When I moved to Lemmy, the experience of Jerboa, Liftoff, the mobile site, etc just wasn't hitting right. Sync has been out for half a day, and it feels like home again lol.
I don't particularly care about the ads they seem pretty unintrusive but I've got to say that connect has won me over at this point and I don't see any reason to switch.
Very appreciative of the work that went in to getting this out so quickly. I have happily subscribed.
I'm in!!!
So far it's a seamless transition, glad iamthatis decided to release it. I feel like many users have less of a barrier to entry now.
I guess you are talking about ljdawson. Iamthatis is the dev of Apollo :)
It's so good to be back. Reddit was absolutely bone headed when they threw this away
I was a reddit sync user. Same experience. Better than all other lemmy apps available now. Smooth and easy to use. Decently customisable.
Yup, I'm on it right now, works great!
Thank you Devs, you're amazing.
There is only one dev.
Awesome! Typing my first comment now.. cheers
Damn. After using Thunder and Jerboa for a while... I feel at home again.
I'm officially a Lemmy user. Thanks Sync!
How do I get the subreddit menu when I swipe right? I have that setting on my old sync and I can't for the life of me figure it out.
Here Settings shortcut: Experimental > Sliding panel style drawer
I'm rocking both Reddit Sync and Lemmy Sync in the meanwhile since my reddit version is patches to still work. Dipping my toes in both pools.
Omg I love it
Any plans to add support for lemmy.nsfw accounts?
Just type in a different instance name.
They are already supported. You just have to type the instance URL out instead of selecting from the dropdown menu.
Will stick to Jerboa. But I am happy for the Sync app only because some people will know about Lemmy.
Looks like logging in with 2FA isn't working for me. Works fine on a browser, but not with the app. Anyone else seeing this problem?
EDIT: This might be an issue with Lemmy.world right now. Login takes so long that the 2FA token has already rotated by the time it actually sends. I'll try it again later.
Any plans to make it open source?
Considering that the reddit app was closed source and a source of income for the dev, highly doubt it.
No.
Yay!
Sync is back in action!
Man it's good to have sync back. Now lets make Lemmy greater!
Fyi - if you've used Sync for Reddit, you can import your settings into the app. You'll need to export it from the original app first, though.
Someone reply to my comment so I can see what sync does!
Can sync show imgur images instead of the link icon?
Honesty I still prefer Liftoff, it's lighter and feels more like RIF.
So amazing. Many thanks!
I'm trying to login in the app, but lemdro.id is not an option?
you can still type it in. I'll poke the dev regarding that
Manually typing it works fine as you can see!
I missed the material you design of sync! Glad to have it back
Woop! Finally can comment without crashing!
this is pretty kino i cant pay to get rid of ads, but seeing them is no issue for me
You can pay, separate from Ultra
That's absolutely crazy. It's sad it's an app as a service. I would gladly pay a good amount for a one time purchase. I have more than enough subscriptions already, and am not willing to commit to another one.
The Dev said that he'll soon add the option of a one time purchase to remove ads.
It's WIP.