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by sillysaurus3 3264 days ago
Is there any reason not to just release it anyway? Users know the risks with using an unofficial app. Even though they reached out via Twitter with a polite "No," why not counter with a polite "I understand the issues, but I'd still like to release this"?

It sounds like Pocket Casts are rather overstating their case. The dev put a lot of work into it. Unless they get a lot of traction, none of the concerns seem to matter much. And if they do get traction, it informs Pocket Cast what they should be building.
3 comments
itake 3264 days ago
I think that users knowing the risks of using an unofficial app is a bad assumption.

PocketCasts has many options for blocking the apps use. They can simple secure / update their API regularly, thus breaking the tool or they can simply send him a cease and desist for violating their IP and ToS.

PocketCasts would not want this app to exist, because they will be the ones that will have to deal with the influx of support tickets and customer problems related to this unsupported app.

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StavrosK 3264 days ago
Probably the "getting people's accounts locked" part, which might be too big a risk.
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sillysaurus3 3264 days ago
Sure, but users understand the risks. If the dev throws up a splash screen saying "Proceed at your own risk. Your account might get locked," then they can't be held morally accountable for that.

I don't know. It would've been an interesting experiment to carry to its natural conclusion.

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StavrosK 3264 days ago
On one hand, I agree with you, on the other hand, I'm 100% sure some users will send angry emails to PocketCasts and demand refunds because this third-party app didn't work well (or they couldn't figure something out, or any number of things).
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bastawhiz 3264 days ago
I think it might be a different story if you didn't have to pay to use the web UI (and consequently the desktop app). That's a pretty big risk, and would mean having an awkward conversation with a support person about why you were violating their ToS, and also not being able to use the web or mobile apps anymore.
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PeterisP 3263 days ago
The developer obviously considers that being nicely asked by Pocket Cast is a valid reason not to release the app.

You might not respect their wish, but others may certainly choose to do so, it definitely is a reason to consider.

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