[IKantRead]

I don't think you should criticize others just because you've adapted to what is clearly a dark pattern.

I clearly see the "continue reading" now, but I definitely recall the first time I saw this popup not seeing it and closing out of the window because I thought substack was demanding signup.

I have no doubt they've a/b tested the hell out of this UX and patted themselves on the back when first time readers started subscribing at record rates... never bother to ask what this meant for the actual UX.

[causi]

It can't be a dark pattern without trying to trick the user. A popup saying "sign up for our blah-blah!" is not a dark pattern.