this post was submitted on 19 Sep 2023
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Asklemmy
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I'm not a charity institution. I use whatever is better/more cost-effective for my needs.
I will, however, point out that the ability to migrate and/or downgrade (from paid to free for example) is something in which I place A LOT of value. I will use stuff that is substantially worse than the market leader simply because it allows me to take my shit and leave if I ever change my mind. Being able to move from a paid to a free plan when you are no longer using something is pretty important.
Regarding your example, Proton VPN is on the higher end of VPNs. I consider it pricy, but they are trying to compete with OVPN. Paying because you need to support is an emotional decision. If you ever get enough money that you don't care about paying another $5 to get a better service, go with them. Else, choose something paid but cheaper.
someone has to bear the voluntary burden to make the service better for everyone else. It's somewhat of an act of charity, but you are getting a great service you can trust in return for that. And Protonmail/VPN people have proved that they deserve the trust that's entrusted on them unlike most others.
But, I understand you point of view
I agree, I like Proton services.
However, offfering a free service is not a favour, it's a business decision and you should always do what's best for you. Let rich people pay for the expensive stuff.
Are you, or are you not, grateful for the free service you are using right now?
Being grateful to a free service is a bit hard when a lot of those services use scummy marketing tactics...
There are some interesting, others well, maybe their free services are useful, but their tactics do not align and so it's difficult to want to support them just because I could. (mostly vpns have real trash marketing). I'd rather donate more to a charity.
Do you donate to charities?