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What to do when freeware and bloatware collide?

BACKSTORY: So I was looking for an easy way to take a link to a web page that someone sent me via SMS and read it on my desktop browser. I figured I'd bookmark it in Firefox for Android and let FF sync bring it to the browser. Then I noticed this "View Pocket List" in my bookmarks drop down and a "pocket" button on my toolbar. Turns out this "Pocket" app is kind of exactly what I want, but I hate SO much that Mozilla put this into Firefox without my knowledge nor consent. If it were a Mozilla project, I'd understand - they were adding a feature. But instead, it's a 3rd party company who probably paid Mozilla to force their bloatware into Firefox.

Now, I like Mozilla. I like that they're open source and not as data-miney profile-buildy as Google (I hope). I'd donate to them, but I haven't. I know they make money using google as the default search, but I use duckduckgo. I want them to make money, but I don't want auto-added extensions that I didn't ask for.

CONFLICT: If I go ahead and start using pocket, it'll help support Mozilla in the tiniest of ways. I'll also have a maybe-convenient tool. But it'll also encourage them to do this shit, and encourage other companies to try to give Mozilla money for this kind of thing. I know I'm only one user out of millions, but I feel like internet users ought to have principles.

QUESTIONS: What would you do? Should I be using a different browser? Ditch Mozilla for doing this? I run Opera on occasion but I have no idea if they're any better. Is there an alternative link sharing/saving tool I could use instead?

NOTE: I have no financial stake in Mozilla or pocket or any tech company. I don't endorse any tools or know anyone close to any company, nor am I trying to promote or demote anything!

8 years ago by davidrools with 1 comments

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