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  3. What are subscriptions that are worth it and subscriptions that are not?

What are subscriptions that are worth it and subscriptions that are not?

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  • T [email protected]

    I consider anything with a reoccurring payment as a subscription, even if it's technically just upkeep for a provider you use (domain renewal might be another example).

    I haven't tried fastmail, although I haven't heard anything bad about it. How does it compare to proton?

    S This user is from outside of this forum
    S This user is from outside of this forum
    [email protected]
    wrote last edited by
    #9

    Is my apartment rent a subscription? It dilutes the word enough that the question stops meaning anything.

    I've never used Proton so I can't directly compare it with Fastmail. I would say Proton used a lot of privacy hype in its marketing that didn't hold up in reality, though I can't say it was insincere when it started.

    In a pure technical sense, Fastmail is not particularly extroardinary. They run mail servers with decent uptime, have a fancy webmail client with a calendar sort of like gmail, etc. I like that there are humans at the other end. I've emailed the devs with issues and gotten answered, support tickets for routine probs also get answered (not by engineers but still by humans), etc. So, I think it is worth it since I'm unwilling to use gmail/whatever and I'm not well enough organized to self-host something as critical as email. That said, I could probably survive using mxroute which is a lot cheaper.

    T 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • S [email protected]

      Is my apartment rent a subscription? It dilutes the word enough that the question stops meaning anything.

      I've never used Proton so I can't directly compare it with Fastmail. I would say Proton used a lot of privacy hype in its marketing that didn't hold up in reality, though I can't say it was insincere when it started.

      In a pure technical sense, Fastmail is not particularly extroardinary. They run mail servers with decent uptime, have a fancy webmail client with a calendar sort of like gmail, etc. I like that there are humans at the other end. I've emailed the devs with issues and gotten answered, support tickets for routine probs also get answered (not by engineers but still by humans), etc. So, I think it is worth it since I'm unwilling to use gmail/whatever and I'm not well enough organized to self-host something as critical as email. That said, I could probably survive using mxroute which is a lot cheaper.

      T This user is from outside of this forum
      T This user is from outside of this forum
      [email protected]
      wrote last edited by
      #10

      I guess one way to narrow it down would be "reoccurring payments for digital services", since that is much clearer.

      I guess that makes sense for what Fastmail's trying to achieve. Sounds like it could be a good option for others trying to migrate from "free" webmail providers that I'll recommend in the future! πŸ™‚

      Thanks for your quick reply btw.

      S 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • T [email protected]

        I guess one way to narrow it down would be "reoccurring payments for digital services", since that is much clearer.

        I guess that makes sense for what Fastmail's trying to achieve. Sounds like it could be a good option for others trying to migrate from "free" webmail providers that I'll recommend in the future! πŸ™‚

        Thanks for your quick reply btw.

        S This user is from outside of this forum
        S This user is from outside of this forum
        [email protected]
        wrote last edited by [email protected]
        #11

        Well, maybe you're right, though I had thought of subscriptions (in the sense of magazine subscriptions) as being for products, rather than services. That is, you pay them and in return you get access to a pile of bits that they generate, but the bits you get (video streams or whatever) are the same as what everyone else gets (minor personalization doesn't count). So their business model is that they have a certain blob of data, and they sell access to it in dribs and drabs, and moreover, they charge you monthly whether you use it or not. Services like email are like paying someone else to mow your lawn, not the same.

        I haven't generally found that to be worth it, though I'll occasionally make one-off purchases of data, such as books and CD's.

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • O [email protected]

          While Spotify is the last service I would choose anymore for my music provider, it only lets you skip songs? Definitely not true. Like any major music service, it lets you build a library, listen to unabridged albums, make playlists, etc. Not sure where this point is coming from.

          Music streaming from a provider that prides themselves on artist support like Deezer or Tidal also have all these features. Music streaming is one of the few services I struggle to imagine not paying for.

          I personally use Apple Music since they actually pay relatively decent per stream and obviously integrates well.

          F This user is from outside of this forum
          F This user is from outside of this forum
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          wrote last edited by
          #12

          You only read one line in before shilling apple? Lol

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • O This user is from outside of this forum
            O This user is from outside of this forum
            [email protected]
            wrote last edited by [email protected]
            #13

            ?

            I’m confused. I read the whole post. You also said podcasts aren’t exempt from ads and the features aren’t exciting to use. I don’t personally listen to podcasts. The service is still useful for streaming and downloading music. And what exciting features are there supposed to be?

            I’m just confused at calling Spotify a β€œWorthless” subscription. While I admit that pirating or buying CDs is a preference for some, neither of those are as convenient as streaming.

            As for shilling Apple Music, I said it’s what I personally use after mentioning both Tidal and Deezer and services that pride themselves on it, which my provided article supports. I just personally use it because I like the UI and iPhone integrations. None of what I said was an attack against the original post, just confused at the description of its features that weren’t factual.

            1 Reply Last reply
            9
            • F [email protected]

              What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

              I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

              1. Amazon Prime.

              People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

              1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

              Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

              Worthless Subscriptions

              Spotify

              You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

              Sirius XM

              I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

              Discord Nitro

              You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

              All news-based ones

              Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

              X-Box Game Pass

              Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

              Gym Memberships

              Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

              S This user is from outside of this forum
              S This user is from outside of this forum
              [email protected]
              wrote last edited by
              #14

              Nebula is worth it. Youtube plus, or whatever it is now, is not.

              Tidal is worth it. Qobuz may be more worth it? Spotify is not; but preferably buy from bandcamp whenever you can.

              Other than that, just, nothing.

              1 Reply Last reply
              5
              • F [email protected]

                What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                1. Amazon Prime.

                People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                Worthless Subscriptions

                Spotify

                You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                Sirius XM

                I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                Discord Nitro

                You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                All news-based ones

                Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                X-Box Game Pass

                Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                Gym Memberships

                Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                M This user is from outside of this forum
                M This user is from outside of this forum
                [email protected]
                wrote last edited by
                #15

                Have you ever actually had a gym membership? Most gyms I've belonged to had reasonable membership terms. Only one tried to get me to pay for the remainder of my one-year contract. The loophole was you could leave if you said you were moving out of town. They just took my word for it and that was it. Others just needed 30-days notice.

                1 Reply Last reply
                4
                • F [email protected]

                  What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                  I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                  1. Amazon Prime.

                  People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                  1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                  Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                  Worthless Subscriptions

                  Spotify

                  You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                  Sirius XM

                  I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                  Discord Nitro

                  You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                  All news-based ones

                  Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                  X-Box Game Pass

                  Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                  Gym Memberships

                  Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                  roofuskit@lemmy.worldR This user is from outside of this forum
                  roofuskit@lemmy.worldR This user is from outside of this forum
                  [email protected]
                  wrote last edited by
                  #16

                  Worth it: the medication I need to live.

                  Not worth it: the medication I need to live.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  4
                  • F [email protected]

                    What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                    I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                    1. Amazon Prime.

                    People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                    1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                    Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                    Worthless Subscriptions

                    Spotify

                    You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                    Sirius XM

                    I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                    Discord Nitro

                    You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                    All news-based ones

                    Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                    X-Box Game Pass

                    Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                    Gym Memberships

                    Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                    S This user is from outside of this forum
                    S This user is from outside of this forum
                    [email protected]
                    wrote last edited by
                    #17

                    VPN for sure. Amazon you can use without Prime. Just wait until your total purchase hits $35 and delivery is free. I don’t have it myself, but I heard Youtube Premium is worth it because you get youtube and youtube music, so essentially 2 services for the price of one.

                    T 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • F [email protected]

                      What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                      I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                      1. Amazon Prime.

                      People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                      1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                      Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                      Worthless Subscriptions

                      Spotify

                      You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                      Sirius XM

                      I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                      Discord Nitro

                      You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                      All news-based ones

                      Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                      X-Box Game Pass

                      Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                      Gym Memberships

                      Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                      A This user is from outside of this forum
                      A This user is from outside of this forum
                      [email protected]
                      wrote last edited by
                      #18

                      I am not sure why people subscribe to Music streaming services. My ex said it was to discover new music, but I do that via YT and friends.
                      Other than that I just have 10 to 20 GB of music on my phone. No subscription, always available. Connects to all my devices.
                      I just don't get the point.
                      Maybe if I didn't have a PC it would be slightly more difficult to set up and add/remove music. But other than that?

                      R blackn1ght@feddit.ukB 2 Replies Last reply
                      4
                      • kolanaki@pawb.socialK [email protected]

                        Internet Service Provider and basic utilities. That's pretty much it. Everything else can be pirated or bought per item instead of through a subscription.

                        flagstaff@programming.devF This user is from outside of this forum
                        flagstaff@programming.devF This user is from outside of this forum
                        [email protected]
                        wrote last edited by
                        #19

                        Look at this fat cat with an ISP sub. I do everything through mobile data.

                        R 1 Reply Last reply
                        2
                        • F [email protected]

                          What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                          I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                          1. Amazon Prime.

                          People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                          1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                          Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                          Worthless Subscriptions

                          Spotify

                          You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                          Sirius XM

                          I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                          Discord Nitro

                          You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                          All news-based ones

                          Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                          X-Box Game Pass

                          Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                          Gym Memberships

                          Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                          T This user is from outside of this forum
                          T This user is from outside of this forum
                          [email protected]
                          wrote last edited by
                          #20

                          Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                          Have you though about why it's dead? It has always been biased, it's human nature.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          15
                          • F [email protected]

                            What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                            I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                            1. Amazon Prime.

                            People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                            1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                            Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                            Worthless Subscriptions

                            Spotify

                            You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                            Sirius XM

                            I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                            Discord Nitro

                            You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                            All news-based ones

                            Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                            X-Box Game Pass

                            Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                            Gym Memberships

                            Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                            T This user is from outside of this forum
                            T This user is from outside of this forum
                            [email protected]
                            wrote last edited by
                            #21

                            I only happily pay for YouTube premium, family subscription, it works out to 6€ per person. It is 90% of my entertainment, from news, to tech, to Docutainment.

                            I forgot to cancel prime before it renewed, but I will next cycle and I'm ripping some Disney+ shows before canceling it soon.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • F [email protected]

                              What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                              I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                              1. Amazon Prime.

                              People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                              1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                              Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                              Worthless Subscriptions

                              Spotify

                              You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                              Sirius XM

                              I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                              Discord Nitro

                              You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                              All news-based ones

                              Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                              X-Box Game Pass

                              Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                              Gym Memberships

                              Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                              F This user is from outside of this forum
                              F This user is from outside of this forum
                              [email protected]
                              wrote last edited by
                              #22

                              I'll assume the gym membership part is some large chain US gym or something? I couldn't disagree more.

                              I have a membership to a smaller gym and it's a great deal in my opinion. Cancel anytime, no deals, no discounts, just a price and access to a facility. It's one of the most pure and simple subscriptions I can think of.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              8
                              • F [email protected]

                                What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                                I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                                1. Amazon Prime.

                                People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                                1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                                Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                                Worthless Subscriptions

                                Spotify

                                You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                                Sirius XM

                                I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                                Discord Nitro

                                You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                                All news-based ones

                                Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                                X-Box Game Pass

                                Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                                Gym Memberships

                                Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                                chozo@fedia.ioC This user is from outside of this forum
                                chozo@fedia.ioC This user is from outside of this forum
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                                wrote last edited by
                                #23

                                YouTube Premium family plan is worth it for me. Sure, I can set up a PiHole and block ads. But that's only viable on networks I control; it won't work if I'm out of the house unless I want to set up a separate tunnel through my home network at all times. And I also don't have the time or inclination to set up and maintain a PiHole for each of my family members.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • C This user is from outside of this forum
                                  C This user is from outside of this forum
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                                  wrote last edited by
                                  #24

                                  Pihole won't even block youtube ads. The ads are served from the same server as the video you're watching...

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • F [email protected]

                                    What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                                    I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                                    1. Amazon Prime.

                                    People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                                    1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                                    Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                                    Worthless Subscriptions

                                    Spotify

                                    You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                                    Sirius XM

                                    I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                                    Discord Nitro

                                    You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                                    All news-based ones

                                    Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                                    X-Box Game Pass

                                    Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                                    Gym Memberships

                                    Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                                    T This user is from outside of this forum
                                    T This user is from outside of this forum
                                    [email protected]
                                    wrote last edited by
                                    #25

                                    streaming is never worth it, and the service providers are bleeding money just to keep it afloat.

                                    zakobjoa@lemmy.worldZ 1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • S [email protected]

                                      VPN for sure. Amazon you can use without Prime. Just wait until your total purchase hits $35 and delivery is free. I don’t have it myself, but I heard Youtube Premium is worth it because you get youtube and youtube music, so essentially 2 services for the price of one.

                                      T This user is from outside of this forum
                                      T This user is from outside of this forum
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                                      wrote last edited by
                                      #26

                                      used to be 25$, they figured people spent alot more when its 35.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • F [email protected]

                                        What are some things you are subscribed to that make a service worthwhile in keeping?

                                        I only have a few I can say is worth-it but worth it in a more conserving sense, like pumping-the-brakes kind of deal. Not something you would want on all of the time.,

                                        1. Amazon Prime.

                                        People may be split on Amazon for activist reasons or what have you, but I find it difficult to argue against what benefits that is brought from it. I sparingly use Prime and get it only when I have things I want to shop for that will be best used with it. I don't personally use Video, Music or what have you.

                                        1. All Streaming Services (Only if you have a work-around)

                                        Subscribing to any base streaming service plan with ads is worthless, but worth it if you use an HDMI cable from PC to TV or whatever configuration. Then watch through a browser that kills advertisements.

                                        Worthless Subscriptions

                                        Spotify

                                        You're only paying for the privilege to skip songs which should be a basic right of usage. Podcasts still aren't exempt from advertisements. Features provided aren't really that exciting to use.

                                        Sirius XM

                                        I just re-subscribed to this for $1 and might be personal taste, but I listen to the comedy channels. I don't go anywhere else because I find that the music-based channels played things I don't typically like or can vibe with.

                                        Discord Nitro

                                        You're just paying for cosmetic junk which also all have separate price tags and other useless profile things that some of which, obstruct profiles so it is pointless. Only provides minor perks to video, audio and file capability. You also get to use emotes, that you can barely see anyways, in any server you're in (unless mobile).

                                        All news-based ones

                                        Why pay for journalism that is all but dead and biased these days?

                                        X-Box Game Pass

                                        Bit 50/50 on this one. On one hand, trying out so many games is a perk, but, it also works against itself because you could be isolated by choice and what limit you have to work with.

                                        Gym Memberships

                                        Very parasitic and predatory. They all lock you into contracts and pretend that they're like your car dealership or even your apartment landlord into these year-long subscription models. They prey on you not using their facility, they charge you annual fees and other fees you don't know about. The only way out of them is to pay the remaining balance of the subscription or other scheming means. Very few out there actually let you cancel.

                                        M This user is from outside of this forum
                                        M This user is from outside of this forum
                                        [email protected]
                                        wrote last edited by
                                        #27

                                        Nothing wrong with paying for biased journalism, as long as it's high quality.

                                        New York times and walk street journal both publish a bunch of propaganda, but also have high quality stuff and I find it worth subscribing.

                                        R 1 Reply Last reply
                                        3
                                        • T [email protected]

                                          streaming is never worth it, and the service providers are bleeding money just to keep it afloat.

                                          zakobjoa@lemmy.worldZ This user is from outside of this forum
                                          zakobjoa@lemmy.worldZ This user is from outside of this forum
                                          [email protected]
                                          wrote last edited by
                                          #28

                                          Counterpoint: Dropout.

                                          P 1 Reply Last reply
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