Backseat Software
by zdw on 1/29/2026, 10:10:07 PM
https://blog.mikeswanson.com/backseat-software/
Comments
by: jlund-molfese
In the old days, you'd take a survey on a McDonald's receipt and get a coupon for a free fry or something. These days, every product will sign you up for a newsletter without consent, ask for a review, or beg you to spend your time on a survey after the smallest interaction. Everything from the Art Institute of Chicago to Cava (a fast casual restaurant). And it's not just once, they'll try to send you reminders too.<p>Why can't they at least offer something of small monetary value, like 10% off your next order, or some API credits, so it's a fairer exchange? I guess because everyone's doing it, no individual product gets penalized for annoying their users.<p>There are exceptions of course, like Kagi. But they're far and few between.
1/30/2026, 5:34:34 AM
by: kqr
This was the reason I switched from Windows to using Linux full time back around 2006. Windows used to be somewhat peaceful bu around then it increasingly started interrupting me instead of me generating interrupts for it. I gather Windows hasn't gotten better since then.<p>At least with Android it is mostly the apps that generate interruptions, so I can choose apps that do not, and control notification permissions for those I need.
1/30/2026, 5:30:12 AM