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The moment you have a publicly facing API you are saying "these are the rules to talk to us". It doesn't matter what the client is, if it follows the rules then

The moment you have a publicly facing API you are saying "these are the rules to talk to us". It doesn't matter what the client is, if it follows the rules then it should work. A website is a publicly facing API and if two different browsers can talk the HTTP protocol and implement all the other APIs the website requires then you shouldn't be blocked from accessing the website through one of them

tptacek 4y ago
You're not really answering my question. "One of the rules of this API is that you exclusively use this client" is an expressible rule. What gives you the right to dictate the terms that other people build by? I don't understand the principle here.
- HidyBush 4y ago
  How can a server know I'm using a different client if all the features are implemented? The condition that you may not use a third party client cannot be imposed by the API but is stipulated externally.
- Firmwarrior 4y ago
  I'll explain why I want the right to dictate the terms by which software on my computer talks to software on other people's computers. It's because it's relatively easy to customize local software to work in ways I and other people want it to, and the only thing stopping us from doing so is arbitrary draconian laws and rules. This results in situations where you can't access a lot of straightforward websites and services unless you download an "app" that's actually just a wrapper around a web browser and a bunch of spyware, and it makes it impossible for people with various minor disabilities to use a lot of services comfortably. The rule right now is "Any jerkoff can dictate what is and isn't allowed to run on my computer" and I would like to change that rule to "I'm in charge of what runs on my computer, you're in charge of what runs on your computer".
  - systoll 4y ago
    The terms of service are just Discord being transparent about what they’re doing. The thing actually stopping you from using Discord with a third-party client is that Discord’s server software responds differently to the way the third-party clients talk to it. You’re in charge of what runs on your computer, and they're in charge of what runs on theirs.
    - dancemethis 4y ago
      They are not transparent, since it's proprietary software. The likelihood they sell/yield personal user data/metadata is too high to ignore.
  - prvit 4y ago
    > and I would like to change that rule to "I'm in charge of what runs on my computer, you're in charge of what runs on your computer". Who is forcing you to install Discord?
    - spion 4y ago
      A study group, a programming community, any social group that you want to be a part of and they've decided to use Discord. Don't like the Discord client or have trouble using it? Pay the price of not participating in dozens of communities you would like to participate in.
      - prvit 4y ago
        Maybe take it up with those communities?
        maskros 4y ago
        Or maybe we can just have interoperability and open systems so all users can be happy, and don't have to choose between being obnoxious social outcasts or bow down in total obedience to the surveillance capitalists?

tptacek 4y ago

You're not really answering my question. "One of the rules of this API is that you exclusively use this client" is an expressible rule. What gives you the right to dictate the terms that other people build by? I don't understand the principle here.

HidyBush 4y ago
How can a server know I'm using a different client if all the features are implemented? The condition that you may not use a third party client cannot be imposed by the API but is stipulated externally.
Firmwarrior 4y ago
I'll explain why I want the right to dictate the terms by which software on my computer talks to software on other people's computers. It's because it's relatively easy to customize local software to work in ways I and other people want it to, and the only thing stopping us from doing so is arbitrary draconian laws and rules. This results in situations where you can't access a lot of straightforward websites and services unless you download an "app" that's actually just a wrapper around a web browser and a bunch of spyware, and it makes it impossible for people with various minor disabilities to use a lot of services comfortably. The rule right now is "Any jerkoff can dictate what is and isn't allowed to run on my computer" and I would like to change that rule to "I'm in charge of what runs on my computer, you're in charge of what runs on your computer".
- systoll 4y ago
  The terms of service are just Discord being transparent about what they’re doing. The thing actually stopping you from using Discord with a third-party client is that Discord’s server software responds differently to the way the third-party clients talk to it. You’re in charge of what runs on your computer, and they're in charge of what runs on theirs.
  - dancemethis 4y ago
    They are not transparent, since it's proprietary software. The likelihood they sell/yield personal user data/metadata is too high to ignore.
- prvit 4y ago
  > and I would like to change that rule to "I'm in charge of what runs on my computer, you're in charge of what runs on your computer". Who is forcing you to install Discord?
  - spion 4y ago
    A study group, a programming community, any social group that you want to be a part of and they've decided to use Discord. Don't like the Discord client or have trouble using it? Pay the price of not participating in dozens of communities you would like to participate in.
    - prvit 4y ago
      Maybe take it up with those communities?
      - maskros 4y ago
        Or maybe we can just have interoperability and open systems so all users can be happy, and don't have to choose between being obnoxious social outcasts or bow down in total obedience to the surveillance capitalists?