A top tech YouTuber who broke the ‘number one rule of the internet’ angers fans even more after posting a lengthy response.
Marques Brownlee is a YouTuber who specializes in tech content, reviewing the latest products and offering useful tips.
His videos have earned him nearly 20 million subscribers on YouTube and over six million followers on X, formerly Twitter.
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However, he’s recently faced heat online for breaking an important rule of the internet - never try to charge for something that was already free.
Brownlee announced that he was releasing a brand-new app called Panels, which gives smartphones and other devices a range of high-quality and full resolution ‘art pieces’.
These can be used as a phone’s wallpaper and people aren’t too happy about the ads and paywalls blocking their use of the app.
Taking to X to address the backlash, Brownlee said: “Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video.
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“First thing we're doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we'd never actually ask for your location, internet history, etc. The data disclosures (that everyone is screenshotting) is likely too broad, and largely driven by what the ad networks suggest. Working to fix that ASAP.
“As far as pricing, I hear you! It's our own personal challenge to work to deliver that kind of value for the premium version. (Weekly Friday drops are already starting) I'll also be dialing back ad frequency for the free experience.
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“Much more to come. I appreciate you all.”
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However, it seems that Brownlee’s response has only made fans even more angry, with many taking to social media to share their views.
On X, one user said: “Who’s paying for wallpapers in 2024.”
Another wrote: “The price just isn’t right man. There is no reason a wallpaper app should cost as much as a Netflix subscription.”
A third person wasn’t happy, saying: “Bro your innovation that you brought to market was a wallpaper app. A wallpaper app. A wallpaper app. Lmao, a wallpaper app.”
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This sparked a reply from Brownlee himself, who wrote back: “Dawg. The target market for this is insanely small. Most people don't download a wallpaper app. This is for those who have been asking. If you're not into it, don't worry about it.”
For £6 a month, you can access Panels' library of wallpapers, available for both iOS and Android-based devices. Or, you can watch ads to view them.