On Wallpapers.

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Written By BasicAppleGuy

My thoughts on wallpapers.

MKBHD, one of the most recognized tech moguls, released a wallpaper app this week. Quickly following its launch, the app was criticized for its location tracking, subscription fees, and copious ads. I had multiple thoughts on the app, wallpapers, and my approach in general, and I wanted to clarify them for myself and share them with you in kind.

Let me be clear: I'm 100% in support of artists being compensated for their work. I'm thrilled that the artists involved in this app are being paid a commission of sales, and I'm grateful for the monetary tips from my readers that keep this site running. I understand the dedication and effort that goes into creating digital art. So, my message is simple: if you can, support the creatives you admire for their hard work.

My wallpapers being free is an exception, not a rule. I do it because I have stable work and have chosen to dedicate my off time and resources to producing them. I see what I make as a gift to the community I care deeply for. That said, like a busker or street performer, publically doing things that anyone can enjoy doesn't mean I don't need or appreciate the support people are willing and able to give. This is my choice, and I will never fault those who put their talent and work behind a paywall. The artists deserve it!

Further, I hate the pressure of needing advertising to make ends meet as a creator. I have turned down thousands of dollars in endorsements if only I had put more ads, analytics, or product placements on my site. When I made endorsements (like Clear, Waterfield Designs, and MacPaw), I ensured I had used and loved their product long before agreeing to anything.

This post isn't about charging for wallpapers; this is about an app experience that works so hard to create an unpleasant experience for free users. Everything from tracking your location to grabbing your usage data, email, and product interaction for advertising, marketing, analytics, and product personalization is discomfiting.

Further, the app is riddled with ads, including casino slots and regular 18+ "chat and play" apps, but offers a $50/year or 143.88/year if paid monthly subscription plan to unlock an ad-free experience and unlimited downloads. Free users can download smaller 1080x1920 versions of wallpaper, but only after they sit through several ads and then try to click the impossibly small "x" positioned on the bleeding edge of the display.

18+ chat apps & Casino app ads inside have no place alongside great creative works.

These details disquiet me and, from my perspective, tarnish the hard work of the creators who appear in the app. If my wallpapers were slotted next to gambling and sex chat apps, I would be beside myself. For me, the ability to display and manage my wallpapers is as fundamental as the product itself, and that includes not subjecting people to a far worse experience to get lower-scale freemium offerings.

I respect MKBHD and his work immensely. He presents as a driven craftsman whose work ethic and character have pushed the tech industry forward. He's an inspiration to many creators (including myself). I am continuously awe-struck at what he can produce and admire his temperament under what I can imagine is ungodly amounts of social pressure (including, from yours truly, a stupid coffee cup). But any wallpaper app aiming to celebrate creators must hold itself to a much higher standard. This was a huge and disappointing miss.

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I’m a one-person operation, working in healthcare by day & running this site as a passion project in my off time.

If you enjoy my work (the articles, the wallpapers, my general demeanour… anything really), consider leaving a tip & supporting the site. Your support is incredibly appreciated & goes a long way to keep this site and the works I produce ad-free & free of charge.

BasicAppleGuy https://basicappleguy.com
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