Not all "free" software is actually free - you're often paying with your data, privacy, or through deceptive subscription traps. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the business models behind the software you use daily, from ethical freemium approaches like Tailscale to exploitative data harvesting like Gmail. They explore managed hosting models, the pros and cons of subscriptions versus one-time payments, and expose dark patterns that trick users into unwanted charges. Plus updates on Jordan's private SIM card journey and news about Google's forced Android changes and Linux desktop growth.

 

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/sov-020-real-cost-of-software

 

00:00 Jordan's Opening Quote on Data-Subsidized Software

00:38 Introduction and ATL BitLab Sponsorship

01:56 Welcome and Contact Information

02:22 Jordan's Private SIM Card Update

02:48 - The "Pick Two" Dilemma: Private, Fast, Convenient

03:17 - Mint Mobile: Private and Fast but Inconvenient

04:03 - AT&T Prepaid: Convenient but Extremely Slow (3 vs 913 Mbps)

05:09 - US Mobile Blocks Anonymous Payment Methods

05:50 News: Google Forced to Open Android in Epic Games Victory

07:51 - Court Orders Google to Stop Monopolistic Practices

08:55 - Implications for Alternative App Stores

10:29 News: Linux Desktop Market Share Hits 6%

11:26 - Steam Deck and Gaming Driving Adoption

12:44 - Steam's Proton Compatibility Layer

14:07 - Privacy-Focused Users and Celebrity Endorsements

16:49 - AI/ML Workloads Favor Linux

17:57 Main Topic: Software Business Models

18:42 - Why Business Models Matter for Users

19:33 - Paying for Good Software vs "Free" Alternatives

20:17 Unethical Model: Data-Subsidized "Free" Software

20:43 - Gmail Example: How "Free" Services Really Work

22:58 Ethical Model: Tailscale's Enterprise Freemium Approach

25:12 - Pure Freemium vs Data Collection Hybrid

26:47 - When Freemium Goes Wrong

27:17 Managed Hosting: Element and Nextcloud Examples

29:10 One-Time Payment vs Subscription Models

29:46 - Adobe's Transition to Creative Cloud

31:07 - Accessibility vs Long-Term Value Trade-offs

33:21 - The Rise of Overpriced SaaS Tools

36:39 - Importance of Transparent Pricing Models

38:22 Dark Patterns and Deceptive Practices

39:10 - Jordan's Examples of Subscription Traps

40:00 - Stephen's ClassPass Cancellation Nightmare

43:09 - Multiple Deceptive Pattern Types Identified

44:44 - Hall of Shame: Major Companies Using Dark Patterns

46:04 Conclusion: Choosing Ethical Software Business Models

 

Links

• Jordan Bravo
• Boost in on Fountain.FM
• Epic Games vs Google Court Decision
• Linux Desktop Market Share Statistics
• Deceptive Patterns Types and Examples
• "How I Broke Up With Adobe" by James Lee (Animation)
• PewDiePie's "I Installed Linux (so should you)"