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costa049
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Everything posted by costa049
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Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
To who constantly gets amused and laughs at posts, the concerns here are genuine. The issues being pointed out aren't meant to be funny at all, let alone target of ridicule and/or discredit; It raises multiple concerns that must be taken into account very seriously: 1. Transparency & Trust: Removing free previews stops potential subscribers from knowing what they're really paying for. Without that upfront transparency and whith the inconsistency and questionable choices with the two sites, and also, moreover, in case they alledgedly have other hidden ways of income and use subscribers merely as bait, it can make more trust issues erode. When customers feel manipulated or deceived into subscribing through bait-and-switch tatics—it undermines the credibility of the entire brand. All of this not only affects customer loyalty, but can also to negative word-of-mouth, harming long-term growth and reputation, and leading to user trust over time. 2. Community Engagement: Limiting free posting means the community loses a key way to share and evaluate content. Ironically, many shared videos already come from paid cameras, so this measure doesn’t solve the problem—it just shuts out open participation. 3. Alternative Solutions: Instead of barring free users, a more balanced strategy would involve robust content moderation and an efficient, DMCA-compliant takedown process for everyone. This approach would address copyright concerns without sacrificing transparency or alienating potential subscribers. It would be interesting to hear any constructive thoughts people might have on alternative ways to balance legal and ethical concerns with open community participation, so that our voices can be raised and heard and take effect for the benefit of everyone. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Sorry, I've edited and added some other important points. But anyways, it is of because what I highlighted that it is even more important that we all raise a massively unified voice -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
You raise an interesting point. Restricting free users from posting content could indeed be part of the company's strategy to protect against unauthorized sharing, particularly when it come to videos. The potential risk to any subscriber who posts content under these conditions could be a way to limit that exposure, especially in light of DMCA concerns. However, it's important to clarify that limiting the ability to evaluate the service via free previews doesn't justify restricting content sharing and might even worsen the issue, especially since many of shared videos are already taken from paid cameras. If they are concerned about the distribution of copyrighted materials, that doesn't directly address the transparency issue of giving potential subscribers a chance to evaluate content before comitting. As for a return of that policy, it could be a matter of timing, but although the model may shift back at some point, these changes still damage trust in the long run, especially if users feel they're being forced into a subscription without fully understanding what they're paying for. While restricting free user content might indeed reduce the risk of DMCA infringements by limiting who can post potentially problematic images or videos, it only worsens the issue even more and raises other concerns. Such restrictions seem designed to funnel participation exclusively to paid subscribers, who then risk losing their accounts if they inadvertently post copyrighted material. This not only curtails the community’s open engagement but also hinders transparency—new users lose the opportunity to evaluate the service without commitment. Ultimately, if the intent is to mitigate legal risks, they could handle it by implementing a robust content moderation system rather than outright restricting free users from posting. For example, they could require all users—whether free or paid—to affirm that they have the rights to any content they upload, combined with an efficient, automated DMCA takedown process that complies with safe harbor provisions, like a record/screenshot-blocking system. This approach would address legal risks and copyright concerns while still allowing broader community participation.it comes at the cost of user trust and openness, and may not be the optimal long-term strategy. The way they are doing, although I don't believe it is the reason from what I and another user pointed, it comes at the cost of user trust and openness, and may not be the optimal long-term strategy. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Why should I pay for an RLC subscription that includes a bonus pack in XLIFE, which already has many of the houses featured in RLC? Moreover, the pack doesn't cover all houses and there is no other subscription plan in XLIFE that covers all houses in one plan, while RLC keeps the whole site with its (still) own exclusive houses locked behind a paywall. On top of that, on both plataforms they have added VAT over the prices and in RLC they have removed the more attractive deals, like the 7-day trial and even the standard subscription plan now. And still, RLC's lowest 30-day sub plan covers everything for the same price as the highest pack in XLIFE. All of this sounds like inconsistency in their approach and a way of trying to use us as a bait for something, and it's highly questionable. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
In case that's true, it looks like they are just using subscribers as a bait, which wouldn't be a surprise seeing by their choices in the latest years and how hard it is to reach their support and how hardly they account individual feedback. And that just reinforces concerns and should be more than enough reason to make us all raise our voices even more. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Even if some users never intend to subscribe, the free previews aren’t just there for non-paying viewers, they serve as a critical tool for transparency. Without them, even potential subscribers are forced to commit without knowing what they're actually getting, which undermines trust and fair evaluation of the service, consequently ruining long term sustainability of the service. Unless they have other ways to keep it sustainable beyond the subs, which is the core of the service and its way of income, and that undermines transparency and credibility even more. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
And what about the final customer, who ultimately is who pays and gets access to the content? Doesn't he have a word to say? It crosses the line of ethics. People need to know what they are getting and what they are investing in, and if their money will be worth that investment in the end. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Your apology is noted, albeit with all that irony, sadly. However, let's steer back to the discussion and core issue remaining RLC’s lack of transparency, which affects all subscribers, current and potential alike. The service's approach, including its inconsistent content offerings across sites, deserves scrutiny on its own merits rather than veering into personal assessments. And what matters the most in the end is that despite comments showing lack of interest and discrediting the issue, the discussion was successfully opened. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
While it's true that RLC's business model focuses on subscriptions, that doesn't mean transparency should be abandoned. The issue isn’t about forcing anyone to subscribe, it’s about ensuring that when people do subscribe, they know exactly what they're getting. Hiding previews forces everyone, including long-term subscribers at renewal, to commit without a clear view of the content. Yes, RLC may be after subs, but they need to recognize that treating users transparently and giving them a way to make an informed decision is key to building trust and keeping them. Moreover, the fact that their sister site openly displays exclusive content while RLC hides it only highlights an inconsistency in their approach. We're not trying to tell a business veteran how to run their company; we're simply advocating for a model that respects customers by giving them the full picture before they spend their money. Briefly, RLC's current strategy prioritizes short-term subscription gains over the trust and transparency that underpin long-term customer loyalty and, consequently, long-term service sustainability. By hiding what subscribers are actually buying—and when you consider the glaring inconsistency of their sister site openly showcasing exclusive house while already having most of the houses from the mother site, some of them with free previews, not to meantion the highly questionable subscription plans—it becomes clear that this approach undermines credibility. Whether you're a new or existing subscriber, not knowing exactly what you're getting sets the stage for future dissatisfaction. Ultimately, a sustainable business model should honor transparency, ensuring that every customer can make informed decisions and thus keep the business sustainable and profitable for the company in the long-run. -
RLC is bad with many structural decisions for sure, which let them where they are now, but they never let any phisical or mental health damage pass and it never ends well. Look at Kitty and Masha. If this keeps going on, I am also affraid like coolcucumber that they will shut down the apartment sooner or later.
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Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Even if some insist that the boycott won’t affect RLC’s bottom line or current subscribers right now, or even that it is stupid to ask for something like this, the problem runs deeper. The removal of free previews erodes the transparency that should be central to any subscription service. Without a clear view of what you’re buying, even current and/ or long-term subscribers face uncertainty at renewal time, especially after taking a sub break. And this gets even worse without more attractive deals anymore, like the 7-day one. Plus, the fact that RLC's (still) own exclusive houses didn't transit to the new site (XLIFE), which has most of the houses from RLC and is being advertised in RLC's paywall banner, only reinforces the inconsistency in their approach, even with deals between the two sites, which are highly questionable for the obvious reasons. When enough people speak up, it adds up over time. If subs continue to accept poor practices without raising awareness, RLC won't feel the need to change. We're not trying to punish RLC. Boycotting is telling them that their system is not sustainable for the future. Current subs and newcomers alike deserve better. By acting now, we can at least start to shift the conversation and make our voices heard, which could lead for a more sustainable service for everyone. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Their silence speaks volumes. Removing the 7-day deal just makes it even harder for potential subscribers to try the service without a big commitment. Looks like they’re doubling down on bad decisions. I get why you’re losing interest, these recent changes aren’t exactly encouraging. But we need to demand transparency, fair access, and a system that truly benefits all of us. We all can and must make this change with our voice. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
I have subscribed for 9 times, which makes me care even more. I know what the service offers, and I also know that without a proper preview, new users are being asked to pay blindly. It’s not just about getting people to subscribe, it’s about making sure they know what they’re paying for and that the service remains worth it over time. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Ok, let me try to put it a bit differently. The point isn’t about free riding it's about transparency, fairness and trust, and quality user experience overall. Without free previews, new users have no way to evaluate the service before subscribing, which ultimately hurts everyone, including current subscribers when it's time to renew. We're not trying to force free viewing, we're demanding a fair chance to assess what we’re paying for. Not to meantion the matter of the publicity and FOMO as BlackLeone also rightly mentioned. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Even though I agree with almost everything you said, when it comes to existing subscribers they are affected in a couple of key ways. First, when their subscription expires, and in case they don't want to renew it at that time, they lose any benefit of a free cam and preview, meaning they'll be forced to re-sub without having a chance to evaluate the service again. This change makes it harder for them to decide whether to continue, especially if the quality or value of the content is in question, like new features or feature/ design changes in the site and new streaming equipment or current equipment changes, moves with current and/ or known participants, new houses and/ or new participants, including house renovations, some of which you rightly mentioned. Second, existing subscribers carry significant influence. Their unified voice and feedback can add weight to the push for a fairer preview system. If enough current users express dissatisfaction with these changes, it can send a strong message to RLC that this business model might not be sustainable in the long run. All the more so taking into account RLC has a historic of hardly listenning to individual feedback. In short, it's not just about the immediate cost. It's about ensuring long-term value and trust in the service for everyone. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
I understand your point, but the issue isn't just about existing subscribers. It’s about long-term trust and sustainability. By cutting off free previews and cams, new users are forced to commit without knowing what they're getting, which can lead to higher churn and overall dissatisfaction. It's not simply about being a freeloader; it's about demanding transparency and fair value for everyone. Our collective pressure could encourage RLC to reconsider their strategy, benefiting both current and future users. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
I will reiterate what I responded to the other guy who answered in the same kind of way. This isn’t about getting free access, it’s about transparency. The site used to offer previews and permanently free cams so people could evaluate the service before subscribing. Now, everything is locked behind a paywall, making it a blind purchase. If you’re fine with that, that’s your choice but calling out bad business practices and decisions isn’t wanting a free service. It’s about holding the service accountable to its users, both current and potential. So if you don't understand the point, I am sorry. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
This isn’t about getting free access, it’s about transparency. The site used to offer previews so people could evaluate the service before subscribing. Now, everything is locked behind a paywall, making it a blind purchase. If you’re fine with that, that’s your choice but calling out bad business practices and decisions isn’t being a “leech.” It’s about holding the service accountable to its users, both current and potential. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
I know that, but there are still many RLC exclusive. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
It's a tag, showing that it includes it, not the main purpose of the site. But once again, let's not lose focus from the crux of the matter. -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
It's not a porn site, but let's not deviate from the crux of the matter -
Boycott to RLC following most recent access and watch policy changes
costa049 replied to costa049's topic in Reallifecam
Yup. This downfall already started in 2020 when they suddently changed the watch policy and started constantly opening and closing cameras/ apartments since then, and now they took this step further of putting the entire site behind a sub paywall. -
Hi everyone, First of all, if mods think this post is inappropriate feel free to delete it. That said, I want to bring your attention to some concerning changes on RLC all of us have been facing in terms of viewing policy. For years, the site offered two or three permanently free cameras per apartment, with maybe one or two apartments fully closed, allowing potential subscribers/ re-subscribers to get a good look before committing. However, they’ve gradually shifted away from this policy. They started randomly turning cameras on and off or fully closing and re-opening apartments, and now they’ve taken it a step further by placing the entire site behind a subscription paywall. As it stands, all cameras are locked for non-subscribers, and all preview images have been completely blurred out. This means that any new visitor no longer gets the chance to view even a couple of cameras per apartment to evaluate whether the subscription is worth it. This move not only reduces transparency but undermines the user experience that originally attracted many of us to the site. In response, I propose that we enact a boycott: 1. Everyone, or a very good amount of people, cancel current active subscriptions en masse 2. Refrain from subscribing or re-subscribing until the site reinstates its original free preview policy 3. Make our voices be heard and reach RLC by massively emailing them. Our collective action can send a strong message that we expect fair access to the service before being asked to pay. I encourage anyone who values transparency and a quality user experience to join me in this boycott. Let’s use our voices to demand better service. Please share your thoughts and ideas on coordinating this effort. All of this was written truly from the heart of an ex-subscriber and re-subscriber and very old follower of the project, almost since the beginning.
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"Given the fact that a subscription is now required to even access the site itself and all apartments and cams are closed, and all previews are fully blurred". Not talking about the content itself but their shitty decisions on the site and the way content is provided.
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