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Discussion on: Have you ever created something that can be considered a "dark pattern"?

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Brian Barbour • Edited

You know one of the most frustrating things? Free trials that turn into monthly subscriptions. "Put your credit card in and forget about it so we can make money off of you."

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Dalmo Mendonça

I understand that a valid CC is a good gatekeeper from spammy accounts, but you're right. It is frustrating. I usually avoid those services unless they offer something no other competitor comes close to.

Here's the funny thing: thinking about it, I'm way more inclined to accept "30-days Full Refund no questions asked" than "Free trial but give me your card", even though the former is objectively more troublesome for all parties.

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Adrian Bece

Yeah, those are really sneaky. I wonder if this is borderline illegal practice or is it somehow completely justified in the eyes of the law.

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Tobias SN

I mean, it tells you that after the trial your credit card will start getting charged.

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Brian Barbour

True. But, it's still annoying if you're like me and have a horrible memory.

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Tobias SN

I guess that makes sense. Maybe the solution could be to remind the user 7, 3 and 1 days before the trial ends.

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ohmyzense

I've taken to setting up a reminder for myself a few calendar days before any trial ends and include a link to the trial unsubscribe in the event notes.

Usually, I usually decide it's not worth it (especially after projecting yearly cost)

Some sites are friendly enough to send an email reminder, but I never count on it.