So many apps abuse us. Fuck ’em.

The software market is saturated. Tech companies sold investors a promise of near-endless growth in exchange for billions of dollars. There are only so many things we need computers to do, though. It’s harder than ever to get new customers.

Desperate to show good news only in the boardroom, tech executives and their cadre of managers show few qualms about using any means to hit their fantastical growth targets. Informed by incompetence, they make their move: suck their customers dry.

These nitwits don’t give two shits about your actual experience with their company. They never have. Sure, they’ll preen about best-in-class this and magic quadrant that, but their contempt toward you and me is fueled by our perceived reluctance to give them their due for the “value” they and their software give us.

The price increase treadmill speeds up year after year. Product “realignments” push the one mature thing the product did well for years into more expensive tiers. Previously included services turn into expensive, metered add-ons.

In 2026, there are so few product packages that exempt a customer from daily harassment by their subscription software. “No” is not taken to mean “no.”

Fuck that!

Good business respects its customers. Good technology rarely wastes our time. These truisms don’t bend.

What can a person do?

A business bully won’t change based on what I say. I’m also exhausted; I hate constantly changing my habits because of their chaotic schemes and antics.

I can protect myself, though: notice abuse, consider substitutes, promote alternatives, and encourage others.

It helps to notice it. Out loud.

Abusive behavior from businesses outweighs respectful behavior these days. When we discuss bullies and abusers, we don’t expect a thoughtful statement balancing their strengths and opportunities to improve. It’s okay to describe bad behavior only.

A substitute might work.

Noticing bad behavior helps accumulate the strength to find a way to break free of an abuser.

We can’t change all of our habits at once. It’s okay to feel worn down and not ready to take on a problem. Sparks will flash when there’s a window to plan an escape or try to break free.

There’s always a way to substitute a piece of software. Some situations are easier than others. Odds are good that as you break free, you’ll find others that are trying to do the same.

Eventually, we find something that replaces what an abuser did for us. There are lots of ways to acknowledge people acting in good faith we spot along the way. We can work together and fare better.

Who still earns their place in your toolbox?

Take inventory of the systems and tools you rely on. Who is trustworthy and consistent, and who is treating you like trash?

When you’re ready, ditch ‘em.