yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] sssubito:
Such threats are likely illegal in your country and others too and if you want, you could report it to the police. The idiots who write such threats feel safe to do without consequences. But if they can be traced back it's going to be expensive for them and suddenly they turn to crybabies. Some people are just sick. Don't let them penetrate you, that's their sole goal to get into your mind.

I haven't received such threats, so can't really say what that must feel like. To imagine it is not the same. All I know is, I wouldn't let them go away with this and I would file a police case. I live in Germany and there is some raise of awareness against hate speech and police and justice actually doing something against it. Maybe only a very small percentage of cases will be tracked down and the haters punished. But it will likely show haters that they might not go away with such threats.

Those who are impulsive to throw harsh or even worser words at you, don't understand that you are not their dev slave. They don't understand that they still can access the app from the Play Store even when now new users can't see it anymore there. They just don't understand a lot of things and frankly Marcel, you shouldn't care so much about such jerks.

From the bottom of my happy FE Pro user's heart I wish you could apply some sort of vigorous filter mechanism for your own peace of mind: worse threats are reported to the police, everything else just ignore and delete. Get that bullsh*t off your head and mindset.

I repeat: report those cases to the police if you want to, maybe one of them will be tracked down and prosecuted accordingly. Otherwise, ignore and delete. Those ill-minded jerks just want to get into your head. Don't let them... (yeah, I know, easier said then done, but as a developer you need to implement defense walls against such things, because I'd assume that every dev gets such sh*t, regardless of what they do).

Not sure if I can reflect your personal frustration from such bad things, but my point is that one should not let those bad things come close to your own core.

Even when now bad comments rise due to the new situation, as long as the majority of comments are OK or even nice, you can feel proud of your (software) babies. Ignore the rants, the jerks, the bull****: don't feed the trolls! Never feed the trolls! If you don't let them to your core, they have NO power over you!
[Android Apps and Games] V0latyle:
@M66B have you received any such messages here on XDA? We take threats very seriously; messages like these are grounds for a permanent ban.
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
Yes, but that was taken care of already by other moderators. Thanks for caring anyway!
[Android Apps and Games] V0latyle:
Prayers for you, your child, and your lady.
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
Lady, yes, child no, unless you count my apps as children ;-)
[Android Apps and Games] AG3S:
@M66B

I know that you mentioned before that no one will never get money with selling software.

I have a question, why don't you make it like a subscription service ?

If the price would be fair, I believe many of the users would pay for it. At least it would be a small help to you to make sense to keep this project alive!
[Android Apps and Games] AG3S:
For example via F-Droid or your own website and PayPal or Stripe subscriptions
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
I will probably decide what to do after Google's phone call tomorrow.
[Android Apps and Games] heisert:
Argl subscription service. He said the bad word!
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
1 star.
[Android Apps and Games] heisert:
Argl subscription service. He said the bad word! I never will paid for an app a subscription. He can raise the price, ok, but subscriptionfor an app. brrrrrr

edit: double post. sorry
[Android Apps and Games] hakaishi:
I'm mostly developing for Debian/Ubuntu, so I don't get this kind of threatening mails. On the other hand my email address is known everywhere. I'm receiving tons of spam and even black mails threatening me to pay money and things. Everything unrelated to my projects though, but mostly because my mail address is public on Debian and thus to many other platforms as well.

Actually, I sometimes enjoy to see them. Laughing my ass off that they can't do anything because of FairEmail removing everything for me. Their data is very old and outdated as well.

For example saying that they got videos of me, when I never let my webcam plugged in when not actually using it.

Being privacy conscious has many benefits 😇

If I were in your shoes, I guess I'd either go to the police & also contact google about it, or I'd just drop the play-store stuff. You don't need to depend on that. It might reach more people, but why need to reach people who don't feel any gratitude and just think they can do whatever they want to.
[Android Apps and Games] heisert:
I'm really curious if google will contact @M66B tomorrow. and what they have to say about the whole (bad/joke) "sending contacts" / spyware story.
[Android Apps and Games] AG3S:
Why not if is it fair?!! that is the problem of the privacy world... we need to pay for what is good!!!

We do agree to pay for all games and other apps which tones of trackers but when it comes to great apps like an email client which we use on a daily basis... and personally my life depends on it.

I would recommend having different plans with different functions. basic and pro.

I really wish you decide to keep supporting this software. A fair yearly subscription would be GREAT!

I installed Fairmail from F-Droid and after one day of using it I paid for the the pro version (via a donation). I love this app ... and it will be a huge loss for me :(

K9 has no chance over Fairmail!!!!!!
[Android Apps and Games] AG3S:
I hear you regarding the subscription... but sometimes to support a developer we as the users should step up... I am donating to Thunderbird a few Euros a month although I am not using it... I know it is not much but such small donations might keep these projects to keep on going...
[Android Apps and Games] heisert:
I bought Enpass for 65€ for one time purchase while i hate subscriptons. Price isnt my point. I dont like Subscriptions. I could have it for free if i get the Google Play Pass but this was a Subscription too :p.

U got my Point? I do donating too when i like the project.

But i think the money wasnt the real problem bout fairemail atm. (it is google & some idiots with unfair reviews)
[Android Apps and Games] V0latyle:
I must point out that all development shared on XDA, including apps, must be free to use, or include a free version. The bottom line is that XDA may not be used for income generation.

Read the policy here
[Android Apps and Games] heisert:
@V0latyle good point. Why some Users post bad comments or email the dev with hate for a "open source" Email Client which in itself is free. Thats complete mad! When they bought the Pro license for a few euros you can insult people, or threaten violance? maybe iam to old but I can no longer understand people today.

ot: really bad time where we live right now (corona,war etc.)
[Android Apps and Games] Will_T:
I would pay double the Pro fee annually and be happy if you get the Play Store censure figured out. Hopefully they will let you know tomorrow some specifics.

You might then have to go to personal support only for the subscriptions. And then let users in this thread answer questions for new users of the free version.

And, you will have to figure out if you can let the Play Store reviews not bother you as much. As has been said dozens of times in this thread, some people are not reasonable and to make life enjoyable, you need to ignore the unreasonableness. Even if this means the app review rating drops, that does not matter. There is really no way to keep an app rated at 4.7 or 4.8 without a lot of undeserved stress. And I don't think an app with a 4.7 rating has anymore credibility than an app with a 4.1 rating. For me if an app is rated over 4.0, I consider it and then read reviews. Users are smart enough to filter out the stupid reviews from their consideration. Especially since you respond to them with an explanation.

But all this is contingent upon you decided what is right for you. If you are no longer happy working and supporting any project like this, or if it just does not suit you any longer, then nothing short of turning it over to someone else will keep it viable in the long term. And nothing other than that will make you happpy.
[Android Apps and Games] sssubito:
I prefer to avoid subscriptions whenever possible because that usually means you don't "own" the software anymore that you "purchased". And as @heisert I hate software subscriptions, regardless of fair price. If FE would change to a subscription model I'd sadly have to leave it behind, maybe, depends, sh*t, I'm kind of dependent on FE. I wouldn't like the need to search for something as good as it is.

And with a subscription model a developer likely has more obligations to deliver at least "something" regularly (e.g. in the case of Adobe a whole bucket of new bugs, vulnerabilities, ..., well and some little improvements maybe, too). In the past I thought Adobe Flash is really crappy security nightmare, now it's Adobe alone.

I can't shine with experience as I'm no developer but I bet with subscriptions the amount of bad reactions from users would rise, the expectations would be different and probably more toxic.

I haven't read the whole thread here, so it might have been discussed already. I wouldn't mind if FE were not for free but that would've excluded it from XDA as @V0latyle pointed out. Not sure if a paid app would give fewer toxic reactions from morons who think a free app comes with life-long support and a personal dev slave. Unfortunately we live in an online world where stupids would buy a software just to complain about something and immediately cry for a refund (which an app store will likely grant them within some bounds).
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
I don't mean this in a bad way, if money was the sole motivating factor, I might not even have started the project at all, but it sounds hypocritical that you hate subscriptions, you go even as far to say that you would leave the app behind for it, and that you on the other hand are depending on the app. Don't you want support if something doesn't work? Don't you want the app to be updated for new Android versions, which your next device might run? In other words, don't you want the app at least to be maintained and supported, and the room for improvement to be used?

Again, I don't mean this in a bad way. It just seems to me that you are mad because of bad behavior of others. That doesn't mean that everybody will behave in the same way.
[Android Apps and Games] hugox:
Hi @M66B,

First thing, I wish all the best for your girlfriend. Nothing is more important than our loved ones.

This situation is a very sad news to me, but it seems that Google is targeting a lot of apps that help us, users, to not be dependable of Google apps.

When I was looking for an email app, with privacy in mind, to be able to not use GMAIL/Outlook apps with my accounts outside that ecosystem I was almost giving up, no valid alternative in my opinion. But then I found FE in F-Droid, and what an amazing app, everything and more than I needed. I looked the works of the developer, and with that I new that I could really trust this app and that it would be one of the best apps for our devices and one, of the must have, apps for all of Us that care for privacy.

So thank you @M66B so much for all you effort, work, dedication and passion. Even in this relentless "fight" with Google, even after saying that you would step aside, shows your passion and how much you value your work and ideals. We really need of a more @M66B out there.

About the idea of subscription or only a paid version, one thing that I believe is that most of the privacy advocates share at their hearts, is to make this apps at reach of many users as possible, hopping that their support to developer allows for the app to stay alive and to be available as free, in some sort, for those that don't have the economic possibilities at that moment.

Making these privacy-oriented apps only available through payments sadly will make that those who can't afford have no choice but to use the big Corps that we try to avoid. But when that's the only viable way....

Sorry for any mistakes, English is not my maternal language has you could see.

@M66B thanks once again for everything, I believe how hard must be to read those Emails/Reviews/Comments when doing something with such passion and intention to share it with the ones that supposedly would have, at part the same vision regarding privacy. But, for the rest of Us, we can't thank YOU enough.
[Android Apps and Games] norbusan:
Long time pro user and patreon sponsor here. I would miss FairEmail a lot, thanks for all your work Marcel @M66B but I completely understand and support your decision.
[Android Apps and Games] ReevaluateAdNauseam:
Hi Marcel,

First, thank you for all the time and dedication, and for your unrelenting striving for perfection, which is only matched by a very, very few other developers. Your software trumps in quality and breadth of features everything else out there - no question about it. And you do it by yourself. My hat goes off to you sir!

I have bought multiple licences for FairEmail, as well as sent larger contributions, simply because to my mind the asking price is way too modest. As much as I avoid subscriptions, if you decide to go this route, you will have my full support! If a large lump sum ($100 or more) is feasible for a lifetime license, I will gladly do that. If you chose to implement annual or monthly subscription, I will have your back. I just hope with all my heart that FairEmail won't be abandoned.

As far as Google goes - they are disgusting, borderline criminal bureaucrats, hellbent on smearing and destroying any truly privacy preserving software. I don't use Google for anything - whenever there is a chance - I buy my applications straight from the developer. I realize this puts me in a (growing) minority. I know that Google will eventually drop their baseless, vicious, slanderous attack and reinstate the app. Even so, I can't help the feeling that your app is too good for the Google Play Store. I know, I know - the vast majority of downloads are from there, but think of all the people that have already discovered the app, fallen in love with it and are ready to follow you outside of Google Play. Folks that appreciate the app will buy it again, none of that "I don't want to lose my GP store license" nonsense.

Also, many others have said it before me, but I will join in - don't be discouraged by the "reviews" of stupid, incoherent, moronic, two-bit nobodies. If you were a bit more arrogant, I believe you would dismiss and despise them, but you are very gentle and noble, so you suffer needlessly.

People who understand how lucky we are to have someone like you are the ones who fully support you, the others - to hell with them.

I wish all the best to you and your girlfriend!

Thanks.
[Android Apps and Games] Privacy1:
Marcel/M66B, thanks for all your support and development. You did what you loved, which is creating privacy-focused tools/projects and you were very good at it, I use Netguard to this day and will continue to use it on my android 7. When I sent you a low priority email, I didn't even expect such a quick response, This shows that you are someone who cares about the end user. But today all this support, emails, doubts, the problem with Google, the situation of your girlfriend, the lack of financial support, made you discouraged and you are right, I support your idea, you need time, life , support for yourself, develop you and your family. I love Netguard and I didn't want him to die like that, but he's part of your story, he's part of you. And you need time, peace and life. I am unemployed, but I will support Netguard soon. I created an Xda account just to answer you. Hugs from Brazil and sorry for my English.
[Android Apps and Games] sssubito:
Being dependent on FE was probably a bit exaggerated. For me It's simply the best there is and I'd be very much not amused to not have it. I don't see a fit replacement for it on the market.

As I already said, I don't like (hate might have been too much, not sure) software subscriptions because this usually implies that you just rent the software and don't own it. If you have to stop paying the subscription for whatever reason, you usually can't use the app anymore (or it's usually crippled beyond usability).

Yes, I'd appreciate support and maintenance of the app. I'd be willing to pay more for a paid app version, if that pays off for the dev's sustained app support. But I don't know what the best way is for a happy app dev.

Yes, I am sad and even mad at ill-minded people who frustrate you with very bad behavior (I feel like this gets worse and worse which is even more sad) and the Google robots that force you into a vogonian burocracy-like treadmill with the so far outcome that you as dev have decided to stop further development. I respect your decission. It might not be your final word (I hope so) but for now it is what it is. Frankly, I am not happy with that and likely no one is who likes to use your apps.

What matters most is that your girlfriend gets better because health and life are the most precious things. You might need a brake to get over toxic people and trolls and maybe Google. Wish you a good call today with Google.
[Android Apps and Games] ignoramous:
@M66B

(a fellow android firewall developer here)

You are an inspiration to a generation of NetGuard/FairEmail users and developers like me.

Do what you feel comfortable with.

Please don't let the _abuse_ get to you. You don't deserve it. Especially, after all these years of development effort and technical support.

My sincere hope is you reinstate the apps and find a way to make it a financially viable endeavour.

No matter what, you'll always be our hero.
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
Thanks.

The project doesn't need to be financially viable, it never was and never will be. That said, money plays as modest role. It creates a responsibility towards the sponsors, it buys equipment, and most importantly, it shows appreciation because money has an intrinsic value.
[Android Apps and Games] geodemarse:
Hello M66B,

I'm a FairEmail Pro user since 2019, downloaded from F-Droid.

I have been reading this thread carefully since last week. Everything has been said and well said, I just bring here for support Marcel.

I'm not a developer and I don't know if this is relevant here : I'm in France and I use the mail service of my operator @free.fr

I have 3 @free.fr emails configured on FairEmail.

At the end of April, beginning of May, I couldn't send any more mail, an error message telling me "The mail server said : 550 5.7.1 Spam Detected - Mail Rejected. Please see our policy at : http://postmaster.free.fr/#spam_detected." No fault with Thunderbird on my computer.

I followed the procedure to indicate a false positive.

Is there a causal link ? Since this week, it works :D Due to the latest FairEmail updates ?

In any case, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

N.B.: Marcel, you are incorrigible, no more 3 updates of the application since last week ;)
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
An update can't explain why outbound messages aren't considered as spam anymore.

A common cause for this kind of problems is a network address the email server doesn't like.

So, using a different (mobile) network or a VPN can result in this problem too.

The latest GitHub update was May 18, almost a week ago.
[Android Apps and Games] AG3S:
This is exactly what I wanted to say... and is really sad to see...

Why not to pay a small fee a year for a software which we use on a daily basis!!!!!

Some people would like to see the project die than paying a ridiculous fee monthly!

However, I am sure many others here would love to contribute to this project.
[Android Apps and Games] Tomoms:
Hello @M66B

I'd like to build FairEmail from source and have Gmail OAuth working. I currently build the Github variant via Gradle and sign it with my own Java Keystore. However, in order for Gmail OAuth to work, I've noticed that I have to update the fingerprint and the public key in app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml, and I am unsure how exactly to do it.

How do I get the fingerprint and the public key associated with my Java Keystore? It might be a stupid question, but it's the first time I deal with signing an Android APK and I'm a bit confused.

Thank you in advance!

EDIT: I guess the fingerprint can be read from the associated .x509.pem private key file (?)
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
You'll need to go through the Google audit process for this. This won't be easy.

Edit: if you want to do the same for Yahoo (Verizon), you'll need to sign a contract even.
[Android Apps and Games] Tomoms:
Oh. I thought you just performed a local test to avoid breaking some Google regulation, and not that it actually required an active intervention by Google... Pity.
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
Some background info:

Google's stunning plan to avoid apps slurping Gmail inboxes: Charge devs for security audits

Requirement threatens to break the bank

www.theregister.com

Solution: use an app password.

Edit: the alternative solution is to create an OAuth app in the Google developer console and to configure this in providers.xml. This will work without approval for a handful of users.
[Android Apps and Games] Tomoms:
Thanks, it works!
[Android Apps and Games] deechte:
How was the call with Google today, Marcel?
[Android Apps and Games] chris122380:
I think we are all waiting for the results from that.
[Android Apps and Games] M66B:
Google was pretty friendly and cooperative and told me the favicons are indeed the problem, and it can/should be fixed by updating in the privacy policy to "disclose how your app accesses, collects, uses, and shares user data":

So, I have updated the privacy policy and added this new table:

https://github.com/M66B/FairEmail/blob/master/PRIVACY.md#summary-of-shared-data

I am not sure if it covers everything, so feedback is more than welcome. @mkasimd maybe you can take a look?

Note that I have also enabled BIMI, Gravatars, Libravatars and favicons for the Play store version again.

The short term goal is to release a Play store test version (and associated GitHub version) and to get the update approved. I will think about the next steps after this has been accomplished. Given the huge number of supportive messages I received (much appreciated!) the project will be continued in some form in any case.
[Android Apps and Games] BalooRJ:
Sad to see that this project has been discontinued. I bought a pro license as well to use FairEmail from Github downloads since I use GrapheneOS with no Google logins. Thankfully in a few months I'll no longer have a need for any university Microsoft or Google email accounts, so I'll be switching to K-9 Mail full-time. This is just another reason why no one anywhere should be using any major-name email providers like Yahoo, Google, or Microsoft considering their draconian practices from keeping FOSS app developers from using their services. If it is free...YOU are the product!
[Android Apps and Games] nadir husain:
Yayy!! I am surprised they didn't make you a job offer😊.

So relieved!!
[Android Apps and Games] deechte:
That's all very positive and promising to hear Marcel! Fingers crossed...