I call absolute fucking bullshit on this. Amazon didn’t incorporate Smile into their app until the last year or so, requiring us to use a separate and arguably poorly publicized site before that. Then you had to allow advertising messages on your phone to enable it. My *COPIOUS* Amazon purchases support Gracie’s former foster mom’s local pet charity. Fuck Amazon.

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-closing-amazonsmile-to-focus-its-philanthropic-giving-to-programs-with-greater-impact

@port_rhombus
I also used only smile. used website for all purchases. started doing that when my fav charity said that it's their highest income source (it's a small breed specific charity). just got the news. now I'm going to reduce any purchases at amazon to a minimum. very disappointed but not surprised.
#amazon #news

@rakshy I’m doing likewise with reducing my purchases if possible. Prime shipping and returns are great, but I don’t use any other part of Prime and am questioning the continued price hikes. Plus it feels like Amazon has been flooded with low-quality, no-name goods that game the item history and review system. What are you using in place of Amazon? I’ve been using eBay more and various Shopify merchants.

@port_rhombus
the only problem that is left remains kindle books because I use Kindle for around 4 years now. but I started using local library way more recently, whenever possible (they do have most e-books available for rent)

@rakshy i can see kindle being a tough thing to lessen dependency on if you’ve used it a lot. What other ebook merchants have you tried? Most of my e-reading is technical stuff so i mine Humble Bundle for tech ebook bundles with charity benefits.

@port_rhombus
frankly, I did not try anything else yet, but now considering Barnes & Noble for my next e-reader upgrade. I've heard their CEO did a good job at improving the situation by respecting the readers. might give them a shot for good work.
the physical books I buy rarely and mostly from our small local shop.