That One Privacy Site – independent, sortable VPN comparison chart
There are filters at the bottom of the chart too which makes it much easier to sift through it.
We’re of different minds on this, since on one hand, having a “No VPNs” rule makes it clean and easy. If you want to discuss competitive VPNs, go to /r/VPN or /r/PrivacyToolsIO, both great subs that are in our sidebar. But we do cover VPN news related to privacy issues, news in other words.
But we also think /u/thatoneprivacyguy’s spreadsheet (and soon, site) is great. Stellar effort on his part, and he’s very transparent and even-handed. Kudos!
Our concern – well supported given the history – is that having any competitive VPN posts here turns into a shitshow (no other word for it) of commercial vendors having pissing contests (no better words for it) here. We won’t have that and frankly can’t handle the bandwidth of policing this.
So, how about we open the discussion to everyone? Comments?
Choosing the right VPN provider for oneself is quite individual. Speeds also vary depending on location of the user, the server, current network load etc so one should sign up for a free trial or one month and test the service. The chart provides good and quick insight about which provider is right for one personally and one can do further research on them in other places than /r/privacy. So I don’t see why anyone should name any company in the comments. That would avoid those pissing contests, right?
I have a stake in disseminating this info so I like the ability to post about major updates or special content (like my site that is being linked from a user here), however there are other subs dedicated to VPNs, so I can understand if the /r/privacy team would rather keep such discussion contained. Perhaps have a general no VPN posts/discussion policy unless cleared through mods first? That way worthy posts can make it in front of the users here, but the rest are filtered or redirected?
r/VPNs is invite-only. Seems like a better sidebar link would be to r/vpnreviews.
Either way, let the review sites focus on comparisons. Keep r/privacy focused on issues and news, rather than products and marketing. Acknowledging that the occasional post will slip in which straddles the guidelines, depending on interpretation. (In my opinion.)
What you describe would totally fall under the “News” category and would happily be approved. With dispatch!
I guess – and I’m feeling out blindly here – what I’m wondering is if our readers would mind if we make an exception for /u/thatoneprivacyguy’s updates, findings, etc., while still keeping a blanket ban on My VPN Is Better Than Your VPN posts. But continue approving VPN news stories, as we have been.
One could argue we’re playing favorites, but I think it’s applying editorial judgement, and your work is valuable, neutral and a great service.
Oops, my bad. I meant /r/VPN. It’s not invite-only. Fixed and thanks!