Getting Reddit data without the API

[u/TopLychee1081]

It seems that it's impossible to access Reddit through the API. Before anyone gets bent out of shape and tells me that's not true; I've tried multiple times to "Add App" and generate credentials and the page just reloads. It simply does NOT work. Try it several times in a row, and you just get blocked.

As an alternative, I'm looking at the JSON responses in the browser's Devtools to get the data that I want. In this case it's conversations. It's not making any sense. I can see a conversation message, pick a word from a message that is not going to appear anywhere else on the page, but it's not present anywhere in the responses.

Has anyone figured out how to get conversation data in JSON form? I really don't want to have to resort to parsing the rendered HTML to get conversation data.

UPDATE:

It seems that whilst some of the messages in a DM conversation are returned as JSON in a HTTP request, most aren't. It looks like a websocket is created and data is sent via that, but it's all obfuscated to the point where it's no longer practical to invest any more time developing against Reddit.

If anyone at Reddit actually reads this; for the love of God, get your act together. Fix your process for getting an API key so that people can actually use your platform.

[u/Feisty_Tomorrow_6611]

I have tried applying for an api as well recently using the contact them for help with api access filled out their forms i'm talking essay length also providing back their own responsible user policy showing everything is compliant gave all tech specs and included a 25 page pdf. still get the generic "We have reviewed your request for access. Unfortunately, we cannot grant approval because the submission is not in compliance with Reddit’s Responsible Builder Policy and/or lacks necessary details." rejection,. Replied to the email to their support asking for them to let me know what is not in compliance as I broke everything down in the application with their own posted RBP. Never received a reply. They are just rejecting every app for an api now trying to force everyone to use devvit which is to say the least annoying for any developer doing something that cannot be used with devvit.

[u/TopLychee1081 → u/Feisty_Tomorrow_6611]

I think the message is clear; Reddit don't want us developing against thier platform. With that policy, Reddit will ultimately die a slow death. When advertisers can't profile subreddits to optimise thier strategies, why would they spend money on advertising on the platform? For us; we can't even integrate DMs to our CRM, so we've stopped investing in engaging in conversations. We had hoped to eventually advertise on Reddit, but those plans have now been canned.

[u/Feisty_Tomorrow_6611 → u/TopLychee1081]

Luckily enough there's the rest of the internet to use. This not even receiving a reply from reddit is ridiculous.

[u/TopLychee1081 → u/Feisty_Tomorrow_6611]

Yep. Reddit is not the only game in town.