Why I Will Never Use Bitly Again?

In general, I’m usually quite careful with all sorts of scams, rarely finding myself in such situations; I usually have a good instinct for these stories, but this time I wasn’t spared.
Long story short: I’m helping some guys with an offline project, and we needed to quickly create a QR code for flyers. Google returns a million services for generation, and I picked the first one I found, “Create Your Free QR Codes.” Everything went smoothly, we ordered the flyers, and despite the fact that at every stage it was free, two weeks later (when everything was already printed) I received a polite “Oh no! Your Dynamic QR Codes will expire in 3 days.” And of course, it will stop working unless you pay ($20/month).
The scale of the “losses” is $40, but I’m willing to pay $200 to explain that they are building a business on scams, and this is harmful for karma.
Of course, I’m not the only one, and most people “grit their teeth” and pay. For example, there are 230 comments on Reddit (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they">https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they</a>);
What would you do in such a situation? I’ve always believed since childhood that you shouldn’t give in and pay.
My actions:
<ul>
<li>✅ I will never use the Bitly shortening service on any of my projects</li>
<li>✅ I wrote a complaint to the FTC</li>
<li>✅ I left a review on Google Maps (there are many like this)</li>
<li>☑️ I will find and write reviews on other services</li>
<li>✅ I will ask you to help me and join in</li>
</ul>
P.S. Research showed that these are not just some unfortunate startups, but a project of the company <a href="http://bitly.com">http://bitly.com</a>; (rating 1.6 on Trustpilot).
If you have nothing to do and it’s not difficult for you to spare 2-5 minutes of your time.
Prompt for generating a review:
<pre><code>Write a concise, neutral review of qr-code-generator.com (Bitly) in plain, easy-to-read language, 80-120 words. Context: It appears in Google for queries like "free qr code generator." During setup, the process is presented as free; any expiration notice, if present, seems absent or buried in terms. About 14 days later, the QR may be deactivated behind a paywall, leaving printed materials unusable unless payment is made to reactivate. The system does not allow converting that now paid QR to a free static code or redirecting it without payment. Many users report similar experiences online, including numerous Reddit comments. Keep the tone calm, factual, and non-accusatory. Do not include personal info or insults. Write in your own words.</code></pre>
Places to post the review:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpQTp3Tgu4UEFdMR6">https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpQTp3Tgu4UEFdMR6</a>; (Bitly Office Google Maps)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bitly.com">https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bitly.com</a></li>;
<li><a href="https://www.g2.com/products/bitly/reviews">https://www.g2.com/products/bitly/reviews</a></li>;
<li><a href="https://www.capterra.com/p/172575/Bitly/reviews/">https://www.capterra.com/p/172575/Bitly/reviews/</a></li>;
</ul>
P.P.S. If there’s anyone from the media who wants to study this story and write more about it - I would be happy to answer questions and provide materials.
P.P.P.S. It’s especially ironic to see the position of “Head of Happiness” in the email signature.
#justice #bitly
<a href="https://t.me/+OvImEUmA7W5mYTRi">————————— Мысли Рвачева —————————</a>