For over a year now, I have used Firefox and Firefox Nightly. In that time, I have grown to be a more privacy-centric person, I also have become more technology interested (especially open-source). In this time, I noticed that many users (or past users) thought Firefox was too bloated (mostly with Pocket). I thought this was it, that most Firefox users hated 'bloat', but then I got on Mozilla Connect; here I noticed that while there were still many people who hated the 'bloat', I also noticed that some people liked the 'bloat'. I thought this was it. Mozilla would always have to choose between either user. I would like to propose a solution: When installing Firefox or its Mozilla-backed forks (like nightly, developer or ESR). Ask the user whether they want advanced browser experience or basic browser experience. Make sure users know they can always change. If users chose basic browsing experience, they would get a simple browser experience with none of the so- called 'bloat'. On the other hand, if users chose advanced browsing they would get a lot of features, similar to Opera and Vivaldi, like an ad and tracker blocker, crypto wallet, integrated messenger etc. Make sure that people who choose advanced browsing experience can choose what features to use. Also make sure both advanced, and basic browsers can install extensions. This is my idea to resolve all conflict. If "bloat-haters" don't like a new feature, just add it to advanced browsing only, but if both like it, add it to both.
... View more