MLive.com 4+

Update 2021: Reviewed this app two years ago and loved it. Since then MLive has switched to paid subscription for some stories, and taken the commenting away. Two big missteps in my opinion, and I spend a lot less time on this app now.

Grew up in Michigan, MSU grad and big fan. My wife and I plan to retire in Michigan in a couple of years. Like MLive for the variety of stories they cover, there’s something for everyone. Writing skill levels are inconsistent, but I understand how difficult it is to have editors read every single clip that is posted. Comment section is great, now that the mute feature is there. Would like to get feedback on why comments might get flagged, especially if I send an email requesting that feedback. Just because another flags a comment doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with that comment. Some moderators are trigger happy and need guidelines. Please link a screen name with an email address. Too many people stealing screen names and throwing out trashy comments acting as another. Needs to stop. Overall, a great idea, good product. Wish Illinois had ILive.

Like that there’s something news-related specific to Michigan in the App Store, but this app leaves me wanting something better. Inconsistent loading/refreshing within the app. Search function is essentially useless. Aricles that I open from a notification freeze the window in the app, and you can’t back out of it. And most recently, every article that is offered within a notification I receive is behind a pay wall. I understand the need for revenue, and would happily support local news sources, but not for a product that is poorly executed. At the very least, breaking news should be available to non-subscribers. Hope it improves someday.

The ads hinder the reading experience for blind and DeafBlind users. Many buttons aren't labeled appropriately, just to name one thing. Apple has many resources available for developers on how to make their apps work with accessibility options for those with disabilities, but clearly mLive has no interest in supporting these users who also have money they could spend on "premium content". Most importantly to everyone is that paying for a premium subscription will not remove the ads. You are only paying for the articles they feel are premium-worthy. I understand ads generate revenue, but what about the revenue generated from someone supporting you financially? Could you consider supporting them by removing this junk? Especially since I can't get the content I've paid for?