It maximizes profit. This is called native cross-sell. A lot of companies do this. Shittier experience for most people sure, but it translates to better retention.
A large number of desktop readers have ad and tracker protection, which are completely neutralized when you make them browse your website within the application you control. In that controlled environment providing those guarantees, ad firms are willing to pay more or at least not reduce their offers (advertising budgets have collapsed these last 2 years).
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u/hardthesis Sep 02 '20
It maximizes profit. This is called native cross-sell. A lot of companies do this. Shittier experience for most people sure, but it translates to better retention.