It’s just a zip file with a different file extension. Zip a stack of jpegs with filenames that will list them in reading order when sorted alphabetically and then change the extension.

I’ve been using 1Blocker for years. It used to be a one-time purchase, but now it’s free with many features requiring a subscription.

I do subscribe, though. It’s updated frequently, can block trackers in apps, and syncs settings across all my devices. Its comment block feature has probably kept me sane.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1blocker-ad-blocker/id1365531024

Microsoft’s Exchange Online Plan 1 is email-only and is 4/month per user. There are probably cheaper IMAP providers, but EO1 is full exchange: mail, global address book, calendars, etc.

Jellyfin has more functionality but is a lot more technical to set up. I didn’t think it was worth the effort since I already have a Plex server running, but I could see going through that if I didn’t.

Been running Plex with a lifetime pass for around a decade. Worth it for me for sure.

You are not the only person who just uses Subscriptions. I do, too.

And I am considering using rss to track channel updates instead of Subscriptions so I can see what’s new without going to YouTube directly. Less likely to get hit by distractions.

I’ve been using NewsBlur (and syncing with Reeder on mobile) ever since Google killed their RSS service. It supports parsing some non-RSS sites and services, as well.