Let’s Monetize Some Content

The newspaper industry is going bankrupt. Music labels can’t get fans to pay for their product. And everyone blames the internet.

Tonight I was prevented from reading a New York times recipe – one I desperately need for Thanksgiving – because I reached my 10-page limit for the month. I refuse to pay 99 cents a month for an online newspaper (though I would pay 99 cents per issue if I could somehow have that one issued delivered to me immediately). I would also, quite happily sit through a 30 second banner ad to see that recipe. And, on the other hand, I pay Spotify $5 per month to avoid a few annoying radio spots.

These are the absurd personal choices I make. And why aren’t I allowed that?

The best content providers attract an audience and get paid, either through subscription or advertising. And the advertisers get people who actually choose to expose themselves to a sponsored message. Everybody wins.

So,… what seems to be the problem?