zlacker

Paying $6-10/month for every subscription site is untenable. There's going to be something that will replace all this, but I'm not sure what. I would rather just watch ads than have to endure death by a thousand subscriptions.

>>ping_p+(OP)
The sad fact is that producing real journalism costs money, and there are too many parasitic content providers that steal journalism for ad eybeballs. The whole system is unsustainable. People used to be accustomed to paying for newspapers and supporting the journalism field, but have gotten used to it for free. Ad prices can no longer sustain all but the largest, and the ad model presents a conflict of interests with juicing click through rates and returns.

>>ping_p+(OP)
A few decades ago, we chose one or a few print sources and read those regularly. We read some others at the hairdresser.

>>throwa+g4
You're omitting numerous alternative compensation mechanisms. Ads and subscriptions aren't the only options. Nor are micropayments or patronage the only novel notions (neither ultimately are effective).

>>ping_p+(OP)
I believe sooner or later it will be fixed by bundling subscriptions. Just like TV channels are bundled today.

My guess is that it has not taken off yet because everyone wants to be the top dog in that kind of business.