[tfincannon]

iPad might enable a paid content model that works. It has a frictionless payment system that handles small transactions. iPhone OS offers more robust interaction capabilities than web technology.

Most importantly, the public is accustomed to paying for apps. Paid content doesn't work on the web because people expect it to be free. Consumers view apps as objects, more like books or magazines, which they expect to pay for.

[tuacker]

Easy payment is something we need to improve on. Online payment needs to become more accesible. We've got Google Checkout, PayPal, credit cards,... but they're all just proxies to where my money is (bank account). They all need to be set up and not every site accepts them, requiring you to join another system. Plus on different parts of the world some of them might not even be available to you at all. I wish banks worldwide would work together to create a fast and reliable online wire transfer protocol. (fast, solid API to verify payments,...)