[ssss11]

Technology: (1) getting off “free” platforms aka adtech. (2) Software quality aka actually providing good software that is intuitive to use and does what people need.

[abenga]

So what do we do with the billions who can't pay? They should stay offline until they can? I know I can pay now, but when I was starting out, I couldn't

[ssss11]

The problem with free is the adtech surveillance system.

“Can’t pay” is a sliding scale - without going into a detailed discussion it’s hard to say what a product is worth, but i get your point.

There needs to be some cost to cover operations of the business.

[carlosjobim]

Do whatever you want for them. Make free content for them if you like. Get together with like minded and make free content and services. Are you on it?

[abenga]

I feel like the current situation where a lot of the content online is ad-supported, and people are free to install ad-blockers or move to publications that require payment already does this, no?

I was wondering about OP's suggestion (that is very common around these parts from time to time) that everything online should be paid and the ad supported internet economy is the worst thing in the world.

[cwalv]

Maybe just give an option to pay/go ad-free. It may be difficult, but it seems like there has to be a revenue neutral way to do this.