[nfailor]

1) those are not advertisers, those are direct mailing etc., outfits. I think they're annoying too. I don't use them. If a client suggests using them, I suggest they find a new agency. I suggest you write a note to the CEO and discontinue your association with the brand. they pay attention to that.

2) might I suggest 'site:.edu'

3) it's not a fear, a critical mass of users won't pay for content.

[marssaxman]

We didn't have to pay for content before the ads came along. Why should we have to pay for content now?

[dragonwriter]

The content that is advertising supported largely didn't exist before the ads came along, or was provided by entities that were burning through initial capital while seeking a revenue model.

Much of the kind of content that was sustainable before all the ads came along is largely still available without ads after the ads came along to support other kinds of content.

[webvet]

> 3) it's not a fear, a critical mass of users won't pay for content.

Spot on!!