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This was covered in a comment already re: Netflix, but it can't be stressed enough: much of this is a consequence of free software services that need users to s
by TimJYoung 9y ago
This was covered in a comment already re: Netflix, but it can't be stressed enough: much of this is a consequence of free software services that need users to spend as much time as possible on the service in order to maximize ad revenue. If the software service required a subscription, then none of these issues are present. In fact, the provider company would have a fairly neutral position on usage, as long as costs are in line and the desired amount of profit is made.
It should give us pause when free software/services have a significant amount of design in common with the lottery and slot machines.
- devoply 9y agoWe have the example of services like cable tv where people pay for a service to be inundated with ads. So not necessarily the case. We have a pretty diseased relationship with the corporations which are suppose to serve us but instead prey upon us.
- TimJYoung 9y agoTrue. But in that case my point still stands: the cable company itself isn't particularly interested in usage as a profit center because it charges for a subscription. It's the networks that want more usage.
- scruple 9y ago> It should give us pause when free software/services have a significant amount of design in common with the lottery and slot machines. Paid software, too, and especially video games, and even more so if it supports paid DLC, can also employ similar tactics that exploit human psychology for profit.
- TimJYoung 9y agoYes, that is a good point. It's definitely started infecting all sorts of software that targets general consumers.