3 ms·

As much as I agree with you that we seriously have got to stop trotting out that quote all the time, the quote doesn't necessarily preclude what you point out.

As much as I agree with you that we seriously have got to stop trotting out that quote all the time, the quote doesn't necessarily preclude what you point out. According to the quote, if you don't pay for it, you're definitely the product, but clearly, as you mention, just because you pay for it doesn't mean you're still not the product. Unfortunately.

virgilp 9y ago
That quote is a lazy-soudbite-argument that "you shouldn't use free services" (because "you're the product" and that's "obviously" bad). However, if you stop to think about it for a second, you'll realize that it's dead wrong. It sounds nice & all, but it is in fact meaningless, and probably misguiding.
- unethical_ban 9y ago
  I've thought about it for several seconds and don't see what is wrong with the quote. It is a cheap and easy way to explain to non-technical people that when something is "free" the provider is getting something back. Payment for advertising to you, collected data from you, and so on. If you(general) understand that, and are OK with that, then continue. But don't be naive.
  - virgilp 9y ago
    What does Linus (& the rest of the Linux developers) get from YOU?
    - unethical_ban 9y ago
      Well, Linus and other groups make such good software that companies pay them to make it directly or otherwise; other people release code for showing their own portfolio like an artist, to prove their skills; others do it so people on the Internet can help improve the code. And finally, none of this matters, because that rule applies to organizations making money (or trying to). Jane Hobbyist writing device drivers for the love of the job isn't a part of the saying.
    - fvdessen 9y ago
      Reputation ? (and other network effects that comes with having a large audience)
      - virgilp 9y ago
        You are the product that gives them reputation? Note - I'm not saying people don't have a reason to provide free stuff. I'm saying that the soundbite "you're the product!" is lazy, and sometimes misleading.

virgilp 9y ago

That quote is a lazy-soudbite-argument that "you shouldn't use free services" (because "you're the product" and that's "obviously" bad). However, if you stop to think about it for a second, you'll realize that it's dead wrong. It sounds nice & all, but it is in fact meaningless, and probably misguiding.

unethical_ban 9y ago
I've thought about it for several seconds and don't see what is wrong with the quote. It is a cheap and easy way to explain to non-technical people that when something is "free" the provider is getting something back. Payment for advertising to you, collected data from you, and so on. If you(general) understand that, and are OK with that, then continue. But don't be naive.
- virgilp 9y ago
  What does Linus (& the rest of the Linux developers) get from YOU?
  - unethical_ban 9y ago
    Well, Linus and other groups make such good software that companies pay them to make it directly or otherwise; other people release code for showing their own portfolio like an artist, to prove their skills; others do it so people on the Internet can help improve the code. And finally, none of this matters, because that rule applies to organizations making money (or trying to). Jane Hobbyist writing device drivers for the love of the job isn't a part of the saying.
  - fvdessen 9y ago
    Reputation ? (and other network effects that comes with having a large audience)
    - virgilp 9y ago
      You are the product that gives them reputation? Note - I'm not saying people don't have a reason to provide free stuff. I'm saying that the soundbite "you're the product!" is lazy, and sometimes misleading.