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However, this also means that they can charge users $3/mo (just to be safe) and be at least as successful as they are now, but without all the spying and manipu

However, this also means that they can charge users $3/mo (just to be safe) and be at least as successful as they are now, but without all the spying and manipulation. Unfortunately that will also put a cap on their profits, so it's unlikely they'll do that.

JoshTriplett 9y ago
There's also precedent for companies charging users and still also making money off their data.
- shams93 9y ago
  Exactly
chc 9y ago
That's assuming their userbase is a lot less elastic than it probably is. They'd have to retain at least half of their current users in order for that to even come close to replacing current revenue. The reason these pay-with-your-privacy businesses are so successful is because charging actual money is a huge barrier that will drive away many customers.
- mc32 9y ago
  And presuming they don't have a competitor offer the same services "for free". And why wouldn't someone do that, even Google could jump in to the rescue with its moribund G+.