Free is a fast path to widespread adoption. With widespread adoption brings the potential for ROI in various ways that would be impossible with a smaller userb

Free is a fast path to widespread adoption. With widespread adoption brings the potential for ROI in various ways that would be impossible with a smaller userbase - not least the classic "get big, get bought" strategy. Turning a widely adopted free service into a sustainable, money-making machine is for the suits and MBAs to figure out after they have acquired said free service[1]. A lot of the time, they fail and in the process burn up hundreds of millions of dollars of value (see: Bebo). I love this industry! [1]this is satire. although there seems to be a grain of truth to it...