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In Medium's defense, the idea is that, if you want to go ad-free while still being able to pay content creators anything at all, you need some other revenue sou
by mumblemumble 6y ago
In Medium's defense, the idea is that, if you want to go ad-free while still being able to pay content creators anything at all, you need some other revenue source, and, as far as I can tell, the only other option that's seen any success at scale is paywalls. There's a pretty direct in, in one breath, complaining about paying for authors' work, and also complaining that authors don't get paid enough for their work.
(Before someone mentions Patreon or Tippee - both of those are platforms for erecting paywalls.)
- Xenoamorphous 6y agoWhen there’s a link to an ad-funded site, HN complains. When it’s to a paywalled site, HN complains.
- mumblemumble 6y agoThat shouldn't really be a surprise, or even criticism-worthy. "HN" isn't a single mind, it's a website where $BIGNUM people with myriad different opinions and takes on things all run their mouths, usually pseudonymously.
- _jal 6y agoThe closest analogy I can think of right now is panhandling. It isn't a solution to the problem, at best, it is a bandaid. I don't like it, but I don't want it banned. I wish I could think of something realistic and better, but can't. At least panhandlers don't have a platform eating some large percentage of the take.