I agree with most of what you say here, but a few small points to contest: First, it's not just big YouTubers moving towards the patron model. I see many small

I agree with most of what you say here, but a few small points to contest: First, it's not just big YouTubers moving towards the patron model. I see many smaller creators doing the same, and I'm some cases thriving. Second, I don't agree that the patron model will become the dominant model. I think this line of thinking is more of a medieval model from which the word derives. In terms of the number of people paying by ads & PII or through patronage, the ads& PII crowd will win. (the dollar value per contribution might be lower). Third, I don't have any reason to believe that creators will "look back and wonder" why they would like to attract a million viewers. I think it might be a very good way to advertise to their patr(e)on-age. Finally, there is another revenue model of direct sponsorship / placed ads which you do not seem to consider. I think it is a major contributor to the economics of medium-large creators. Maybe my gut feeling is a response to your notion of the "attention economy being doomed" because "there are too many people online". To me, it seems the opposite. The attention economy is thriving because there are so many people online. (Interesting topic! Thanks for making me type all of this)