The Billings Gazette did a gutsy move in putting it’s Internet content behind a pay wall. It’s caused some grousing, but should we not pay for the work they do?
We should. But we don’t. And won’t. The Internet is an ideal medium for free exchange of information. That drives the business class nuts – a good thing. Not everything of value comes with a price tag.
The engine that drives “free” markets is exclusion. In order to charge for something, a seller has to have roped off access to that product. Newspapers used to own the classified ad business, but with Craigslist, it was no longer exclusive. They lost an important source of revenue. Circulation is in decline as well. They are up against it.
I wish I cared more. What will replace newspapers? I don’t know. Something. I DVR TV shows to avoid ads. If enough people do that, the shows will disappear. I wish I cared more. But without ad-based programming, TV can only get better.
And without ad-based journalism, maybe news reporting will get better.
Or not. I wish I cared more.
Piece of Mindful 