Part of the problem with subscription access to everything is that it effectively sets the price to look at any random article or video regardless of quality/value at about $100. I'm sorry, but unless you have proof of Bigfoot, or UFO's, or something REALLY fucking compelling, most content isn't worth $100 for one click. Like, you could buy a permanent piece of wall art for that. Or a huge new hard drive. Or other similar tangible content-goods. (1/2)
A friend in the UK had built a one-click paywall where it was like $1 a click to get around, but they were just launching right as covid started so I don't know that it really got a whole lot of traction. But god, the subscription-access only internet is really just, it feels vaguely like a walk through a tourist district where every square inch is loud screen printed tees and gaming machines and buskers asking for $5 with a QR code. That has value in limited doses only. (2/2)
@h_thoreson Worst still, they're increasingly segmented (especially media/content services) so they can screw more money out of you. It's completely hostile.
@sullybiker Right, you can have 20 different sub-brands that are all the same company, and cross-market the same products and content, but when it comes time to access anything they're like......... OH NO this is for our double super platinum diamond gold members only :( Sorry :(
@h_thoreson The streaming companies almost immediately adopted the cable TV model of slicing up the cake and charging more for each piece.
@h_thoreson Don't ever get into trains
@h_thoreson Games are probably the last place you can get real value, even if there's so many dodgy practices (hello, early access) but gamers are demanding and loud and so word gets around fast.
@sullybiker I've basically just given up on them and gone back to gaming where at least buying a game, guarantees that you get to play the game, instead of sitting there looking for something and going in circles with 20 different slightly incompatible annoying services