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.
@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
