The Future of the Internet: The Best Things in Life Aren't Free

Rob Norman

Rob Norman reviews the methods of payment for media consumption and argues that the web must introduce 'micro' payments for access to information.

The Future of the Internet

The Best Things in Life Aren't Free

Rob Norman,Outrider

There are three ways that consumers pay for media consumption. They all involve a contract between user and publisher the only difference is the overt or covert nature of that contract.

State-funded television without advertising is the most covert you watch, we pay (by which we really mean that we spend your tax dollars to provide a service and, if we wish, control the content). The next stage is licence-fee funding, followed by advertiser funding you watch, but watch this other...

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