Some people just don't get it
I don't know what it is about some people that make them abhor the thought of anyone getting anything for free. I've seen it with Linux and Free and Open Source Software and I have seen it with web content. Typically, the people complaining are big media companies who, after getting rich, fat and happy off virtually monopolizing the content we consume, are upset because we have moved on to other methods of getting the same types of content.
The latest person to sound the call for the end of free content is Barry Diller, Chairman and CEO of IAC/InterActiveCorp. His company runs Ask.com. Diller also owns Expedia and TicketMaster.
Diller says that free content on the web will soon be a thing of the past and that there will only be three ways to get your content: content that comes with advertising, content that you subscribe to or content that you buy.
Personally, I am okay with this for some content. Heck, we have this today. Many sites rely on advertising to stay afloat. However, to accomplish what he is proposing, that means locking down the internet and leaving it in the hands of a few gatekeeper, much like cable TV is today and you see how great this is working out for most of us subscribers in terms of getting entertainment commensurate with the amount of money we shell out for this service.
Personally, I hope that people like Diller never get their way. Paid content on the web is fine. I just don't believe that it should be the only content availble.
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