The Future of Online Journalism: Why Respecting Readers is Good Business
The internet has become littered with frustrating online experiences. You’ve likely encountered it: attempting to read an article only to be bombarded with intrusive pop-ups. Or,worse,accidentally clicking a deceptive ad that launches unwanted software. Many news sites now prioritize annoyance as a revenue strategy,and it’s a trend we’re actively fighting against at Techdirt.
This isn’t just about user experience; it’s about the fundamental relationship between publishers and their audience. We believe a better model exists – one built on trust and mutual respect.
The Problem with Annoyance-based Revenue Models
Too many websites operate on a principle of “enshittification,” a term coined by Cory doctorow. This describes a cycle where a platform initially provides value to users, then to suppliers, and extracts value from users through increasingly irritating tactics.
Think about it:
* Paywalls: Blocking access to content unless you subscribe.
* Pop-up Ads: Interrupting your reading with constant subscription or registration requests.
* Ad Blocker Detection: Punishing users for trying to improve their browsing experience.
These tactics aren’t designed to earn your support; they’re designed to force it. They deliberately degrade the reading experience, hoping you’ll pay to escape the frustration. It feels less like a transaction and more like a hostage negotiation.
Techdirt’s Different Approach
At Techdirt, we’ve chosen a different path. You can read our content freely, without interruption.We offer convenient ways to stay updated:
* RSS Feed: Get the full text of every post delivered directly to you. (https://www.techdirt.com/feed/)
* Newsletter: Receive regular updates in your inbox. (https://www.techdirt.com/newsletter-signup/)
* open Commenting: Share your thoughts without needing to register.
We don’t believe in hiding our work behind paywalls or bombarding you with ads. We want you to be able to share our content freely, fostering discussion and spreading knowledge.
Why We Believe in Voluntary Support
We’ve consistently heard from our readers that they value the ability to share Techdirt’s insights. A subscription model that restricts sharing would undermine that core principle.
Instead,we’re asking for your support based on the value you receive. We believe that if you find our journalism worthwhile, you’ll choose to support it because you want to see more of it – not because we’ve made reading otherwise unbearable.
Here’s how you can help:
* Become a Friend of Techdirt: Your contribution directly supports our work. (https://rtb.techdirt.com/products/friend-of-techdirt/)
A Model for Enduring Journalism
This isn’t just about keeping Techdirt afloat. It’s about demonstrating that a different model for online journalism can work. A model that:
* Trusts its audience.
* Prioritizes user experience.
* Values open access to facts.
We’re betting that by treating you with respect, we can build a sustainable news site that thrives on voluntary support. If this approach succeeds, it will prove that you can build a thriving news organization by valuing your readers, not by exploiting them.
if you believe in this vision, back it. Let’s prove that a better internet is absolutely possible.
Filed Under: business models, coin, fundraiser, journalism
