The web comments about the announcement that Twitter will have ads on their searches (as a start) were about evenly split between “ho hum” and “disgust.” This comment is pretty typical of the disgust category:
“Once Twitter starts inserting ads into my feeds will be the day I turn twitter off for good.” — “Nick” NYT comment
I guess this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pontificate about making money on the web …
Folks, it isn’t working.
Remember a time not long ago when people actually PAID for stuff? Then the web came along and everybody ripped everybody else off. Music, books, art, whatever. This used to be called a crime. Now it’s called sharing on the social web.
The ripping off became so widespread that it is accepted as fact, and a generation of people grew up feeling entitled to OFS (only free stuff).
But the Internet futurists told us back then, “Hey, everyone! It’s OK, because NEW business models will emerge to compensate all these companies, musicians and artists who are now forced to give away their goods and services without compensation.” Well guess what? It’s been about 15 years and it hasn’t happened. I’m pretty sure that means it isn’t going to happen. And I think we’re in trouble. Oh yes, I’ve read the book Free. I still think we’re in trouble.
The only sanctified, protected work on the web today is advertising. Rip off an ad, you’re in court. Rip off a music album, it’s cool.
So look, unless you want to have a paid subscription, stop whining about Twitter (and every other web platform that needs to advertise) and give them a break. This is their only likely step toward a sustainable business.
We created this mess, now we have to live with it. From now on, it’s an Ad, Ad, Ad World.
