I was reminded at least a couple times the past week or so of what I like to call the “big Internet ruse” — namely that, if it’s on the ‘net, it’s free. You’re entitled to it.
For disclosure, a month or so ago, Mike Brice and I got into a Twitter back and forth* when I ranted that I wished professional and other photographers would not restrict rights on their photographs — I’m not going to pay for a photo for my blog. For other professional services, yes. My blog, no.
Mike had a good argument that quality photographers should be paid for their expertise — and I agree. However, I can also see value to those photographers for getting additional exposure through blogs, etc., as long as full and proper credit is given.
That’s a marketing decision on their part. I don’t think I’m entitled to free images; I just see more value for the photographers in allowing free use in certain circumstances — given that they are given proper exposure value in return (like a clear photo credit).
Now, I don’t care if those photographers change their minds or not. I’ll get images for my blog elsewhere or just not use any. I won’t lose any sleep over it. And, I won’t do something like start a Facebook group that threatens to leave Facebook if any owners start requiring users to pay.
Description: Apparently if Facebook gets sold then there’s a major possibility that it will turn into a “Paysite”. This is just stupid! Lets all stick together on this one and let them know that we will leave Facebook if they decide to charge us to use it.
Excuse me?
Facebook was free at first, in part I’m sure, to generate and grow membership, and later to show value to advertisers (who are not getting much of a return).
I can definitely see a case where, for free, you get a certain level of capabilities from a site like Facebook. But, if you want more (like more friends, space for photographs, videos, etc.) or if you’re a company, then you pay a small monthly or annual fee.
Like on Flickr. You get a good basic level of service. Then, if you want more — like unlimited storage and stats — you pay a measly $25 per year.
The Monroe Evening News’ Paula Wethington, who authors the Monroe On A Budget blog had a couple recent tweets about a reader seemingly being surprised about having to pay for online access to the paper (of course, you have to read the bottom one first, and work your way up):
There’s a, “if it’s on the Internet, then it’s free” mentality prevalent — too prevalent. Newspapers, as partly evident by Paula’s tweets, are suffering from it. They started their content free, and now they’re paying for it. Or, rather, they’re not getting paid for it. (That’s another blog post, though.)
So, am I off in this perception of the “Internet ruse”?
-Mike
*Sorry that I couldn’t find the tweets in that back and forth. If I do, I’ll update this post.
