I agree that the market will ultimately decide on what information is worth, but I don't think people will voluntarily fork over their money unless there's a barrier that prevents them from getting access to it until they decide to pay up. Shareware didn't work as a business model because almost nobody ever registered the software they could get for free. Donation models rarely work unless the people are constantly hounded (and -- often -- the product withheld) until their donations add up to what the provider wants. It's not a moral question. It's a practical one. People are biologically wired to take what they can get when they can get it. If you have something valuable, you have to demand something valuable in return for it. If you offer it for free in hopes of a handout, have fun staying poor.