I agree. The Internet started as open access to information and then was transformed into the mess we have today of advertising models and centralized companies because of the need to monetize.

The challenge is to find a way to support developers and creators that is voluntary that enough people will participate in. I think zaps make that part easier, however most people still need to be reminded to support and many creators find that uncomfortable.

I look at it like this; Patreon can ask for you and take a lot of your money while providing a terrible experience to your customers, listeners, viewers, etc. or you can produce great products and ask the people who benefit from them to send you value.

Using statements #[2]​ has made on NoAgenda and #[3]​ has made on Citadel Dispatch, the level of support in this model is typically less than ad based models. Personally I think we have to keep trying because we know what happens in the old model and it isn’t a world I want to live in.