Voice of reason. The "ad-free version of X" never worked... unless it's self-hosted and enthusiast-made. Here, we still see people wanting to make profit for themselves and the VCs and that's fine, but this is not how you build an "(ad-)free version of X"! Look at http://withknown.com - it's open-source and still offers a free hosted version. Will it survive? Who knows, but worst-case scenario, they can let people self-host in a case of running out of money to support hosting and only use the old URL for CNAMEs costing them nothing. So, no open-source, no, thanks!
I have seen Ello popping up multiple times on HN. Ok, this is an ad-free social network with a manifesto and you are not the product. This is fine and dandy. But at the end of the day, you need some source of income. Does anyone know what is their business model ?
I think that's what Aral was saying - it's VC backed and that therefore their business model is that "you actually will be the product", and that "there will be ads".
The manifesto will be compromised - it's inevitable, because it requires a business model because the VCs require it. It's predicted to happen in the future, not now when the manifesto is all about recruiting users.
It would happen when the network grows large enough and when people invest their personal lives into the platform, and cannot leave without some kind of mental pain. This is the core point of Aral's blog post.
' Berger told the Guardian that the plan was to roll out a system where users pay to add features – including, he said, privacy features – at some point in the future. “Privacy comes at a cost,” he said, “and some of our enhanced privacy features will come with fees.” '
Uhh, no it doesn't. Not in today's world of backlash against Facebook, iCloud leaks, and NSA spying. Privacy is now paramount, and must be built into the bedrock of any system to be trusted by the public.
The masses are not quick to move, but I'm pretty sure they understand the need for privacy and security, now that some of their favourite celebs have been so thoroughly violated on the web.
That's actually quite an offensive, bald-faced comment that they fully intend to ransom your personal info unless you pay.
