No price tag, must mean its free!

This week’s readings illustrate the internet’s power in creating a changing society – one that’s free! The internet is largely a free resource (apart from paying a subscription fee, which is also becoming cheaper by the day) which allows all to access it. But if it actually does allow all to access it is another argument for a later date (think undeveloped nations that don’t have electricity let alone computers). And the word ‘free’ works wonders. It seems that whenever we humans see it, it immediately attracts us. Always on the hunt for a bargain, and you can’t go past free.

So how is this possible? In a world where everything comes with a price tag – the internet’s ability to provide free information is enabled by the next step which costs! More often than not, internet content is free up to a point, just to get you interested/hooked, and then to continue a fee is charged. Not only is this a brilliant marketing strategy, but it also works!

Applications like RSVP dating service provide free services (ability to send a kiss to another member) for free, however should you wish to exchange emails this comes at a price, and a hefty one at that. Free music downloads are great – until they get you hooked and marching down to the local Sanity to buy the CD.

I wonder if King Gillette knew what he was starting all those years ago?