Split free/non-free content

Split free/non-free content

Posted Jul 30, 2002 18:47 UTC (Tue) by BogusUser ((unknown), #2971)
In reply to: Split free/non-free content by heinlein
Parent article: LWN status update

This is a superb analysis. Some of LWN's content can be gleaned from other sources, such as Linux Daily News or Linuxdot.org. It probably wouldn't work to try to get subscribers to pay for this sort of content. It is available in slightly less convenient forms elsewhere.

But LWN's premium, original content is worth paying for. I always read the editorial/analysis on the Front Page, because it is one of the few, sane, no hype and no nonsense Linux commentaries available. Spare me from the ramblings of the hype meisters like ESR and Barr! The Kernel development section is likewise excellent. Not even KernelTrap can match it. The guy running DistroWatch might give the Distributions section very formidable free competition though. He does an excellent job, knows his stuff, and publishes it for free.

Perhaps LWN can focus on its original content, especially that content which is not reproduced elsewhere for free, or which might be reproduced for free but which is of poor quality. Right now, that looks like Front Page and Kernel Development. Someday, it might include Linux on the Desktop. There are free alternatives to a Linux on the Desktop section for now, but their quality is poor.

Anyway, the idea is to sell the best stuff that can be found no where else, and let the free sites handle the common drivel. That which is rare, is valuable. LWN produces rare, worthwhile, and informed content which people will pay for. And someday, if LWN can turn the corner, and as Linux grows into a mainstream OS, advertisers will pay as well. Look at all the advertising supported content in the Macintosh world, and it holds a mere 5% marketshare on the desktop at best.

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