Stealing from the Internet
20/11/13 10:42
Stealing on the Internet
On a recent podcast, a commentator lamented on the fact that people rarely look at adverts on the internet. Furthermore, he actually called people thieves because they block adverts from appearing on their web browsers.
Thieves? I was sceptical, so decided to try and analyse it.
Broadcasters/ podcasters use adverts to monetise their work.
They have adverts appearing on their associated web sites and during their podcast shows.
Advertisers pay the broadcaster / podcaster because there are viewers looking at the web site and listening to the show and hence the logic dictates that they will look at the products advertised and hopefully buy.
The next step in the logic is, in my opinion, questionable.
According to some, if you automatically block the adverts in your web browser you are guilty of stealing the content of the broadcaster. How, I hear you ask? The broadcaster will have reduced advertising revenue based on the fact that you can no longer see the advert.
Hmmm! Here's where I have trouble...
A great number of people view TV programs on a DVR. Adverts are skipped as a matter of routine.
Do you fast forward through the adverts on a podcast?
How many people skip the adverts in their weekly magazine?
Do you stop and stare at billboard adverts when passing?
If you use advert breaks in a TV program to make a cup of coffee rather than to watch the adverts are you stealing the content?
I definitely don't think so.
Advertising is so pervasive in our modern world that who can blame us for 'tuning out' from the bombardment of adverts?
If this 'tuning out' includes an automated process then I would suggest that this is just another manifestation of a desire to avoid the distraction of adverts.
In our modern, busy society, I am happy to find any way in which to glean a little time back for myself. If people accuse me of stealing - I can only think that I am stealing back my own precious time and I'm okay with that.
