Pay as you surf?

[marmalade]

Why is it so difficult to get people to pay for Internet content?

[incitatus]

Because we are already having to pay for the connection. At least in the uk. Also to see most pay-per-view content its money up front, non returnable. What else would you buy on those terms?

[mellyJ]

Click here for an Answerbank feature answering your question: article 2286

[incitatus]

I think your answer is missing the point a bit. A huge amount of internet use is non business, curiosity driven. Just like this website. If I had to pay for this site I would not visit it, as I do so for fun. I can have fun for free elsewhere. The attraction of the net goes as soon as you need to pay. The rise of pay-per use and other billed sites has led to and will lead to a steep decline in web use. And anyone who believes the notion that business influences lead to more streamlined, less bloated products has clearly never used the rail network, worked for a large company or met a marketing consultant.