But it's eroding. Current transactions are as small as a quarter. Such microtransactions, combined with enhanced security for credit card buying online, could help transform the system. But Web explorers also say charging simply for what's given away now won't do. Extra value will need to be perceived - just as cable TV created a market out of a free medium.
Some newspapers give away their current news and charge for using their archives.
Researchers may provide basic information on thousands of companies for free and charge for detailed profiles. So far, at least, users can easily find a free alternative of some sort to the services wanting their money. For reasons that include public service, ego and a need to avoid being seen as hopelessly old fashioned, hardly an entity of any consequence does not have some online presence. They don't know why they're doing it. They're doing it because everyone's doing it.