> Now why doesn't that logic apply to roadside farm stands?

Because they are completely different categories of business. Stands don't give out free products to anyone who asks. Unlike web servers, they are actually selling stuff. You don't get products unless you pay for them. There is no "I'll give everyone free stuff then hope it comes back to me" deal.

> Really I'd just like a general rule that we can apply to any [value transaction] to determine when compensation for that value is optional.

If they give you the product for free, then compensation is optional. If they charge you money before giving you the product, then compensation is not optional.

▲

WarmWash 14 hours ago | parent [-]

..but they are not giving the product for free, they are putting ads on it. You're the one deciding to ignore the money basket because no one stops you from taking the product for free.

▲

matheusmoreira 14 hours ago | parent [-]

> ..but they are not giving the product for free

They are. Not a single cent changed hands.

> they are putting ads on it

Still free. Attention is not a currency you can pay for things with. Bundling advertisements with free products doesn't magically turn them into paid products.

Further discussion is not possible unless you accept this.

	▲	WarmWash 13 hours ago \| parent [-]
		..and putting a money basket in a farm stand doesn't mean the produce costs money? And yes, advertisements definitely do cover hard costs like hosting (serving you is not free) and paying for the time/expertise to produce the content. I don't know how you convinced yourself that digital data is worthless, but it's not and actually costs money to make and serve. Just like everything else you (hopefully) have no problem covering the cost of (you don't just take from farm stands, do you?)