How subscriptions took over our lives

[rcjordan]

^{Somewhere here Trav once forecast that micro-billing would be the future.  I think about that often.}

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22403782/subscription-boom-fatigue-content

[ergophobe]

The article doesn't even mention software like Adobe products or MS Office (or GSuite if you prefer). It also doesn't mention things like Elsevier subscriptions that are bankrupting libraries and make it impossible to build up a resource (stop paying your subscription and you lose all back issues).

[Travoli]

Shareholders love subscription revenue. The more benefits, the more reasons to stay subscribed. Companies that own the operating systems and/or devices are best positioned. The Netflix and Facebook crowd have a more difficult road ahead.

Amazon Prime - already very robust, adds healthcare
Apple One - adds regular device upgrades, self-driving cars, healthcare
Tesla - creates on-demand self driving car subscription service. Bundle with satellite internet and solar?
Uber - Buys cloud kitchens and becomes local transport specialists for humans/retail/food

etc...

[Brad]

Waitwait!  We ain't done with you yet.

Now Chuck E. Cheese wants you to subscribe, sucka!

Chuck E. Cheese tests tiered subscription service in CA, AZ
https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/chuck-e-cheese-tests-tiered-subscription-service-in-california-arizona/708958/