With so many people saying that I am crazy to launch a media company that does not accept advertising, I decided to pay a visit to my clinical psychologist.
Now, my understanding of doctor-client privilege guidelines dictates that my psychologist, Dr. May Dupp of the Clinically Registered Association of Psychologists (CRAP), must keep our conversation confidential. However, I can share the details of our conversation with whomever I choose … so here is a transcript of the conversation that I recorded on my smartphone:
Dr. Dupp: Wow – it’s been several hours since you last met with me to discuss your mental issues. What brings you here this afternoon?
Me: A lot of people think I am nuts to introduce a media platform that does not offer advertising and focuses entirely on facts, accurate data, and logic. Do you think I am crazy?
Dr. Dupp: Crazy is a strong term. Let’s start with underlying issues. Why would you even consider the idea of running a media company without advertising? That is how they make all the money, after all.
Me: My theory is that there are people who understand the importance of having a truth-based newsfeed and member-engagement platform. I believe those people will understand that membership is our only source of revenue and that their contribution of a relatively small sum is the only way to guarantee access to spin-free content.
Dr. Dupp: That is an interesting theory, but why would someone pay for editorial content when so much is available for free?
Me: Are you trying to trigger me? News at those sites is not at all free. There is tremendous cost in time and in the misinformation that you absorb when content is sensationalized to maximize readership and revenue.
Dr. Dupp: Okay, okay, I get it. Now, how are you doing with your habit of secretly recording conversations and trying to sneak promotional messages into conversations that you then publish online under the guise of humour columns?
Me: Much better, thanks. I think that ever since I launched the #1 truth-based newsfeed on the planet with so many incredible stories at big-media.ca last year, I have felt a lot less pressure to engage in shameless self-promotion.
(Rob Driscoll – BIG Media Ltd., 2022)
Well Rob, I think everyone would like to know if your Dr. is accepting referrals? Perhaps we should search on the list of qualified support for CRAP…
I do remember a quote from one of our IT staff, that if you are not explicitly paying for a product, then you are the product.