I wonder if it would be possible to align revenue generation with user experience, instead of both goals being incompatible with each other.
No, news websites don't have to be this sterile.
I think NYT is a prime example of how to merge classic text-based articles with multimedia content in a way that's beneficial to the consumer.
JS and ad bloat made HTML5 video and audio tags rendered null with no actual usage IRL.
NYT doesn't have to hinder its innovative efforts to create informative content just because of a couple of folks who refuse to admit that tech evolves over time.
I understand that ads can be annoying, and for that I use ad blockers where necessary; but for everything else, I appreciate the advancements in the web tech capabilities that enable the creation of amazing stuff.
But good websites will let you, that's the point.
So why is neuter a good website while nyt's isn't?
Successful much less. Most users happily open bloat sites and pay with their privacy and being manipulated.
You can use bloat sites and pay with your privacy and be manipulated for free or you can pay for the experience, but you'll be using bloat sites and pay with your privacy and be manipulated no matter what.
I mean who even reads ad-spam websites in the first place? They used to host little bits of knowledge you'd search for... now I can reach that better via ChatGPT (eg. How to do mission X in video game Y)
I can only imagine... I read some well crafted news, no ads, no malicious tracking, no ad-blocker-blocker popup, no newsletter popup - and at end of the article: "This experience was great because we're supported by XYZ company, they have no control of our editorial process" (with company logo). Tasteful, still supported by ads, probably completely unsustainable.
And if I subtract university and active library times, I really wonder how I didn't turn towards the conspiratorial kind of thought patterns instead of viewing it all in the light of "cooperation in a complex world full of prenatally brain damaged magic money people".