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That is true but even some paid services (like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime) have ads now

Lots of people don't mind paying when they have money to burn. The problem is that so many people don't.

Doesn't really work in practice, even among those who can afford it.

PERSON 1 Have you heard of Kagi? It’s like Google, but better, and... oh... you have to pay for it.

PERSON 2 Why would I pay for something when I can use Google for free? I use Adblock anyway.

I actually did pay for Kagi, but the results weren't nearly as good. I absolutely would pay if they were though.

Not true, this very site has no ads.

Uh, yes it does? HN has tons of "[some YC startup] is hiring a [something]". Not sure if they're paid though.

HN is an ad!

It's a talent acquisition ploy.