Net Gains: Rocking in the free world
By Maxton Walker netgains@independent.co.uk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.depechemodemail.com
The band Depeche Mode has just launched its own free email service. So the time has come to ask whether this free email business is getting out of hand. Well, actually, no. It's merely an indication of how people are starting to find genuinely sophisticated ways of using the medium.
Free addresses have always been a very valuable venture for companies to undertake. Not only do the relevant web pages see a lot of traffic but they also build up an enormous database of email addresses. As more and more companies become tuned into what the Internet can do for them, they have begun to see the advantages of using methods like this to build up mailing lists.
Up until now, the sites have been the preserve of large computer organisations, but nowadays others, such as rock bands, are able not only to offer fans a desirable email address, but to build up an easily contactable database. David Bowie was one of the first rock stars to set up a paid-for Internet service, but free Internet access seems to be where it is these days and, before too long, I would guess, every band will have something similar. It will be interesting to see how each one tries to sell the concept on their web pages.
The designers of Depeche Mode's site have clearly thought about who they're aiming the site at, however. "Sorry for all this legal stuff but we have to agree a few things before we get going," the blurb says, to which the invited response is: "I accept. Now gimme my account."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments