Pondering the 21st century freemium 2.0 landscape …
Terms of the Tree
(resistance is futile)
imagine …
A splendid mythological garden … light glints marvelously from the surface of a tranquil creek nearby … on a mild rise, a magnificent tree festooned with fabulous, colorful fruit fills the air with a seductive scent … a snake rests in the sun on top of a rock at the base of the tree.
An athletic young woman, sweating from a morning run, jogs up to the creek, takes a sip, then turns toward the tree.
As she reaches for one of the low-hanging fruits on the tree, the snake says, “Hello.”
She smiles & replies, “hello.”
The snake says, “Yes, those are free to eat.”
She says, “okay, of course.”
And as she reaches out again, the snake says, “Have you read the terms & conditions?”
She replies, “huh?”
The snake says, “Oh, well, there’s that small sign on the other side of the trunk.”
She looks around, notices the sign, and remarks, “that’s a lot to read, and such small print. … can you summarize what it says?”
The snake (really just a persona) puts on some glasses and in a rather business-like (yet upbeat) manner says, “Absolutely. Basically, you can have the fruit anytime you want … if you tell me all about yourself, the more the better, and we’ll use that personal info to serve you better. … Just indicate acceptance by placing your palm on the sign.”
She does so, and says, “that was easy, thanks.” She picks a fruit, takes a bite; and, while relishing its taste & texture, continues walking along the creek. She glances back toward the tree and waves.
The snake is busy on the rock, from which has appeared a virtual computer interface. Tapping away …
