Free Speech Isn’t Free

We’ve grown accustomed to the idea that social media platforms are free for users. However, the reality is that these platforms come with significant costs – server bills, engineering teams, legal fees, and more. Someone has to foot the bill. The notion that running a social network is cost-free is a dangerous illusion, and one that we must dispel if we want to preserve free speech online.

The free speech wing of the internet, exemplified by platforms like Gab, cannot rely on advertising revenue alone to sustain their operations. This means that we, the users who value free speech, must step up and take responsibility for funding these platforms. If we don’t, they will inevitably cease to exist, leaving us at the mercy of corporate-controlled social media giants that prioritize censorship and control over freedom of speech.

It’s time to rewire our brains and recognize that if we’re not paying for the product, we become the product ourselves. We must collectively support free speech platforms by building a patronage network, just as we would support any other vital service or cause we believe in.

A patronage network is a system in which individuals and organizations voluntarily contribute financial support to platforms, creators, businesses, and politicians who align with their values and principles. In the context of free speech, a patronage network is essential for creating a sustainable ecosystem that allows all voices to thrive without the threat of censorship or financial pressure.

One of the key advantages of a patronage network is that it decentralizes power and reduces reliance on advertising revenue, which can often come with strings attached. When platforms and creators are beholden to advertisers, they may feel compelled to censor or modify content to avoid offending potential sponsors. This can lead to a homogenization of ideas and a stifling of free expression.

By contrast, a patronage network empowers users to directly support the platforms and creators they value, creating a more resilient system. This not only ensures the financial viability of free speech champions but also sends a clear message to the market that there is a demand for open expression and diversity of thought.

To build a strong patronage network, it’s crucial to foster a sense of community and shared values among supporters of free speech. This can be achieved through regular communication, transparent financial reporting, and the creation of exclusive content or experiences for patrons. By nurturing a sense of belonging and investment in the success of free speech platforms, we can create a loyal and dedicated base of supporters who are committed to the long-term sustainability of the free speech wing of the internet.

Consider this: many people have no issue paying $150 a month for a cable bill to watch the fake news media, but they balk at the idea of spending $10 a month to support platforms like Gab. They’ll readily drop $10 every morning on coffee they could make at home for pennies, without a second thought. This inconsistency in our priorities is baffling and must change.

To ensure the survival of free speech online, we need to form a free speech patronage network. This means actively supporting platforms that champion open expression, creators who value free speech, businesses that uphold these principles, and politicians who fight for our right to express ourselves freely.

By consciously directing our resources towards entities that share our commitment to free speech, we can create a sustainable ecosystem that allows diverse voices to be heard, without fear of censorship or repression. It’s time to put our money where our mouth is and invest in the future of free speech. Gab cannot do this without your support. Each and every month we operate on the cash flow that comes from support from people like you.

Please consider supporting our efforts by making a donation, upgrading your Gab account to GabPRO, or purchasing merchandise from the Gab Shop.

Free speech is not free, and it’s up to all of us to ensure its survival. By recognizing the true costs of running social networks, reevaluating our priorities, and forming a robust free speech patronage network, we can safeguard one of our most precious rights and foster a healthier, more open digital landscape for generations to come.

Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Christ is King

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