OP was taking about Tumblr, but I think it applies even more to the Fediverse: users need to develop an ethos of paying to support the sites they use. Otherwise advertisers pay the bills and call the shots.
This goes for news media too. Yeah, there are shitty established players that are glorified ad mills, but (at least in Canada) we're getting smaller independent outlets that are supported by consumers directly.
So, if you have the chance, pay for your local news outlet.
I'm a Kbin Patreon for this very reason.
We reinvented the Minitel. Fortunately we can still build Internet.
I'd appreciate the hbr or medium model of so many free uses and then you have to pay a minimal fee to use the platform
I would rather be the product than pay for each site I use.
When can I sign up for ProtonFediverse?
Technology for a Solar-Punk future.
Airships and hydroponic farms...