Technical hint: Paywalls.
Paywalls have been around roughly since 2013. Why they went up, how they influence the flow of information, and what are the overall intellectual and political implications of blocking content are questions covered extensively and meticulously in this info-packed report, which I highly recommend.
Monetizing content is a legitimate endeavor which, in the past, could be easily implemented: the only way to read your favorite newspaper in the pre-Internet days was to buy a copy at the kiosk (or be the perennial scounger digging into used material belonging to others).
Online access though defeated the “monetizers” hands down. Today, it takes just a bit of “advanced” amateur experience and an Internet connection to dig up practically any information you desire.
I have developed my own methods of looking around and picking up the snippets that interest me with a 90 pc success rate. Going into details would require a lengthy exposition, which could be too “challenging,” so here’s a hint that anyone can implement with just a few clicks and begin enjoying (almost) unfettered access to favorite sites.
First, download and install the latest implementation of the Firefox browser (if you’re not already using it).
Second, go to Firefox addons and download and install Bypass Paywalls by Adam.
Third, notice the Readability implantation located in the far right of the Address bar (see pic at the end of the post).
Fourth, copy and paste the URL of anything that lies behind a paywall in the Firefox address bar, let the info load, complete with paywall warnings, and click the Readability blue icon… and, bingo, Firefox will load the relevant page as text minus all the rest of the crap.
My success rate with this simple method is 80 pc, which is quite acceptable for everyday use.
(As to the ‘moral’ question about bypassing paywalls read this, for example. The controversy is unending but, unless you are as serious bypass hunter seeking profit, you could consider yourself absolved for reading an article here and there as part of ‘general education’).