The foundation for the commercial internet was laid in the early 1990s, with CERN's decision to license the WWW protocol for free being a significant step. For years, the internet was primarily used by academics and entrepreneurs, as the entry barrier was high due to expensive and complex technology.

However, 2020 marked a turning point. Technology advanced rapidly, making it much easier to access the internet. Consequently, more and more "bar conversations" have shifted online, mirroring the trend of two decades ago.

This shift in social dynamics necessitates a significant overhaul of algorithms. As Elon Musk aptly put it, "Freedom of speech does not guarantee freedom of reach."

Instead of promoting writers who churn out countless 300-word articles, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment that those who conduct in-depth, often unseen research deserve greater visibility.

Furthermore, user behavior needs to adapt to today's knowledge-sharing society. This is the era of solopreneurs who consume vast amounts of information daily and synthesize it into compelling clips, articles, and other forms of online expression.

Whenever you encounter a creator whose work you admire and who offers a 3-10 dollar subscription option, consider donating this small amount. It's a token of appreciation that can help the creator improve their work.

Also, consider platforms like Medium – subscribing with a monthly fee should be a no-brainer if you genuinely enjoy and value the content.