Earlier quoted context omitted.
Or maybe we could figure out a new economic model, instead of blindly sticking with one based on the limitations of the pre-digital age.
How about you go figure out this new economic model, and come back when it's ready. Until then, the existing model will persist, thank you
There are already many writers making thousands of dollars a month by publishing free serialized web novels, via Patreon. Some are using their own websites, but most are on Royal Road (or scribblehub, webnovel, wattpad, AO3).
A random example from Royal Road[1], the author makes $12065/month. Mind you, the text is not gated, it's free to read, the patreon only offers early access...
[1] https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/63759/super-supportive [2] https://www.patreon.com/Sleyca