Why Seth Godin Gives it Away For Free

I have commented and questioned Seth Godin and the whole "Idea Virus" concept of giving away stuff for free. I have also asked Seth (and other marketing mavens) about it offline. The answers range from pragmatic to oracular.

But now, Seth spills the beans. In a Thanksgiving post, he tells why he doesn't "monetize" his hugely popular blog:

I tried to sum it up like this: Not only can't I imagine charging for my blog, I'm practically in debt to the people who read it. I ought to pay them, not the other way around.

And he goes on to give thanks to his readers for giving him their time.

You're welcome, Seth.