Free vs. Paid Information

After the Web being in our consciousness for over a decade now we’ve fallen into several bad habits. The one I am going to talk about today is the habit of thinking that you can get any information you seek for free online.

You probably can. But you will spend a vast amount of your time vetting out sources, visiting crummy sites and reading commentary by those who really don’t even know how to write succinctly enough to validate their writings, let alone give the impression that the information they provide is true and accurate.

I do not hesitate to pay for information. Whether they be special reports, white papers, site access or even newsletters, I have my own reliable sources that over the years have proven the test of time and have gained my trust. When they have something of value that I need or am seeking information on, I do not hesitate to send my money their way. Yes, I could probably spend my days searching and reviewing and trying to find the information that meets my needs for free. But my time is more valuable than that.

By paying for information from my trusted few it saves me the time of determining if they know what they are talking about. I already know they do. More importantly it saves me the time of having to seek out, find and read numerous Web sites filled with information that may not be accurate or credible. Time is money after all. Heck, anyone who has an opinion or information to share can put up a Web site fairly quickly — that doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about or are an expert on the topic. “But it’s free!”

So, I tend to side on the pay for information side of the street. By doing so I get quality information when I need it from trusted sources who stake their reputation on the information they provide. You get what you pay for.

At your service,
Judith