History repeats. Centuries ago, we had this thing called "the commons" that was land everyone was allowed to use. Many people think "oh, that's where they grazed cows," but it was much more than that.
For example, Boston Common (stolen from Native Americans, but that's another discussion) was the place rug cleaners went to beat out rugs. It was the place vendors set up market stalls. There was a rope walk at the end of the Common where people made rope (a dirty, nasty job). It supported a lot more than just cattle grazing.
Over time, the use of the commons were restricted. In some places you had to pay a fee to use them (unless you were the elite); in other places, a wealthy person was designated as the owner of the land, and your work went for his benefit. You might get some subsistence-level living out of it, but the point of your work was to enrich the land owner.
Anyway, that sure feels like where the Internet is headed. I am sure someone has written about this at greater length, and much more articulately, than I have.
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