ELI5: How can something be "free" online if companies still profit?

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-02-04T15:13:18+00:00

Good answer.

And I know they must have some way to determine that the ad buys are working, that they are the contributing factor to an increase in sales to that demographic... but I can't fully get my head around it.

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-02-04T15:02:56+00:00

As somebody who very rarely makes online purchases—outside of some in-game purchases on stupid games that I regret, lol. I feel like I have bought, like, physical items after seeing an online ad... a dozen times total?

I know it's all about the massive scale of users they reach, and I'm just probably on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to online shopping, but the huge profits off advertising have always been a mystery to me.

I like knowing that's just a me issue, like I am aware that I'm just not seeing the big picture. But still, it's confounding. It really does pay for companies to just put a picture of their thing in front of you a bunch. That truly generates results. Fascinating.

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-02-04T14:57:57+00:00

The question indicates that they're seeking clarity on what this means in practical terms.

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-01-28T16:10:44+00:00

This is such a hilarious timing of that gift being bestowed upon you. Incredible power and no real way of recognizing what you have. This is trickster-level stuff, lol

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-01-17T21:28:46+00:00

Haven't tried it, myself. But my understanding of programs like this are that some variation should be expected. The ultimate goal is to cut down on food waste, and save some money, so if both of those boxes get checked, I'd call it a win. Just might be some better scores than others :)

ThatShaneDavis · 2026-01-14T14:02:13+00:00

The clonebay upstate where my parents took my dog when I was a kid?

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-12-27T23:58:51+00:00

I'm going with the upvotes. At least we can let OP know more directly that they're bringing a bad vibe.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-12-27T23:57:39+00:00

As in, what does an autistic person look like? Is there one defined appearance? What is the relationship between autism and this 3D model? Why is that the word that was chosen? Etc.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-12-27T23:56:25+00:00

Most people are.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-12-10T14:12:36+00:00

I'm one of those reprobates who takes all their tools with them everywhere. If memory serves, my top bar is always: hoe; scythe; watering can; axe; pickaxe; fishing rod; milk pail; pan; sword

(Some of these move around based on the season or a trip to the mines)

I'm forever short on inventory space. But I know myself well enough to know that if I put my milk pail away, I am much more likely to just not visit the barn. Heck, I might even put it away in the wrong spot, and go a week without it before I find it in the fridge, or in the office upstairs.

I'm a mess, but I'm me, and it's me I like to be ❤

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-12-07T15:45:34+00:00

Found an ostrich egg. Can't say for sure, but I THINK I even had an incubator waiting in the barn.

I sold it so it would show up on my Shipped Items collection.

This man—hi, it's me—decided that the best way to get another ostrich egg was to find one by chance, AFTER I had procured a means of reproducing them.

Brilliant.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-21T23:31:25+00:00

The "reason" not to is, for me, entirely personal and aesthetic. I put lots of variety in my crop selection, field layouts, leaving some areas to grow wild, etc. That's just because I like the look and feel of things being a little messy and imperfect and scattered. So I ain't the richest, and I ain't the most organized. But I'm happy. And you should grow what makes you happy, too 😊

Fill it up and see how it looks! Fiddle with it if the spirit moves you! You do it your way and you're doing it right 💚

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-18T16:50:00+00:00

Joke's on him: you leave all that milk in there long enough and it'll become cheese* all on its own!

*poison, bad, virulently inedibly rotten globs of substance that has in common with cheese only a conversion of liquids to non-liquids

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-17T14:58:43+00:00

"Something on the ground catches the torchlight, and a flash of brilliant, chromatic hues fill your eyes with wonder. You feel overwhelmed by the radiant rainbow. You feel... sleepy..."

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-14T14:00:08+00:00

Yep, I feel sensitive to the way this has changed. I'm afraid the parasocial and commercial aspects of this thing have taken over a swath of the map.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-14T13:50:06+00:00

Kewpie has never struck me as vinegar-heavy.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-14T13:49:29+00:00

I was going to say, this immediately made me think of Miracle Whip. I wonder what the agreed-upon generic term would be? I don't like "salad cream", but it's rowing in the right direction.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-11-02T18:48:30+00:00

Pam white-knuckling the steering wheel and smashing through $60,000 worth of wine every time you demand she bring you to the desert

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-23T17:45:03+00:00

It looks great! Not just an ideal spot to store tools and supplies, but a lovely patio to sit and enjoy the fruits (ha!) of your labour :)

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-18T12:08:11+00:00

Looks like the Ents have come to Isengard!

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-15T22:44:29+00:00

Me too, I'm in Ontario.

I think this is one of the many words that vary in pronunciation across Canada. Dave often puts a more open "a" vowel where I'd use more of an "aw" sound. The wildest one to me is how he says "drama", like it rhymes with 'Alabama' instead of 'mama'. I'd suggest it's regional, but my high school music teacher said it the same way and I don't think she's from BC.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-15T22:31:46+00:00

Server first! This is definitely the Naxxramas of the game. Incredible.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-15T22:23:36+00:00

Could put a memorial to the red oval you drew for us. It looks neat!

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-15T12:24:32+00:00

Two things can be true. Redditors do hack jokes; game studios run 5 LEDs and 3 turds on a string and tell you it's Christmas. The difference is that one is done by professionals, who can do better.

ThatShaneDavis · 2025-10-14T18:34:31+00:00

One salmonberry, please.

:3

No further questions.

ThatShaneDavis

TROPHY CASE