That's the solution, but the problem is that video providers are too dumb[0] to agree on Layer 2. Each of them wants to own the subscription management platform[1] for themselves. So instead of one service that would divvy up your money between relevant parties and let you watch whatever you want, we get balkanization of streaming space, with payment management pushed onto users. You won't have a Layer 2 protocol in this mess simply because none of the players want it.
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[0] - Yes, I'm fully aware that they're following their economical incentives. But at some point we really should start calling out falling into short-term profit-maximizing traps like these as being dumb. And/or antisocial.
[1] - This is foretold by calling streaming services "platforms". As our industry proves time and again, whenever there's a need for a platform, everyone and their dog will develop one, hoping to become the winner that takes it all - in the process ruining the whole space for all users with their vendor lock-in bullshit.
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[0] - Yes, I'm fully aware that they're following their economical incentives. But at some point we really should start calling out falling into short-term profit-maximizing traps like these as being dumb. And/or antisocial.
[1] - This is foretold by calling streaming services "platforms". As our industry proves time and again, whenever there's a need for a platform, everyone and their dog will develop one, hoping to become the winner that takes it all - in the process ruining the whole space for all users with their vendor lock-in bullshit.