It's about time we start seeing companies like ProRata step up and pay content creators what is rightfully theirs. It's easy to forget, with AI engines like the latest ChatGPT and Google's AI tools taking over, that all of this information they use is built on the hard work of publishers.
Licensing content and then paying the publisher is one of those ProRata models that just makes sense. Finally, somebody remembered that this cannot be a sustainable model if AI thrives on the content provided by a group of people who go empty-handed.
I have often speculated about what would happen with journalism when AI started to take over the way we consume our information. Now, to see this company with partnerships from major players such as The Guardian and Universal Music Group is a step forward.
But that should be the standard, and not the exception.
I also find it appealing that ProRata is so intent on quality, publishing a limited number of sources. Evidently, they get that more is most definitely not always better. When I'm searching for something, I don't want random clutter; rather, I want information that is reliable and well-researched.
I also think that thier revenue-sharing model will help out those struggling publishers. That, at least, provides a glimmer of hope that news outlets can still make money in a world increasingly turning to AI for answers.
But let's see if other companies follow suit. Hopefully, this will lead to a more equitable system for all involved.