I get your point. You need actual dollars coming in to be profitable. But, my point is that in some markets a lot of people not paying is worth more than a few people paying.
Whether I pay you, or make your product more valuable so other people will pay you is irrelevant. Whether you call me a customer or not is irrelevant. You should treat me well if you want to stay in business.
I don't see how the B&N example fits. Browsers aren't making the bookstore more valuable to people who actually pay. Plus they take up seats. Get rid of browsers and B&N makes more money. Get rid of Facebook users and there is no Facebook.
Whether I pay you, or make your product more valuable so other people will pay you is irrelevant. Whether you call me a customer or not is irrelevant. You should treat me well if you want to stay in business.
I don't see how the B&N example fits. Browsers aren't making the bookstore more valuable to people who actually pay. Plus they take up seats. Get rid of browsers and B&N makes more money. Get rid of Facebook users and there is no Facebook.