I prefer to stream for free...
Free opens up the audiences whereas PPV bottlenecks the audience and limits the promotion of the sport. At least it does, for the time being. If pool got to the level of boxing, the market would be able to handle a premier PPV event that would see much better numbers and even sponsors on board. I find it ironic that PPV streamers act like it's an easy sell for sponsors to jump on board their shows, when its always the same 400 people that log on. If I was doing PPV all the time, you'd see a hell of a lot more product promotion and highlight clips from me outside of the show, because I believe in promoting the hell out of a sponsor. After all, they deserve it to have their investment converted to sales.
Why do I choose between PPV and FREE?
I can't speak for everyone else... I have been known to do both (free/PPV). Honestly, one of the reasons I've done PPV is to prove that it can be done better than what you're already paying for. I think it's healthy competition amongst streamers to try to make a little money and to put on a good show. PPV has its place in the industry but I don't believe in charging for ALL of my content because it would be too expensive and personally, I feel that it's just not worth paying for every event we stream - especially long tournaments where we can't feature preferred matches.
There are downsides and upsides to both scenarios. Maybe it's more a question of when it's appropriate...
I, like Lenny prefer the Free Model... Always have, even though I have strayed from the path a few times. I personally think streamers and players need to work together toward a brighter future for the sport. Codes of conduct, a higher standard of playing equipment and rules should also be the focus in pool if its really going to improve. The complete absence of an american professional pool association doesn't help either; the U.S. has no representation for the sport other than independent promoters, competing leagues, the streamers and magazine publishers. It comes as no surprise that there's so much kaos in this great country we live in.
We are all responsible to make this sport better.