Imagine you're a wealthy shop owner and you hear about this "thing", this new technology that strongly amplifies every voice raised on it and thus promises to lure paying customers into your business. Wow, you think, I don't wanna miss this boat, and you ask how much it would cost. "It's free", some bearded hippies yawn at you and that makes you feel uncomfortable. You want a decent service from this "thing" and you will pay for it. "Alright", a trimmed hipster tells you, "here's the deal". And you sign a contract with the new "thing" which will boost your sales eventually.