The way the software business model has worked:

1) Make shiny software…

2) … that attracts users to your turf.

3) As users make data on your turf, it's owned by you.

4) So now you can extract value out of it.

Most server software business model is ultimately about holding users' data hostage.

The Gilded Turd model of software.

Looks great, but the longer you use it the more you realize the deal stinks.