Why are clickbait articles so prominent, even on perfectly legitimate sites?

[Spork829]

It doesn't make sense to me that a site that seems perfectly legitimate and above using clickbait, and I'll use Wired.com as a perfect example, would still be plastered with it. Below every article on their site you will always see a "Sponsored Stories" section riddled with clickbait. Yet I read an article ON THAT SITE a few months ago talking about how clickbait is a serious issue, and the 'despicable science' behind it. This is far from the only site that I've seen do this. Why do a lot of the giants of web journalism still stoop this low? 

[Rune]

Money.

[Spork829]

Just now, Rune said:

Money.

That's the answer I figured I would get. I guess it makes sense, because users will probably just complain a bit then keep on reading their site...

[puurrrrfict]

Just now, Rune said:

Money.

This.

[ShadowCaptain]

Because it works

[ALwin]

18 minutes ago, Spork829 said:

It doesn't make sense to me that a site that seems perfectly legitimate and above using clickbait, and I'll use Wired.com as a perfect example, would still be plastered with it. Below every article on their site you will always see a "Sponsored Stories" section riddled with clickbait. Yet I read an article ON THAT SITE a few months ago talking about how clickbait is a serious issue, and the 'despicable science' behind it. This is far from the only site that I've seen do this. Why do a lot of the giants of web journalism still stoop this low? 

Because of people like this old f**ktard.  His kind is 50% of the problem, the other 50% of the problem is people want those "clickbait" type of titles and articles.  Which link do you think most people who use the internet today would click:

"President something of some tiny not so well known country is going to give a long political speech"

Or

"Some gorgeous model is sharing her nude photos"

 

[Misanthrope]

Because even "legit" websites are not legit anymore. With social networks and video services on the raise when it comes to popularity normal websites don't get nearly as much traffic. They're shifting their angle and content to try and survive the changing environment of the web instead of taking a more dignified way out and close shop.

 

Truth to be told is Gawker is far from the only website that is one Lawsuit vs a Wrestler away from eating fucking shit. Most "news" outlets around the web struggle already. They just don't understand modern technology and bombard you in the most obnoxious way possible because sure, I'll get you a few views and advertising bucks short term but it will accelerate the rate at which you actually loose your audience and henceforth your livelihood.

 

Some things are meant to end.

[Spork829]

5 minutes ago, Misanthrope said:

Because even "legit" websites are not legit anymore. With social networks and video services on the raise when it comes to popularity normal websites don't get nearly as much traffic. They're shifting their angle and content to try and survive the changing environment of the web instead of taking a more dignified way out and close shop.

 

Truth to be told is Gawker is far from the only website that is one Lawsuit vs a Wrestler away from eating fucking shit. Most "news" outlets around the web struggle already. They just don't understand modern technology and bombard you in the most obnoxious way possible because sure, I'll get you a few views and advertising bucks short term but it will accelerate the rate at which you actually loose your audience and henceforth your livelihood.

 

Some things are meant to end.

Kind of sad, but true.

[PRTI]

Because Clickbait is the "new" way to get more

[ThinkWithPortals]

More clickbait titles = more clicks = more money. Sad but true.