Optimal revenue model for Q&A platforms: Paid or free viewership?

Abstract

This paper examines the conditions under which a paid viewership model generates more profits for Q&A platforms compared to a free viewership model. We find that when the unit cost of answer quality is low, the platform should adopt the free viewership model to attract more viewers. Otherwise, the paid viewership model is more profitable, as it incentivizes both askers and answerers to engage more actively. While the answerer consistently benefits more under the paid viewership model, active askers are better off only when the viewership fee remains low.