銀貨兩訖一直是被經濟活動奉為圭臬，而今數位網路時代，引起重大變革的網路資訊服務卻以免費物品的型式供應，依傳統經濟學的觀點，免付費「數位公共財」允許大量享受資源不用付費的搭便車 (free rider) ，為何未造成共用資源悲劇 (tragedy of the commons) 或市場失靈？本研究採多重個案研究方式 (multi-case study)，自51個具指標性的免付費網路資訊服務，歸納出28類營收模式樣態 (pattern)，並推論出各營收模式的前因條件，以運用定性比較方法 (Qualitative Comparative Analysis, QCA)，確認各種前因條件組態 (configuration) 與營收模式之間的因果關係，以作為確定性的論據 (conclusive evidence)，同時與相關的理論連結形成7項條件命題，據此已對免付費網路資訊服務的營收模式提供更具體的解釋，並擴張原有網路經濟的論證。;The long-standing economic model is one where the customer receives and pays for goods. However, in today’s modern network society, why are vendors willing to provide free services and goods to free riders at an apparent loss? A well-known problem with collective action is that common benefits result in the tragedy of the commons. Information goods and services represent the two related elements; with low incremental and reproduction costs, large-scale usage leads to increased gross profit while with network externality, marginal utilities increase with the growing number of users. Therefore, the “user base” becomes a source of revenue on free platforms. The objective of this study is to provide a theoretical framework explaining why free platforms emerge and how they work. Most researches regarding free platforms are related to two-sided markets and freemium models. Based on existing revenue models of free platforms in the theoretical realm, we apply a multi-case study approach for inductive inferences on observed patterns in order to create conditions for different revenue models on the free platforms. We then conduct a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to confirm the conditions associated with revenue model of the free platforms to formulate conclusive evidences. Consequently, based on the result of causality assessment, we develop propositions for each revenue model to better explain the free rider phenomenon in the platforms. This approach correlates with empirical reality to expand arguments in the network economy.
