Consumer alert!

  The following is based on a true story:

  Jack Smith uploaded his consciousness to a ‘virtual rebirth’ company.

  He was immediately bombarded with ads.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “Alright, alright … How do I make them stop?”

  “That’s simple, Jack,” said a salesperson. “Try out our products.”

  Jack did so …

  But the ads kept coming.

  “Okay, I’ll test more products. Stop the flashing ads! I can’t even think!”

  As Jack sampled virtual products, he left thoughtful reviews, earning him ‘timeout credits,’ blocking ads for a certain period.

  Jack had failed to read the virtual company’s contractual fine print mentioning:

  ‘advertising-supported revenue.’