Definition ∞ Reader support denotes the financial or other forms of assistance provided by an audience to content creators or publishers. This can include direct monetary contributions, subscriptions, or engagement that sustains the creation and dissemination of information. It represents a mechanism for valuing and enabling the production of content.
Context ∞ In the context of digital media and blockchain-based platforms, reader support often involves cryptocurrency donations, patronage models, or token-based incentive systems. These mechanisms allow audiences to directly fund creators, potentially bypassing traditional advertising or subscription models. Current discussions center on the efficacy of these systems in fostering sustainable content creation, ensuring fair compensation for creators, and building engaged communities around shared information resources.