Really Simple Licensing, or RSL, is changing how creators handle their digital content in the face of AI. It builds on older web standards to help you set terms for AI access and get paid. This approach addresses the need for better control and revenue as AI systems grow.
Why RSL Matters for Your Content
RSL lets publishers add rules for how AI bots use their sites. Instead of just blocking or allowing access, you can require payment. This means turning AI's use of your content into a money-making opportunity. Key features include setting fees and ensuring creators get fair deals from AI firms.
RSL stems from earlier tools like RSS and robots.txt. It came from a group including major players like Reddit and Yahoo. With RSL, you can:
- Set ongoing subscription fees for full access
- Charge per crawl when bots scrape your pages
- Demand payment per inference when AI uses your content in responses
These options make it easy to adopt without big changes to your site.
Common RSL Payment Options
There are three main ways to structure payments with RSL:
- Subscription licensing, where AI companies pay regularly for your content feed
- Pay-per-crawl, charging each time a bot gathers data from your site
- Pay-per-inference, getting paid when AI models reference your material
This flexibility helps match your goals, whether you want steady income or event-based earnings.
Who Is Using RSL and How
Big names like Reddit, Yahoo, Medium, and Quora have adopted RSL. For instance, Reddit sees it as a way to safeguard the web. Even small creators can join the RSL group for free, gaining leverage like musicians through collectives.
One benefit is turning AI data use into revenue. Another is clearer legal terms to avoid disputes. On the downside, it relies on AI companies to follow rules, and you might need to handle some tech setup for tracking.
Ethical and Practical Considerations
RSL aims to respect creator rights by defining access boundaries. It raises points about balance: could it slow AI progress, or burden smaller sites with costs? Experts note that success depends on wide adoption.
| Aspect | Traditional Deals | RSL Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Speed | Takes weeks or months | Just minutes to update files |
| Group Power | Limited individually | Strong through collectives |
| Clear Rules | Often hidden in contracts | Open and machine-readable |
| Handling Issues | Relies on lawsuits | Uses tokens for blocking |
Steps to Get Started with RSL
If you want to implement RSL, follow these steps:
- Sign up with the RSL group at their site
- Pick your payment type, like subscription or per-crawl
- Add the RSL rules to your robots.txt file
- Set up your system, such as with a service like Fastly, to check tokens
- Track usage and payments through their tools
By using RSL, you take control of your content's value in the AI space. It's a step toward ensuring creators get what they deserve.
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