I have to pay extra to remove ads from Prime Video
I’d seen rumours online but got the email this morning.
EDIT: seems like there won’t be ads for everyone straight away.
Live events, such as sports, and content offered through Amazon Freevee will continue to include advertising. Customers in the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man won’t see ads in their experience at this time.
I've had prime since almost day one. Lately I've been trying to reduce my dependency on Amazon which isn't easy when you're already paying them in advance for shipping just to keep prime video and a few free games and ebooks. This was the push I needed to finally sever that tie and release myself from their trap. This could be the start of a good thing for a lot of people. Prime has been an effective competition blocking lock-in scheme for too long. It's end result is it's ability to keep prices high because they are the sole gatekeeper. Good riddance Amazon.
I quit last year when they wanted to raise the cost but never shipped in two days. Honest it's been just fine. The 4 or 5 times I needed it last year I dealt with the 6 dollar shipping charge. Most of the time I can just buy directly from the vendor though.
I haven't bought anything from them for over 5 years. I have no problem finding anything I want without Amazon. And I don't give a rat's ass about their shareholders, or their dividends.