When you talk about the sponsorship mechanism two things come to mind. Firstly the film "The Philadelphia Story", specifically a scene between James Steward and Katherine Hepburn.
Secondly, it was how at least some books were written many centuries back. In fact, I *think* many books existed and got printed via the public subscription model. Many 18th century books have subscribers/sponsors, often listed in the front of the book, especially in the poetry area (I thought that the Kilmarnock Edition was done this way, but can't confirm it, so it may well be my imagination).
I wonder how much of a challenge this model faces from a common belief that it should be free, and don't see why to pay for it. And another danger is the fact that whatever is done, is done to get sponsorship. And all of a sudden
Aeneas' son is also called Julius. Though I have to admit this happens anyway, the control is less. And it is fair to say there were some wonderfully cruel satirical cartoons in the 18th Century...