We’re not so sure if this is a good idea…
The New York Times is expected to begin charging for their online content this coming spring. It’s likely that they will use a metered system, allowing viewers to read a certain number of article for free before paying.
The Times tried something similar before with TimesSelect, which charged readers to view columnists’ content, but readership fell and they nixed the whole thing.
But they have to pay the bills somehow so they’re going to give the paid model another try. New York Magazine writes of the switch:
“The decision to go paid is monumental for the Times, and culminates a yearlong debate that grew contentious, people close to the talks say. In favor of a paid model were Keller and managing editor Jill Abramson. Nisenholtz and former deputy managing editor Jon Landman, who was until recently in charge of nytimes.com, advocated for a free site.”
It’s not a bad plan if they keep the cost comparable to buying the actual paper because we have a feeling readership will continue to fall if the price is too high.
What do U think? Would U pay for the Times online?
[Image via AP Images.]