Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The NYT will charge online readers a fee for frequent use

I received the email below from the New York Times today. Although this fee procedure will not begin until early 2011 I question whether this will approach will work. Since the New York Times Company can not answer even basic questions about the plan yet I think it is safe to surmise that the plan is still in its initial phase. I question the wisdom of announcing something like this so far ahead. Too many users have become accustomed to reading their online news and content for free and my guess is that this move will alienate readers no matter how and when the NYT communicated it.

Perhaps the way they will make it work is by including a link to the article in the alert announcing the change and charging readers when they click on it. Oh wait, that is what they are doing in this message, but of course there is no charge yet. Go ahead, click the link to read more. After all, it is still free.

Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Wed, January 20, 2010 -- 9:19 AM ET
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The Times to Charge for Frequent Access to Its Web Site

Starting in early 2011, visitors to NYTimes.com will get a
certain number of articles free every month before being
asked to pay a flat fee for access.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/business/media/21times.html?hp&emc=na

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