Times Reveals Two Possible Ways to Make You Pay Online

The Times is tired of giving it up for free, and at a staff meeting yesterday executive editor Bill Keller revealed two possible scenarios that would force website readers to make an honest woman out of the Gray Lady. One scheme is a "meter system" which would kick in after a reader hits a predetermined limit of word-count or page views. At that point, the meter would start running and further content would come at a price. A second scenario could be a "membership" system akin to public television. Readers who pledge money to the site would be invited to join the cool kids in the "New York Times community" and get sweet merch like Times baseball caps, or tote bags, or plush Moose dolls. The Observer, which got the scoop on the announcement, also quotes Keller as saying—and this has got to be a joke, right?—that "he wouldn't even be opposed to offering a donor access to a Page One editorial meeting as long as it doesn't affect the paper competitively." Well, if that actually happens we are so ready to pay to join those meetings and finally get the Hipster Grifter above the fold where she belongs.

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By John Del Signore in News on May 15, 2009 2:52 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

What a retard. You do it just like cable TV with various media bundled and sold in packages for a monthly fee. Really, how hard is it?

Geoelh

I'm okay with the metering idea if I can see the meter in real time and know how much I'll pay. That way I might even learn to curb my news scouring and enjoy the great outdoors again.

Chilkin Bilskits

either newspapers charge for online content or newspapers go away for good. actually they're doomed regardless but at least go out with a fight. next step, nyt partnering with ny1 or nbc4. can you imagine a day when chuck scarborough is reporting on behalf of the nyt. believe it.

imadick

way to pull out the food-for-html guy. he's been around for like 10 years or more now.

Spirit of 76

Definitely dated. Nobody would hire a guy like him today. Maybe if the sign said, "Will code PHP, Flash, Javascript and CSS for food."

Frankybonz

Yeah, I was about to say, "Wasn't that guy from after the Dot Com bubble burst?"

Outter Burrougher

dear new york times, you previously discovered that charging for certain content didn't work. I was one of the loyal readers who did pay, and I appreciate that you efficiently provided me with my prorated refund, but I'm not signing up again unless it's really going to take. and what's different now that you think this would actually work to generate revenue for you?