Beginning today, the New York Times is changing its subscription model by putting a cap on how much content non-subscribers may access on its site and mobile applications. The new digital subscription plan permits users to read 20 articles for free each month. Any articles readers click on through social media such as Facebook or Twitter would also be free.
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To view more content on the site, users must purchase a subscription ranging from $15 to $35 per month, depending on which package the subscriber chooses.
The Times notes that users will still be able to access the home page and blog fronts, as well as full slide shows, but they will not be able to see the accompanying text once the reader has reached their 20-article quota.
The new subscription model is unprecedented for publications of The Times’ stature. According to New York Times Media Reporter Jeremy Peters, “No American news organization as large as The Times has tried to put its content behind a pay wall after allowing unrestricted access. The move is being closely watched by anxious publishers, which have warily embraced the Web and struggled with how to turn online journalism into a profitable business.”
Despite the optimism of some publishers, others are expressing doubts about the success of The Times’ new digital subscription plan.
Citing a potential loophole by way of social media, PC Magazine Reporter Leslie Horn writes, “One of the most discussed gaping holes in the system is via Twitter. When the subscription service plans were announced, last Thursday, it took less than 12 hours for a twitter feed, @FreeNYT feed to pop up with the intention of tweeting out every article posted by the Times, giving anyone free access. Now the Times has asked Twitter to suspend the account, on the basis that it is in violation of the Times‘ trademark.”
“The New York Times has shot itself in the foot with this paywall,” adds Horn. “It’s easy to defeat because frankly, that’s the way it was built. I want the Times to succeed. But if there is any chance of success, the company will have to drastically rethink its subscription service.”
Time will tell if the new model will gain traction and establish a reliable revenue stream for The Times.
