The New York Times, not surprising anyone, has decided to enforce a “Metered Model” for their most loyal readers. The New York Times, this time surprising me, has taken the aggressive timeline to enable this model…. no less than 12 months.
Why announce a year in advance? Are they trying to build momentum with other publishers?
I’ve read some responses which seem to be horribly shortsighted, relying on math like “users x estimated price”. I’m sure their accountants have crunched the numbers. The New York Times is no doubt betting on a larger content strategy (one that isn’t free). Why would someone pay to view their content on an iPad (etc.) when they could see it free on their website?
I haven’t made the decision myself whether this is a good move for them or not. Quite frankly, it won’t concern me. If I am linked to an article of theirs I usually regret not stopping at the title. A harsh critique, but I just generally don’t have the time to get into a song-and-dance with content (mostly tech news). Give me the goods quickly, and bonus if you make me laugh. No disrespect. Maybe I’m just not the target audience.
I will say though that it is always sad for everyone else. I’m sure there are plenty of situations worldwide where their good writing is appreciated, but unfortunately the money isn’t available to purchase it. But, of course, other sites will fill the gap, and the NYTimes would have lost an opportunity for increased readership.
What I really wish was that the NYTimes would have sucked it up and kept on probing for that hidden goldmine, that unknown business model that can only be found through sweat and tears. But they didn’t, they picked the easy way, but it’s hard to blame them; they have employees to pay with families to feed. I can’t help to think though that they’ll now sit on their heels and risk becoming part of the pack (instead of leading it).
They have other properties though that could be a little more adventurous. Who knows! Time will tell. But… I just can’t help but feel that a slow-moving and popular publisher will be swallowed by bigger, nimbler, fish.
