The Times has embraced what’s called a metered approach — readers can click on as many as 20 different articles, slideshows, or videos a month without paying a cent. A page click through a Google search or a friend’s referral via Facebook or Twitter won’t count against you.
But as of March 28, the paper will charge digital readers who view more than 20 pages per month $15 dollars each month for web access and an iPhone application; $20 for access on the web, iPad and other tablets; or $35 for access on all three platforms. The model does not yet incorporate e-readers such as the Kindle, for which the Times has ongoing subscription plans.
It’s obvious that newspapers have to be able to make money online to survive. As print continues to die, the web will become the main outlet for journalistic content.
The reality is that journalism costs money.
I think the Times model is pretty great. It doesn’t penalize or discourage users who just show up every once in a while. People who use the site as a main news source, however, will have to pay. That seems totally fair.
Update: Be sure to check Federico’s post at MacStories for more info on what the Times is doing with iOS subscriptions.