Copy-Cat-Copywriting

Some months ago, the New York Times decided to add a new layer of monetization to its popular website. Certain popular articles -- notably op-ed pieces -- were designated Times Select, available only by subscription. The cost was minimal.

But apparently not enough folks were interested. I suspect some readers simply gave up on the website. Anyway, given the web, most of us could find these articles with a few keystrokes. Or our local newspapers reprinted the under a licensing agreement.

So the Times quietly withdrew the Times Select feature. Now anyone can read anything.

Even the Great Gray Times has to take a step back now and then. Sometimes a business model sounds good on paper, but falters in practice.

Labels: business model, cutting back, pricing