“About 71% of theunion.com readers do not subscribe to The Union,” according to a survey cited in the newspaper’s “2012 Media Resource Guide.” That’s a lot of residents (who are also voters, theater-goers and the like — not to mention the out-of-town tourists).
On Tuesday The Union erects a “pay wall” (joining others in its Nevada-based chain) though a special trial login will be offered to provide free access at least until February 15, according to its website — if you sign up for it.
“Beginning January 17, some articles on TheUnion.com will only be available to members. But we want all of our Facebook friends to continue to enjoy everything on the TheUnion.com website, including premium articles. In case any of our Facebook friends don’t have An All Access account of their own, here’s a special trial login for you to use and share.”
A similar promotion is offered on TheUnion.com: “Remember, there’s no cost until the trial ends. You can wait until February 15th to decide whether to continue with your online All Access.”
It will be interesting to see how many of TheUnion.com readers wind up paying for an online subscription to the newspaper. The goal is to get some incremental sales — but more important — retain print subscribers with a “value added” “free” online subscription.
There’s lots of “free” competition for community news now: From YubaNet, KNCO, KVMR, NCTV, Facebook, blogs, the Bee, the Nevada City Advocate, Sac News & Review and so on. Many are professional, paid journalists, just like at The Union. And some are print publications.
MyNevadaCounty.com has a free local crime map. The government websites (Grass Valley, Nevada City and Truckee) provide agendas and packets for free online. The Swift-owned Sierra Sun in Truckee also is going to remain free. In fact, the internet is changing how we commuicate — for free!
Some background and further analysis is here.
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Step 1 remove gun, step 2 point gun at foot, step 3 shoot self in foot. The Union’s paywall “strategy” will have one result. Fewer people will look at the Union’s classified (or other) ads, as a consequence advertising revenue will decrease.
Ok, the question for me is the cost?
If they try to make me pay the same as people who actually get the newspaper I would think not, but am I willing to contribute for a system that I use?
Sure……
John brings up a valid point about the advertising revenue, as without online readers the advertising revenue will suffer so is this the best move from a business standpoint and lose that revenue and try to generate that income by making people pay, or to keep that revenue not have everyone chip in…..
Interesting questions….
Here’s Nevada Appeal’s rates:
https://secure.swiftcom.com/utils/subscribe/?site=nevadaappeal.com
And here’s Roseberg, Ore.:
https://secure.swiftnews.com/utils/subscribe/plans.php?site=nrtoday.com
So you get an idea for the rates from The Union’s sister papers.
Since it has be made clear to me that the moment the “editor” of the Towntalk commenting area gets the idea that a post is from me, he shitcans it, regardless of the content, and thus I canceled my paid paper subscription.
I also started up a group on Facebook where I and any other FB member can post comments dealing with Towntalk and any other current news item of interest, including stuff The Union doesn’t even cover. If it turns out that only subscribers can access Towntalk, and Towntalk continues in its current format, I’ll just kiss it goodbye and stick with the grown-up blogs here and at Rebane’s.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/337919946238201/
The question for me is would I spend $6.95 per month…..
The answer in this financial times in NO!
I might spend 1/2 that, but not that much as that’s $80 per year!
“It will be interesting to see how many of TheUnion.com readers wind up paying for an online subscription to the newspaper”.
At 7 bucks a month? 5%
I wish the paper had an Editor. I read a story about our business in the paper this morning that had some rudimentary errors (like confusing Sacramento for Auburn) and omitted some key accomplishments. Or maybe it was on purpose. LOL.
Pay Wall is up this morning. I have a feeling this will last about 4 months. Should serve to turn Talk of the Town into a ghost town though.
I agree with that Steve. If the Union elects to screw it up for themselves, there’s nothing I can do.
Yup. More details here:
http://sierrafoothillsreport.com/2012/01/17/the-union-com-now-charging-10-50-a-month-for-content-that-is-free-elsewhere/
Thank you Jeff. That post wasn’t up when I was in earlier. Some things, like your recent post, are well worth waiting for.