The New York Times has reconsidered its policy of charging subscribers for access to its opinion columnists and recent archives, making it possible for bloggers and others to share links to some previously blocked pages worth talking about.
For most of its historic database of earlier 20th and 19th century stories, you'll still need a checkbook -- or access to a library that subscribes to the Times Proquest archive. (Most universities probably do.)
In response, the new owner of The Wall Street Journal says he's leaning toward making its pay-as-you-go website free, too.
The Times always offered news stories for free, but had charged $49.95 a year for "premium
content," including its most popular columnists and its archives. Students were given a free pass last year. The Times said it had 227,000 paid
customers, but that it has decided advertising was a better source of revenue from the site. Subscribers will get a pro-rated refund. Here's more from the site's Letter to Readers:
Since we launched TimesSelect in 2005, the online landscape has altered
significantly. Readers increasingly find news through search, as well
as through social networks, blogs and other online sources. In light of
this shift, we believe offering unfettered access to New York Times
reporting and analysis best serves the interest of our readers, our
brand and the long-term vitality of our journalism. We encourage
everyone to read our news and opinion -- as well as share it, link to it
and comment on it.
And here's the Times Select Frequently Asked Questions page.
Commentors from the zone where blogging and journalism meet: Staci Kramer, Dave Winer, Jeff Jarvis, Jay Rosen
Previously, the service included the following (from its old sign-up page):
Get exclusive online access to The Times's
Op-Ed columnists - David Brooks, Maureen Dowd, Thomas L. Friedman, Bob
Herbert, Nicholas D. Kristof, Paul Krugman and Frank Rich. Read
features and analysis by select columnists from Business, New York/Region, Sports and the International
Herald Tribune.
Learn more about the issues the editorial board has been tracking.
Explore The Times archive dating back to 1851. Access 100 articles per month.
Save and file any article from NYTimes.com or from around the Web.
Access Times File from any computer with an Internet connection.
Receive personalized e-mail alerts on the topics that you choose.
Be the first to read selected articles before they are published in Sunday's Times.
Go beyond the written story with the sights and sounds of video, audio,
slide shows and interactive graphics.
Some, but not all, of the personalized e-mail services will continue. Details are on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
For anyone who doesn't get the irony in my "free as in beer" line, it's a reference to the "Free software" idea, whose main advocate says: "Free software" is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand
the concept, you should think of "free" as in "free speech,"
not as in "free beer." The new ability to search, share and link to more of the Times adds a bit to the other "free," too.
4:09:17 PM 
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