A few examples:
Q: How will this differ from TimesSelect? Why was TimesSelect abandoned?A: The metered model differs from TimesSelect in that it is for the entire site, not just the columnists and archives. TimesSelect grew to 227,000 paying subscribers, but we decided to take down the wall because search was becoming a bigger factor and advertising was more robust.
Q:Dedicated Times readers will likely pay for the site, but they’re going to struggle to gain new readers. And isn’t that the imperative issue of this generation for newspapers – getting new, consistent readership in a digital age?
A: We have carefully considered the impact this will have on readership and advertising revenue, and believe our approach will be flexible enough to preserve, even enhance, our digital advertising business as we build our online subscriber base.
Q: Why are you waiting until 2011 (to launch the pay program)?
A: Ultimately we recognize that our success will be judged by how well we execute this effort in the months to come. That is why we are waiting until 2011 to introduce this new system. We are determined to make subscribing as smooth and easy as possible.
The Times also answers questions about a number of other topics that will be of interest to current subscribers, Kindle users, overseas readers and even crossword buffs. Check it out.