The announcement that the New York Times is getting ready to charge money--yes readers, actual $$$$$$$$--comes as no surprise. And if, as rumored, their plan will come hot-on-the-heels of the BIG OH-WHAT-A-SHOCK Apple Tablet launch... Well then. Strap yourself in, tight.
I told you so's are tedious. So instead of claiming some divine connection, some prescience, I will provide the absolute rule of predatory capitalism:"free" is an illusion, a chimera whose claw is in your pocket, fondling your money, even as you celebrate lucre's demise. (I actually talk like that. One of my personalities is a failed thespian...)
We, as an industry of media, of content producers and deliverers, must change the mantra, now. No time to wait. Instead of wringing your hands and wailing about how "there is no money in the 'net" or the even sillier "free is our right", please get with the solution: News will be free, premium, branded opinion and information will require payment.
The quicker we can accept this reality, the sooner this business can find its legs, and start running again.
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