[LINK] Shirky on Newspapers, Paywalls, and Core Users

[Jan Whitaker]

>
>http://www.shirky.com/weblog/2012/01/newspapers-paywalls-and-core-users/

Just read this and the comments that follow, which are also 
insightful. The thought struck me: if online newspapers can't rely on 
advertising, as they have in the past for their print bundles, why 
can other online services, such as Google search and Facebook? Isn't 
that what makes them so valuable? Search is a service that we don't 
pay for directly, but indirectly through the ads. Facebook is a 
communication exchange service and ego building platform ('look at 
me! look at me!'), and is valued at millions? billions? of dollars 
because of this.

Why doesn't the online information provision services (news, essays, 
etc.) work under the same model that has spawned these? Granted, we 
can go to free services and get the retread syndicated reports, but 
if I want the local stuff, even state level, I go to my preferred online paper.

Is it a difference in the number of eyeballs, news orgs versus 
search/social media services? Is it the cost of supporting two 
delivery systems at the same time in the transition phase? any ideas?

Maybe a hybrid approach is required during the transition: adverts 
plus patron contributions.

Jan



Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
jwhit at janwhitaker.com
blog: http://janwhitaker.com/jansblog/
business: http://www.janwhitaker.com

Our truest response to the irrationality of the world is to paint or 
sing or write, for only in such response do we find truth.
~Madeline L'Engle, writer

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