The Times: paying the price for online content

The Sunday Times published a lengthy "focus" piece at the weekend about plans to erect a paywall around its online content, and that of its daily sister title the Times: "Quality journalism is expensive to produce," reporter Richard Woods argued, a sentiment with which few – Monkey included – could disagree. The article acknowledged that Rupert Murdoch's plan goes against received industry wisdom, and even quoted some sceptics who insist charging for content won't work – including Guardian editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger. But they were drowned out by voices arguing the internet is about to move into a new phase of paid-for content, with Uncle Rupe leading the charge. "It is not asking a lot: £2 for a week's subscription," Woods wrote – or should that be pleaded? The Sun's own plans to introduce online subscription is less advanced, but we look forward to page 3 stunna Hayley from Chorley telling readers about the new online economic paradigm and the business logic underpinning monthly fees for www.currentbun.com.