New York Times Website May Charge: Will You Pay? [Mashable POLL]

Really NYT?  Are we really doing this again? People are not only accustomed to free news content, they expect it.  Unless you have a very defined niche (see WSJ) pay for news doesn't work.  Any news organization that will be competing with the NYTimes will see an instant increase in online readership when/if the NYT goes forward with a pay plan. I understand that the revenue from online ad sales do and will not make up for the loss of revenue from traditional print advertising.  Print publications need to look towards the expanding possibilities presented by e-readers.  CES this year featured a nearly endless supply of new readers from traditional emerging tech companies such as Aesus to entrenched traditional companies such as Barnes and Noble (with an new/update to the Nook).

People expect for the news to be free, that's not about to change.  However, people are willing to pay for a service that will make accessing that news easier.  A news outlet would be able to charge individuals to have items constantly updated on a reader, especially if it has the opportunity to present itself in a traditional format.

New York Times Website May Charge: Will You Pay? [POLL]

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B&N does it right

Well, Barnes and Noble has officially released it's new e-book reader, The Nook, and it looks like they're the first to really grab a hold of all of the facets of book ownership. In addition to an attractive pricepoint ($259 usd), it includes integrated 3g and wifi (although the 3g is from ATT, not my personal favorite T-Mobile). But really, as far as I'm concerned the real innovation here, the real reason that this particular reader is noteworthy in an increasingly flooded market is the ability for peer-to-peer book sharing. And the best part is that the sharing is irrespective of device: You can share nook to nook, but it doesn't stop there. Using the new Barnes & Noble LendMe™ technology... you will be able to lend to and from any iPhone™, iPod touch®, BlackBerry®, PC, or Mac®, with the free Barnes and Noble eReader software downloaded on it. - via BN.com

Finally, the missing link in readers, the social aspect of reading (well at least until flexible OLED becomes a consumer reality, then we'll get to the really fun stuff). And B&N will do well to continue marketing the Nook based on that social element. Book sharing is a time honored tradition in most families and social circles. The Nook makes it even better, since the book is automatically "returned" when the 14 days are up. No more bothering your 80 year old aunt Mildred for that copy of Anna Karenina you loaned her 4 years ago.

Combined with the ability to scribble notes in the margins, there is little left to distinguish ebooks from their traditional counterparts (that being said, I'll always enjoy reading a physical book).

Good job B&N.  This should be good.