New York Times Articles Now Free

On Monday, The New York Times announced that many of its online articles are now free to view. Prior to this, they could be accessed by either purchasing the article or having a subscription to The New York Times. Articles that are not available include articles from 1923 to 1986. Articles prior to 1923 are in public domain and offered for free. They offered so many articles for free with the intention of promoting interest in their online website. Their income has also changed from subscription to advertising based. This change will not affect jobs.

On one hand, this is good for the people who might have stumbled upon an interesting sounding headline from The New York Times, but were dismayed that they would have to pay to read it. On the other hand, this is bad news for other competing newspapers. This change could lead to other changes throughout the world. Bloggers that link to articles might now start linking to articles from The New York Time. The New York Times website could also become a very popular place.

As far as I'm concerned, this is unabashedly a good thing. I've been the person who has found my way to a New York Times article but was later dismayed that I would have to pay to continue reading it. For that reason, I have tried to avoid The New York Times, in order to curb any desires to purchase articles. But with it now free, I can look all I want. And The New York Times does have some pretty interesting articles.

Sources;
Reuters
Slashdot

Edit; If The New York Times hits you with a page that prevents you from accessing an article, then you need only register with them. Registering is free.