By the numbers: why NYT digital subscriptions are horribly priced
Mar 21, 2011The New York Times recently announced pricing for its digital subscriptions. A subscription will be required to get full access to their site, or to access it via a phone or tablet (their distinction, not mine).
You’d assume that if you wanted a printed version of the paper as well, you’d have to pay extra, right? In fact, no! Subscribing for print delivery will actually save you up to 57.7% on a digital subscription. In fact, in only 4 of 12 subscription combinations will a printed version cost you extra. In all other cases, you’ll actually save money, or pay the same price.
Here’s the math:
| WEB + SMARTPHONE: | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Full Subscription: | $29.60 (97.3% extra) |
| Weekender: | $20.80 (38.6% extra) |
| Sunday Only: | $15.00 (0.0% less) |
| Weekdays: | $14.80 (1.3% less) |
| WEB + TABLET: | $20.00 |
|---|---|
| Full Subscription: | $29.60 (48.0% extra) |
| Weekender: | $20.80 (4.0% extra) |
| Sunday Only: | $15.00 (25.0% less) |
| Weekdays: | $14.80 (26.0% less) |
| ALL DIGITAL ACCESS: | $35.00 |
|---|---|
| Full Subscription: | $29.60 (15.4% less) |
| Weekender: | $20.80 (40.6% less) |
| Sunday Only: | $15.00 (57.1% less) |
| Weekdays: | $14.80 (57.7% less) |
I’d be happy to pay the New York Times for content. I gladly pay Apple $0.99 to watch an episode of my favorite TV shows because they make it so easy. That $0.99 is worth it to see it in HD, on my TV, without ads.
Here’s a pricing scheme I’d be happy with: $10-15/month for a base subscription without ads, plus $5 for each additional device.
