I guess we should consider the sources - AdAge (Before you base your b'ness plan on paid content read this) and Michael Wolff (Rupert's Last Stand) - who raise doubt about Murdoch's paid content. Here are my comments:
This is a game-changing moment for the industry. A time to discuss possibilities.
1) What does the market look like when information and media providers compete for audience by meriting a subscription?
2) What does the competition look like in a market where consumers are empowered to vote with their $?
3) How fast will the paid media economy grow when existing technology is leveraged to create a barter transaction system that debits for consumption, credits participation, credits links that lead to more subscribers?
4) Just how much will the audience pay for content which comes closer to emulating live events than any media has ever been capable of, e.g., enabling you to connect with like-minded individuals in real time - no matter where you are?
5) What is the premium brands will pay to earn the right to participate in paid media?
6) What is the role of agencies in a market where the media has a direct relationship with the audience?
7) Will consumers pay more to cherry pick content than they pay for the utility of access to choice via cable/isps/wireless?
The upside for consumers, media, and brands is so valuable, that discussion is merited more than censorship.
