What Are They Thinking?

The New York Times Company has just announced it will soon be charging for access to many of its features, particularly its Op-Ed columnists. The "modest fee" will be $49.95 for an annual subscription.

Why are they doing this? Alright, for money. But could the timing be worse? Because of its free and easy access on the internet, The New York Times has been able to consolidate its position as the paper of record. If it segregates its columnists behind a toll, readership will drop off in an era when more and more are getting their news and opinions on the net.

Honestly, who's going to pay for the luxury of reading Herbert, Kristof, Krugman, Dowd, Rich, Friedman and Brooks? They'll turn to sources doing it just as well--no, better--for free. Just as bad, less sites will comment on the Times, or link to it. It's as if they wish to remove themselves from the national conversation.