for a priceNEW YORK — For the first time, Rolling Stone is inviting its readers on the long, strange trip though the magazine’s 43-year archive, putting complete digital replicas online along with the latest edition. But you’ll have to pay to see it all.
With a new site launching Monday, Rolling Stone will become one of the most prominent magazines to decide that adding a “pay wall” is the best way to make money on the Web.
To many publishers and media analysts, charging for Web access is the fastest way to drive readers to free competition, where advertisers will follow. But even free sites with lots of readers haven’t been able to charge the kind of rates for advertising that print gets.
The magazine’s home page will remain mostly free. The kind of material that seems to work best on the Web — quick updates on who’s breaking up, slide shows of popular bands on tour — won’t cost readers anything.
But there will be reminders planted throughout the site that full access is just a few clicks and a credit card number away.
A one-month pass will cost $3.95, and annual access is $29.99. The Associated Press
