In case you missed it, the Bulletin today had a printing press problem and their paper was minimal today — just one section, a bunch of ads, and a puff piece about Bend. So even when they can’t print a full paper, the content doesn’t really change (props to Duncan).
I just find it ironic that on the day they couldn’t print the paper (and the online edition, which is usually behind a pay wall, was free today because of it), they announced they’re raising rates for print subscribers — but they’re throwing in online access with the rate increase. Read on for the full e-mail from their online department that was sent to subscribers:
Dear Valued Bulletin Subscriber,
You’ve asked for it and we’re delivering. Starting May 1st, we will be including full E-Edition access with your daily, home delivery subscription. You will receive both the print and the E-Edition for only $11.00 per month. Only a $.50 monthly increase to our print subscription rates will now include full E-Edition access. We will automatically transfer your current E-Edition account balance to your print subscription.
Your account information, including password, will remain the same. Your seamless login will remain intact.
Plus, you’ll be able to experience a variety of new subscriber-only features of our re-designed web site, including:
* Ability to comment on articles;
* All articles from the print paper, including wire-service content.
On May 1st please check us out at www.bendbulletin.com. We’d welcome your suggestions.
Sincerely,
Jan Even, New Media Director
The Bulletin
I had heard rumors for months that this was going to happen, I just think it’s funny that they increased the rate along with it. Yes, I know it’s only 50 lousy cents, but they’d easily be able to make that up with the added eyes their online advertising will now be exposed to. Just poor timing to me. Hopefully the redesign that’s coming out makes the whole site easier on the eyes.
Comments
So does this mean that ALL print subscribers will have access to the online version, even if they don’t plan on using the online version? What’s to stop me from using a friend’s password to read the articles online?
As far as I know, nothing’s stopping you, keeneye. Personally, I’d just rather them open it up to everybody and avoid this mess (and then I could actually link to an article there now and again).