Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Relevance

My guess is the New York Times will get a surprising number of subscriptions for its new pay service. It will be hailed as a model for internet subscriptions. But, over time their relevance and influence will seriously wane, hurting both print and internet ad revenues...

This decision will probably over the long run destroy the Times's greatest asset - its influence on the conversation and agenda. You read the Times because people read the Times. Chip away at that, and they'll chip away at what maintains their status.

My prediction: short term moderate success, long term Worst Business Decision Ever.