The Dispatch began charging for some content on its website today, in a metered paywall program that will allow users of cdispatch.com free views on some content.
“The fact that traffic to cdispatch.com has doubled in the past year is evidence our readers find value in the content we produce,” said Peter Imes, Dispatch operations manager. “We are asking those readers who enjoy the website the most to purchase a subscription.”
Readers of news on cdispatch.com will be prompted to purchase unlimited access to the site after they view a total of 10 stories. Infrequent readers can read 10 stories a month at no charge. Also, features such as obituaries, mugshots and other information on the Crime page, classifieds, and calendar listings will remain free to all users.
Some frequently asked questions about the new website plan:
What”s going on?
The Dispatch is now charging for unlimited access to cdispatch.com. Online visitors may view 10 premium pages every 30 days. A subscription allows readers full access to all stories and features on cdispatch.com. Additionally, our eEdition — an electronic reproduction of the daily paper — is now available to all online visitors. eEdition allows readers to view our archives back to February 2009.
How much is an online subscription?
Print subscribers may subscribe to the website for the steeply discounted price of $1.95 per month. Non-print subscribers may subscribe for $7.95 per month or $79.50 per year. Readers who choose not to subscribe may read 10 stories per 30 days for free.
What pages are free and what pages count toward the 10?
Stories appearing in our news, sports, lifestyles, business and opinion sections are counted. Reading our eEdition also counts toward the 10. Obituaries, classified ads and crime pages are completely free and do not currently count toward the 10. You may look at as many of these pages as you want without charge.
Why do I have to pay for something I”ve gotten for free?
If you read 10 or fewer stories every 30 days, the site will continue to be free for you. If you find enough value in reading more than 10 stories per month, we ask that you support our work by purchasing a subscription for unlimited access to our website. Dozens of people work each day to write, photograph and publish The Dispatch. We believe there isvalue in a website that works hard to provide timely local news.
Why do print subscribers have to purchase a separate subscription?
Access to our website is available to our print readers at a very steep discount to the regular rate. For less than 7 cents per day our print readers can have the convenience of reading stories on our website. On top of the stories seen in the print edition, online readers have access to more photography, videos, reader comments and links to other interesting stories.
Is my print subscription price going up?
The Dispatch has no plans to change home delivery subscription rates. In fact, in March of this year, we dropped our rates.
I”m an eEdition subscriber. What happens to me?
eEdition subscribers automatically receive a subscription to our website until their current subscription expires. eEdition subscribers will receive an email from The Dispatch and from Press+ regarding the conversion of their eEdition account to a Press+ account. If you are an eEdition subscriber and have not received information on this change, please e-mail [email protected].
Who is Press+ and why do I have to use them to subscribe?
Press+ is run by a company called Journalism Online. They are one of the leading online subscription companies. The Dispatch has partnered with Journalism Online to manage our online subscriptions.
How do I subscribe?
Simply continue using the website normally. You will be prompted to subscribe after you view your 10 free stories.
Who do I call with questions?
Call Peter Imes at 662-328-2424 or email him at [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.