Tribune implements pay-wall on Thursday

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Life in the Internet world has changed the way we all live and shop and conduct business.

Internet-inspired change also has come to The Fort Scott Tribune. Beginning today -- Thursday, May 24 -- fstribune.com will implement a pay-for-access system for its website.

This is only the first step in a process of adapting and changing to meet the needs of readers and advertisers, as the newspaper strives to produce the best of both the print and digital worlds. Over the next several months, the newspaper will add more value with a colorful new format, increased local coverage, a community journalism initiative, mobile applications, more social media, and an expanded interactive website.

"I am proud to announce the new Fort Scott Tribune digital package," said Julie Simpson, The Fort Scott Tribune publisher. "The digital package provides more of everything for our current print subscribers, plus we have several options for those who have been requesting online-only access."

Current subscribers

Small subscription increases are on the horizon; however, all current print subscribers will receive full digital access as part of their regular subscription. There will be no additional charge to subscribers for unlimited online access. "A simple one-step registration is all that's needed to establish digital access, including an upcoming new mobile application that makes the online edition accessible for smartphones and tablets," noted Fort Scott Tribune office manager Teresa Klumpp. Get registered by calling 1-800-444-4812 or visiting nevadadailymail.com/access.

"Your print newspaper will continue to feature many extras not available online," said Simpson. Parade, Relish, coupons, comic strips, advertising inserts, and nationally syndicated columnists will all stay with the print edition only. "We continue to bring more coverage of our local community with both photos and stories to the print edition, and we're expanding our website offerings as well."

Non-subscribers

If you are not a current subscriber, you will have access to a limited number of articles on the website each month. Once the limit is reached, you will be offered subscription options, either online access only or the digital package of a printed newspaper plus unlimited online access.

"Change is the only constant," Simpson said. "Most people understand why newspapers nationwide are implementing the pay-for-access model for their websites. The fact is, the valuable content offered online as well as in print has a cost to collect, assemble, and package...and those costs rise just like other products such as gasoline, food, and entertainment. We have not had a subscription price increase in more than a decade. Few, if any, merchants can say that."

"We are here to help, and answer any questions or guide you through the online registration sign up," Klumpp added. "Please contact our online customer service assistance at 1-800-444-4812 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m."