With the advancement of technology, do you think electronic subscriptions will fully replace paper newspapers & magazines, especially with the fragmentation of fees like with the NY Times app?

The plan has gotten a lot of skepticism since it launched in March because of its unusual porousness and complexity. Users can still access up to 20 articles for free every four weeks before having to pay, but some of its blogs and other content are outside the paywall. And people who come to any articles through searches, social media and blogs will still be able to read those article regardless of the monthly limit (so there are all sorts of ways to beat the system and get in for free, like altering the URL).

Today’s form letter, signed by a marketing executive for the company, doesn’t do much to make me more excited about how the Times is going about charging. It uses the tried-and-true print subscription tactic that you’ve seen newspapers and magazines use for decades. “Continue your unlimited access and pay 99¢ for your first 8 weeks,” the email exclaims.

After that point, the cost goes up $3.75 a week for the basic access plan. It includes the web and a mobile app, but not tablets and other features, which you’ll have to pay more for. A yearly cost for the base plan comes out to $195. It’s on the high end of digital subscription costs, although a little lower than what its rival, The Wall Street Journal, currently offers.

via Despite All The Issues, I’m Ready To Buy My Digital Subscription To The New York Times | TechCrunch.