Star Tribune Unveils 20-Article Paywall

MINNEAPOLIS - Like it or not, those who regularly read the Star Tribune online will soon have to pay for it they want to read more than 20 articles a month now that the paper has started to charge users based on how many articles they read.

Kevin Johnson said he is an avid reader of the Star Tribune's website, but said he soon will change that habit.

"This is the last time I'll ever be using it," he said.

Johnson recently learned about the 20-article-per-month limit, which is called a paywall -- and he's not buying it.

"I think it's an incredibly stupid idea," Johnson said frankly. "I can get my news anywhere for free -- including local news online. Why would I pay them to get something I can get free online?"

Graeme Thickins, of GT&A Strategic Marketing, has helped startup companies launch internet sites for nearly 20 years. Thickins says the Star Tribune is just following in the footsteps of the New York Times and other large newspapers.

"You can't keep up giving this stuff away for free," he explained. "The time has come where people are realizing good journalism does cost money."

Rich Neumeister recently tweeted about the change, saying he believes media outlets should provide free information on the Internet.

"To me, it's a disappointment. As someone involved at the state Legislature, I rely on a great number of their stories," he explained.

Neumeister said he feels the decision is a turn wayl from the paper's previous online presence.

"It's always said it's open to everyone -- 'Come to our site, come to our newspaper. We will keep you, the public, informed,'" he said. "I think the paywall goes completely against that promise."

Each month, 2.3 million people visit StarTribune.com. While it remains to be seen how many will turn away, some users who spoke with FOX 9 News said they are not happy. Out of a dozen or so people interviewed, not one said they would pay to access news on the site.

Leaders at the Star Tribune declined to comment on camera, but said the majority of their readers will not be affected by the change. Also, those who receive a print copy two days a week will get complimentary online access. New users will pay 99 cents per week for 10 weeks, and then $1.99 a week after that.