Slate tries a new sort of paywall

More than a decade ago, well before the current surge in online paywalls, the online magazine Slate experimented with charging for content.

It didn’t go well, and since then the publication has been dependent on advertising revenue.

But with other publications seeing success with paywalls, Slate is ready to try again.

Tomorrow it is introducing Slate Plus, a new premium service that will give subscribers things non-paying readers do not get, such as access to writers and special events.

The magazine is targeting its most engaged fans, including those who listen to the site’s podcasts.

Subscriptions will cost $50 per year or $5 per month.

The move was prompted by a desire to diversify, David Plotz, editor in chief of Slate, told The New York Times. Though advertising is strong, Slate does not want to be dependent on it exclusively, something the recent recession reminded many publications.

Tags: online magazines, paywalls, slate, slate advertising, slate paywall, slate plus