This question "pops up" with some regularity:
"What is with this annoying Press+ pop-up, on the TC web site? This is the only newspaper site I go to that uses an annoying pop- up, with every click. I guess you are trying to get people to subscribe, but this is not the way to do it. You must be driving people away."
How I answered:
"Thanks for your note and interest in this topic.
"In fact, many newspapers use the Press+ service to meter pageviews and collect subscriptions. In B.C., notably, the Vancouver Sun and Province newspaper use the same technology.
"Most metro daily newspapers are now employing some form of a 'paywall' for readers that is activated after a certain number of free views. In our case, you will be greeted by the subscription popup after two and five free views. Once you get to 10 views during a 30-day period, you will be asked to buy a subscription before you are allowed to view any more.
"While I sympathize that the pop-ups may seem intrusive or annoying, they are a necessity. Good journalism is worth paying for and people won’t pay if we don’t ask them.
"If you are reading more then 10 articles in a month, it is certainly a worthwhile expense to get the print or web-only subscription.
"Right now, you can get a one-month trial subscription for 94 cents. Once you subscribe, no more pop-ups.
"Find the offer here: http://www.timescolonist.com/unlimited-for-print-subscribers-or-94-for-one-month-trial-1.192199
"That same subscription will give you unlimited access to the iOS apps, which we are hopeful will be released by the end of the month.
"If you have any other questions, please let me know."
I never heard back from this particular reader after I responded, so I'm left to believe that he accepted my tactful and sympathetic response.
Please direct any questions or comments about our digital products my way. Click on the e-mail link above, or find my contact information HERE.
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