Mark Andreessen: NYT Should Shut Down Print Edition "as soon as possible".

A throw away line, or something to consider?

 

A couple years ago, I would have said he was insane.

Now, with the popularity of tablets, I'm in wait-and-see mode.

 

The real question is can you make money in an online only format. Not sure that you can.

 

NYT already gives print subscribers free digital access, yeah? Can't imagine there are more than a hundred people in the world who get the NYT print edition and don't have a tablet or smartphone.

It sounds like a good idea but they would have to go in the red for a bit while luring advertisers. But I think Andreesen's point is more aimed at the ad dept, which has not adapted well in the industry. Even more than news, it's unfamiliar people trying to talk new technology that they don't really know.

Startup culture is all about being nimble and putting yourself at risk of failure. Necessity is the mother of invention, yada yada. Not newspaper culture for sure.

 

Elderly people.

 

There are probably more than 100 people on a single block on the Upper East Side who subscribe to the NYT that don't have a tablet or smartphone.

 

I seriously doubt that. Not NYT readership market.

Dick, elderly people have a lot more tech in their lives these days.

 

This. I can name at least four.

 

I read the Times on my tablet during the week and the Sunday Times in print when I have three hours in the morning to take it in. I could see this being the plan in the future.

 

Just a question: If there were no newspapers printing - NONE - would there then be an abundance of ad revenue for an online-only edition?

 

What does Andreessen know , he voted for Romney. Hard to believe that the guy is only 41. He has accomplished so much already. Grew up in Cedar Falls Iowa. I guess the digital divide did not hurt him much.

As far as the Times going all digital the number one reason should be the environment. It would give a greater consistency to their sustainability message.

Think of the impact eliminating print edition would have on their environmental footprint.

Personally I have not read print edition for at least a year. Now read on my Kindle for $19.99 a month. So efficient I would never think of going back to hard copy.

Biggest issue to me would be loss of advertising dollars. No adds on Kindle edition.

 

Wow. And you get everything? I pay like $60 a month for the print edition.