Believe Quote by Robert G. Picard
“I believe that online paid content hasn't worked for general circulation newspapers because consumers weren't ready for it, because the implementation did not deliver enough value, because content was typically the same as in the print version, and because much of the material was being syndicted by the papers to other publishers or was not protected with DRM technologies to exclude use by others.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Economics of Media, 1990
Online paid content failed for newspapers because consumers saw no extra value, and content was duplicated and unprotected.
In simple terms: Paywalls didn't work because readers got nothing new and content was easily copied.
Key Takeaway
Offer unique, high‑value digital content behind paywalls.
Themes
media economics
digital publishing
consumer behavior
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
strategic
insightful
When to use this quote
- newspaper business models
- subscription strategies
- digital rights management
Key Concepts
value proposition
DRM
content differentiation
Questions to Reflect On
- What unique value can digital news provide?
- How can DRM balance protection and usability?
A Different Perspective
Readers may still resist paying without compelling exclusivity.
