Taking a step that has tempted and terrified much of the newspaper industry, The New York Times announced on Wednesday that it would charge some frequent readers for access to its Web site ? news that drew ample reaction from media analysts and consumers, ranging from enthusiastic to withering.
Beginning in January 2011, unlimited access to NYTimes.com will require a paper subscription or payment of a flat fee.
Starting in January 2011, a visitor to NYTimes.com will be allowed to view a certain number of articles free each month; to read more, the reader must pay a flat fee for unlimited access. Subscribers to the print newspaper, even those who subscribe only to the Sunday paper, will receive full access to the site without any additional charge.
rest of the article here
Interesting article - might be a precedent for many other newspapers if the results turn out positive