As I was reading the Economist today.  It struck me why I don't have a subscription anymore.  I don't want to deal with the paper (it sucks — I can't search it and it clutters up my home).  I also don't want just the website.  It isn't enough.  It seems shallow.  I want a full copy of the website on my desktop.  Full searchable archives for all the issues I get while I am subscribed.  A full list of all issues, by date that I can click on and explore.  I want to take it on the road with me.  Nothing less will do. 

How much is that worth to the Economist?  Say 300,000 feel like I do.  They think the Economist is one of the essential resources of intellectual life.  If the Economist charged $10 a month for that, I would subscribe.  Value, with virtually no change (in fact a reduction in their site costs) in their architecture = $36 m a year.  Enough for them to sit up and take notice?  Yes.  I bet they aren't making any money from their online site, probably even losing money.  This alternative is almost pure profit.  Just a thought.  

Radio could make this easy…. [John Robb's Radio Weblog