Tip Jar

I’m sure this isn’t new, but let me float something here: Why not add something like a tip jar to every story that runs on a newspaper website? Something like this (upper right). We’ve all written stories that people appreciate. Think of the best email you’ve recieved from someone who stumbled onto your story online, then took the time to let you know how much they appreciated you profiling a midwife, or you busting some political balls, or whatever. Now ask yourself this: Would that person — who was reading the information free of charge — contribute something to the newspaper?

Would the people who appreciate investigative reporting be inclined to cough up money to support it?

Would readers take advantage of the implied power this would afford them to try to steer coverage?

My feeling: 95 percent of the non-subscribers who read online only wouldn’t pay a dime. Five percent would.

The same sort of thing seems to be working for NPR, right?

Have I got this totally wrong? What’s the harm?