Content monetisation and the iPad

26/03/10 posted by Liz Niland

The looming Easter launch of the iPad in the US has got everyone starting to talk finer details, particularly those around app and content pricing. Seeing this as an opportune chance to make some real money from their journalism, The Wall Street Journal have peeked out from behind their notorious paywall to announce the numbers on the price tag dangling from the subscription they will offer iPad users. Per month, the WSJ plans to charge $US17.99 - small change for businesspeople who can claim the costs from their employers - but will this be a sign of the price of iPad content to come?

The New York Times are yet to announce the dollars attached to their offering but, considering the high quality iPhone app that the Times currently offer for free, this outlet might give a more down-to-earth indication of other daily newspaper subscription pricing. Regardless of final user fees though, reports out today indicate that big-name advertisers such as Coke and Toyota are right behind the new technology, throwing six-figured sums at the applications. Mr Murdoch is sure to be rubbing his hands together with the thought of successful content monetisation.

According to those in the know though, eBook pricing for the iPad will be the same as those sold for Amazon’s Kindle. Originally rumoured to exceed Kindle pricing, offerings from the iBooks store are now sure to provide an even stronger rival to everyone’s favourite eBook reader. At Sharkey Media HQ, we’ve been a little skeptical about jumping in and purchasing the first generation iPad, but now it’s getting so close to Day Zero, we’re getting a bit excited about the future possibilities and the way content providers are finally beginning to move with the times. Below is a concept from already-online VIVmag. Hopefully newspapers and magazines are willing to experiement with all the possibilities now presented to them.