Recently, there was a report that Facebook was going to test a subscription news service where users would hit, for example, a ten-article limit, and then be offered a subscription. The subscription would be via the publisher's own systems, and not via Facebook. It's be a paywall on Facebook.
According to a story on Recode, it wants to help publishers sell the subscription, and not take a cut.
“Quality journalism costs money to produce, and we want to make sure it can thrive on Facebook. As part of our test to allow publishers in Instant Articles to implement a paywall, they will link to their own websites to process subscriptions and keep 100% of the revenue.” Facebook Says It Wants to Help News Publishers, and Not Take Their Revenues [recode.net]
Very interesting. Has Facebook realised it needs the synergy and survival of the publishers? It's certainly making enough for its own development through selling its own advertising.
Earlier story
Report: Facebook to Test Subscription News Service [webmasterworld.com]
