Category Archives: Business & Careers

Philanthropist author Philip Smith to headline at Canada's premier international event on microfinance

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Philanthropist author Philip Smith to headline at Canada’s premier international event on microfinance and financial inclusion (Sept 16 & 17)

Toronto International Microfinance Summit announced today that Philip Smith, successful American entrepreneur and co-author of A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit, Barefoot Banking, and the Business Solution for Ending Poverty will speak at its Friday Gala and set the tone for the 2-day Toronto event. In its third year, the Summit brings together microfinance practitioners, business, international development agencies, NGOs and students to learn, interact and get involved. This year’s theme – From Microcredit to Financial Inclusion: Making a Difference in our World – is the focus of the signature events:

Gala – September 16 (Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street) to raise funds for international and domestic microfinance projects and a scholarship. Reception: 6:00 pm, Dinner & Program: 7:30 pm. Silent & live auctions, entertainment.

Conference – September 17 (Allstream Centre, Exhibition Place,105 Princes’ Blvd.) features experts who address the effectiveness of microfinance as a poverty alleviation tool and provide frontline insights from around the world. A NEW MicroMarketplace will showcase products of micro-entrepreneurs. Registration: 7:30 -9:00 am, Program & Lunch: 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

“Microfinance is an effective way to deal with poverty,” says Dr. Carol Golench, President of Toronto International Microfinance Summit. “When you consider that, worldwide, in 2009 over 92 million borrowers from nearly 2,000 microfinance institutions had an average loan balance of $527USD, you realize microfinance is addressing poverty in a significant way and transforming people’s lives.”

“Microcredit enables people to become givers, not takers,” adds Philip Smith. “Microcredit should not be seen as charity but rather as the opportunity poor people need to build a decent life. Through microcredit, donors can shed the old hand-out mentality and become true partners in progress with the people of the developing world.”

Over 30 event speakers include: Bob Annibale – Citi, Joyce Lehman – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Michael Bowles – Aga Khan Foundation, Kadita (A.T.) Tshibaka – Opportunity International USA, Stéphanie Émond – FINCA Canada, Dr. Tanjina Mirza, PLAN Canada, Jeff Rayman – UEnd: Poverty Foundation, Deborah Lindholm – Foundation for Women and Gordon Crann – Rotarian Action Group for Microcredit.

Once again, The MasterCard Foundation is providing financial assistance for the first 100 students to register for the conference.

EARLYBIRD DEADLINE for conference tickets is SEPTEMBER 2 . Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn. Watch the Microwalk on YouTube. Watch for our new mobile app.

For tickets, a full list of speakers and more information, visit www.microfinanceconference.ca.

Toronto International Microfinance Summit is Canada’s premier event focusing on domestic and international microfinance. Founded in 2009, this non-profit organization was inspired by Rotarian Action Group for Microcredit (RAGM) and Rotary District 7070 Microfinance Committee. The Summit’s signature Conference and Gala are run entirely by volunteers of diverse backgrounds and ages. Our vision is a world without poverty through microfinance. Our mission is to educate people on microfinance – a formidable poverty reduction tool, create a forum for dialogue and raise funds for domestic and international microfinance projects and educational scholarships. Formerly the Summit was known as Toronto Microfinance Conference & Gala.

Venture Capitalists' Confidence Falls in Silicon Valley and China

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The Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Confidence Index® for the second quarter of 2011, based on a June 2011 survey of 35 Bay Area venture capitalists, registered 3.66 on a 5 point scale (with 5 indicating high confidence and 1 indicating low confidence). This quarter’s index dropped significantly from the previous quarter’s reading of 3.91 ending the upward momentum in confidence since its low point in Q4 2008.

This is the 30th consecutive quarterly survey and report and, thus, provides unique quantitative and qualitative trend data and analysis on the confidence of Silicon Valley VCs in the future high-growth entrepreneurial environment. Mark V. Cannice, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Management, authors the report each quarter.

In his report Cannice writes, “While many of the participating venture capitalists continued to be confident in the future prospects of the high-growth entrepreneurial environment, an increasing number found reason for caution due to worrisome macro economic trends, seemingly inflated valuations, uneven capital availability, and regulatory constraints in the life science arena.” For example, Bob Pavey of Morgenthaler Ventures explained, “We are still in the early stages of an upturn…but there will continue to be many downs as well as ups. Some of the downs will be painful.” Similarly, Bob Ackerman of Allegis Capital contended, “The venture market is still regaining its footing,” adding, “A capital shortage in very early stage investing is overshadowed by exuberance in the social media sector.” However, Deepak Kamra of Canaan Partners stated, “Despite recent volatility, the exit window is still open for M&A and IPO’s, and will probably be open for quality companies for some time.”

Dr. Cannice concluded that while a general up-cycle in the venture environment persists, there is a risk that politically induced economic uncertainty in the U.S. and Europe could dry up liquidity in the financial markets and among corporate acquirers that could constrain the currently vibrant exit market.

In a companion study on confidence among venture capitalists in China, Cannice and his co-author Ling Ding, found confidence declining to near a six year low on concerns of bubble valuations, more difficult exits, and a slowing economy.

For the complete Q2 2011 report, please visit:

http://www.usfca.edu/uploadedFiles/Destinations/management/Docs/Cannice_SV_VC_Index_2011_Q2.pdf

Apprentice Felicity Jackson Gives Frost the Low-down on ‘Surviving Actors’.

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Felicity Jackson has been known in the acting industry for years now thanks to her awesome Surviving Actors convention. This year she also came to the attention of Alan Sugar, becoming one of his apprentices. She gives us the goss on business, acting and her apprentice experience.

1) What was the idea behind Surviving actors?

Surviving Actors was a initially going to be a recruitment fair for actors to find those “in between” jobs. We then added the two other key areas to the event – Develop and Create. We believe that all three areas are important to a successful career!

2) How did you make surviving actors a success?
Surviving Actors was a success from our first event because I made sure that I spoke to as many actors as I could to form an event that would be useful to all those involved. We also gained support from Fourth Wall Magazine who were a huge help with our website and marketing.

3) The last surviving actors was a resounding success, everyone I knew was there, how does that feel?
It was an incredible feeling – the event doubled in size, and the response was phenomenal. It definitely inspired me to carry on running my events and to work on what I have already achieved.

4) What is your background?
I went to Drama School to train as an actress which I enjoyed immensely. After graduating I was fortunate to work in a couple of tours, and also did various “in between jobs” which is where I gained a lot of my contacts that I share with the Surviving Actors visitors. I then came up with the idea to set up my own business, and now that is what I do full time!

5) What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
I’ve learnt that in order to maintain a successful business you must build good relationships with other similar companies who are the same stages – you really can help each other out!

6) What is the most important thing an actor can do to help their career?
I believe that planning for those ” in between ” times is extremely important – finding well paid work that utilises your acting skills. I also believe in taking chances, putting your own work on and not sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring!

7) How was your Apprentice experience?
Wow – it’s hard to summarise it in just one sentence! It was a crazy and surreal experience, but I loved every second of it! The board room is pretty scary – no amount of auditions can every prepare you for those nerves! I was inspired by the other candidates I worked with, and learnt from all the tasks I was involved in! My favourite point was when we were doing the graphic design for “Ampi Apps” – it was refreshing to use my creative skills!

8) How can companies get involved with Surviving Actors?
Companies can become involved by exhibiting at our next convention in Manchester on July 23rd. It’s a great chance to meet actors who could benefit from the services that they offer. The day is well thought out, and always keeps the actors needs at the fore front of every decision. It’s created by actors, for actors!

9) What’s next?
Well our next event is at Manchester University, Renold Building on July 23rd 2011 – you can register for a free e-ticket here @ http://survivingactors.com/register.html
We are back in London in January 2012!

Thanks Felicity

Blue Sky Scrubs Makes Medical Community Look Chic

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Just because they are busy saving lives doesn’t mean doctors and nurses don’t need to look chic – a maxim that Blue Sky Scrubs have taken to heart.

The company offer a large variety of medical apparel, from a variety of lab coats, hats, jackets, shirts and scrub – including burnt orange scrubs -.and are determined to make sure that medical professionals look their best.

Blue Sky Scrubs even has jewellery that looks fabulous and can double as lanyards – and perhaps with one eye on the surgeon of the future, they even have scrubs for children. Of course, we at Frost love companies that let people do their job while looking their best and mightily approves of the design and price. Blue Sky Scrubs have a sterling silver toggle clasp that has four uses, a long necklace, a short necklace, a lanyard and a bracelet. It even has matching earrings. Getting lanyards for students is also a great idea as they can stay with their groups.

If you are in the medical profession (and even if you aren’t, anyone who has seen the amazing TV show Scrubs might have a thing for someone in the uniform) go to their website http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

We give them the Frost stamp of approval for their brilliant design and low cost functionality. Playing doctors and nurses was never so much fun!

New Masterclasses Teach Actors To Be Their Best

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As an actor, continual training is important. So I have interviewed Paul Burton, Ronnie Le Drew and Leoni Kibbey who will both be doing masterclasses for pro active actors at the famous Elstree Studios.

Paul Burton

1) Tell me about the Masterclasses

There are currently four masterclasses scheduled and each one is being held at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG

Actress, filmmaker and film & TV casting director, Leoni Kibbey, is taking an initial three masterclasses. They are:

Leoni Kibbey – Masterclass For Actresses:

Date: Monday 23rd May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: An enjoyable and intensive one-day masterclass for actresses aged 18+ only! This will be a chance for you to gain valuable industry advice, practise your audition technique and hone your screen acting skills. You should come away with a better understanding of the industry and how to market yourself and increase your chances of being cast. It will be a fun and practical day and there will be opportunities to practise your acting skills and receive constructive feedback in a positive environment.

Leoni Kibbey – Screen Acting Masterclass:

Date: Tuesday 24th May 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ with lots of opportunities to practise your screening acting skills using a full-range of film, TV and commercial scripts. This will be a very practical masterclass where you will learn by ‘doing’ as well as watching your fellow classmates. Techniques, terminology and other useful advise to help further your career as a screen actor or actress will all be included as part of the day.

Leoni Kibbey – Audition Masterclass:

Date: Thursday 9th June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: A one-day masterclass for actors and actresses aged 18+ where you will learn about the different types of audition. You will also find out the best way to apply for a job and gain an understanding of how agents and casting directors deal with applications. The day will also educate you on what to expect at an audition and how to improve your skills and confidence.

Each of Leoni’s masterclasses costs just £55 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

Meanwhile, former Rainbow puppeteer, Ronnie Le Drew, will be running a special one-day masterclass on Friday 3rd June 2011. This will be a chance for any aged 18+ to learn more about the art of puppetry.

Ronnie Le Drew – Puppetry Masterclass:

Date: Friday 3rd June 2011

Times: 11am – 7pm

Description: Set to be taken by puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew (best-known for having operated Zippy in the Thames TV children’s show, Rainbow), this special one-day masterclass will include an opportunity to operate glove puppets, rod puppets and marionette puppets and to explore the potential that each has to offer. The day will also include the showing of video clips from Ronnie’s theatre, film & TV career which spans forty years. There will also be time for a Q&A session. Set to take place at Elstree Studios where Ronnie worked on the Jim Henson film Labyrinth in 1986, this masterclass will be a unique opportunity for anyone aged 18+ to explore and find out more about the exciting world of puppets.

A place on Ronnie’s masterclass costs just £50 each and includes a two-course lunch (vegetarian option) with a fruit juice.

2) What’s your background?

Gosh, that could take hours to explain! I have twenty-two years of experience running a variety of my own theatre, film, TV and radio projects. I’m basically a self-employed writer, filmmaker and film & TV historian. You can found out more about me at: www.paulburton.org.uk

3) How important is it for actors to keep training?

I think it is very important. I personally believe each of the masterclasses which are holding will benefit actors and actresses (yes, despite being only 37, I am old fashioned and still use both titles!) a great deal. I think learning new skills is also essential in this industry. As a director I am always more impressed when I get an application for an actor or an actress who has shown to continue to take extra training and learn new skills post drama school. It shows that they are hardworking and serious about their careers in what is obviously a very competitive world.

4) Is it exciting to be at Elstree studios?

Yes, so many of my favouirte films have been made at the complex since 1924, so to be walking down the same corridors and using the same rooms and areas used by my favorite actors, actresses, producers and directors is a great thrill. I never tire of walking through the gates and entering the studios. And the management have been so supportive to me over the last few years.

The Masterclass Project – Website: www.themasterclassproject.org

To request further details and a booking form, please email Paul Burton: paulburton73@hotmail.co.uk

Leoni Kibbey

1) Tell me about the masterclass

I was really pleased to be asked by Paul Burton to teach on his masterclass sessions. He runs a variety of masterclasses for actors and actresses which are taken by experienced professionals from the world of theatre, film & television at Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire.

2) What will you be teaching at the masterclasses?

I am teaching 3 different day long courses – each day will be fun and practical, there will be lots of chances to perform and get involved. I am certainly more ‘get up and do’ than ‘sit down and listen’. One of the classes is a casting master-class just for women and then there are two for anyone age 18+ – a screen acting day and an audition technique day. I think having an understanding of the industry is as important as talent and these masterclasses will help develop both as well as give you an opportunity to practise your skills and receive honest constructive feedback.

I often run casting workshops which last just a couple of hours. I am looking forward to giving a more intense day long workshop as it gives the actors a chance to learn more and to totally immerse their day in the world of casting as well as for me to learn more about them as actors and actresses.

I think they are very good value and having lunch included is an added bonus. For full details on the courses go to the masterclass website: http://www.themasterclassproject.org/leonikibbey.htm

3) As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

It keeps your skills honed. It keeps you fresh as an actor. It allows you to make contacts and meet new people. I think a workshop session is a great way to learn because by watching others you also get a good measure of your own ability and what you may need to work on as well as learning from others.

4) How do you think the masterclasses will help people in their career.

It will give them a better awareness of the industry and how to approach work and auditions. It will give them pointers on how to improve their acting and I think any opportunity to meet a casting director is another step closer towards getting a job. In this relaxed, fun environment it will hopefully allow people to show the best of their talent throughout the day.

5) What is your background?

I trained as an actress at Mountview Theatre School, graduating in 1998. Since then I have worked as an actress, casting director and now producer. I am a busy multi-tasker and I understand all aspects of the industry and I enjoy passing that on in a workshop setting. I now regularly cast commercials and tv projects and feature films – including the multi-million pound feature film Shakespeare’s Daughter which I am about to begin casting.

Ronnie Le Drew

1.Tell me about the master-class

I was asked by Paul Burton to run a days master Class on Puppet
manipulation. we talked about how many students?,Time for Q and A and
an opportunity for showing clips from my professional work over many
years, all this and lunch too ! of course the answer was “yes”.

2. What will you be teaching at the master-classes?

The day will begin with a short introduction, and then straight
into the manipulation of Glove puppets, Rod puppets and Marionettes
(String puppets) each of the different kind of puppet requires a
individual skill. which I intend to pass on to the students. Learning
all this will take more than a days course, but I hope to leave
knowing that each student will have a knowledge of the basic
performance possibilities of each puppet.

3, As an actor yourself, what do you think the benefits of continual training are?

I am a puppeteer first with some acting skills, the benefits of
continual training are the same for both actor and puppeteer. Learning
new skills only enhances your knowledge and opens one’s eye’s to new
opportunities, which can only be a good thing for both an actor and
puppeteer one never stops learning, to do so will inhibit one’s
professional career.

4. How do you think the master-classes will help people in their career?

I hope to add to the actor/performer new skills which in today’s
theatre, film and television, is essential. Actor/performers are
regularly asked what else can you do other than act !

5.What is your background?

I started as an apprentice puppeteer at the Little Angel Theatre
way back in the 60’s and went on to work in Television Film For more
information do see my web page :-
www.ronnieledrew.com

6. What is your specialty?

My Specialty is performing, directing, and teaching Puppetry in
all it’s forms. It has been my profession for all my working career
and continues to give me tremendous pleasure.

“When Ronnie Met Zippy” the
utterly splendid biography of Ronnie Le Drew to be published march
2012.

How To Know When It's Time To Leave Your Job

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You know it’s time to leave when…

1. The Christmas office party does not extend beyond £25 per head and a memo goes out beforehand on ‘company standards’
2. The HR Manager knows your name, really well
3. The logo is blue and boring or the company has ‘solutions’ in the name
4. You get issued with an employee badge and an employee number
5. The internal meeting is more important than a customer meeting
6. The execs have their own car parking spaces
7. A company-wide email comes round asking “whoever parked in the MD’s parking space to please move their car straight away”
8. The loo roll is as thin as the office walls
9. The company has a fish tank, a flag or even worse an animal mascot
10. The company has a restricted use of the internet and social media sites during office hours
11. Flexible working means some nights you can knock off at six
12. The company has no women on the board or in senior management positions
13 .The annual kick get relocated from Dubai to Derby
14. Your company downgrades its biscuits to Rich Tea
15. The CEO complains that it’s easy not being the CEO
16. Part of your promotion means you get a comfier chair
17. You get passed over for promotion because your skirt is not short enough
18. The company ‘invests’ in plastic plants
19. Questions are asked whether you have contributed to the tea and coffee fund
20. The execs drive cars worth more than your house and wear watches worth more than your car
21. The boss thinks it’s cool to start up a company band………..as long as he is in it
22. A senior exec has to leave the company suddenly because of an ‘expenses irregularity’
23. You spend half your wages on restaurant/coffee machine
24. The CEO takes a special interest in interviewing female graduate trainees
25. The receptionist doesn’t learn your name and never will
26. The company share scheme is worth 1/10 of the boss’s monthly pension scheme but is less likely to pay out
27.The company party moves from a London venue to the company meeting room
28. The ageing CEO starts wearing tight black t-shirts and jeans to the office
29.The HR director has a seat at the management meetings
30. Your boss doesn’t know who your clients are
31.Your company announces a 24/7, 365 days a week policy and insists you adhere to it
32.Your office socials are 3-line-whips, but you still have to buy your own beer
33.You have a retirement date calculator as a screen saver
34.Your HR department is more listened to than customers
35.You are passed over for promotion in favour of the boss’s secretary who has decided to re-train
36.You walk past the HR manager’s office and you see your name’s on the board
37.You get stuck in the revolving door at head office and need to be released by the fire brigade
38.The boss says, why do we need a Social Media strategy?
39.The receptionist is replaced by meeters and greeters
40.Your boss has a special obsession with dogs wearing glasses and other ropey Powerpoint clip-art
41.Your boss keeps telling you there’s a tough reception outside and there’s no way you could get another job
42.You’ve heard your boss’s “why I set up the company” first hand 200+ times and there doesn’t seem to be an edited version
43.You take your clients out for lunch and your boss pays with a Pizza Express ‘buy-one-get-one free’ voucher
44.The CEO says we must do the right thing by the customer, but you know you will be asked to do unnatural things to make the numbers at the end of the quarter
45.You get a new set of business cards with a 25-year career logo on
46.The organisation chart goes up and your name’s not on it
47.Your new boss says I won’t be making any changes – just yet
48.Your boss knows your partner’s name at the Christmas party but forgets yours
49.Your boss is married to the HR manager and you’re unaware of it
50.The company mascot has its own web site and blog

So that is the Frost / Clevertouch definitive list of 50 ways (reasons) to leave your company. If you can tick more than 5 we suggest you should start clearing your in-tray immediately and perhaps contacting us at info@clever-touch.com.

We would love to get to a top 100, if you can contribute more please visit our joined-up-marketing blog (www.clever-touch/blog) and add your top reasons to leave in the comments box below or in Frost’s comment box below.

WOMEN IN MALE-DOMINATED TRADES: KENT FEMALE ELECTRICIAN

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Electrician Charlotte Riddle.

Currently there are more men working in industries such as building, plumbing like Shower regrouting perth and electrical engineering than women, but this is a changing trend says Checkatrade, which helps people avoid cowboy builders by providing a free transparent and impartial directory of vetted tradespeople and service providers across the UK.

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), 63% of 16-24 year old women polled said they are more interested in learning a skilled trade rather than a profession, because a trade stays with them for life. When asked which trade they would like to learn, the results were as follows:

1. Electrician (35%)
2. Carpenter (21%)
3. Plumber (20%)
4. Builder (10%)
5. Farrier (6%)

Becoming a bricky was the least popular choice, accounting for just 1% of the votes.

Kevin Byrne, Managing Director at Checkatrade, is delighted: “It is great to see more women opting for hands-on careers. It means the number of independent female traders registering with Checkatrade will rise over the coming years, especially with university fees set to increase again. This is positive news for the future growth of our business.”

Qualified electrician Charlotte Riddle registered with Checkatrade after setting up her own business two years ago. She previously worked in credit control before spending some time as a driving instructor. After a spell renovating houses in France, Charlotte moved back to the UK and decided to follow in her electrician father’s footsteps.

“My father is a huge source of inspiration and actively encouraged me to retrain”, explains Charlotte. I found it challenging because there was a lot to learn, plus I was pregnant and had a full-time job to maintain. It was hard work but I obtained City & Guilds qualifications in ‘electrical installations’ and ‘inspecting/testing electrical equipment’, plus a level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).”

After qualifying as an electrician Charlotte became Part P registered to comply with building regulations and went into partnership with her father. She is now responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining electrical systems in homes and commercial premises. Specific duties include:

· Installing and repairing lighting fixtures and connections
· Checking and replacing consumer units; replacing controls, switches, and other components as necessary
· Installing and repairing wiring systems in houses
· Changing circuit breakers
· Performing electrical safety checks
· Studying electrical blueprints, manuals and files for reference
· Maintaining records and completing paperwork

Charlotte’s business, Connected Domestic Electricians, has a wide client base and is prospering despite economic conditions. Easter is a popular time for home renovations, which makes it a busy time for Charlotte.

Commenting on the electrical trade’s gender balance, Charlotte observes: “I think one of the main reasons we see few female electricians is a lack of awareness. We need to inform young women that careers in electrical engineering are accessible, highly rewarding and not restricted to men so there is no need for apprehension.

She jokes: “Many people booking an electrician think it will be a man coming to call. Indeed, some take me for the receptionist when I answer the office phone and ask what time ‘he’, the electrician, will be arriving. This is not sexism, just natural assumptions people make because the trade is so male-dominated. However, these old-fashioned attitudes need to change.”

Electricians often have to lift floorboards, chase out walls or move heavy furniture to reach electrical components. This means working in the trade can be physically demanding.

“It can be exhausting sometimes,” admits Charlotte. “Luckily I have my father on board to help out. We work as a team to get jobs done on time, within budget. Newly qualified electricians looking to start their own businesses should consider partnership rather than going it alone. They can’t teach you everything at college, much of what you learn is on-the-job. My father’s experience is invaluable to the future success of Connected Domestic Electricians.”

Charlotte is delighted to be a part of Checkatrade. She comments; “Interfering with a domestic, industrial or commercial electrical system is extremely dangerous unless you are properly qualified. Rogue electricians risk lives for financial gain. It’s a disgraceful practice and we want to do whatever we can to minimise its effect on households and businesses.

“My father and I are proud of our company, and strive to achieve only the highest standards of safety and quality. Being part of Checkatrade means people can monitor and review our work – so far the feedback has been extremely positive, so it’s good for business too.”

Kevin Byrne founded Checkatrade in 1998, when a tornado devastated his hometown of Selsey and cowboy builders scrambled to rip off people trying to rebuild their homes.

For more information on Checkatrade visit: www.checkatrade.com

For more information on Connected Domestic Electricians visit: www.connected-electric.co.uk

New York Times Paywell Web Charging: Will it Work?

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On March 28th the New York Times will start charging for access to its website with monthly subscriptions between $15 and $35. Although anyone will still be allowed access to 20 articles a month for free.

The question is will it work? If you’re like me then you’ll be hoping that it doesn’t. Like in the case of the London Times the industry will be watching closely to see if the model is successful. The worry for the average punter is that all the major papers might follow with similar models leaving us with no free option for our news. Worse still, what if Paywall models spread to other areas of the web, denying us the huge resources of free information which we are now so used too? Whether it works or not there’s no doubt it’s a massive gamble by the New York Times, currently one of the most visited websites in the world. In March 2009 the New York Times had 20 million unique visitors making it the most visited newspaper site in the world and more than twice as popular as the next best newspaper site.

The London Times traffic has collapsed since it introduced its charging model. It was a brave decision to be the first to introduce such a model but it also appears to have been a costly one. The Times traffic has disintegrated and its competitors have thrived. They now enjoy far bigger worldwide audiences. Websites such as the Guardian, Mail and Huffington Post will be rubbing their hands at the New York Times decision. These website saw large increases in traffic following the London Times decision to start charging and will likely see the same again.

Unlike the London Times model the New York version will still allow some free access. Visitors will still be able to access twenty articles a month for free. This should help to mitigate a catastrophic crash in traffic such as in the London Times case. Occasional casual users will still be able to access the site without worry. However will regulars be prepared to pay $180 to $425 a year when so many free alternatives exist? I very much doubt the majority will, particularly in this time of weak consumer confidence. Polls suggest about 90% of current users will only use their free 20 article a month allowance before leaving. Whatever happens, Frost Magazine readers need not worry, we will always be free.