I want to be a part of it

You can now search the New York Times archive (1851-today) for free, including PDFs of even the old stuff, a service that was once only available to paying subscribers.

Of course, if you have a library card you have always been able to do this with almost any newspaper or magazine or journal known to man (and without looking at ads) since most public libraries have access to online databases. You can even access them from home using the library site and your library card number.

I still think it's a good thing. I can't tell you how many times I've found a NYT (pronounced nyet if you wondered) article linked somewhere and followed the link only to be told, "Sorry! You need to sign up! pay up! log in! etc."

Although after you look at a few articles in a row you do have to sign up. (gah) But it is still free.

*Side note: Here's kottke.org's list of "gems" from the NYT archives.