Here's a thought... Why not let the paying subscribers promote content they especially like to the commons?
So, if you're a paying member, you get to read everything like it works today. But you also get a steady flow of tips. If you like an article, you can tip the author directly, which comes out of your monthly subscription. Once a given article gets enough tips, it's permanently unlocked for every visitor.
Basically, good quality content goes public, letting the readers both curate the content and help out those for whom a full subscription is not in the budget.
So, if you're a paying member, you get to read everything like it works today. But you also get a steady flow of tips. If you like an article, you can tip the author directly, which comes out of your monthly subscription. Once a given article gets enough tips, it's permanently unlocked for every visitor.
Basically, good quality content goes public, letting the readers both curate the content and help out those for whom a full subscription is not in the budget.
Thoughts?