In its second quarter earnings announcement, the Times Co. included some attention-getting figures for its new digital subscription program, which launched in March.

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Customers can opt to be on the pay as you go program (which the Tax Day promotion will apply to) where they buy email credits in advance, much like postage stamps (one credit is used per email address on their list), or on the monthly subscription program.

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The online magazine has been conducting a survey to gauge support for a subscription-based premium membership program.

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Similarly, students that take part in Microsoft's DreamSpark program will have their subscription fees waived.

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If potential users can wrap their brains around its new subscription system, Microsoft has a winning program on its hands.

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