Business to business publishers are wrestling with how to apply their controlled circulation print model online, and how to persuade their readers to pay for content and related services.  Some are successfully generating new revenues with subscriptions, events, conferences and training, but most also offer free online content as well.  A recent debate on the Specialist Media Network on Linked-in, with contributions from Sift, Econsultancy, Subhub and Advanstar, has convinced me that the solution is to have a blend of free, “controlled” - ie registered -  and paid-for content.  Below are five reasons why I believe free content works for b2b publishers: (more…)