I have never been a fan of making a newspaper’s exclusive content available free to anyone, anywhere. But that’s what most newspapers did for years as they hoped — in vain — to convert online eyeballs to revenue to replace print advertising.

I believe we perform a vital public service. No one else in Boise covers the business of health, or Micron, or energy and the environment, or any number of topics important to the Valley, with the depth and expertise we do. The investigative story on the College of Western Idaho students shortchanged on classroom instruction? Statesman reporter Bill Roberts broke that. Audrey Dutton’s pieces on how hospital acquisitions of medical practices are raising concerns about medical costs? Tough reporting no one else is doing.

Newspapers shrank a lot in recent years. Now, at last, they’re asking online readers to start paying for the unique, original reporting they’ve been reading for free.

All Business Insider content was once behind a paywall. Now BI is part of the Statesman’s new metered system that allows nonsubscribers 15 free stories a month.

We expect only a minority of people who hit the paywall to go through. Lots of outlets offer free news on crimes, fires, traffic, weather. That’s important, high-interest stuff, and enough for many people.

But if you want the thoughtful, enterprising coverage only the Statesman and BI provide, I appreciate your support of our work.

dstaats@idahostatesman.com Twitter: @IDS_DavidStaats