FAQ from the Chicago Sun-Times

Every day, hundreds of journalists from our 40 newspapers produce quality, locally-focused content for our print and digital publications. Their hard work resulted in Sun-Times Media winning 143 awards for excellence in 2011, including the Pulitzer Prize for Local Coverage. Transitioning to an online subscription plan helps create a sustainable economic model that ensures we can continue providing you with the best local journalism in Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana.

How does the online subscription plan work?

Every 30 days you will be able to view up to 20 pages of any Sun-Times Media website at no charge. If you reach the 20-page limit, you will then be asked to subscribe. The online subscription plan provides full access to current content on all our sites.

Are there some areas of the website that remain free and are exempt from the online subscription plan?

Yes. All homepages and section fronts are free. Also, all of our sites related to classified advertising (employment, autos, real estate, obituaries) will have unlimited access, as will several specialty areas such as "Good to Know." Reader comments are also exempted. Multiple photos contained in a single photo-gallery count as one view.

What areas of the website require an online subscription once I reach the 20-page limit?

Content requiring a subscription once you reach the 20-page limit includes articles (news, sports, lifestyles, etc.), columns, blogs, horoscopes, photo galleries, crosswords and games.

What is the price of an online subscription?

If you subscribe to any one of our 40 print newspapers, you will be charged $1.99 for four weeks of unlimited online access after you exceed the 20-page limit. If you are not a newspaper subscriber, you will be charged $6.99 for four weeks of unlimited access after you exceed the 20-page limit. Also, if you are not a newspaper subscriber, you can choose an online subscription for a full year at the discounted price of $77.87

How can I check if my newspaper subscription qualifies me for the $1.99 online price?

Click here for a list of all 40 of our newspapers. If you receive home delivery for any of them, you are automatically eligible for the $1.99 online subscription.

What happens if I don't take an online subscription?

If you visit 20 pages in any 30-day period and choose not to subscribe, you will be prevented from viewing further content on all Sun-Times Media websites, with the exception of those areas that remain free. Once the 30-day period expires, you will regain access for up to 20 pages. You will be asked to subscribe once you reach the 20-page limit, and if you choose not to do so, you will again be blocked from accessing content until the next 30-day period begins.

How will I be billed?

Your online subscription will be billed to your credit card and will automatically renew until cancelled. You will be billed every four weeks from the time you initially register, unless you choose the annual subscription. For billing questions, visit www.mypressplus.com, email customercare@mypressplus.com or call 866-717-7377.

How do I login to my online subscription plan account?

To log in to your subscription account, go to www.mypressplus.com.

How will I know if I've reached my 20-page limit?

When you start approaching the limit, pop-up alerts will begin to appear on the pages you read. The alerts will tell you how many free pages remain in the current 30-day time period and allow you to sign up for an online subscription.

If I go back to an article I previously read, will that count toward my 20 free pages?

No, it will not count toward your 20-page limit.

Does searching for an article count toward the 20-page limit?

No, a search will not count as part of the 20-page limit, but if you view an article that appears in the search results, it will count.

Does refreshing a page count as part of the 20 free pages?

No, refreshing a page does not count as part of the 20-page limit.

Can I still access articles through Facebook and Twitter?

Yes. We encourage links from Facebook and Twitter. When you visit a Sun-Times Media website through a link from one of these channels, it will not count toward your 30-day limit of 20 free pages.

Are your mobile sites part of the online subscription plan?

No. This subscription plan is not connected to our mobile sites or tablet apps at this time. The online subscription provides the widest variety of content across our network.

Once I subscribe, can I use more than one computer or tablet to view the websites?

Yes. You can access the sites from more than one device.

If I subscribe to your e-Paper, will I get the newspaper subscriber discount?

No. The online subscription plan cost of $1.99 for four weeks applies only to print newspaper subscribers.

Do I need an online subscription to receive one of your email newsletters?

No. You don't need an online subscription to subscribe to any of our email newsletters. Linking to a story from one of our newsletters will not count toward your 20-page limit.

Which websites are included in my online subscription plan?

Who is Press + and why do I have to use them to subscribe?

Sun-Times Media has partnered with Press + to manage our online subscription plan.

Whom should I contact with questions?

If you have billing or technical questions, you can visit Press + at www.mypressplus.com, email customercare@mypressplus.com, or call 866-717-7377. If you have customer service questions, you can call 1-800-680-2068, or email webaccess@stmedianetwork.com.

How do I cancel my online subscription?

You may cancel your subscription at any time. To cancel, please login at www.mypressplus.com, email customercare@mypressplus.com or call 866-717-7377.

Will there still be advertising on the website?

As with a newspaper or magazine, there will continue to be advertising on our site. Our online advertising is also valuable content for many readers.

Will I still have to pay to access your archives?

Yes. The online subscription does not cover the cost of archives. Accessing the archive will not count towards the 20-page limit.

40 Sun-Times Media Newspapers

Sun-Times Media Websites

Online Subscription Plan Frequently Asked Questions