BLENDLE

Blendle is basically an iTunes for Dutch newspapers, an app and a website where readers can buy articles for €0.10 to €0.30 (13¢ to 38¢) a pop. Blendle sells articles from most of the major Dutch papers, as well as from some Belgian publishers, and magazines that include the Economist. Readers can scan the major front pages and a handful of recommendations for individual articles from staffers and their friends. The recommendations are presented in a format that looks a little like Twitter. New users start with a credit of €2.50, and so far one in five has spent more than that. Buyers have a short window during which they can cancel an article purchase and get a refund. If they don’t, Blendle takes a 30% cut.