Legitimate Ways to Access Paid Articles on Platforms like Medium and The Economist without Paying a Penny
Accessing paid articles on platforms like Medium and The Economist can be a costly endeavor. However, there are legitimate and ethical ways to enjoy the wealth of content offered by these platforms without paying a dime. In this article, we will explore various methods to read paid articles for free, emphasizing the importance of supporting content creators and publishers.
Accessing Paid Articles for Free: Ethical Methods
Unable to purchase a subscription? Don't fret! There are several legitimate ways to access the content on Medium and The Economist at no cost.
Free Trials
Many digital platforms, including Medium, provide free trials or limited-time access to their content. These trials allow you to test the platform's offerings before making a long-term commitment. Signing up for these trials can be an excellent way to read articles without breaking the bank.
Public Library Access
Consider your local public library! Many public libraries offer access to paid publications through their digital services. Check if your library provides access to Medium or The Economist. This service can provide free access to a wealth of information, while also benefiting the community by supporting local institutions.
Promotional Offers
Keep an eye out for promotional offers from platforms that occasionally allow free access to articles or subscriptions. These promotions can be a great way to access content for free while supporting the platforms that create it.
Sharing and Collaboration
Some platforms have features that allow users to share articles. If you know someone with a subscription, they might be willing to share specific articles with you. Similarly, platforms that emphasize collaboration and community can be a valuable resource for accessing content.
Alternative Sources
Siomeeks and summaries, reviews, and discussions of articles on forums or social media can provide valuable insights without the need to access the full article. This method can be particularly useful for quickly gaining an understanding of the main points without the need for a paid subscription.
Follow Authors
Many authors may share their articles on personal blogs or other platforms. By following them, you can access their content for free. This can be an excellent way to continue engaging with the topics you care about without investing in a paid subscription.
Alternative Tools and Solutions
While ethical methods are the preferred approach, some tools and extensions can help bypass paywalls. One such solution is 12ft – Hoop Any Paywall, created by Thomas Miller. This tool allows you to remove paywalls and access articles for free.
To use the 12ft – Hoop Any Paywall tool, simply add the term amp;12ft before the URL of the article. For example, if the URL is , change it to This will allow you to read the article for free, but remember it does not work on the Medium mobile app.
Another option is to use tools like and which automatically remove paywalls but come with an annual cost of $12. While this may seem steep, it's a small price to pay for the contents of a single Medium subscription.
Importance of Supporting Content Creators and Publishers
It is important to support content creators and publishers by subscribing to their platforms. Paying for subscriptions is what enables writers and organizations to continue producing high-quality content. If everyone chooses to use free solutions, it could lead to a decline in the quality and quantity of content available.
While tools like 12ft – Hoop Any Paywall can be a valuable resource, they should be used responsibly. If you have the means, supporting content creators and publishers through subscriptions is an ethical and sustainable option.
Remember, the best way to enjoy the wealth of information available on Medium and The Economist is by supporting the platforms that create it. Your subscription helps ensure a continued supply of quality content for everyone to access.
Thank you for reading through this comprehensive guide on accessing paid articles for free while supporting content creators. Stay informed and informed ethically!
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