While I sympathise with Albert Beale about “freeloaders”, I do not resent this and indeed believe the Guardian’s open access website is the correct policy (Letters, 19 June). Having free access encourages non-readers to dip in or follow a link to the site and they may well become committed paying readers. But most importantly it gives the Guardian huge international impact – it is one of the most widely read news sites worldwide because people trust it. I for one, as a long-time subscriber, am happy to subsidise this outreach to make dependable, accurate, investigative reportage open to all to help counteract the propaganda, lies and hatred masquerading as news that is widely spread around cyberspace. We must encourage more web-only readers to become supporters if they value the Guardian; indeed I am currently considering becoming a supporter on top of my subscription to foster the spread of factual reporting.
Michael Miller
Sheffield
• Dear Albert Beale, I read the Guardian online for convenience. I live on a council estate and have to carry all rubbish and recycling down four flights of stairs and heave it into large communal bins in the street. I consider a subscription to Guardian Members to be fair payment.
Rita Gallard
Norwich
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