Calling its paid content revenue stream a “metered model” The New York Times just announced that it will begin to charge those who don’t subscribe to its print version for viewing its stories online, starting in 2011. Users will have free access to a set number of articles each month. Once they exceed that number there will be a fee, which a New York times spokesperson has told us will be flat, with a choice of monthly or annual commitment.

In the meantime, the Times site will work on undisclosed site upgrades.

“Our new business model is designed to provide additional support for The New York Times’ extraordinary, professional journalism,” said Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., chair of The New York Times Company and publisher of The New York Times, in the announcement. “Our audiences are very loyal and we believe that our readers will pay for our award-winning digital content and services.”