DOVER — Starting Nov. 4, visitors to DelawareStateNews.net will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe.

Last week, we posted a message on our website to alert readers to this important change.

For our current subscribers, there is no additional cost.

Anyone with a seven-day or Sunday print subscription already can read as much as they want on our website.

However, those subscribers need to have an online account.

For current e-edition users, it is the same email address and password.

If you need to set this up, it is a simple process.

Visit DelawareStateNews.net/subscribe, and click the “Create Account” button on the right side of the page.

For those who use DelawareStateNews.net regularly now, we value your readership and interest in our content. We recognize this may impact some of our most loyal readers, but we hope you will see it as a significant investment in local journalism.

We need your help to protect, sustain and build on what we do.

“We publish stories that matter to our community,” wrote Delaware State News Publisher Darel LaPrade in a note to readers. “Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting, and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

“Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy.”

For new subscribers, unlimited digital access is $1.99 for the first eight weeks. After the trial period, the rate is $5.99 per four weeks.

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The home page of DelawareStateNews.net will remain accessible to readers who wish to scan headlines and select stories of interest.

Some content — including Associated Press national and world news — at DelawareStateNews.net will not count as story views.

When there are weather emergencies and other instances in which it essential to get news out quickly, the site will have free content available to readers.

Delaware State News special sections and obituaries will continue to be free.

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We closely study the habits of our readers and it is not a simple matter to categorize preferences.

The quick answer is that people want news whenever, wherever and however they choose these days.

We’re doing our best to meet those wishes.

The primary method is serving those who prefer home delivery and the warmth and predictability of the printed product.

But, we’re finding more and more people who like to read online — whether it is the electronic replica of the newspaper or whether it is one click at a time — on desktops, tablets or smartphones.

There are those who scan our free, emailed morning newsletters for headlines that appeal to their interests. Thousands of people follow us on social media and find their way to our site from our regular posts.

In each case, the goal is the same. We want to inform and engage the public.

Since 1953, that has been the mission of the Delaware State News as the State Capital Daily.

If you have questions about the new website subscription process, email awest@newszap.com.

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Sign up for our Daily Headlines and specialty newsletters at DelawareStateNews.net/newsletter.

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Two weeks ago, we released a new survey on Delaware State News content.

A link to the survey can be found here.

The questions center on the types of news you seek, your buying decisions based on our advertisers, and attendance of our events.

The survey includes 20 questions. Once complete, you may enter a drawing for a $50 gift card.