If you want to read the Quartz articles for free, this post is for you. In this guide, you will lean how you can bypass the paywall put up by the Quartz website.
Subscription-based platforms like Quartz typically allow readers to view a limited number of articles for free. However, when you’re keen on exploring more content, they often prompt you to subscribe. While this model caters well to regular readers, it can be a hassle when you just want to check out a single article someone recommended.
Have you ever found yourself engrossed in an article, only to hit a paywall demanding you sign up or start a “free trial” that isn’t really free?
I fully support the notion of paying for quality journalism, but sometimes the cost for just one article feels a bit steep. Rather than giving up, I decided to look into a few methods to bypass the paywall.
After testing some options, I discovered a straightforward and effective trick.
The Simple Hack
The trick is simple: just add 12ft.io/ before the website’s URL in your browser’s address bar.
Here’s how it works:
- Click on the address bar (or use “Cmd + L” on a Mac or “Ctrl + L” on Windows).
- Type 12ft.io/ right before the https:// part of the URL, then hit enter.
- (If 12ft.io doesn’t do the trick, try removepaywall.com by placing it before the URL as an alternative.)
Your address bar should now look something like this: 12ft.io/https://qz.com/…
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The article should now load, and as you continue navigating the site, the other pages you visit will also open through 12ft.io, allowing you to bypass subscription prompts. Just a heads up, some elements like images might not display perfectly, and the layout may be slightly off, so be prepared for a bit of tweaking.
⚠️ Heads up: Websites with paywalls frequently update their security measures, so these workarounds might not be foolproof for long. Also, 12ft.io can experience temporary downtime, so you might want to check its status if needed.
How and Why Does This Work?
12ft.io is a free tool that helps you bypass paywalls, along with other similar services like removepaywall.com.
The name 12ft.io is inspired by the concept of a “12-foot ladder,” representing a way to peek over or circumvent the figurative barriers that websites create to limit content access. It’s a clever analogy for overcoming paywalls and other restrictions, allowing readers to access the information they seek.
Understanding Paywall Bypassing Tools
Platforms like Quartz often load complete articles on your device just before a paywall blocks access. This brief moment means the content is technically available on your device, even if it is hidden behind JavaScript that urges you to subscribe.
Paywall bypass tools disable this JavaScript, enabling you to view the article without interruptions. This arrangement is known as a “soft paywall,” where the content is available but concealed by code.
Conversely, “hard paywalls,” as seen on sites like The New York Times and Medium.com, are more stringent. These platforms only send a brief preview to your browser, requiring a valid login to access the full article since the entire content isn’t loaded on your device.
Why Don’t All Websites Use Hard Paywalls?
You might be wondering why some sites don’t opt for hard paywalls if they’re more difficult to bypass. Often, it boils down to search engine visibility.
Content locked behind a hard paywall cannot be indexed by search engines like Google. Without visibility on search engines, this content is effectively hidden from a wider online audience.
Thus, many websites strive for a balance—attracting new subscribers while ensuring their articles remain visible in search results. Soft paywalls provide a middle ground.
Generally, only websites with high-value content that readers are willing to pay for upfront adopt hard paywalls.
The Ethical Perspective
Accessing content without paying essentially means obtaining something without permission, and the moral justification here is pretty thin. However, paying for individual articles can sometimes feel like a stretch.
More reasonable options, such as paying a small fee for a bundle of articles, might offer a fairer approach for occasional readers.
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In Conclusion
Now you know how to read Quartz articles without a subscription.
Just remember, these paywall-bypassing tricks are effective only on soft paywalls. Hard paywalls, in most cases, can’t be easily circumvented, although the Wayback Machine might be an option in rare situations.