If you want to read the Denver Post articles for free, this post is for you. In this guide, you will lean how you can bypass the paywall put up by the Denver Post website.
Subscription-based sites like the Denver Post usually let readers access a few articles for free, but when you’re eager to dive deeper, they’ll often prompt you to subscribe. This model works well for regular readers, but it can be frustrating when all you want is to check out a single article that someone recommended.
How many times have you been absorbed in an article only to be stopped by a paywall pushing you to sign up or start a “free trial” that isn’t exactly free?
While I fully support paying for quality journalism, sometimes the cost for just one article feels a bit much. Instead of giving up, I decided to check out a few ways to get around the paywall.
After testing some options, I found a quick and easy trick.
The simple hack? Just add 12ft.io/ before the site’s URL in your browser’s address bar.
Here’s the step-by-step: click on the address bar (or press “Cmd + L” on Mac or “Ctrl + L” on Windows), type 12ft.io/ just before the https:// part of the URL, and press enter. (If 12ft.io doesn’t work, try removepaywall.com as an alternative by putting it before the URL.)
Your address bar should end up looking like this: 12ft.io/https://denverpost.com/…
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The article should load, and if you continue browsing the site, the additional pages you visit will also open through 12ft.io, sidestepping any subscription prompts. But keep in mind, some elements like images may not load perfectly, and formatting might be slightly off, so be ready to adjust a bit.
⚠️ Heads up: Sites with paywalls regularly update their restrictions, so these workarounds might not work indefinitely. Also, 12ft.io can experience temporary downtime. You can check its status if needed.
How and Why Does This Work?
12ft.io is a free tool for bypassing paywalls, alongside similar services like removepaywall.com.
The name 12ft.io draws on the idea of a “12-foot ladder,” symbolizing a way to peek over or bypass the figurative barriers that websites put up to limit content access. It’s a smart analogy for overcoming paywalls and other restrictions, letting readers view what’s behind them.
How Do Paywall Bypassing Tools Work?
Websites like the Denver Post often load full articles onto your device just before a paywall blocks access. This brief window means the content is technically available on your device, even if hidden behind JavaScript that prompts you to subscribe.
Paywall bypass tools disable this JavaScript, allowing you to view the article without interruptions. This setup is called a “soft paywall,” where the content is loaded but obscured by code.
On the other hand, “hard paywalls,” like those used by The New York Times and Medium.com, are more restrictive. These sites only send a short preview to your browser, requiring a valid login to access the full article because the entire content isn’t actually loaded on your device.
Why Don’t All Websites Use Hard Paywalls?
You might wonder why some sites don’t go for hard paywalls if they’re tougher to bypass. Often, it comes down to search engine visibility.
Content hidden behind a hard paywall can’t be indexed by search engines like Google. Without visibility on search engines, this content is essentially hidden from the broader online audience.
So, many websites look for a balance—getting new subscribers while ensuring their articles remain visible on search engines. Soft paywalls offer a compromise.
Typically, only websites with high-value content that readers are willing to pay for upfront go for hard paywalls.
The Ethical Angle
Reading content without paying for it essentially means accessing something without permission, and the moral defense here is pretty thin. Still, paying for individual articles can sometimes feel like a stretch.
More affordable options, like paying a small fee for a bundle of articles, might be a fairer approach for occasional readers.
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Wrapping Up
Now you know how to read Denver Post articles without a subscription.
Just remember, these paywall-bypassing tricks only work on soft paywalls. Hard paywalls, in most cases, can’t be bypassed so easily, though the Wayback Machine might be an option in rare instances.