Sony's plan all along was to get people to pay for PSN service in some way, while being able to say the core function of online play is free (as a value point versus Live). However, the rollout and subsequent bungling that they are only now overcoming has prevented them from doing this. And now they won't be able to monetize it as successfully as Microsoft has, and it's one of the reasons that MS is making profits now - even with losing all the repair money - while Sony is saying they might be profitable in 2011.

I am guessing that the premium service is like the gold on XBL. You can still play online for free but I am guessing that you'll get more on the premium service (that you'll have to pay) that you can't have for free.

Maybe:
No lag, more dedicated servers for both 1st/2nd and 3rd party games.
You'll get demo for games very early.
You'll get discount on PSN games and DLC
More services like QORE and etc.

I recall reading that Sony was looking to get into MMOs more than Microsoft is, and has been working with NCSoft. Why wouldn't this fit what is being talked about here?

This seems like a slippery slope for sony. Cash strapped they need a paid subscription service, but the product isn't as good. Will have to see how far Sony has to take this.

Isn't really any different at all than what they currently offer (premium themes, e-magazine service, etc.) so not sure why there's any fuss.

I hope they just charge for Home and other useless crap and not online gaming, demos and psx games

Few enough people use Home already. Sony is in no position to decrease that number.

This is like the third thread misinterpreting what was written...

maybe they will charge for Home and Demos .. you know in 360 there is some demos that you cant download it if have silver membership.

I wont pay for online, as long as Sony doesnt take any features away from the regular service, I wont have a problem with a paid service. Its even sorta smart, since there are tons of people who would use the subscription.