Even in a digital era, The New York Times News Service has required that member papers use its content in their printed editions before putting it up on the web. Well, not any more. According to a release Wednesday, newspapers will be able to put NYT content online first as well as online only. Members will also be able to access NYTimes.com content that doesn’t show up in the print edition of the paper, although the site’s blogs are an exception. A spokeswoman tells paidContent that the previous restrictions were not a source of complaint. However, she says the “new digital product is designed to offer clients more value as their businesses evolve.” Adds Cristian Edwards, president of The New York Times News Service, in a statement, “As the news cycle speeds up, we are working to provide our clients with faster news and increased publishing rights.” Better late than never.