[ugh]

Since I created an account for nytimes.com in 2007 (I needed access to the complete archive for a project and paid $7.95 for it) I received the amazing amount of two e-mails, one confirming my order and one confirming the cancellation of the subscription after the project was finished.

In the following years I was never again asked to pay for any article I wanted to read and I never again received an e-mail. I really wouldn’t worry about creating an account for nytimes.com.

[Tichy]

Still, I don't know in advance if that is true. Also are you sure that you haven't received spam mail from other entities than NYT, who got your address from the NYT?