Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.16

THIS WARRANT AND ANY SECURITIES ACQUIRED UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE
NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NEITHER THIS WARRANT,
SUCH SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO
AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS OR PURSUANT TO A WRITTEN OPINION OF
COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION SHALL BE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE
COMPANY) THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

THE SALE, ASSIGNMENT, HYPOTHECATION, PLEDGE, ENCUMBRANCE OR OTHER DISPOSITION
(EACH A "TRANSFER") AND VOTING OF ANY OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS
WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES ACQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT ARE
RESTRICTED BY THE TERMS OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT,
DATED AS OF JANUARY 12, 2000, AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME,
AMONG SYNAPSE GROUP, INC. AND THE STOCKHOLDERS NAMED THEREIN.  THE COMPANY WILL
NOT REGISTER THE TRANSFER OF SUCH WARRANT OR SUCH SECURITIES ON THE BOOKS OF THE
COMPANY UNLESS AND UNTIL THE TRANSFER HAS BEEN MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS
OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT.  THE COMPANY WILL MAIL A
COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE
SECURITIES AND THE OTHER CLASS OR CLASSES AND SERIES OF SHARES, IF ANY, WHICH
THE COMPANY IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE, TO THE RECORD HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE,
WITHOUT CHARGE, WITHIN FIVE DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN REQUEST THEREFOR.

                 _____________________________________________

                              SYNAPSE GROUP, INC.
                         COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
                 _____________________________________________

          This certifies that, for good and valuable consideration, Synapse
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), grants to
[____________________] (the "Warrantholder"), the right to subscribe for and
purchase from the Company, [_______] validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable shares, no par value per share, of voting common stock of the
Company (the "Warrant Shares"), at the exercise price per share of $8.00 (the
"Exercise Price"), all subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments herein
set forth.  Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
such terms in Section 9 below.
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                                                                               2

          1.   Warrant.  This Warrant is issued pursuant to, and in accordance
               -------
with, Section 2.1(a) of the Purchase Agreement and is subject to the terms
thereof.  The Warrantholder is entitled to the rights and subject to the
obligations contained in the Stockholders Agreement and the Amended and Restated
Registration Rights Agreement, dated the date hereof, among the Company and the
Persons named therein.

          2.   Exercise of Warrant; Payment of Taxes.
               -------------------------------------

               2.1  Exercise of Warrant.  Subject to the terms and conditions
                    -------------------
set forth herein, this Warrant may be exercised at any time, in whole or in
part, by the Warrantholder during the Exercise Period by:

                    (a)  the surrender of this Warrant to the Company, with a
duly executed Exercise Form; and

                    (b)  subject to Section 2.2 below, the delivery of payment
to the Company, for the account of the Company, by cash, wire transfer,
certified or official bank check or any other means approved by the Company, of
the Exercise Price in lawful money of the United States of America.

The Company agrees that the Warrant Shares shall be deemed to be issued to the
Warrantholder as the record holder of such Warrant Shares as of the close of
business on the date on which this Warrant shall have been surrendered and
payment made for the Warrant Shares as aforesaid.

               2.2  Conversion Right.
                    ----------------

                    (a)  In lieu of the payment of the Exercise Price, the
Warrantholder shall have the right (but not the obligation), to require the
Company to convert this Warrant, in whole or in part, into shares of Voting
Stock (the "Conversion Right") as provided for in this Section 2.2. Upon
exercise of the Conversion Right, the Company shall deliver to the Warrantholder
(without payment by the Warrantholder of any of the Exercise Price) in
accordance with Section 2.1(b) that number of shares of Voting Stock equal to
the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the value of the Warrant at the time the
Conversion Right is exercised (determined by subtracting the aggregate Exercise
Price in effect immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right from
the aggregate Current Market Price (as defined herein) for the shares of Voting
Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to the exercise of
the Conversion Right) by (ii) the Current Market Price of one share of Voting
Stock immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right.
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                                                                               3

                    (b)  The Conversion Right may be exercised by the
Warrantholder on any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date by delivering the
Warrant certificate, with a duly executed Exercise Form with the conversion
section completed, to the Company, exercising the Conversion Right and
specifying the total number of shares of Voting Stock that the Warrantholder
will be issued pursuant to such conversion.

               2.3  Warrant Shares Certificate.  A stock certificate or
                    --------------------------
certificates for the Warrant Shares specified in the Exercise Form shall be
delivered to the Warrantholder within five Business Days after receipt of the
Exercise Form by the Company and, if the Conversion Right is not exercised, the
payment by the Warrantholder of the aggregate Exercise Price.  If this Warrant
shall have been exercised only in part, the Company shall, at the time of
delivery of the stock certificate or certificates, deliver to the Warrantholder
a new Warrant evidencing the right to purchase the remaining Warrant Shares,
which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

               2.4  Payment of Taxes.  The issuance of certificates for Warrant
                    ----------------
Shares shall be made without charge to the Warrantholder for any stock transfer
or other issuance or other issuance tax in respect thereto.

          3.   Restrictions on Transfer; Restrictive Legends.
               ---------------------------------------------

               3.1  So long as the Stockholders Agreement is in effect, this
Warrant and the Warrant Shares may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of, in whole or in part, to any Person other than in
accordance with the Stockholders Agreement, provided that at no time may this
Warrant or the Warrant Shares be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of, except in accordance with applicable federal and state
securities laws.

               3.2  Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 3, (a) each
Warrant (and each Warrant issued in substitution for any Warrant pursuant to
Section 6) shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in
substantially the form as set forth on the cover of this Warrant and (b) each
stock certificate for Warrant Shares issued upon the exercise of any Warrant and
each stock certificate issued upon the direct or indirect transfer of any such
Warrant Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in
substantially the form provided in the Stockholders Agreement (so long as such
agreement is in effect).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Warrantholder may
require the Company to issue a Warrant or a stock certificate for Warrant
Shares, in each case without a legend, if either (i) such Warrant or such
Warrant Shares, as the case may be, have been registered for resale under the
Securities Act, (ii) the Warrantholder has delivered to the Company an opinion
of legal counsel (from a firm reasonably satisfactory to the Company) which
opinion shall be addressed to the Company and be reasonably satisfactory in form
and substance to the Company's counsel, to
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                                                                               4

the effect that such registration is not required with respect to such Warrant
or such Warrant Shares, as the case may be or (iii) such Warrant or Warrant
Shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision then in
effect) under the Securities Act.

          4.   Reservation and Registration of Shares.  The Company covenants
               --------------------------------------
and agrees as follows:

                    (a)  All Warrant Shares that are issued upon the exercise of
this Warrant shall, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, not subject to any preemptive rights, and, except as provided in
the Stockholders Agreement (so long as such agreement is in effect), free from
all taxes, liens, security interests, charges, and other encumbrances with
respect to the issuance thereof, other than taxes in respect of any transfer
occurring contemporaneously with such issue.

                    (b)  The Company shall at all times have authorized and
reserved, and shall keep available and free from preemptive rights, a sufficient
number of shares of Voting Stock to provide for the exercise of the rights
represented by this Warrant.

                    (c)  The Company shall not, by amendment of its Certificate
of Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, spin-off,
consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other
action or inaction, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the terms of this Warrant, and shall at all times in good faith assist in
performing and giving effect to the terms hereof and in the taking of all such
actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the
Warrantholder against dilution or other impairment.

          5.   Anti-dilution Adjustments.  The Exercise Price and the number of
               -------------------------
Warrant Shares to be received upon exercise of this Warrant shall be subject to
adjustment as follows:

               5.1  Dividend, Subdivision, Combination or Reclassification of
                    ---------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock.  In the event that the Company shall at any time or from time to
------------
time, after the issuance of this Warrant but prior to the exercise hereof, (w)
pay a dividend or make a distribution on the outstanding shares of Common Stock
payable in Capital Stock, (x) subdivide the outstanding shares of Common Stock
into a larger number of shares, (y) combine the outstanding shares of Common
Stock into a smaller number of shares or (z) issue any shares of its Capital
Stock in a reclassification of the Common Stock (other than any such event for
which an adjustment is made pursuant to another clause of this Section 5), then,
and in each such case, (A) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares for which this
Warrant is exercisable (the "Warrant Share Number") immediately prior to such
event shall be adjusted (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the
Company) so that the Warrantholder shall be entitled
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                                                                               5

to receive upon exercise of this Warrant the number of shares of Common Stock or
other securities of the Company that it would have owned or would have been
entitled to receive upon or by reason of any of the events described above, had
this Warrant been exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such event
and (B) the Exercise Price payable upon the exercise of this Warrant shall be
adjusted by multiplying such Exercise Price immediately prior to such adjustment
by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Warrant Shares
issuable upon the exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment,
and the denominator of which shall be the number of Warrant Shares issuable
immediately thereafter; provided, however, that the Exercise Price for each
                        --------  -------
Warrant Share shall in no event be less than the par value of such Warrant
Share. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall become effective
retroactively (x) in the case of any such dividend or distribution, to a date
immediately following the close of business on the record date for the
determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such dividend or
distribution or (y) in the case of any such subdivision, combination or
reclassification, to the close of business on the day upon which such corporate
action becomes effective.

               5.2  Issuance of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents Below
                    ----------------------------------------------------------
Market Price.  In the event that the Company shall at any time or from time to
------------
time, after the date hereof but prior to the earlier to occur of the exercise
hereof and the closing of the Initial Public Offering of the Company, issue or
sell or agree to issue or sell (such issuance or sale, a "New Issuance") any
shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents at a price per share or an
exercise price per share of Common Stock (the "New Issue Price") that is less
than the Exercise Price (treating the price per share of Common Stock, in the
case of the issuance of any Common Stock Equivalent, as equal to (i) the sum of
the price for such Common Stock Equivalent plus any additional consideration
payable (without regard to any anti-dilution adjustments) upon the conversion,
exchange or exercise of such Common Stock Equivalent divided by (ii) the number
of shares of Common Stock initially underlying such Common Stock Equivalent),
other than issuances or sales (x) for which an adjustment is made pursuant to
another paragraph of this Section 5 and (y) in connection with an Excluded
Transaction, then, and in each such case, (A) the Exercise Price shall be
             ----
reduced to equal the New Issue Price and (B) the Warrant Share Number shall be
increased to equal the product of (i) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares for
which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to the New Issuance
multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise
Price in effect immediately prior to such New Issuance and the denominator of
which shall be the New Issue Price.  Such adjustment shall be made whenever such
shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents are issued or sold, and shall
become effective retroactively (x) in the case of an issuance to the
shareholders of the Company, as such, to a date immediately following the close
of business on the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to
receive such shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents and (y) in all
other cases, on the date (the "Issue Date") of such issuance; provided, however,
                                                              --------  -------
that the determination as to whether an adjustment is required to be made
pursuant to this
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                                                                               6

Section 5 shall be made only upon the issuance of such shares of Common Stock or
Common Stock Equivalents, and not upon the issuance of any security into which
the Common Stock Equivalents convert, exchange or may be exercised.

               5.3  Revenue Adjustments.
                    -------------------

                    (a)  If the Deferred Revenue Amount, as determined on the
earliest practicable date (the "Revenue Evaluation Date"), is less than $206.1
million, but greater than or equal to $198.1 million then (A) the Exercise Price
shall be reduced to $7.00 per share and (B) the Warrant Share Number shall be
increased to equal the product of (i) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares for
which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to the Revenue Evaluation
Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise
Price in effect immediately prior to such Revenue Evaluation Date and the
denominator of which shall be $7.00; provided, however, that notwithstanding the
                                     --------  -------
foregoing, if the Exercise Price at the Revenue Evaluation Date is equal to or
less than $7.00 per share, then no adjustment shall be made pursuant to this
Section 5.3(a).

                    (b)  If the Deferred Revenue Amount, as determined on the
Revenue Evaluation Date, is less than $198.1 million, then (A) the Exercise
Price shall be reduced to $6.00 per share and (B) the Warrant Share Number shall
be increased to equal the product of (i) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares
for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to the Revenue
Evaluation Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be
the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such Revenue Evaluation Date
and the denominator of which shall be $6.00; provided, however, that
                                             --------  -------
notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Exercise Price at the Revenue Evaluation
Date is equal to or less than $6.00 per share, then no adjustment shall be made
pursuant to this Section 5.3(b).

               5.4  IPO Adjustment.  In the event that on or prior to January
                    --------------
12, 2001, the Company shall not have either closed its Initial Public Offering
at a Company Valuation of at least $425 million or closed a Sale of the Company
at a Company Valuation of at least $425 million, then, (A) the Exercise Price
shall be reduced to $6.50 per share and (B) the Warrant Share Number shall be
increased to equal the product of (i) the aggregate number of Warrant Shares for
which this Warrant is exercisable on January 12, 2001, multiplied by (ii) a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Exercise Price in effect on
January 12, 2001 and the denominator of which shall be $6.50; provided, however,
                                                              --------  -------
that notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Exercise Price on January 12, 2001 is
equal to or less than $6.50 per share, then no adjustment shall be made pursuant
to this Section 5.4.

               5.5  Certain Distributions.  In case the Company shall at any
                    ---------------------
time or from time to time distribute to holders of shares of its Voting Stock or
Non-Voting Stock (including any such distribution made in connection with a
merger or consolidation in which the
<PAGE>

                                                                               7

Company is the resulting or surviving Person and the Common Stock is not changed
or exchanged) cash, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or another Person,
securities of the Company or another Person or other assets (excluding dividends
payable in shares of Common Stock for which adjustment is made under Section
5.1) or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase the foregoing, then, and
                                                                       ----
in each such case, (A) the Warrant Share Number shall be increased by being
multiplied by a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be the Current Market
Price of one share of Common Stock immediately prior to the record date for the
distribution of such cash, evidences of indebtedness, securities, other assets
or rights or warrants and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the Current
Market Price of one share of Common Stock immediately prior to such record date
less the Fair Market Value of the portion of such cash, evidences of
indebtedness, securities, other assets or rights or warrants so distributed and
(B) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such record date shall be
decreased (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) by
being multiplied by a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be such Current
Market Price of the Common Stock less the then Fair Market Value of the portion
of the cash, evidences of indebtedness, securities or other assets so
distributed or of such subscription rights or warrants applicable to one share
of Common Stock and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the Current Market
Price of the Common Stock on the record date referred to below (such decreased
Exercise Price, the "Adjusted Exercise Price"). Such adjustment shall be made
whenever any such distribution is made and shall become effective retroactively
to a date immediately following the close of business on the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such. Such adjustment shall be
made whenever any such distribution is made and shall become effective
retroactively to the date immediately following the close of business on the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such
distribution.

               5.6  Other Changes.  In case the Company at any time or from time
                    -------------
to time, after the issuance of this Warrant but prior to the exercise hereof,
shall take any action affecting its Common Stock similar to or having an effect
similar to any of the actions described in any of Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4,
5.5 or 5.10 (but not including any action described in any such Section) and the
Board of Directors in good faith determines that it would be equitable in the
circumstances to adjust the Warrant Share Number as a result of such action,
then, and in each such case, the Warrant Share Number shall be adjusted in such
manner and at such time as the Board of Directors in good faith determines would
be equitable in the circumstances (such determination to be evidenced in a
resolution, a certified copy of which shall be mailed to the Warrantholders).

               5.7  De Minimis Adjustments.  Notwithstanding anything herein to
                    ----------------------
the contrary, no adjustment under this Section 5 need be made to the Warrant
Share Number if the Company receives written notice from the Warrantholder that
no such adjustment is required.
<PAGE>

                                                                               8

               5.8  Abandonment.  If the Company shall take a record of the
                    -----------
holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a
dividend or other distribution, and shall thereafter and before the distribution
to shareholders thereof legally abandon its plan to pay or deliver such dividend
or distribution, then no adjustment in the Warrant Share Number shall be
required by reason of the taking of such record.

               5.9  Certificate as to Adjustments.  Upon any increase in the
                    -----------------------------
Warrant Share Number or adjustment of the Exercise Price, the Company shall
within a reasonable period (not to exceed three days) following any of the
foregoing transactions deliver to the Warrantholder a certificate, signed by (i)
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and (ii) the Chief Financial Officer
of the Company, setting forth in reasonable detail the event requiring the
adjustment and the method by which such adjustment was calculated and specifying
the increased Warrant Share Number and the adjusted Exercise Price then in
effect.

               5.10 Reorganization, Reclassification, Merger or Sale.  In case
                    ------------------------------------------------
of any spin-off by the Company of another Person (the "Spin-off Entity"), in
addition to all other adjustments of the Warrant Share Number and the Exercise
Price pursuant to this Section 5, the Company shall issue to the Warrantholder a
new warrant, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and the Majority
Warrantholders, entitling the Warrantholder to purchase, at an exercise price
equal to the excess of the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such
spin-off over the Adjusted Exercise Price, the number of shares of common stock
of the Spin-off Entity that the Warrantholder would have owned had the
Warrantholder, immediately prior to such spin-off, exercised this Warrant, and
in case of any capital reorganization, reclassification, Sale or other change of
outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from
par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value) (each, a
"Transaction"), the Company shall execute and deliver to the Warrantholder at
least ten (10) Business Days prior to effecting such Transaction a certificate
stating that the Warrantholder shall have the right thereafter to exercise this
Warrant for the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities, property
or cash receivable upon such Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of
Common Stock into which this Warrant could have been exercised immediately prior
to such Transaction and provision shall be made therefor in the agreement, if
any, relating to such Transaction.  Such certificate shall provide for
adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the
adjustments provided for in this Section 5.  The provisions of this Section 5.7
and any equivalent thereof in any such certificate similarly shall apply to
successive transactions.

               5.11 Notices.  In case at any time or from time to time:
                    -------

                    (x)  the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) on its shares of Common Stock;
<PAGE>

                                                                               9

                    (y)  the Company shall authorize the granting to the holders
of its Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
shares of stock of any class or of any other rights or warrants; or

                    (z)  there shall occur a spin-off or Transaction;

then the Company shall mail to the Warrantholder, as promptly as possible but in
any event at least ten (10) days prior to the applicable date hereinafter
specified, a notice stating (A) the date on which a record is to be taken for
the purpose of such dividend, distribution or granting of rights or warrants or,
if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock
of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution or granting of rights or
warrants are to be determined, or (B) the date on which such spin-off or
Transaction is expected to become effective and the date as of which it is
expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange
their Common Stock for shares of stock or other securities or property or cash
deliverable upon such Transaction.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case
of any event to which Section 5.8 is applicable, the Company shall also deliver
the certificate described in such Section 5.8 to the Warrantholder at least 10
Business Days prior to effecting such reorganization or reclassification as
aforesaid.

          6.   Loss or Destruction of Warrant.  Subject to the terms and
               ------------------------------
conditions hereof, upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant
and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of such bond or indemnification
as the Company may reasonably require, and, in the case of such mutilation, upon
surrender and cancellation of this Warrant, the Company will execute and deliver
a new Warrant of like tenor.

          7.   Ownership of Warrant.  The Company may deem and treat the person
               --------------------
in whose name this Warrant is registered as the holder and owner hereof
(notwithstanding any notations of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone
other than the Company) for all purposes and shall not be affected by any notice
to the contrary, until presentation of this Warrant for registration of
transfer.

          8.   Amendments.  Any provision of this Warrant may be amended and the
               ----------
observance thereof waived only with the written consent of the Company and the
Warrantholder.

          9.   Definitions.  As used herein, unless the context otherwise
               -----------
requires, the following terms have the following respective meanings:

          "Adjusted Exercise Price" has the meaning specified in Section 5.5 of
           -----------------------
this Warrant.
<PAGE>

                                                                              10

          "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
           ------------------

          "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on
           ------------
which national banks are authorized by law to close in the State of New York.

          "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
           -------------
interests, participation, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated
and whether voting or non-voting) of, such Person's capital stock and any and
all rights, warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such
capital stock (but excluding any debt security whether or not it is exchangeable
for or convertible into such capital stock).

          "Common Stock" means the Voting Common Stock and the Non-Voting Stock.
           ------------

          "Common Stock Equivalent" means any security or obligation which is by
           -----------------------
its terms convertible into shares of Common Stock or another Common Stock
Equivalent, including, without limitation, any option, warrant or other
subscription or purchase right with respect to Common Stock.

          "Company" has the meaning specified on the cover of this Warrant.
           -------

          "Company Valuation" means (i) in the case of the Initial Public
           -----------------
Offering of the Company, the product of (x) the mid-point of the anticipated
price range per share of Common Stock offered in the Initial Public Offering as
set forth in the then most recently circulated "red-herring" prospectus of the
Company in which such mid-point is stated multiplied by (y) the total number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding on a Fully-Diluted Basis prior to the Initial
Public Offering, (ii) in the case of a Sale (other than a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company), the product of (x) the net
price per share paid for each share of Common Stock by the surviving Person in
such transaction multiplied by (y) the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding on a Fully-Diluted Basis immediately prior to such transaction and
(iii) in the case of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, the aggregate proceeds received by the holders of Common Stock of the
Company in such transaction.

          "Conversion Right" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 of this
           ----------------
Warrant.

          "Current Market Price" means, as of the date of determination, (a) the
           --------------------
average of the daily Market Price under clause (a), (b) or (c) of the definition
thereof of the Common Stock during the immediately preceding thirty (30) trading
days ending on such date, and (b) if the Common Stock is not then listed or
admitted to trading on any securities exchange or quoted in the over-the-counter
market, then the Market Price under clause (d) of the definition thereof on such
date.
<PAGE>

                                                                              11

          "Deferred Revenue Amount" means the sum of (1) the difference of (x)
           -----------------------
the Company's deferred revenue from its magazine business for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1999, stated on its audited balance sheet for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999, and (y) $47,652,000 plus (2) the Company's net
                               ---                 ----
revenue from its magazine business at December 31, 1999, as stated on its
audited income statement for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999.

          "Excluded Transaction" means (i) any issuance by the Company to
           --------------------
employees, consultants or directors of the Company of Common Stock Equivalents
pursuant to a stock option plan or other employee benefit arrangement approved
by the Board of Directors (and the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of
such Common Stock Equivalents); (ii) any issuance of Common Stock as a dividend
on shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shares of Series B Preferred Stock;
(iii) any issuance of Common Stock upon the conversion or exercise of
outstanding Common Stock Equivalents, and (iv) the issuance and sale by the
Company of the Investor Warrants and the Walker Warrants (and the issuance of
Common Stock upon the exercise of the Investor Warrants and the Walker
Warrants).

          "Exercise Form" means an Exercise Form in the form annexed hereto as
           -------------
Exhibit A.
---------

          "Exercise Period" shall mean the period from the date hereof through
           ---------------
and until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 12, 2007.

          "Exercise Price" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
           --------------
Warrant.

          "Fair Market Value" means the amount which a willing buyer would pay a
           -----------------
willing seller in an arm's length transaction reasonably determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors or, if such determination is not reasonably
satisfactory to the Warrantholder, such determination as shall be made by a
nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Company and the
Warrantholder, the expenses for which shall be borne equally by the Company and
the Warrantholder.  Any determination of the Fair Market Value by the Board of
Directors or such investment banking firm shall be made based on a valuation of
the Company as an entirety without regard to any discount for minority interests
or disparate voting rights among classes of capital stock.

          "Fully-Diluted Basis" means, at the time of determination, the sum of
           -------------------
(x) the total number of shares of Voting Stock issued and outstanding and (y)
the total number of shares of Voting Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion
of any Common Stock Equivalent that is fully vested and "in the money."
<PAGE>

                                                                              12

          "GAP Coinvestment" means GAP Coinvestment Partners II, L.P., a New
           ----------------
York limited partnership.

          "GAP LP" means General Atlantic Partners 60, L.P., a Delaware limited
           ------
partnership.

          "Initial Public Offering" means an underwritten public offering
           -----------------------
pursuant to an Effective Registration Statement filed under the Securities Act.

          "Investor Warrants" means those warrants to purchase Common Stock
           -----------------
issued by the Company pursuant to that Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement
dated as of January 12, 2000 between the Company and the Purchasers named
therein.

          "Issue Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 of this Warrant.
           ----------

          "Market Price" means, as of the date of determination, (a) the closing
           ------------
price per share of Common Stock on such date published in The Wall Street
Journal or, if no such closing price on such date is published in The Wall
Street Journal, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such date, as
officially reported on the principal securities exchange (including, without
limitation, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.) on which the Common Stock is then
listed or admitted to trading; or (b) if the Common Stock is not then listed or
admitted to trading on any securities exchange but is designated as a national
market system security by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
the last trading price of the Common Stock on such date; or (c) if there shall
have been no trading on such date or if the Common Stock is not so designated,
the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock on
such date as shown by the National Market System of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System and reported by any member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange selected by the Company; or (d) if none of
(a), (b) or (c) is applicable, a market price per share determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors and reasonably acceptable to the Majority
Warrantholders; provided, however, that if such determination is not reasonably
                --------  -------
acceptable to the Majority Warrantholders, then a market price per share
determined at the Company's expense by an appraiser chosen by mutual agreement
of the Company and the Majority Warrantholders.  Any determination of the Market
Price by an appraiser shall be based on a valuation of the Company as an
entirety without regard to any discount for minority interests or disparate
voting rights among classes of capital stock.  In the event that there is
continuous trading of the Common Stock on any securities exchange, then the
closing price per share shall be deemed to be the price quoted for such day in
The Wall Street Journal, or if no such price is published therein, the closing
price shall be the price quoted at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
<PAGE>

                                                                              13

          "Majority Warrantholders" means the holders of a majority of Warrant
           -----------------------
Shares issuable upon exercise of all of the warrants issued pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement assuming the exercise of all such warrants.

          "New Issuance" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 of this
           ------------
Warrant.

          "New Issue Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 of this
           ---------------
Warrant.

          "Non-Voting Stock" means the non-voting common stock, no par value per
           ----------------
share, of the Company.

          "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited
           ------
liability company, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint
venture, joint stock company, governmental authority or other entity of any
kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

          "Purchase Agreement" means the Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement,
           ------------------
dated January 12, 2000, among the Company, GAP LP and GAP Coinvestment and the
other parties listed therein.

          "Revenue Evaluation Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a)
           -----------------------
of this Warrant.

          "Sale" shall mean the sale (including a sale of substantially all of
           ----
the assets of the Company), conveyance, exchange, transfer, merger, tender
offer, or other business combination of the Company in which the stockholders
owning a majority of the voting securities of the Company prior to such
transaction do not retain at least a majority of the voting power of the Company
or the surviving Person, as the case may be.

          "Securities Act" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
           --------------
Warrant, or any similar Federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, all as the same
shall be in effect at the time. Reference to a particular section of the
Securities Act shall be deemed to include a reference to the comparable section,
if any, of any such similar Federal statute.

          "Series A Preferred Stock" means the Series A Convertible Preferred
           ------------------------
Stock of the Company, no par value per share.

          "Series B Preferred Stock" means the Series B Convertible Preferred
           ------------------------
Stock of the Company, no par value per share.
<PAGE>

                                                                              14

          "Spin-off Entity" has the meaning specified in Section 5.10 of this
           ---------------
Warrant.

          "Stockholders Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Stockholders
           ----------------------
Agreement, dated January 12, 2000, among the Company, GAP LP, GAP Coinvestment
and the other stockholders named therein, as the same may be amended from time
to time.

          "Transaction" has the meaning specified in Section 5.10 of this
           -----------
Warrant.

          "Transfer" has the meaning specified on the cover of this Warrant.
           --------

          "Voting Stock" means the voting common stock, no par value per share,
           ------------
of the Company.

          "Walker Warrants" means those warrants to purchase Common Stock to be
           ---------------
issued by the Company to Jay Walker (or any assignee) pursuant to that Credit
Agreement dated as of January 12, 2000 between the Company and Jay Walker.

          "Warrantholder" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
           -------------
Warrant.

          "Warrant Share Number" has the meaning specified in Section 5.1 of
           --------------------
this Warrant.

          "Warrant Shares" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
           --------------
Warrant.

          10.  Miscellaneous
               -------------

               10.1  Entire Agreement.  This Warrant and the Purchase Agreement
                     ----------------
constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and the Warrantholder with
respect to the Warrant.

               10.2  Binding Effect; Benefits.  This Warrant shall inure to the
                     ------------------------
benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and the Warrantholder and their
respective permitted successors and assigns.  Nothing in this Warrant, expressed
or implied, is intended to or shall confer on any person other than the Company
and the Warrantholder, or their respective permitted successors or assigns, any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Warrant.

               10.3  Section and Other Headings.  The section and other headings
                     --------------------------
contained in this Warrant are for reference purposes only and shall not be
deemed to be a part of this Warrant or to affect the meaning or interpretation
of this Warrant.
<PAGE>

                                                                              15

               10.4  Notices.  All notices, demands and other communications
                     -------
provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be by
registered or certified first-class mail, return receipt requested, telecopier,
courier service, overnight mail or personal delivery:

               (a)   if to the Warrantholder:

                     To the address listed on the books and records of the
               Company.

               (b)   if to the Company:

                     Synapse Group, Inc.
                     4 High Ridge Park
                     Stamford, Connecticut 06905-1325
                     Telecopy: (203) 595-8254
                     Attention: Michael Loeb

                     with a copy to:

                     Hale and Dorr LLP
                     60 State Street
                     Boston, MA 02109
                     Telecopy: (617) 526-5000
                     Attention: John H. Chory, Esq.

          All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when delivered by courier
or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail;
five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if
mailed; and when receipt is mechanically acknowledged, if telecopied.  Any party
may by notice given in accordance with this Section 10.4 designate another
address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

               10.5  Severability.  Any term or provision of this Warrant which
                     ------------
is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the terms and provisions of this Warrant or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of
this Warrant in any other jurisdiction.
<PAGE>

                                                                              16

               10.6  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS WARRANT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
                     -------------
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

               10.7  No Rights or Liabilities as Shareholder.  Nothing contained
                     ---------------------------------------
in this Warrant shall be determined as conferring upon the Warrantholder any
rights as a shareholder of the Company or as imposing any liabilities on the
Warrantholder to purchase any securities whether such liabilities are asserted
by the Company or by creditors or shareholders of the Company or otherwise.

                 [Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE>

                                                                              17

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be signed
by its duly authorized officer.

                                        SYNAPSE GROUP, INC.

                                        By: ________________________________
                                             Name: Michael Loeb
                                             Title: President

Dated: January 12, 2000
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit A
                                   ---------

                                 EXERCISE FORM
                                 -------------

                (To be executed upon exercise of this Warrant)

          The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right,
represented by this Warrant, to purchase _________ of the Warrant Shares and
[herewith tenders payment for such Warrant Shares to the order of Synapse Group,
Inc. in the amount of $_________] [hereby exercises its Conversion Rights] in
accordance with the terms of this Warrant.  The undersigned requests that a
certificate for [such Warrant Shares] [that number of Warrant Shares to which
the undersigned is entitled as calculated pursuant to Section 2.2] be registered
in the name of the undersigned and that such certificates be delivered to the
undersigned's address below.

          The undersigned represents that it is acquiring such Warrant Shares
for its own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any distribution thereof (subject, however, to any requirement
of law that the disposition thereof shall at all times be within its control).

Dated:  __________________________

                                   Signature: __________________________________

                                              __________________________________
                                              (Print Name)

                                              __________________________________
                                              (Street Address)

                                              __________________________________
                                              (City)       (State)   (Zip Code)<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.17
                             SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT

     AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of December, 1993 by and among NewSub
Services, Inc., a Connecticut corporation (the "Corporation"), Jay Walker
("Walker"), Michael Loeb ("Loeb"), Joseph Hanson ("Hanson"), John Veronis
("Veronis"), John Suhler ("Suhler") Lawrence Crutcher ("Crutcher") and Margaret
Bates ("Bates").

     WHEREAS, the Shareholders (as hereinafter defined) together own all of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, holding shares
respectively as follows:

     Jay Walker         -     1000 shares of voting common stock

     Michael Loeb       -     1000 shares of voting common stock

     Joseph Hanson      -     110 shares of non-voting common stock

     John Veronis       -     27 shares of non-voting common stock

     John Suhler        -     27 shares of non-voting common stock.

     Lawrence Crutcher  -     23 shares of non-voting common stock.

     Margaret Bates     -     11 shares of non-voting common stock

     WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Shareholders wish to enter into an
agreement imposing certain restrictions on the transfer of each Shareholder's
shares and setting forth certain agreements to provide for the continuity of the
Corporation and its management and business;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   Definition.  In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, when
          ----------
used herein the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

          (a)  Affiliate shall mean, with respect to any Shareholder, (i) any
               ---------
Person who, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by or is
under common control with, the Shareholder, and (ii) any Person who is a
director or officer of the Shareholder or of any Person described in clause (i)
above.

          (b)  Family Member shall mean, as to any natural Person, a parent,
               -------------
child, descendant, spouse or sibling of the Person, the spouse of any of the
foregoing, or the estate, any guardian, custodian or conservator of the Person
or any of the foregoing, or a trust of which there are and continue to be,
during the term of this Agreement, no principal beneficiaries other than the
foregoing.

          (c)  1933 Act shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
               --------

          (d)  Permitted Transferee shall mean any Person to whom any Shares are
               --------------------
transferred in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement.

          (e)  Person shall mean a natural person, corporation, limited
               ------
partnership, general partnership, joint stock company, joint venture,
association, company, trust, bank trust company, land trust, business trust or
other organization, whether or not a legal entity, and a government or agency or
political subdivision thereof.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

          (f)  Insider Group shall mean Walker and Loeb collectively and shall
               -------------
include any Person who, after the date hereof, acquires shares as a Permitted
Transferee of any of the foregoing Persons (or of any subsequent Permitted
Transferees) in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement.

          (g)  Investor Group shall mean Joseph Hanson, John Veronis, John
               --------------
Suhler, Lawrence Crutcher and Margaret Bates collectively and shall include any
Person who, after the date hereof, acquires shares as a Permitted Transferee of
any of the foregoing Persons (or of any subsequent Permitted Transferees) in
accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement.

          (h)  Sell or Transfer, as to any Shares, shall mean to sell, or in any
               ----    --------
other way, directly or indirectly, transfer, assign, exchange, donate, make a
gift of, distribute, pledge, hypothecate, transfer voting rights with respect
to, encumber or otherwise dispose of, either, voluntarily or involuntarily, or
the act of making any such sale, transfer, assignment, exchange, donation, gift,
distribution, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance or other disposition.

          (i)  Shares shall mean all of the shares of capital stock of the
               ------
Corporation currently owned by the Shareholders, shares of capital stock of the
Corporation owned by persons who become shareholders after the date of this
Agreement, any shares of capital stock acquired in exchange for Shares as a
result of mergers, recapitalizations, consolidations or otherwise, any
additional Shares issued or

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

distributed by the Corporation by reason of stock dividends, increases in
outstanding shares, additional issuances or otherwise and any options, warrants
or rights to purchase any of the foregoing.  If the Corporation merges with or
into another Person, the shares of the Investor Group shall be converted into
shares of stock or other securities of the surviving corporation on the same
basis as all other equity interests in the Corporation except that the stock or
other securities of the surviving corporation issued and issuable to the
Investor Group shall have no voting rights.

          (j) Shareholders shall mean, collectively, Walker, Loeb and the
              ------------
members of the Investor Group and shall include any Person who, after the date
hereof, acquires Shares as a Permitted Transferee of any of the foregoing
Persons (or of any subsequent Permitted Transferee) in accordance with and
subject to the terms of this Agreement.

     2.   Restrictions on Transfer.  (a) Each member of the Investor Group
          ------------------------
agrees not to Transfer Shares except as permitted under and in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the holders of
a majority of the Shares owned by the Insider Group, which consent may be given
or withheld in their sole discretion.  No noncomplying Transfer or purported
Transfer (an "Ineffectual Transfer") pursuant to which any person shall attempt
to acquire any right, title or interest in any

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

Shares other than in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, shall be
recognized by the Corporation.  An Ineffectual Transfer shall be null and void
and shall not be recorded as a transfer on the stock transfer records of the
Corporation.  Notwithstanding the occurrence of any attempted Ineffectual
Transfer, the purported transferor of Shares shall continue to be entitled, so
long as he shall remain the owner of such Shares, to any and all existing rights
and privileges of a Shareholder to which he is otherwise entitled, and subject
to all obligations of a Shareholder, with respect to such Shares.

          (b) The provisions of this Section shall apply to any Permitted
Transferee (or subsequent Permitted Transferee) of any member of the Investor
Group as and to the extent it applies to the members of the Investor Group.

     3.   Take-Along Rights.  If the members of the Insider Group intend to
          -----------------
Transfer all of their Shares to an independent third party, then at the request
of the Insider Group the Investor Group shall sell to such independent third
party all of the Shares held by the Investor Group at the same price per Share
and upon the same other terms and conditions applicable to the sale by the
Insider Group.  The term "price per share" set forth in the preceding sentence
shall be deemed to include any form of payment, compensation or financial
benefit payable directly or indirectly to a Shareholder in consideration for or
in connection with a Transfer of Shares, provided, however, that

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

payment of reasonable compensation for services to be actually rendered after
the sale shall not be included.

     4.   Come-Along Rights.  The Insider Group shall not Transfer any Shares
          -----------------
unless the transferee also offers to purchase the same proportionate part of the
Shares held by the Investor Group as the Insider Group proposes to sell of the
Shares held by them at the same time, at the same price per share and upon the
same other terms and conditions applicable to the sale by the Insider Group.
The term "price per share" set forth in the preceding sentence shall be deemed
to include any form of payment, compensation or financial benefit payable
directly or indirectly to a Shareholder in consideration for or in connection
with a Transfer of Shares, provided, however, that payment of reasonable
compensation for services to be actually rendered after the sale shall not be
included.

     5.   Insider Group Option to Purchase Shares Upon Death of Member of
          ---------------------------------------------------------------
Investor Group.
--------------

          (a) Upon the death of a member of the Investor Group (the "Deceased
Shareholder"), the Insider Group (the "Surviving Shareholder(s)"), individually
and collectively, shall have the option to purchase all, but not less than all,
of the Shares of the Deceased Shareholder.  The purchase price shall be the
Purchase Price as hereinafter defined.

          (b) Each Surviving Shareholder shall notify the legal representative
of the Deceased Shareholder as to whether he intends to exercise the option as
soon as

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

possible, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after notice of the
Deceased Shareholder's death.  If more than one Surviving Shareholder elects to
exercise his option, the Shares of the Deceased Shareholder shall be allocated
between or among them in proportion to the number of Shares owned by each
Surviving Shareholder exercising his option, unless they otherwise agree and
notify the Deceased Shareholder's legal representative within ten (10) days
after notification by the Deceased Shareholder's legal representative of the
number of Surviving Shareholders who exercised their options under this Section.
The closing of the sale shall take place within ninety (90) days after
determination of the Purchase Price.

          (c) At the closing of the transfer of the Deceased Shareholder's
Shares, the legal representative of the Deceased Shareholder shall deliver the
certificates or other documents evidencing the Deceased Shareholder's Shares to
the purchaser, duly endorsed for transfer.  The purchaser(s) of the Deceased
Shareholder's Shares shall thereupon pay the Purchase Price therefor in
accordance with paragraph (d) below.

          (d) Payment of the purchase price for the Deceased Shareholder's
Shares shall be paid at the closing by certified or bank check or by wire
transfer of immediately available funds.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

     6.   Mandatory Purchase By Corporation Upon Death.
          --------------------------------------------

          (a) To the extent that a Deceased Shareholder's Shares are not
purchased by the Surviving Shareholders upon his death the Corporation shall
purchase, and the legal representative of the Deceased Shareholder shall sell,
all of the Shares of the Deceased Shareholder.  The purchase price shall be the
Purchase Price as hereinafter defined.

          (b) The closing shall occur and the Purchase Price shall be delivered
to the Deceased Shareholder's designated beneficiary, or, in the absence of such
designation, to his legal representative, within ninety days after determination
of the Purchase Price.  If the aggregate Purchase Price of the Deceased
Shareholder's Shares, including the Purchase Price of such Shares purchased by
the Surviving Shareholders, is less than $200,000, then the Purchase Price shall
be paid by certified or bank check or by wire transfer of immediately available
funds.  The Corporation may deliver to the Deceased Shareholder's beneficiary or
representative a promissory note for the portion of the Purchase Price that
exceeds $200,000.  The promissory note shall provide for payment of the unpaid
principal balance of the Purchase Price in a series of equal quarterly
installments over a period not to exceed two years, shall provide for quarterly
payments of interest on the unpaid balance at an annual rate equal to the prime
rate of Citibank, N.A.  or its successor as in effect from time to time and
shall allow for full or partial prepayment at any time without penalty.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

          (c) Upon delivery by the Corporation of the Purchase Price in cash or
by the downpayment and promissory note described above, a duly authorized
representative of the Deceased Shareholder shall deliver to the Corporation the
stock certificates or other documents evidencing the Deceased Shareholder's
Shares, properly endorsed for transfer.

     7.   Valuation of Shares.  The "Purchase Price" with respect to any Shares
          -------------------
for purposes of this Agreement shall be the fair market value of the Shares as
determined by the Purchaser(s) and Seller(s) of Shares in the following manner.
If the Purchaser(s) and Seller(s) of Shares cannot agree on such fair market
value within twenty (20) days, then they shall commission the appraisal of the
Shares by a recognized, independent appraiser, whose conclusions shall be
submitted within thirty (30) days of the date on which the appraiser is hired.
The appraiser's valuation shall be based upon market conditions in the industry
in which the Corporation operates and upon criteria generally employed in
valuing corporations in such industry.  The cost of such appraisal shall be
borne equally by the Purchaser(s) and Seller(s) of Shares.  The Purchaser(s) and
Seller(s) of Shares must agree on an acceptable appraiser within ten (10) days
of the expiration of the aforementioned twenty (20) day period.  If no agreement
on an appraiser can be reached,

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

then the existing independent accountant of the Corporation will select a
recognized, independent appraiser.

     The determination of value made in accordance with the preceding provisions
shall be binding upon the Corporation, the Shareholders, their respective
successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives, and all persons having or
claiming an interest in the subject Shares.

     8.   Covenant Not to Disclose.  Each Shareholder acknowledges and agrees
          ------------------------
that much of the information, documents, files and other papers concerning the
products, business, operations, financial affairs, or condition of the
Corporation are strictly confidential, including but not limited to, financial
statements, customer lists, training manuals, marketing methods, pricing
structures, technical data, process information and know-how (the "Confidential
Information").  Each Shareholder covenants and agrees that he will not at any
time divulge, make known to any person, or use, in each case for his own
personal benefit, any of the Confidential Information, whether or not made known
to such shareholder by reason of his being a shareholder, director, officer or
employee of the corporation, except (i) as reasonably necessary to conduct the
business of the Corporation, (ii) as required by law, regulation or legal
process or (iii) to third parties who have executed and delivered to the
Corporation a non-disclosure agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to
the Corporation.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

     All materials, records, and documents developed or owned by the
Corporation, whether embodied in electronic media or in written form, shall be
the sole property of the Corporation and upon the request of the Corporation,
each Shareholder shall promptly deliver to the Corporation such materials,
records and documents or copies thereof as are then maintained by him or
otherwise under his control, and shall retain no copies thereof or alternatively
the Shareholder may provide an affidavit attesting that all such materials,
records and documents, or copies thereof, have been destroyed.  In the event of
a legal dispute between a Shareholder and the Corporation the Confidential
Information in the possession of the Shareholder which is relevant to such
dispute shall, in lieu of being returned or destroyed, be placed in escrow with
the Shareholder's attorney, to-be held subject to the terms of this Agreement.

     The obligations of a Shareholder under this Section shall be binding on a
Shareholder even after he ceases to be a shareholder of the Corporation and
shall survive termination of this Agreement.

     9.   Exempt Transactions.  Section 4 of this Agreement shall not apply to
          -------------------
the Transfer of Shares by Walker and Loeb to their respective Family Members,
between Walker and Loeb, between their respective Family Members or between such
Family Members and Walker and Loeb.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     10.  Investor Group Put Option.  In the event of a material disagreement
          -------------------------
between a member of the Investor Group and the Corporation as to the conduct of
the Corporation's business, the sole and exclusive remedy shall be that each
member of the Investor Group who did not approve the issue resulting in the
material business disagreement (the "Major Issue") shall have the right and
option, exercisable by delivery of a Put Notice, to Walker and Loeb, to sell to
the Corporation, and the Corporation shall purchase, within one hundred twenty
(120) days after receipt of such Put Notice, at the Purchase Price, all of such
member's Shares. The Put Notice must be given within ten (10) days of the date
on which the member of the Investor Group obtained knowledge of such Major
Issue. Upon the election of the holders of a majority of the Shares owned by the
Insider Group, the Corporation may assign its right to purchase such Shares to
Walker and Loeb. If the Purchase Price of the member's Shares is less than
$100,000, then the Purchase Price shall be paid by certified or bank check or by
wire transfer of immediately available funds. The purchaser may deliver to the
member the purchaser's promissory note for the portion of the Purchase Price
that exceeds $100,000. The promissory note shall provide for payment of the
unpaid principal balance of the Purchase Price at the rate of $100,000 per year
(or lesser remaining balance) and shall provide for quarterly

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

payments of interest on the unpaid balance at an annual rate equal to the prime
rate of Citibank, N.A. or its successor as in effect from time to time and shall
allow for full or partial prepayment at any time without penalty.  The note will
be secured by a security agreement granting the holder a security interest in
the assets of the Corporation, which security interest will be expressly
subordinate to any bank financing which may be provided to the Corporation.

     11.  Election to be Taxed as a "Small Business" Corporation.
          ------------------------------------------------------

          (a) The parties agree that the Corporation shall elect to be taxed as
a "small business corporation" under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or such other provision of law now or
hereafter applicable to such election, and under any corresponding state law.
The parties shall cause the Corporation to execute the necessary forms for
exercising such elections, shall execute the necessary stockholder's consents,
and shall authorize the filing of such elections and consents.  All other action
deemed necessary or advisable to perfect such elections shall be taken and is
hereby authorized.  The parties further agree to continue such elections unless
they unanimously agree otherwise.  None of the parties, without the consent of
all the others, shall take any action or make any Transfer of Shares which will
result in the termination or revocation of such elections, and each shall take
such action as may be

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

required to continue such elections from year to year.  Any purported Transfer
not in compliance with the preceding sentence shall be deemed an Ineffectual
Transfer as provided in Section 2(a) of this Agreement.  Any proposed Transfer
shall only be effective and recognized by the Corporation if the proposed
transferee provides the Corporation with a written opinion of legal counsel, who
shall be satisfactory to the Corporation and its counsel, such opinion to be in
form and substance satisfactory to the Corporation and its counsel, to the
effect that the proposed Transfer may be effected without resulting in the
termination or revocation of such elections.

          (b) In the event that a Shareholder's ownership interest in the
Corporation is terminated, in any manner or for any reason whatsoever, during a
taxable year in which the Corporation is an S corporation, the remaining
Shareholder(s) shall have the right to make an election, under Section 1377(a)
of the Code, to close such taxable year, effective as of the date of such
termination, for the purpose of allocating income (or loss) to the Corporation's
shareholders for such taxable year.  In the event of such an election, the
terminating Shareholder shall execute and deliver such documents and instruments
as may be necessary to effect such election in accordance with applicable
provisions of the Code.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

          (c) The parties agree that so long as the Corporation is a Subchapter
S corporation, the Corporation shall distribute to the Shareholders on each
April 1, June 1, September 1 and December 15 a cash dividend equal to one
quarter of the amount of the Corporation's estimated net income for federal
income tax purposes for the current year multiplied by the highest federal
marginal income tax rate plus the highest marginal state and local income tax
rate of the state and locality in which any Shareholder resides, provided that
if the Shareholders of the Corporation reside in different states, the
Corporation will pay to each Shareholder a dividend calculated using the highest
total state and local rate of any Shareholder, the per share dividend for all
Shareholders being identical. Commencing with the year 1993, the Corporation
agrees not to pay Walker and Loeb (including their respective Family Members, if
any), annual salary, bonus and other compensation in excess of $250,000 each,
subject to annual increase equal to any increase in the CPI-W (U.S. City
Average, All Items) published by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Corporation
further agrees that the expenses of Walker and Loeb shall be reasonable, given
the Corporation's size, and shall not include any excessive perks or hidden
compensation. If Walker and Loeb receive any such excessive compensation or
perks, the amounts of such excess shall be considered as a distribution to
Shareholders and the members of the Investor Group shall be entitled to their
proportionate share of

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

such distribution.  The Corporation shall not make any distribution provided for
in this Section 12(c) if (i) such a distribution will, in the good faith
judgment of the Board of Directors, result in a breach of, or constitute a
default under, any applicable law or regulation, or any order, writ injunction
or decree of any court or governmental authority, or any agreement or instrument
entered into in accordance with the terms of this Shareholder Agreement or (ii)
the holders of all of the Shares agree otherwise.

     12.  Financial Information.  The Corporation shall provide the Shareholders
          ---------------------
with quarterly internally prepared operating results unless the Shareholders
request such information more frequently in which case the Corporation shall
provide such information upon request but, in any event, no more frequently than
monthly.  In addition, the Corporation shall notify the Shareholders of any
materially adverse development which could, in the reasonable judgment of the
Corporation's board, lead to the institution of any bankruptcy proceeding by or
against the Corporation as a debtor.

     13.  Maintenance of Shareholders' Interests.  The Corporation hereby grants
          --------------------------------------
to each Shareholder the right to maintain its equity interest in the Corporation
as follows:

          (a) Except with respect to any options, rights or warrants to acquire
shares of Common Stock issued to employees of the Corporation as incentive

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

compensation ("Employee Stock Options") and the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon the exercise thereof, not less than fifteen (15) nor more than sixty (60)
days prior to any issuance (whether or not for consideration) or sale of any
shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into shares of Common Stock
or any option, right, warrant or similar instrument to acquire shares of Common
Stock or any security convertible into shares of Common Stock (hereinafter
referred to as "Equity Securities"), the Corporation shall notify each
Shareholder thereof in writing, which notice shall specify the kind and amount
of Equity Securities that the Corporation intends to issue or sell and contain a
detailed description of the terms of the proposed issuance or sale (including
the proposed issuance or sale price, if any), and shall offer to each
Shareholder the opportunity to acquire such number of such Equity Securities as
shall allow such Shareholder, immediately following the issuance or sale of all
such Equity Securities, to be the beneficial owner, in the aggregate, of such
Shareholder's Proportionate Share Interest (as hereinafter defined).  For the
purposes hereof, a "Shareholder's Proportionate Share Interest" shall mean such
number of share of Common Stock as shall constitute the percentage of all
outstanding shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Shareholder
immediately prior to the issuance or sale referred to in the immediately

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

preceding sentence.  For the purpose of computing a Shareholder's Proportionate
Share Interest, the following shall be assumed: (i) the complete conversion of
any convertible securities of the Corporation; (ii) the exercise and/or purchase
of all shares of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to all options, rights,
warrants or similar instruments relating to shares of Common Stock (excluding
Employee Stock options); and (iii) that, prior to the assumed conversion of the
convertible securities referred to in clause (i) above and the assumed exercise
and/or purchase of shares pursuant to the options, rights, warrants and similar
instruments referred to in clause (ii) above, any adjustments in the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant thereto that, by the terms of such
convertible securities, options, rights, warrants or similar instruments would
result from the issuance or sale referred to in the first sentence of this
Section 13(a) have been made.  The per share or equivalent price, if any,
payable by each Shareholder, and all other terms and conditions of the offer to
each Shareholder, shall be identical to that offered to the other parties in
connection with such issuance or sale; provided, however, that if the purchase
                                       --------  -------
price is to be paid by other parties in kind or is for any other reason of a
type of consideration which the Shareholders cannot readily deliver, each
Shareholder shall nevertheless be entitled to pay the purchase price in cash,
such price to be an amount equal to the monetary equivalent value to the
Corporation of such consideration in kind

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

or other consideration which such Shareholder cannot readily deliver, as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation; and
provided, further, that any Equity Securities issued to a member of the Investor
--------  -------
Group shall be non-voting.  Each Shareholder shall have a period of fifteen (15)
days following the Corporation's notice to such Shareholder pursuant to this
Section within which such Shareholder may elect to purchase the Equity
Securities offered to such Shareholder pursuant to this Section 13(a).  Such
election may be for all or part of the Equity Securities offered to such
Shareholder, may be conditioned on such Shareholder and the Corporation
obtaining any requisite governmental approvals, consents or certificates (which
such Shareholder and the Corporation shall each covenant to use its best efforts
to obtain as promptly as is practicable) and shall be made by written notice to
the Corporation within such fifteen (15) day period.  The closing of the
purchase by each purchasing Shareholder of any Equity Securities pursuant to
this Section shall occur at the time and location of the closing of the issuance
or sale of Equity Securities which gave rise to such Shareholder's rights under
this Section.

          (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section
13(a) hereof, in the event that the Corporation shall issue or sell, in the
aggregate, less than the number of Equity Securities referred to in the
Corporation's notice to the

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

Shareholders pursuant to Section 13(a) hereof, the number of Equity Securities
to be purchased from the Corporation by each purchasing Shareholder at the
closing referred to therein shall be proportionately reduced.

          (c) If any Shareholder shall not elect to purchase all of the Equity
Securities offered to it pursuant to Section 13(a) hereof, then the Corporation
shall, during a period of sixty (60) days following such Shareholder's notice of
the Corporation pursuant to Section 13(a) hereof, have the right to sell the
number of Equity Securities that such Shareholder has not elected to purchase
pursuant to this Section 13 free and clear of the restrictions of Section 13(a)
hereof at a price and upon other terms and conditions no more favorable to a
purchaser than were offered to such Shareholder pursuant to Section 13(a)
hereof.  At the expiration of such sixty (60) day period, any issuance or sale
of such Equity Securities shall again be subject to the rights granted to the
Shareholders pursuant to Section 13(a) hereof.

     14.  Endorsement of Stock Certificates.  Each certificate for Shares issued
          ---------------------------------
by the Corporation shall bear an endorsement on its front or back substantially
as follows:

     "The shares represented by this certificate ( the "Shares") have not been
     registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or any
     state securities law and the Shares may not be sold or offered for sale in
     the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act and any
     applicable state securities laws or an available exemption from the
     registration requirements of the Act and

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

     any applicable state securities laws.  In addition, the Shares are issued,
     accepted and held subject to and transferable only in accordance with the
     provisions of the Shareholder Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1993, by
     and among the Corporation and its Shareholders, a copy of which Shareholder
     Agreement is on file in the office of the Corporation."

     15.  Failure to Deliver Certificates.  In the event that a Shareholder is
          -------------------------------
required by the provisions of this Agreement to sell his Shares to the
Corporation or to another party and such Shareholder fails to deliver the
certificates representing such Shares, duly endorsed for transfer, upon tender
by the Corporation or such other party of the purchase price therefor, the
Corporation shall have the right to transfer such Shares on the stock transfer
records of the Corporation and to treat such Shares as if the stock certificates
had been delivered by the Shareholder.  In such event, the Shareholder shall be
deemed to have no ownership interest in, or any rights with respect to, such
Shares as of the date the Corporation transfers such Shares on its stock
transfer records.

     16.  Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of
          -----------
any of the following:

          (a) the agreement of the Shareholders holding at least ninety-seven
percent (97%) of the outstanding Shares; or

          (b) the bankruptcy, receivership or dissolution of the Corporation.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>

     Nothing contained in this Section shall affect or impair any rights or
obligations arising prior to or at the time of termination of this Agreement.

     17.  Miscellaneous.
          -------------

          (a) Successor Shareholders Must Sign.  Under no circumstances may any
              --------------------------------
Shares be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of to any person who, if he is
not already a Shareholder, has not executed and delivered to the Shareholders
and the Corporation a written agreement to be bound by the terms of this
Agreement and any transferee or recipient of Shares shall be subject to the same
restrictions under this Agreement as were applicable to the original transferor
of Shares.

          (b) Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
              ----------------
understanding among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all existing agreements among them concerning such subject matter
including, without limitation, Section 3 of the letter agreement dated January
1, 1993 among the Corporation, Walker, Loeb and Hanson and the letter agreement
dated November 1, 1992 among the Corporation, Walker, Loeb and Veronis, Suhler &
Associates, Inc.  No modification, discharge or waiver, in whole or in part, of
any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and
signed by the parties.

          (c) Headings.  The section headings in this Agreement are for
              --------
convenience of reference and do not constitute part of the agreement.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

          (d) By-Laws and Certificate of Incorporation.  The By-Laws and
              ----------------------------------------
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall be, and shall be deemed to
be, modified so as to conform to the provisions of this Agreement, and in the
event of any conflict this Agreement shall control.

          (e) Validity.  If any provision of this Agreement is found to be
              --------
invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be, and shall be deemed to be
modified so as to cure the invalidity or unenforceability, and all other
provisions of this Agreement shall be enforceable notwithstanding such
invalidity or unenforceability.

          (f) Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
              -------------
in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut.

          (g) Legally Available Funds.  The Corporation's repurchase of any
              -----------------------
Shares under this Agreement shall be subject to funds being legally available
for such purpose.  The parties hereto agree to cause the Corporation to take any
legally permissible action necessary to effectuate any repurchase of Shares
hereunder, including without limitation the reallocation of its stated capital
and surplus accounts.

          (h) Enforcement.  In the event that any party hereto commits a breach
              -----------
of that party's obligations hereunder, any non-breaching party damaged thereby
shall be

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

entitled to recover from the party in breach the costs and expenses incurred,
including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements, in connection with
enforcing the provisions hereof.  Each party acknowledges that irreparable
injury would result to the other parties hereto if the Corporation or any
Shareholder, or his or its transferees or legal representatives, fails to comply
with any of the restrictions herein imposed upon the transfer or encumbrance of
Shares, or with any other covenants, and obligations which are material; and
that in the event of any failure to comply with the terms hereof, the parties
hereto will not have an adequate remedy at law.  Therefore, each party hereto
consents to the issuance of an injunction or the enforcement of other equitable
remedies at the instance of the Corporation or any Shareholder to compel
performance of the restrictions, covenants, and obligations contained herein.
The rights and remedies set forth in this subsection shall be in addition to,
and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

          (i) Consistent Actions.  No Shareholder or other person elected as a
              ------------------
director of the Corporation pursuant to the provisions hereof, shall take or
fail to take any action that would be inconsistent or in conflict with the
stated rights and obligations contained in this Agreement.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>

          (j) Notices.  Any notice, request, instruction, or other
              -------
communication to be given hereunder by any party to another shall be in writing
given by hand delivery, telecopier, certified or registered mail (return receipt
requested) or by overnight express service, addressed to the respective party or
parties at the addresses set forth on Exhibit A or to such other address or
addresses as any party may designate to the others by like notice as set forth
above. Any notice given hereunder shall be deemed given and received on the date
of hand delivery or transmission by telecopier, or three (3) days after deposit
with the United States Postal Service, or one (1) day after delivery to an
overnight express service for next day delivery, as the case may be.

          (k) Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement is binding upon and shall
              ----------------------
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns and shall also be binding on all persons
who have or claim an interest in any Shares; provided, however, no party may
Transfer this Agreement or any rights hereunder without the prior written
consent of the other party or parties, or unless specifically permitted herein.
No third party is intended to receive any benefit from this Agreement.

          (l) Waivers.  No waiver by a party, or by anyone claiming by, through
              -------
or under such party, of any right or of the breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement, condition or duty, shall ever be held or
construed as a waiver of the

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

same or any other right or waiver of any other breach of the same or of any
representation, warranty, covenant, agreement, condition, or duty.  In the event
of a breach by a party of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement,
condition or duty, the failure by any other party to take action on account of
such breach or to enforce any rights resulting therefrom shall not be deemed a
waiver, but such breach shall be a continuing breach until the same has been
cured.  No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or
shall constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided
therein.

          (m) Securities Law Compliance.  No sale or Transfer of Shares by any
              -------------------------
Shareholder shall be made except pursuant to effective registration under the
1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such
registration, and prior to any such sale or Transfer the Shareholder proposing
to Sell or Transfer Shares shall give the Corporation (A) notice describing the
manner and circumstances of the proposed Transfer (copies of which the
Corporation shall furnish to any Shareholder upon request) and (B) if reasonably
requested by the Corporation, a written opinion of legal counsel, who shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation and its counsel, such opinion to be
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation and its
counsel, to the effect that the proposed Transfer may be effected without
registration under the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities law.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>

          (n) Pronouns.  Any masculine personal pronoun shall be considered to
              --------
mean the corresponding feminine or neuter personal pronoun, and vice versa, as
                                                                ---- -----
the context requires.

          (o) Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
              ------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement
shall become effective and binding upon each proposed party hereto upon the
execution and delivery of a counterpart hereof by such party.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.

                              CORPORATION

                              By: [illegible]
                                  -----------------------------------
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

                              /s/ Jay Walker
                              ---------------------------------------
                              Jay Walker

                              /s/ Michael Loeb
                              ---------------------------------------
                              Michael Loeb

                              /s/ Joseph Hanson
                              ---------------------------------------
                              Joseph Hanson

                              /s/ John Veronis
                              ---------------------------------------
                              John Veronis

                              /s/ John Suhler
                              ---------------------------------------
                              John Suhler

                              /s/ Lawrence Crutcher
                              ---------------------------------------
                              Lawrence Crutcher

                              /s/ Margaret Bates
                              ---------------------------------------
                              Margaret Bates

                                      -27-

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