tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post5020963767258405355..comments2023-10-03T02:30:40.858-07:00Comments on Words Done Write: Print is dying, but are more people reading?Amber Avineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12669243706547763362noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-14482890619913362032011-09-09T12:40:05.804-07:002011-09-09T12:40:05.804-07:00Hey P.J.!
As a veteran of the LA Times, I know a...Hey P.J.! <br /><br />As a veteran of the LA Times, I know about the layoffs and the thinner paper. Both very sad. <br /><br />There are still lots of folks who love tangible things to hold and enjoy. It's bizarre to know that kids being born today will likely never know that feeling. <br /><br />Seems like a lot of us today are hybrid readers. One foot still in the print world, and one in the digital realm. That's changing quickly, though. Ask Borders Books.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject, P.J.!Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-76942052637664022062011-09-09T11:52:35.825-07:002011-09-09T11:52:35.825-07:00To a point, yes, I read more than I did five years...To a point, yes, I read more than I did five years ago. But more for fun than "information." The bulk of the blogs and online reading I do is for personal stuff, or research for something I might be doing on my blog. <br /><br />The print newspaper is becoming thinner and thinner though and that bothers me in that I am a reader of newspapers. As someone who worked in newspapers for many years (I became a victim of the "downsizing" this past February), I still love the feel of a newspaper in the morning. But as it gets smaller, the news is done online and I find myself only skimming. <br /><br />Blogs and sports stuff, I read more of online because it's easier. But news, to me, is harder when online. And my eyes have a hard time with the screen.<br /><br />That being said, I love my Kindle... :)P.J.http://www.hoohaablog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-80421338584170819782011-09-08T23:28:30.156-07:002011-09-08T23:28:30.156-07:00No kidding, Lauren! I think the web has given us a...No kidding, Lauren! I think the web has given us all a severe case of attention deficit disorder. <br /><br />It's like...<br /><br />Wait, I'm sorry. What were we talking about? ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-64241799931884173502011-09-08T22:54:48.407-07:002011-09-08T22:54:48.407-07:00I feel like my brain is packed with info, sometime...I feel like my brain is packed with info, sometimes I'm overwhelmed! By choice, by infomation... Maybe I'm better informed these days, but I definitely have a shorter attentions span too.Corridor Kitchenhttp://twitter.com/CorridorKitchennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-18611894253352584432011-09-08T12:56:39.497-07:002011-09-08T12:56:39.497-07:00Hi Ricardo! Thanks for stopping by!
Yeah, I love...Hi Ricardo! Thanks for stopping by! <br /><br />Yeah, I love books, too. It would be such a great loss if we lose bookstores. Although, I suspect it's inevitable. <br /><br />I guess I was thinking more about newspapers, magazines, and such. The sources where we used to get our daily news. The ONLY place we could get it. <br /><br />Now, anyone can be a content generator. Who needs to read the Opinion section of their local newspaper to hear varying thoughts and opinions? They're EVERYWHERE now! The world is a-changing.<br /><br />Enjoy the book and the iced Americano ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-59781898677522611852011-09-07T16:02:19.753-07:002011-09-07T16:02:19.753-07:00Vanessa: I'm with you... I can get lost in a b...Vanessa: I'm with you... I can get lost in a bookstore ALL day and have fun doing it. Ricardo Buenohttp://www.ricardobueno.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-7319174709509951722011-09-07T16:01:30.989-07:002011-09-07T16:01:30.989-07:00Re: " I'm an educated woman of the 21st c...Re: " I'm an educated woman of the 21st century and information is my BFF." <br /><br />Loved that line! <br /><br />Personally, yes, I'm reading more (a lot more) these days and feeling smarter for it. I like to think that my writing has improved as a result too. I still read in both formats - online (lots), and books (my favorite). It's easy for me to get lost at the bookstore. It used to be that I bought dvd's once/twice a week. Now, that's been replaced with a good book and an iced Americano (a much better habit). Ricardo Buenohttp://www.ricardobueno.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-46341994570997439122011-09-04T12:11:08.185-07:002011-09-04T12:11:08.185-07:00Multiple prongs are good ;-)
As I was saying to J...Multiple prongs are good ;-)<br /><br />As I was saying to Jean below, I love books, too. For longer reads, I still much prefer print. It's really my daily habits that are centered around digital. The news I used to get from newspapers, magazines, and TV/radio news, I now get from the web. And since it's so easy and quick, I tend to consume much more information than I did in the past. <br /><br />As for getting books by mail, I love to get anything in my mailbox that isn't a bill! A big box from Amazon just makes my day, though ;-)<br /><br />Thanks for adding to the discussion, Vanessa!Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-66361199840438587552011-09-04T12:06:33.933-07:002011-09-04T12:06:33.933-07:00Hey Jean, thanks for adding your perspective. For ...Hey Jean, thanks for adding your perspective. For fiction, I prefer a book, too. <br /><br />I suspect many adults are in the same boat as you. Holding on to print, but embracing the new tech tools. Should be interesting to see what this conversation evolves into over the next few years, huh?Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-18746646499442516432011-09-04T12:03:49.349-07:002011-09-04T12:03:49.349-07:00Good point about being well rounded enough to ask ...Good point about being well rounded enough to ask questions. Knowledge isn't always about being the expert, it's mostly about being the student. <br /><br />I still enjoy a magazine and a hard cover book, too. However, when it comes to my daily habits, they're digital. That's where the lion's share of my content consumption originates. <br /><br />Thanks for chiming in, Bill, and sharing your thoughts ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-22222719572262171722011-09-04T01:56:57.417-07:002011-09-04T01:56:57.417-07:00I've always been a ferocious reader, but I sti...I've always been a ferocious reader, but I still prefer paper when reading books. I have still managed to resist buying a Kindle. I know, I'm really late to the party, but I love the whole experience of spending a Saturday afternoon in a gorgeous book shop, or waiting for books to arrive in the post etc. Having said that I have learnt so much on-line re social media and all techie related issues, as just a year ago I hadn't even dared venture onto Facebook, Twitter or having a blog.So my "education" over the last 5 years has increased tremendously, but it has been a two-pronged attack ;-) <br />Great post Amber.Vanessa@Luxuriahttp://www.luxuria-jewellery.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-56986459485532714582011-09-03T06:52:13.366-07:002011-09-03T06:52:13.366-07:00I'm reading as much print as I always have and...I'm reading as much print as I always have and that's a lot. The difference is that now I'm combining print with e-media. I couldn't do without either, even though I bought an iPad to take with me on trips, I always carry a paperback with me as well. I'll never want to be without paper. Ever.Jean Calomenihttp://twitter.com/jmcaloartistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-35051088949841776092011-09-03T06:19:26.350-07:002011-09-03T06:19:26.350-07:00I'm so smart now my head is the size of Barry ...I'm so smart now my head is the size of Barry Bonds head on steroids.....I thought your NoCal friends might appreciate that.............:).<br /><br />I too read..........a lot............and even though it seems like I'm trying to absorb knowledge with the drinking water through a fire hose method; some of it is actually sticking. I fell I'm well rounded enough I can at least ask questions in almost any conversation. <br /><br />I'm old school and still like print; but once I get a Kindle it might change. I'm always eager to keep learning in whatever shape, form or fashion that is.<br /><br />Hope you are well and have a great Labor Day weekend. bdorman264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-67898061656455939882011-09-02T14:37:16.800-07:002011-09-02T14:37:16.800-07:00Money. Good point, Steven. It used to be that know...Money. Good point, Steven. It used to be that knowledge was more easily available to those who could afford the education. A book can cost $20 or more if you can't find it at the library. But, with the digital world, so much knowledge is out there for free. <br /><br />Your point about credibility is important, though. It's still up to us to verify the trustworthiness of our sources and ferret out the facts. <br /><br />Thanks for chiming in, Steven!Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-14908347360105713732011-09-02T14:34:32.942-07:002011-09-02T14:34:32.942-07:00I said "dying", not dead. :-) There'...I said "dying", not dead. :-) There's still hope and much to be said for the tangible aspects of print. Curling up with a Kindle on a rainy day just isn't the same as a book. No argument there. <br /><br />The examples you mention are good ways that print is staying alive, but they are not information based. Forms, invites, coloring books. All good stuff, but not things we learn from. I'm talking about the ways we used to get all our info: books, magazines, newspapers, etc. <br /><br />My background is in print and I have lots of friends still working in traditional media. I hear you, Cheri. Truly. And small printers and paper shops like yours provide a valuable service. As I tweeted you earlier, I prefer traditional print newsletters to e-newsletters. Hands down. <br /><br />I wouldn't want print to disappear. Ever. However, when I need a quick answer, I go to Wikipedia and not the old school set of encyclopedias in the basement ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-25156687873504867252011-09-02T14:20:25.686-07:002011-09-02T14:20:25.686-07:00I do read more than I did 5 years ago but for me i...I do read more than I did 5 years ago but for me its how that information can be organized. I break this down by general, career, volunteering and fun. General being news; Career is the techie stuff; volunteering is the immigration campaigning; fun is the sci-fi and comics. Facebook, Google+, Twitter is organized in the same way. I also feel more up to date than I ever did, and if I have to speak about one of my subjects I can come across as more knowledgeable. I also spend less money reading than I did 5+ years ago, before most information was only available in print, but now its generally for free online, the most I spend is an electronic subscription to The Guardian which is next to nothing. My only caveat is the validity of the information, there is a lot of bad stuff out there and people need to assess the source from which its coming from.Steven Rowehttp://twitter.com/stevendrowenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-35948123391330310242011-09-02T14:16:44.799-07:002011-09-02T14:16:44.799-07:00I'm not sure if I'm smarter but I do know ...I'm not sure if I'm smarter but I do know about things I wouldn't have been introduced to without the Internet. And definitely wouldn't be conversing with people on the other side of the world! <br />I have to say though, I sell paper and the largest portion of my customer base are print shops. Printing continues to be alive and well. It, like many other businesses have had to do, reinvent what their business is all about with the introduction of technology. Graphic design is not limited to creating online websites and pages.<br />Kids can't color a computer, brides can't send out email invitations...well they could but...<br />And frankly, there are so many families still here in the US that depend on printed forms and such because they can't afford the technology that many of take for granted.Technology and the web are changing our world as we know it, but we still need to find a way to include everyone on that journey before we declare print to be dead. Check out #HelpPrintThrive on Twitter.Cheri Allbrittonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-28559014589895332322011-09-02T13:06:49.674-07:002011-09-02T13:06:49.674-07:00Ha ha. That IS sad and kind of my point. Thanks fo...Ha ha. That IS sad and kind of my point. Thanks for chiming in, Erin. Always a pleasure ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-69918026592111142632011-09-02T13:04:50.259-07:002011-09-02T13:04:50.259-07:00Yeppers, it's real! Here's a link to the s...Yeppers, it's real! Here's a link to the story: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/kindle-now-lets-ask-author-questions-ebook-200712965.htmlWords Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-61560211624251819112011-09-02T12:57:20.984-07:002011-09-02T12:57:20.984-07:00Is it sad that I didn't even think about newsp...Is it sad that I didn't even think about newspapers or magazines while reading your article? I suppose that shows how much I actually do rely on my online sources. :)Erin Feldmanhttp://www.factotumep.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-49800203821183435872011-09-02T12:53:36.708-07:002011-09-02T12:53:36.708-07:00I had seen a blip about this, but thought I must h...I had seen a blip about this, but thought I must have read wrong... <br /><br />That is a pretty groovy-cool feature!! :)Keri at Idea Girl Mediahttp://ideagirlmedia.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-43856330116571659312011-09-02T12:48:06.239-07:002011-09-02T12:48:06.239-07:00Hi Claudia! Yes, it is like school every day, huh?...Hi Claudia! Yes, it is like school every day, huh? But we're now adults who realize learning is a privilege, not a punishment. <br /><br />I've always been a curious person, so it's wonderful to indulge that curiosity so easily. I still read books and enjoy doing so, but when it comes to daily behaviors, I'm all about immediate gratification. That comes from digital world. I mean, to think of a world without Wikipedia is a cruel, cruel thought! <br /><br />Thanks for adding your viewpoint to the discussion, Claudia ;-) Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-46440309423009918172011-09-02T12:44:13.980-07:002011-09-02T12:44:13.980-07:00You bring up some good questions. And bonus points...You bring up some good questions. And bonus points for a T.S. Eliot quote ;-)<br /><br />Better informed versus smarter? Interesting distinction. I think perhaps we all know a little about a lot. Perhaps less when it comes to in depth knowledge of a subject. Hmmm. <br /><br />Interesting points, Penelope. Definitely worth pondering...Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-12113564658002684032011-09-02T12:29:43.384-07:002011-09-02T12:29:43.384-07:00Amber, I couldn't agree with you more. I ofte...Amber, I couldn't agree with you more. I often feel that there are not enough hours in the day to allow me the joy of reading all that I want to read....and there has definitely been a paradigm shift as to where we get our reading materials.... I used to read 3-4 books a week for information and/or pleasure. I now inundate myself with information all day long via the internet, and, perhaps sadly, I rarely have enough time to sit and read a traditional book. I also agree with you that I,too, feel smarter and more well rounded than I have ever felt in my life. If I am curious about a particular subject, it doesn't matter where I am or what time of day it is... I have access to the internet via my smartphone or my iPad. And while I sometimes feel overwhelmed and over saturated with information, I am addicted to this constant learning process...it's like school everyday but WAY more fun and interesting. Great post!!socialmediaddsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031530258657685977.post-17982732043402205302011-09-02T12:28:59.990-07:002011-09-02T12:28:59.990-07:00Hey Erin! Oh, I still love books, too. I guess I&#...Hey Erin! Oh, I still love books, too. I guess I'm thinking more of daily consumption. People used to pick up a newspaper or toss one of their magazine subscriptions in their bags. Today, that's such a small dose of info compared to what's on the web. What we see every day if we turn on a computer or use a smartphone. <br /><br />You're observation is very astute and humble. Yeah, I guess all this knowledge does show us how little we know about many subjects. However, I think that gap can be quickly filled based on how readily available the information is today. I read about something I don't know and within minutes I've researched it and know about it. I think that's just the neatest thing. There's no reason not to devour knowledge like it's ice cream. It's there, it's free, and it's just screaming for us to consume it! ;-)Words Done Writehttp://wordsdonewrite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com