Bigthink - Feature Comments Feed

Comment on: Can newspapers hobble on?

Bigthink — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:24:21 +0100

The newspaper will live on longer than this lovely Web site will.

And I believe ink on paper --- or e-paper, once the technology advances --- will continue to be a significant choice. The tactile, portable, private nature of the medium is important. We are hard-wired to read; I don't think children are reading their laptop versions of Harry Potter at bedtime, and the computer screen will take a long time to replicate the detail of resolution, reproduction and hierarchical guidance in a newspaper.

Will the paper have to evolve to recognize it no longer is capable of delivering some content first? Absolutely. But it doesn't mean the end of a medium, only its transformation.

Will the paper have to branch out into niche products and digital applications unlike the ink-on-paper yield of the newsroom? Absolutely. But it doesn't mean the end of a medium, only its transformation.

www.themediamanager.com

Comment on: Can newspapers hobble on?

Bigthink — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:05:32 +0100

I have some thoughts as a reader of news and a Boomer. I'm computer savvy but reading from a computer isn't the same as from a paper. I carry my laptop around from room to room but one of these days I will want to sit in my rocker and hold a newspaper. In the U.S. I'm not sure newspapers will continue unless media consolidation is undone . . papers just aren't as interesting. When profit comes before the importance of factual information, newspapers become inefficient vehicles of information. Also in spring of 2008(I think I'm coming late to the conversation) families that can't afford homes, can't afford computers.I'm in Greece right now and you can choose the paper that suits your politics; and I'm not talking about two choices. Newspapers are still good business in a country with well-educated, curious people. A rebound of newspapers in The States? It could happen, given time.

Comment on: Can newspapers hobble on?

Bigthink — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:16:57 +0100

Newspapers are very good for cleaning windows, you just scrunch them up, squirt some chemicals and go crazy!

Newspapers are also very good for checking if your car is leaking oil, just leave a few sheets under the engine and check it tomorrow morning ;-)