HERE'S WHAT I THINK
Print Isn't Dead
Those of us who hang out on the Web tend to think that the whole world does, but most of the world doesn't. And even those who do hang out on the Web a lot, don't hang out there all the time. Print content gives people the ability to consume content quietly, without the interruption of links or other windows.
Today's technology also allows publishers with print product to easily leverage them online through digital magazines (like the stuff we make at Nxtbook Media). This way, you can create for your print audience and still reach the online crowd!
No matter how big digital gets, it won't signify the death of print - just another extension for it.
YOUR TURN!
Print Isn't Dead
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
Michael says:
Print is something that will constantly change and evolve, much the way Radio did and did in the advent of television. There are so many people that prefer reading magazines, books, papers and other printed material, to read the obituary for print is very short-sighted.
Print will change but so does the world. To think that it won't is silly. To bet that it won't is suicide.
We live in a changing world which guarantees constant evolution but evolution doesn't signify death or forsaking one thing for another. It just means change....we all need that.
Posted February 12, 2008
Jeremy says:
Good analysis, Marcus. I would add that publishers should explore all avenues in terms of delivering content to their readers/users.
Posted February 12, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
Jason Brown says:
I seriously doubt it's dead, although I like to think at some stage we'll all be using the fabled E-Paper devices (see below for image link). I had high hopes for the Kimble, but having used one, I was pretty disappointed. I know it's a gen 1.0 device, and the screen was clear, but the overall experience wasn't worth the expense to me.
In the meantime, web traffic is still growing, publishers are becoming more serious about engaging the online audience with daily content, not just repurposed print, but exclusive online articles in a timely manner - along with video and audio. But I still don't see print going away.
On a personal note, and maybe I'm getting old (37), but I find it easier to read Wired magazine online at wired.com than I do the print version. Maybe it's the new art director - too many zany graphics in print and yet a nice simple layout online... If the subscription price was more than $10 per year, I'd probably cancel my subscription and stick with the website!
Epaper:
When this device hits the market, then we could see an exodus to digital, but only if it doesn't run Vista :-)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/64/E-Ink_Flex_Tablet_Display.jpg
Posted February 28, 2008
Marie Griffin says:
This is too critical an issue to respond with a simple Yes or No. We in the media can't sit back with complacency just saying, 'Oh, yeah, print will never die.' As I like to say, the issue at hand is not the medium, it's the money. The print medium has had a nice long history with two business models--advertising and subscription. As you all know, advertising has been the mainstay, but you have to question how the Internet turns the old 'advertising' model on its ear with the promise of one-to-one communication. It is up to publishers to shore up the value of print advertising with statistics that support integrated media programs--while ALSO taking another look at other constituencies that may pay for the valuable information we put out. The answer is: It's up to us!
Posted February 13, 2008
