The Printed Word is Dead
Posted on 14 November 2008 by Daniel Dessinger
After Obama won the election, there weren’t enough newspapers go around. Everyone wanted to get their hands on something tangible to show that they witnessed history being made. Some wanted to be able to grasp something that captured the feelings of that night. And a few, of course, saw an opportunity to make money.
On the Wednesday evening after the election, 800 sellers on eBay offered “Obama Won” issues of newspapers. The demand was welcomed by print publications. It’s been a tough time for newspapers and magazines alike. Circulation numbers have declined steadily for years. Some think it is because people don’t have time to read anymore while others think it is because modern life is filled with more distractions than ever. Regardless of the reason, publications are increasingly looking to the Internet to make money, but many haven’t found the right solution, yet.
One of the magazines I subscribe to recently conducted a readership survey. In it, they asked many questions, but the main one was, “Would you still read our magazine if it were only available on line.” The resounding answer was “no”. Subscribers’ wrote letters to the editor pretty much stating that they would forget to read the publication online, that they liked having the ability to read one article, put the magazine down, and then come back to it later. That is something a person isn’t likely to do in cyberspace. Also, as far as I’m concerned, there is something satisfying about holding what you’re reading in your hands and turning pages.
All of the people who demanded election issues of newspapers could easily read about Obama’s victory online, but that isn’t what readers want. They want to possess something that is important to them.
Somewhere in my bookcase, I have issues of newsweeklies and my local paper that I saved in the days after 9-11. Occasionally, usually while I’m looking for something else, I’ll unexpectedly come upon them and find myself looking at the pictures, reading the articles, and I’m transported back to the feelings I felt on that day. Yeah, I know I can look up anything I want about 9-11 on the computer, but I never feel compelled to do so. And reading about it on a computer screen seems less personal. As another example, at my mother’s house, she still has all the clippings and tabloids she kept after Elvis Presley died. And I don’t know if it’s still there, but for the longest time, his obituary was in the family Bible.
Even though I didn’t support Obama in the election and think many of his proposals are worrisome, I’m going to put my local paper’s Obama issue in my bookcase where it’ll join the 9-11 news. Maybe someday I’ll dig it out and show my grandkids what it was like when America elected its first African-American president. It’s only human to want to keep things to remind us of our history. For this reason, I think that while the printed word may be diminishing, it will never go completely away.
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November 14th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I agree with much of what you say. I’ve got one of those 911 stashes, too, and I come across it sometimes and just look at it.
Newspapers offer a heft, a tactile sense that laptops, etc don’t; I don’t think that such feedback is significant, but its satisfying — at least, for those who grew up with paper. Not sure about those who, essentially, didn’t.
I’d also bet that those who said No to the ‘paper or electrons’ question would not be willing to pay significantly more to get the paper.