Don't Bail Out Newspapers--Let Them Die and Get Out of the Way

[invincible]

Today I have read the article of Daniel Lyons of Newsweek.

I think that this kind of articles would be beneficial for domain industry.

Just want to share with you.

 

[Anthony Ng]

I had been (yes, past perfect tense) a bookworm for more than 30 years, but I haven't read a printed book in the last 7 years, and rarely place my hands on a printed newspaper these days.

 

[DomainsInc]

I had been (yes, past perfect tense) a bookworm for more than 30 years, but I haven't read a printed book in the last 7 years, and rarely place my hands on a printed newspaper these days.

You read books online? Isn't that hell on your eyes?

 

[Anthony Ng]

You read books online? Isn't that hell on your eyes?

I don't read "books" any more, not even e-books. But yes, I mostly ... or only read on screen. The truth is, it does not have any noticeable negative impact on my eyes. I have been wearing glasses since grade 3, and my eyesight has not deteriorated much in the last 10 - 15 years. I actually find the backlit screen easier to read than ink on paper.

More importantly, the Internet has changed my way of "reading". I now feed on more up-to-the-minute info worldwide, from news, magazine type articles, to academic journals (which require subscription). We now no longer have to wait for the published version of journals (which are 3 - 6 months late), not to say published books (which are usually more than 12 - 18 months late).

 

[Mike Cruz]

I don't read "books" any more, not even e-books. But yes, I mostly ... or only read on screen. The truth is, it does not have any noticeable negative impact on my eyes. I have been wearing glasses since grade 3, and my eyesight has not deteriorated much in the last 10 - 15 years. I actually find the backlit screen easier to read than ink on paper.

More importantly, the Internet has changed my way of "reading". I now feed on more up-to-the-minute info worldwide, from news, magazine type articles, to academic journals (which require subscription). We now no longer have to wait for the published version of journals (which are 3 - 6 months late), not to say published books (which are usually more than 12 - 18 months late).

I agree although I have never had glasses, 20-20 here...

 

[Gerry]

As someone who made a previous career in print media, I agree - don't bail out the newspapers.

As for books - I read, read, read, read, read. Journals, books, magazine, and the internet. Honestly, I can not remember the last time I even looked at a newspaper. The internet is an invaluable tool and timely.

Compare newspapers to the radio - does anyone listen to the radio anymore?

There has been a lot of talk about books dying. Perhaps. But that is a long ways off.

What is dying in many places is literacy and reading as an art form.

 

[DomainsInc]

I don't read "books" any more, not even e-books. But yes, I mostly ... or only read on screen. The truth is, it does not have any noticeable negative impact on my eyes. I have been wearing glasses since grade 3, and my eyesight has not deteriorated much in the last 10 - 15 years. I actually find the backlit screen easier to read than ink on paper.

More importantly, the Internet has changed my way of "reading". I now feed on more up-to-the-minute info worldwide, from news, magazine type articles, to academic journals (which require subscription). We now no longer have to wait for the published version of journals (which are 3 - 6 months late), not to say published books (which are usually more than 12 - 18 months late).

Ah, well if you are only reading articles and such I would agree. Though even though its not up the minute, there is something to be said for classic literature and even fictional books. You can't read a 1000 page book online.

As for newspapers, if they fail to adapt the online world, yes they should die off. There is a market for some newspapers as many older people still religiously read them but this will change over time.