The digital natives don’t know how good they’ve got it. I lived through the transition (see also “The Digital Revolution”), so I am familiar with both sides, and I gotta say my vote comes down in favor of digital media.
Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons.
Limitations of print media:
- can’t share
- can’t link in or out
- can’t revise later
- takes up space in your bag
- one shot deal (e.g., newspaper ads)
- gets ink on your hands
- uses natural resources, paper, energy
- requires more labor to produce
- writer
- editor
- graphic designer
- publisher
- printer
- distributor
Limitations of digital media:
- anyone can publish, therefore less inherent credibility
Ok so Ben says I shouldn’t be so down on print media, as it may be dying, but it’s not dead yet. And he is absolutely right.
http://blogs.ltcrevolution.com/shc-daily-news/author
Todd makes great points about digital media above, and it’s inarguable that this is the movement. I just don’t think we’re quite ready to abandon print media yet–especially in rural areas where the demographics are skewed toward an older generation and the local paper is still a vital source of local information. But even once the ‘credible’ news outlets migrate completely to the Web, I think they’ll still exist. Print and digital media will give each other a great big hug!