Are books doomed?
Sadly, I suggest the answer to that question is yes. Books as we know them today eventually will go the way of the daily newspaper, though the end of books is already being preceded by the demise of hard copy (printed) magazines.
The death of the hard copy publishing business is already occurring because of such personal electronic communications devices as the iPhone and Kindle, to name two. And, yes, I”m aware Kindle can store 3,400 books. To me, though, a library of even a few books visible in my house is a sign of intelligence and the fact I have an awareness of my immediate and worldwide surroundings and human endeavors.
These personal communications devices are already eroding the need for cursive writing to be taught in schools.
I foresee a time when a person won”t need to write their names on checks or other legal forms and documents. Instead, they will transact all such communications electronically and with a password substituting for their given names.
Journalism, print and broadcast, has undergone and is undergoing some pretty drastic changes as the Internet has opened news gathering and reporting to Joe blogger. Are blogs really news? Yes and no. Some do communicate news events, such as the unrest in Syria, etc. However, too many are emotional reactions to other blogs.
Nightly television news programs ask audiences to send in videos they have taken that could be of public interest. Talk show hosts daily ask for email comments. Advertising revenues have fallen, particularly with the print media.
I”m 75 and a former print journalist. I”m saddened to see the demise of hard copy publishing. To me reading a morning newspaper over a cup of coffee is heavenly.
The same holds true for reading hard copy magazines and books. Going online for the news, to me, is not as satisfying as a daily newspaper or reading a magazine.
I make the above comments sincerely, yet I do appreciate the instantaneousness of the Internet. I do use the Internet to be kept aware of developing news situations. But, I have yet to find it as satisfying as sitting with my daily newspaper. Also, going online far too often can be an electronic hassle I don”t need.
When frustrated with the hassle of going online, I ask my wife to buy me an Underwood with backup ribbons. A manual typewriter is what I, as a newspaper reporter, once used to make my living with.
Lyle La Faver
Hidden Valley Lake
