Tuesday, April 7, 2009

As print media is dying.

It's hard to pick up a magazine or newspaper, or listen to the rare outlets of intelligence on television or radio, without hearing something about the death of traditional print media. We all know that statistics and, worse, the trends. Further, of late major newspapers in major cities have stopped their presses, with more to come.

Today, I logged onto economist.com, specifically http://www.economist.com/debate/overview/142&sa_campaign=debateseries/debate21/ads/house/125
and saw something that should give print media, and me hope for the ongoing importance of, if not traditional print, then at least engaging discourse.

From April 7th to 17th, the Economist is having a live debate on whether or not the rich should pay more taxes than others. Here readers can respond, interact and listen to opposing opinions on the matter from experts from various think tanks and universities.

This seems a far cry from a print "viewing" experience. It is, rather, a "doing" experience.

Now, if you're so inclined, hop over to http://www.macheist.com/ and see what may be the future of retail. Retail that gives you good stuff while allowing you to do good. In fact 25% of every sale on MacHeist goes to your choice of ten charities.

My macro point is simple. The old ways probably are dying. New ways, ways that engage readers and consumers are not.

3 comments:

Teenie said...

Interaction on the web is quick and cheap, if not easy and convenient. Print takes time and effort and a deeper involvement. I guess it's kind of like the difference between a dime-store floosy and a call girl. Both involve some level of interaction, but you'll come away a little more satisfied with the latter.

Then again, who has time for more than a quickie these days?

george tannenbaum said...

Teenie, you're making me laugh. Nothing wrong with a floozie now and again.

Anonymous said...

What about digital vinyl?