There is reason why print will survive forever

If we go further with Darwinism, the future generation of humans may be born with curvaceous cervical vertebrae, which means the formation of the bone of neck immediately below the skull. Such deform could be culminated as a result of many habitual factors like constant use of smart-phones in which users bend upon the device all the time.

A flashback of the time we all had in the world of telecommunication a couple of decades back will bring back the memories of the old bulky landline telephone dangled with spiral cord. Everyone in the family gathered around the device to take their turn to talk with their friends or near and dear ones when it happened to be a trunk call. Sometimes operators intercepted the conversation with warning of the time lapse. Then were the brightly painted STD booths, where we used to curl inside for calling dear ones in far and away lands. All was fun and memories linger!

Further down on the memory lane of those telegram days there was a mix of fun, excitement and anxiety. Sometimes telegram was a harbinger of bad news, generally when it brought only urgent messages of someone’s death or accident or mishap. But it didn’t mean for that all the time. Then was the time of inland letters and post cards too. Birthday greetings and wishes, festival cards delivered by postmen were super delight.

Gone are the days. Now, every one of us hooks to smart phone with advanced apps that practically turn us into someone bundled with everything readymade, practically isolated from doing anything creative at manual level. In the history of technology, the advent of internet has changed the world beyond recognition. All these changes took place swiftly in short spans, while the only thing that remained unchanged from one era to another or throughout the history of mankind till date is the ‘print’.

Even though there has been proliferation of new platforms in the forms of websites, tablets and other gadgets or devices, the appetite for printed newspapers, magazines, books and journals has not yet been quelled. Print is still tangible! There is a simple reason for that. The simple reason is that there is nothing quite like holding a new book or newspaper in our hands with the comforting scent of the pages and look of the uncreased spine. No matter how many e-readers are sold, there is still a strong contingent of people who prefer printed versions of books.

Print is more real! No matter how trustworthy the websites are, there will always be more of a question mark over the contents available online than any other printed works. There is a universal perception that physical pieces are authentic—each one of them has undergone proofreading and review and inherently more credible.

On other hand, print is more focusing. In this respect, studies show that consumers read digital screen text 20-30 percent more slowly than printed paper. It also found that they (consumers) often skim websites in as little as 15 seconds and are far more engaged when reading printed text. This is why there is a lot to be gained from printing physical copies of books, magazines, catalogues, brochures and journals.

Even the print, whether it could be a printed newspaper or magazine, is still a boon for those who do not reach to internet. It’s quite a fact that everybody either in village or town is accessible to the internet. ‘Are they used to the technology?’ This is the question. There are still many people who rely on printed products over soft copies. They are often the loyal customers who will be buying a particular magazine or ordering a newspaper, as long as they live. And most of the printed newspapers are read at eye level contradicting what may happen to Darwinian bent necks syndrome.

(This article is contributed by PRESSLINE India)