Comment Summary

Do you believe that paper is on its way to a slow death and that it will continue to diminish in importance throughout your lifetime? Will there be a resurgence of the printed word?
#	Response Date	Response Text
1	Sep 24, 2009 8:39 PM	Yes, but when I do read the newspaper I usually get it on-line. I very seldom get an actual newspaper.
2	Sep 24, 2009 8:40 PM	I believe there is still a strong need for printed materials. I use the internet mainly to track down waht I am looking for then print the items I need. THe internet allows qucik search and review to help identify needed articles and materials, therefroe cutting down the manual search for resources.
3	Sep 24, 2009 8:41 PM	Online news is great when I'm busy and need information quickly. I check a number of sites daily as part of my job. Nothing, however, beats drinking coffee and reading the paper on a Sunday morning.
4	Sep 24, 2009 8:41 PM	Yes, except for books.
5	Sep 24, 2009 8:42 PM	Yes, but there will most likely be a need for printed word in some form or fashion for the foreseeable future. Technology has not advanced that far as of yet.
6	Sep 24, 2009 8:42 PM	Not yet. The man-machine interface is still too cumbersome. My job requires daily use of computers (my monthly computer lease is $60 per month, plus software that costs ~$50K per year) and I use pencil, paper and books every day. Egon Spangler remains about 100 years ahead of his time (recall that Ghostbusters is nearly a 30 year old movie. :D )
7	Sep 24, 2009 8:42 PM	I think paper still has a place, especially for long format articles. Online is great for information that can be digested quickly.
8	Sep 24, 2009 8:43 PM	No. My grandchildren are 14 and under and I doubt they will read the paper. My children 41 and under use on-line sources for news.
9	Sep 24, 2009 8:44 PM	I believe newspapers, news magazines, paper reports, those sort of things will continue to diminish, but if I read a book for entertainment, I prefer a paper copy, not reading it in electronic version.
10	Sep 24, 2009 8:44 PM	I am an avid book reader. Although I still love the feel of a real book, I also have an app on my iPhone that includes over 150 "classics" (at least, they're classics according to somebody). I use both formats; real books when possible and my iPhone when I want to read but didn't bring a book. Overall, I think that paper is still useful and sometimes preferable, but that other formats will become more and more common as well.
11	Sep 24, 2009 8:45 PM	Yes, with the exception of books. I think people will always want to pick up a book and hold it in their hands as they read (none of this e-reader stuff). But between NPR and online news sources, I see no real place for paper news anymore.
12	Sep 24, 2009 8:55 PM	I believe there are enough diehards that still like to read printed word that it will never go away -- at least not as long as "baby boomers" are still alive.
13	Sep 24, 2009 8:56 PM	Will not diminish much more; but no resurgence.
14	Sep 24, 2009 8:57 PM	Paper is probably a slow death; but, should only be reduced not dead. Some types/syles of learning and/or types of personalities best use the printed word rather than electronic. I believe that electronic storage of the printed word has been an excellent invention however. Additionally, electronic transmission of data for printing on the receiving end is quite practical. I enjoy printing articles as originally published with the graphics and formating rather than a generic (boring) print. For instance, I've taken several courses with a popular on-line university that used eBooks in all those courses. I choose to print the chapters as originally published rather than the 8-11 html print...I hope that makes sense. The orignal published print has margins, illustrations, text boxes, a variety of fonts and texts; therefore, is easier to read and categorize for learning purposes. Some of us need and/or prefer the diverse text. I hope this helps. In other words -- both forms of communication serves differing purposes and should be equally available.
15	Sep 24, 2009 8:59 PM	Printed word has it's place - I have gone to e-books but when I need to study something - I print it off the computer for a paper copy
16	Sep 24, 2009 9:01 PM	diminish
17	Sep 24, 2009 9:02 PM	Yes, I believe that the days of paper are diminishing quickly. I do not believe there will be a resurgence of the printed word - it is entirely too efficient and easy to get news and do research online, and there is nothing to dispose of when one is finished!
18	Sep 24, 2009 9:04 PM	books, crosswords, greeting cards personalized all are needed in paper
19	Sep 24, 2009 9:04 PM	I believe that there will continue to be a need for detailed and technical printed documents.
20	Sep 24, 2009 9:18 PM	Probably not in my lifetime...too many people my age will always want something tactile. As we pass on, people who prefer e-everything will not ask for paper. A lot of trees will be very happy. I hope that newspapers and magazines continue to be savvy about the fact that e-everything will still require talented writers to do the research. I hope I don't live long enough to see that the average person is a source for all our information..i.e. the wikipedia approach to everything.
21	Sep 24, 2009 9:23 PM	A good deal of paper will go the slow death mode. You get more objective presentation of news information on line than you do with either print or tv media.
22	Sep 24, 2009 9:23 PM	I spend too much time on this machine.
23	Sep 24, 2009 9:24 PM	I think we'll use paper for only those tasks that really need it -- shopping list for the store, something to takes notes on. I think we'll always have printed books. It's just easier to read paper than to read a computer screen for hours.
24	Sep 24, 2009 9:29 PM	Paper will be of minimal use, but there will always be a need for some, and a love be some to continue it's use. I do not believe there will be a resurgence of the printed word.
25	Sep 24, 2009 9:30 PM	I love paper and the printed word. I think there are others out there like me. The problem are the costs related to reading on printed materials. It seems to be less expensive to put information on the internet instead. It may well be a slow death, but the importance of it will not diminish for me personally in my lifetime.
26	Sep 24, 2009 9:31 PM	The printed word will be more instantly accesible electronically through new printing machines that will allow for better storage.
27	Sep 24, 2009 9:31 PM	I do find less and less need for printed matter. That's would be reflected in my mail box if it weren't for junk mail. For the sake of our forests and all the oxygen that trees help generate, I can only hope that words printed on paper are on readily available elsewhere. Thanks, Frank
28	Sep 24, 2009 9:43 PM	as a book collector and book lover -- and newpaper fanatic -- and at my age! -- I do not believe it will diminish in importance for ME, but my grown kids rarely read the paper.
29	Sep 24, 2009 9:55 PM	Dimish yes, perhaps particular area's of printed material, but I think it will always have a place & value even with our ever increasing internet monster!
30	Sep 24, 2009 9:58 PM	Paper is definitely on it's way out. Everything can be found on-line even books.
31	Sep 24, 2009 10:03 PM	A fast death. I have even considered tossing my home library accumulated over a lifetime. About the only time I buy a newspaper is for reading on an airplane or perhaps free USA Today from the hotel. In addition to the convenience of internet the cost is right.
32	Sep 24, 2009 10:08 PM	Depends on what technology comes out with. I believe there is more paper as a result of computers rather than less.
33	Sep 24, 2009 10:08 PM	I believe that, as in most cases, the issue between paper and electronic is a pendulum cycle. Internet is new, online is cool, paper is "old fashioned", rising generation, etc. Paper will never disappear; it will plateau at a much lower level than before the internet came on scene, but it will never disappear. We are still in the adjustment phase of the pendulum swinging away from paper. Eventually, it will swing back and people will say "Paper is cool!, Online is so millenial", etc. And eventually a happy balance will be naturatlly found between paper and electronic, probably within the next 5 to 10 years.
34	Sep 24, 2009 10:23 PM	Barring an Eelectro-Magnetic pulse that frees us from our digital caves I think the trend toward electronic will continue.
35	Sep 24, 2009 10:44 PM	I believe that many things are going "paperless," but that there will always be a market for printed books & magazines. There are those who may not have constant access to the internet, who will always rely upon paper printings. Personally, I would rather read (books, magazines) in print form as I do not like to be tethered to the computer and I suspect that it is not good for the eyes to read for long times from a computer screen.
36	Sep 24, 2009 10:46 PM	I am not sure that print will disappear, but it clearly is not to be the predominant form of communication in the future.
37	Sep 24, 2009 10:52 PM	I feel that newspapers will be a thing of the past, all the information will be gleaned from the internet. Once the current older generations passes on the baby boomers will continue go to the internet.for updates....and then to our younger people who barely read much less spell will not remember what the printed news was.....the times they are changing
38	Sep 24, 2009 11:02 PM	I would have argued that computer screens would never replace the readability of ink on paper, until I looked at Amazon's Kindle reader. Now, I believe that, just as Ipods/MP3 players have supplanted CD's and vinyl, portable screens may replace a majority of paper.
39	Sep 25, 2009 12:08 AM	I like to read from a magazine and newspaper. It is still comfortable. I like to touch the newspaper.
40	Sep 25, 2009 12:14 AM	I think that we will use both....neither will be exclusive. Similar to network and cable TV...
41	Sep 25, 2009 12:22 AM	I haven't the foggiest. I only know what I do. You forgot one very important questions in your survey. As a matter of fact, I question what what you could learn from this survey not having asked this question: what is my age?
42	Sep 25, 2009 12:54 AM	Print is already diminished substantially. Print will level off, but not die.
43	Sep 25, 2009 2:58 AM	Faster is better. Until telepathy replaces the internet, we will become more dependent on cyberspace and less on the written words. Technology and ecology will drive it that wasy too. The internet is not only faster, it utilizes fewer of our natural resources.
44	Sep 25, 2009 4:06 AM	The survey is limited to news and magazines. But in books I do not see printed books being substituted. I read a lot of books and almost all of them are printed ones. Till there comes a technology stress-free on the eye (eKindle notwithstanding) which can replace printed books, Paper would continue to be used.
45	Sep 25, 2009 4:20 AM	The problem with newspapers in a printed format is speed. The world is moving faster than printing presses. The printed word will retain value... the question is whether NEWS will remain viable in a printed format. News by definitition must be current, timely... In a printed format its future is doubtful
46	Sep 25, 2009 6:36 AM	Print will exist always and will not die, it easy to read a magazine by laying in bed then staring the computer screen to read. Also since print information is necessary so readers has to choose from 30 or 50 pages whereas internet is huge, so most of the time we are lost!
47	Sep 25, 2009 6:52 AM	No,i do not believe that paper is on its way to slow death. There will be a resurgence of the Newspaper.
48	Sep 25, 2009 8:45 AM	Long, slow decline of printed word.
49	Sep 25, 2009 11:29 AM	no
50	Sep 25, 2009 12:02 PM	I have an undergrad in Human Resources and a Masters in Adult Instruction and Performance Technology gained the "traditional" classroom way. I recently returned to school to persue another undergrad on-line. The class materials are a mix of printed (reference and workbook), lectures on DVD and on-line interaction via "Blackboard" and e-mail. Surprisingly, I am finding this experience as engaging as my first two degree programs. I have found that I take lecture notes (long hand) in the workbook, still highlight the printed materials in the good old fashion way but have changed my style when it comes to rewriting and reviewing notes and writing homework assignments. I now do those things directly on the computer where as before I would write them out longhand and then enter them into the software. I am still learning to read books on line. I still like to be able to write notes in the margins and highlight. Old habits die hard. Even with Kindle reading paper books still remain inexpensive and portable. Once that technology is used and upgraded to be more readable, affordable, and portable; I could see us become less and less reliable on paper. In my opinion that will probably still take at least a decade to move the needle substantially in that direction. A also work as a librarian in a library dedicated to Ford IT personnel. We have broad access to books on line through a large provider but folks are still coming in to take out technical books to read. There is a large section of books on tape for personal development that are also very popular. Ford also has a large presence in the Digital Worker and Social Media aspects of communiction supported by Sharepoint, internal Yammer, Ford internal intranet, Google partnership, etc. Tools have grown beyond a mere computer laptop to mobile devices, iPhones, Blackberries, etc. More and more of this is being supported internally by the company. We are global and need to communicate 24/7. Each PC come with Web-Ex pre-installed. Work is shared and meetings are held constantly using the tool. What is questionable with all of this is if our paper consumption has reduced. I am not sure that is the case yet. We manage business more and more electronically but there is still the need?, habit? to want everything on paper for group reviews and final editing. I see technology enabling broader, faster communication but do not see a total committment to a paperless world. Despite best efforts of the world of cyber security, there is no such thing as 100% security. Finally, I see Ford spending huge amounts of energy in supporting world wide blogs and u-Tube-like advertising to engage the next generation of customers. It seems to be working for them. Even our corporate officers and directors have blogs. Some both internally and externally. I guess in conclusion, I would say that paper is here to stay for quite some time. We have been hearing about the "paperless society" my whole life, which spans over 60 years and we are still pretty far from it. Who knows that another 60 years won't make it a reality? It is more probale than implausible. rkrec@att.net rkrec2@ford.com
51	Sep 25, 2009 12:13 PM	No, there is a need for paper. While I search for articles and information on-line, I print out what I need or want to retain (I also bookmark and store electronic information in folders in my outlook or hard drive). Also, when I subscribe to professional journals or any magazine I always request the paper version. For some reason, I prefer that to an electronic version. And, there is nothing better than sitting down with a good book-- reading a great book, on a cold and rainy day, on a couch next to a fire--I can't imagine doing that with a kindle.
52	Sep 25, 2009 12:41 PM	Paper information is diminishing. I doubt a resurgence of the printed word will occur.
53	Sep 25, 2009 1:06 PM	I sincerely hope that there will be a rediscovery of the unique and powerful potential of the printed piece. The mode of interaction with an artfully created work on a piece of paper is inherently different in the way the information is perceived and assimilated, offering a different and I believe, a richer intellectual and aesthetic experience from a computer or device screen.
54	Sep 25, 2009 1:06 PM	slow death
55	Sep 25, 2009 1:08 PM	I think there should always be a place for books.
56	Sep 25, 2009 1:14 PM	Paper is experiencing a very slow death... I don't think it will be completely eliminated in my lifetime. I don't think there will be a resurgences of the printed word. The proliferation of mobile computers, and web browsers make it very easy to view on-line articles and information.
57	Sep 25, 2009 1:23 PM	Jack, I don't know if the following information is spot on but somehow seems related to me: From the Dallas Morning News (Fall 2005): 1. In the past four years, more information has been added to the global memory bank than in the entire history of mankind prior to 2000. 2. We have to process factoids at 400 times the rate of our Renaissance ancestors. 3. Less than 20 years ago, we spent three times as much on food as we did on technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this is now reaching parity. If I tie those three statements together, technology has become our sustenance. So...we will continue to rely on technology to move ever increasing amounts of data in ever increasing speeds. Though I personally would rather read the printed word, it's easy to imagine a day in the not-to-distant future where everything will be "on line." (age 60, ENFP)
58	Sep 25, 2009 1:27 PM	Yes, no
59	Sep 25, 2009 1:44 PM	I think there is value in the printed word for portability and the tactile value, especially for books and magazines. For daily news and research, the Internet is more effective: it is up-to-date, interactive, and can be searched and integrated across media.
60	Sep 25, 2009 1:55 PM	I think paper won't completely die out. There are some types of reading that just don't lend itself to electronic delivery because of content, need for comfort when reading, the type and length of content or our socialization of reading printed materials for novels or the personality of the reader. I think there will be a resurgence of the printed word at some point as people will realize there is meaning and context lost in short delivery of information through electronic methods.
61	Sep 25, 2009 2:45 PM	Mid to small town newspapers, TV stations and Radio stations are for the most part replaced by the internet services available already.....There will not be a resurgence in my lifetime...only when it becomes nostalgia to the GEN xers.
62	Sep 25, 2009 3:34 PM	Yes, paper will diminish over time.
63	Sep 25, 2009 3:52 PM	Research and communication is easier and certainly faster, through online venues. As for entertainment, Books will not lose their place in life, as those that are voracious readers will not settle in at the end of the day with a laptop in bed or their favorite reading chair. In addition, Baby Boomer's eyesight is fatigued after facing computer glare most of the work day. There is nothing more relaxing than a good book and a good glass of wine at the end of the day. There is not a laptop that can make that claim. As for audio books, they are enjoyable as you travel, but once again, it is the ability to enjoy the richness of a tale through the written word.
64	Sep 25, 2009 4:20 PM	I think that there will be less paper but it will never completely go away.
65	Sep 25, 2009 5:10 PM	I'm in favor of a resurgence of the printed word but I'm old-fashioned!
66	Sep 25, 2009 6:41 PM	Be that my profession has me on the computer most of the work day, I am not interested in spending my private time using this technology.
67	Sep 25, 2009 6:49 PM	I believe that within the next 5 to 10 years there will be no locally printed newspapers. I doubt there will be a resurgence of the printed word regarding the publication and hardcopy distribution of the newspaper. Books will be downloaded to a variety of viewing devices such as the Kindle.
68	Sep 25, 2009 6:59 PM	I believe that the printed word as a news source has lived its lifespan. We'll no more return to paper than we will to clay tablets or papyrus. Paper replaced these as the pinnacle of technology, and electronic media will replace paper. The printed word will likely remain relevant for leisure and religious texts, but it is already being supplanted in areas such as news media and text books. Barring a technological collapse, I can see the printed word becoming the domain of a few artisans and hobbyists within the next century or two.
69	Sep 25, 2009 8:27 PM	Even if I found an interesting article on line, I would still print it to read. There is something about holding it in my hand, being able to mark on it if necessary, and note things of interest that just is not available on the computer. It is definitely my hope that the printed word (especially BOOKS) never dies. While all of the 'computer readers' are great for some, I like holding, reading, owning books. It is my profound hope that there are others like me.
70	Sep 25, 2009 8:57 PM	I love the printed word but have limited access and have ready access to the internet. availability seems to be a key issue.
71	Sep 25, 2009 8:58 PM	Yes I do & I'm 70 yeras old
72	Sep 26, 2009 12:30 PM	What medium is used to publish the info is less relavent (internet vs. book, magazine, newspaper) that the issue of the credibility of the publisher. I believe that books and magazines will be able to survive because of their credibility (reliable sources & data), as well as because of their portability. Newspaper data is too easy to get on TV, Cable, and/or the Internet. Therefore, the Newspaper may be squeezed out. At this point, Newspapers are one of the few sources for poor people to get the news...especially local news. TV is their other source but some poor people lack a TV even in today's society. The affluent usually have access to computers, blackberries, and other internet connections so can access Internet data where ever they may be. Since the poor rarely voice their concerns, the affluent are the one's stearing the market...so therefore will attempt to steer it toward more "instant access" via their many versions of electronics. Unfortunately, this market propensity (of favoring the affluent) will leave the poor behind...resulting in them being even less informed than they are now...which is significantly uninformed. INFJ
73	Sep 26, 2009 2:54 PM	Yes, most young people do not even know how to read from a book. It is online. Our agency introduced the idea of paperless system many years ago and we fought a bitter battle. Most staff members are from the older generation. Give me something I can hold, touch, write notes on, put a bookmarker where I stopped reading, etc. You can't do that with online information. I have found my staff often miss information when reviewing online because you can only see one screen at a time. If you get a phone call, you are lost. It is much more difficult to look up. Filing systems are easier to find paperwork when properly organized and identified. Yes, we are going paperless but it is more to the cost of outside venders. We are outsourcing more and more. The end result is less service and more expense. Our systems are down more now than with inhouse staff. Employees do not receive as many benefits, but this is another issue. Thanks for asking for my input. Good Day.
74	Sep 26, 2009 5:22 PM	I believe paper in terms of news and entertainment and communication will become almost obsolete, as people rely more and more on online news sources, email, and social networking. I believe, however, that paper will continue to be used excessively as people feel they have to print everything (email messages, online receipts, presentations, etc.). I also see a great deal of reluctance, even by younger people, to use online banking, which means continued waste of paper for checks and bank statements.
75	Sep 26, 2009 7:32 PM	I believe that paper publications will steadily diminish but not vanish in their entirety-many paper publications will continue to be twinned with their on-line sister publication
76	Sep 27, 2009 9:26 PM	Yes, compared to a few years ago I research almost everything on-line and I expect things to continue in this direction.
77	Sep 28, 2009 12:34 AM	The printed word is very important to me. I like the "feel" and portatbility - and the ability to do much greater breadth and depth than what I find on the internet. I use the computer enough during the day. I like to curl up on the couch and read or skim the variety in my paper or magazine.
78	Sep 28, 2009 1:56 PM	I believe the use of paper to disseminate information and news is decling, but it will be a very long time if ever before it goes away. I don't see a resurgence of the printed word.
79	Sep 28, 2009 2:47 PM	I think there will always be some form of printed word. Many of us still like the feel of holding a book or flipping thru newpaper/magazines!
80	Sep 28, 2009 7:08 PM	yes
81	Sep 28, 2009 8:17 PM	There will always be a place for the printed word, but as we increase the apparent need for speed we will continue to use technology such as tweets even if they don't convey complete ideas.
82	Sep 28, 2009 8:24 PM	I do not want to see printed word disappear but I feel it will diminish.
83	Sep 28, 2009 8:26 PM	There will be a resurgence. Eventually "no good deed goes unpunished" and when folks start charging for internet, the printed word will make a comback.
84	Sep 29, 2009 3:38 AM	I am not optimistic about print media. I think the main reason is that in the Millennial generation there has been less emphasis on writing as a skill and reading longer works.
85	Sep 29, 2009 5:43 PM	No, paper will not die; it is a low tech necessity & nitch. Print has utlity, but will not see a resurgence.
86	Sep 30, 2009 2:08 PM	Depends on the printed word source. I still prefer to read books in hardcopy rather than Kindle or other online source. And, if I find a particularly good article online, I tend to print it and share it in hardcopy with my clients and students.
87	Oct 1, 2009 8:15 PM	I think it's quickly diminishing.
88	Oct 15, 2009 8:01 PM	Of weekly papers like the Economist
89	Oct 19, 2009 3:20 AM	no, yes
90	Oct 24, 2009 3:21 PM	Not sure where to answer that I read these newspapers online. In theory, I'd think that paper is diminishing. In practice, the recycling box and heaps of junk says that's not so.
91	Nov 10, 2009 5:06 PM	yes to 1st too early to say to 2nd