A case for print in a digital world

I’m not a Luddite. I work with people on technology issues, and I like technology. But I also recognize there’s a role for printed publications. So today I’d like to discuss the possible advantages of print.

1. Branding yourself

The New European is a relatively recent publication in the UK that’s aimed at people who voted “remain” in the Brexit disputes. Bo Sacks distributed an article on this yesterday, and I commented on his LinkedIn post that one potential benefit of a print publication like this is that by carrying that physical magazine around with you, you’re telling everyone how you felt about Brexit. That sort of thing is important to some people.

In a similar way, the magazines on your coffee table, or in your restroom, or the books on your shelf, say something about you to your guests. I assume your guests can’t see what’s on your iPad or Kindle, so that doesn’t work as well.

Aside from these slightly vain issues, there are a few practical things.

2. It’s easier (at least for many people) to take notes on a print publication. You can highlight things, scribble in the margins, and so forth.

3. It’s easier to flip back and forth to an index in a print publication.

4. Students frequently like to purchase used textbooks because they can see what the previous owner highlighted. (Remember how Harry Potter did so well with Snape’s old potions book.)

5. Studies have shown that people retain more of what they read in print.

6. Some things – like maps, or charts – simply don’t work well on a small screen. You can fold paper.

7. It’s much easier to lend or borrow something in print.

8. Authors can sign a printed work. They can’t sign a digital edition.

9. You can make a fantastically elegant print publication in a way that you can’t with a digital publication. You can use very nice paper, have much more compelling imagery, and you can even use smells if you want.

You may know that I publish a print newsletter once a month, and I do that because everybody gets a billion emails, but very few people get a letter in the mail.

Of course, there are many downsides to print. It takes time to get a book in the mail. Printing and distribution costs are higher. Etc.

And there are some distinct advantages to a digital publication. You can search it. You can put hyperlinks in it. You can carry a thousand of them in your phone. You can read them in the dark.

I’m not arguing for print. But I am saying there may be situations where a print publication can outperform a digital publication. Certainly not in all cases, and almost certainly not in most cases, … but maybe in some. So keep it in mind, and don’t dismiss the idea simply because we’re in a digital age.

Sources

The New European bucks the trend of print publishing
https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/the-new-european-breaks-the-trend-of-print-publishing-/s2/a1028165/

BoSacks.com

The Krehbiel Letter
https://krehbielgroup.com/the-krehbiel-letter/