My mother still sends me clippings from newspapers and magazines that she feels I would be interested in reading. It’s fascinating because by the time she has sent me the clippings they are either at least a week old (or more) and I’ve almost always read them (the direct article as well as any surrounding perspectives that may have been linked).
But I’ve never told her to stop and I will read the article again because there’s something powerful in going analogue. There’s something powerful in hold those pieces of paper and turning the pages. There’s something powerful about not being as distracted by other places to read, click, and jump off to.
It’s not so much about the content as the content is the same yet the experience is entirely different. Yet here’s the remarkable thing that I’ve experienced when I go analogue: My retention is vastly greater.
And since my retention is greater so are my thoughts surrounding the content at hand. For example, the first time I read this article online I thought very little about it other than a virtual head-nod. But reading it again here had me stop and think for a bit about the implications of Japanese electronics and the models that have been created and recreated out of their perspective as well as how it’s impacted their bottom-line.
For what it’s worth I also enjoyed the article more. How fascinating, right?
I’ve been thinking more analogue these days as I am reminded how powerful tangible goods are and how lifeless the digital copies can be. I think we all need to go more analogue and remember how beautiful writing really is.
I’m the same way, especially when it comes to a book.
I’m going to invest in a Kindle in the near future, but it has taken me a very long time to allow myself the desire to want one. Yes, I may be part of Gen Y and enjoy technology, but for me, there’s something beautiful about holding a book. I enjoy writing notes, marking passages and highlighting things in a book. I can do that all in a Kindle, but just holding a book, turning the pages…it’s just something I’ve always loved.
Wonder how the people felt before paper and ink were invented? Going from stone to paper, did they have the same thoughts?
Ditto the above with respect to photographs.
If this isn’t a set up, I don’t know what is! Haha!
I agree though John– well as much as I read before a text notification drew me away from finishing the whole post.
I still believe print will never totally die. I asked for a Kindle way back (the first round of them) to save on having books all over my house. I’ve cut back about 50% of the paper books I buy.
That being said, as much as I whined when the iPad came out just 2 months later (and actually before my original Kindle arrived).
Now, I’m thankful for my old Kindle because, well, all you can do is read a book on it. No jumping around, losing your place. You can bookmark, highlight and make notes.
It’s not the same, but it’s the best of both worlds, reading without distractions, and not filing my small living space with book after book.
I wonder if you would still feel the same way reading the article digitally at that later date? That maybe its the time its had to process in your brain & not the medium that makes the difference?
Great reflection, John.
Sometimes I wonder how long it will take for society to forget about the printed word. Considering the speed of technological evolution, it probably won’t be long at all … it’ll happen before we know it and our kids will be collecting newspapers, magazines, and books in awe of their sheer antiquity.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing … I think it’s special we’re here to experience and shape it.
texting and driving is bad, reading the paper and driving is worse. Not to mention you used one hand to take the picture.
I definitely think there’s value for tangible paper. This is one of the reasons that I haven’t fully switched over to a kindle or other device. Having books with weight to them adds mental “weight” to them for me, for some reason. Thanks for making me feel a bit less crazy John.