As a victim of my generation, its almost difficult to call myself “pro-print.” These days the whole world seems to be controlled by technology and almost everything is accessible online. I don’t claim to be an avid book enthusiast, collector, or writer. To be honest I don’t even have a library card. However, I can still manage to see just how important print books are, and always will be.
Imagine one day the world is falling apart, we lose all power, or some other disaster occurs. What then? Information is written down for a reason. It is created to pass on knowledge, entertain, inform, and remember. An important argument I support is the value of written information, because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Many avid readers describe books in a way that cannot be replicated by digital technology. Books are easier on the eyes, and often the nose. Many people love the smell of books and the aroma contributes to the physical experience of enjoying a good book. Also, everyone knows there is something satisfying about turning the pages in a book- whether it be satisfying because you are forced to read it for school or satisfying because the book is so good you can’t put it down.
I can understand why some people would want to download written information for lack of space and time. What I don’t understand is how one cannot comprehend the value books have, past and present. I do not feel angry, much how Lindsay Saienni feels when she tears down Instagram poet R.M. Drake in her blog post. Any form of art is respectable to me. However, I believe that print books are each unique objects humans can create and enjoy physically.
I will certainly take advantage of a world where books still exist, and I hope you do too.
Literature & the Internet 