Modern technology is something, ain’t it? What would we do without our BlackBerrys, our iPhones, our laptops, or especially the Internet/email? Well, I know what I’d do—I’d be able to relax without worry of being bothered! Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all the benefits my electronic gadgets afford, but I just always wonder, how far will it all go?
I’m not ignorant—I see the writing on the (tablet) wall regarding print media. But I’m having a very hard time reading the fine print when it comes to the destiny of Rod & Custom magazine. I know many of you share my sentiments as far as the importance of having the ability to hold an actual magazine and read it at my leisure—the same goes for books. About the only type of media I read online are current events/news, though the last thing I want to see is the printed newspaper industry fold, no pun intended. I guess you could say I’m old school, but I find myself being that pretty blonde in the Kindle commercials you’ve been seeing lately—except I don’t give in to the guy holding the eReader!
I don’t really know what it is, but I do know that I’m not just being defiant simply because I’m trying to save my magazine, or my job for that matter—if (when?) R&C were to go all-electronic, it would still need an editor! For whatever reason, I prefer reading magazines and books the old-fashioned way. And I know for a fact that there’s still a huge sense of pride for people seeing their car in print. You don’t hear many people bragging about having their hot rod/custom featured online do you? Well, I’m sure you probably have on occasion, but really, do those same people take the time to go print a webpage and hang it on their garage wall? (Yeah, I know…)
Where do you stand? I’d really like to know what the general consensus is when it comes to the magazine versus online versions (not so much the website, but like subscribing to Zinio). Could you see yourself getting your monthly R&C fix without actually getting a physical fix in the first place? I’m sure we could all use some extra shelf/storage space as it is by not accumulating more magazines, or could we? Personally, I’ll make space, as there are certain periodicals that I want to continue receiving and, more importantly, reading. I’d rather cram more magazines and books on the shelves than go out and buy more memory for my laptop!
As far as eReaders/tablets go, do I ever see myself owning one? Right now, the answer’s probably a strong “no”, but, I’ll never forget what one of my art school instructors told me 20 years ago: “Anyone who’s not proficient with a computer in 10 years will get left behind and be lucky to get a decent-paying job.” At the time, I scoffed at his comments, but looking back at his words of wisdom, he couldn’t have been more right. And I see that philosophy being applied to the topic at hand, as much as I hate to admit it. Still, I’m a real magazine man and will continue taking pride in that…for now.
I’ll never forget what one of my art school instructors told me 20 years ago: “Anyone who’s not proficient with a computer in 10 years will get left behind and be lucky to get a decent-paying job.”