The internet has become widely practiced and popular among all ages, as information is available at the touch of a button, updated within an instance and accessible to all. Since early 1990, the internet has grown and developed from the simple applications of the World Wide Web to serving as an extension of information, news, social networking and more. As these technological advances continue to increase, each day society finds itself questioning the need for newspapers.
North America has a 59.7 percent increase of internet users and from 2000 to 2008; the internet users have grown 128.3%. Not only has North America been on the internet incline but the rest of the world as well. “The number of respondents overall who read a print newspaper only dropped by approximately 26%. Specifically in 2006, 34% of survey respondents said they read a print newspaper, while in 2008, only 25% claimed to read a print newspaper. That’s a significant decline in just two years.” The need for newspapers is declining each year as the need for the internet rapidly increases. About two-thirds of adults ages 50 to 64 years old—the so-called baby boomers use the internet. This shows that not just students and young teens but older adults choose to access information via the internet.
Newspaper companies have increasingly started to put their newspapers online to reach a larger audience who no longer buy print newspapers. About 80 of the nation's top 100 newspapers offered reporter blogs. On 63 of these blogs, readers could comment on posts written by reporters. The ability to comment and voice their opinions via news blogs is refreshing for many citizens. Free news websites such as CNN, MSNBC, JSOnline and Yahoo are contributing to the problems for the print newspaper industry. Video was the most common form of multimedia found on the websites, and was offered by 61 of the newspapers. By making their newspaper available and free online who wants to pay to have it delivered to their house?
In recent years, society has become more involved in helping the environment and concerned with the amount of waste that citizens contribute towards. Beyond the ease, convenience and cheapness of online newspapers, society realizes the immense amount of waste that newspapers create. On average, a year's worth of newspaper (one paper per day) produces 550 pounds (250 kilograms) of waste paper. An average New York Times Sunday edition produces 8 million pounds (3.6 million kilograms) of waste paper. This shocking statistic could potentially disappear if all newspapers were available online.
It is my belief that democracy can prevail with the simplicity and ease of online newspapers. The amount of physical waste from print newspapers and the financial waste to produce print newspapers can be regulated and help society save money and trees. Information is easily available by internet available to all through personal computers, work computers, school or the public library. I agree that technology is advancing and at some point, the use of the internet will eliminate the need for newspapers worldwide.
Source Links
http://www.bivingsreport.com/2006/the-use-of-the-internet-by-america%E2%80%99s-newspapers/
http://www.enotes.com/science-fact-finder/environment/how-much-waste-paper-does-newspaper-generate
http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats2.htm
http://newstex.com/2009/02/27/are-print-newspapers-dying-a-slow-death/
http://www.internetretailer.com/internet/marketing-conference/300069641-two-thirds-baby-boomers-use-internet.html
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Newspapers Should Still Be Here!
We as a society are moving toward an age where technology is starting to control everything. From paying bills online, to setting up golfing tee times, the population has now become too reliant on the Internet for everyday tasks and services. You can blame the internet for the decline of newspapers, especially in this struggling economy.
In a recent article in the New York Times, newspaper circulation dropped by 2% in the Washington Post, and 14% in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This going trend will ultimately lead to the demise of newspapers. But I think that newspapers are a must for our society, a disagreement I have with Jake Shafer in his article “It’s time to kill the idea that newspapers are essential for democracy.
I will agree that people are becoming more reliant on the internet. I can say that I spend my fair share of time on the internet, to try to get some information. But I can also say that I read the newspaper at home too to get stories about anything. I feel the only reason that newspapers are declining is the economy. If and when we get out of this economy slump, will you see newspapers begin to rise.
And since not all people are computer-savvy or can’t afford a computer, the newspaper is an inexpensive way to get all of your news, either national or local. When you look at the internet, anyone can post anything without research or knowledge. That can’t be said for a newspaper. If people continue to rely on the internet for everything they believe, they might be lead to false statements.
And to add technology still has its mishaps as well. While I support advancement in technology, to completely throw away the idea of the newspaper is silly and unnecessary. Some of our greatest headlines have been through newspapers and still today a necessity in democracy.
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/business/media/28circ.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Decline%20of%20newspapers&st=cse
In a recent article in the New York Times, newspaper circulation dropped by 2% in the Washington Post, and 14% in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This going trend will ultimately lead to the demise of newspapers. But I think that newspapers are a must for our society, a disagreement I have with Jake Shafer in his article “It’s time to kill the idea that newspapers are essential for democracy.
I will agree that people are becoming more reliant on the internet. I can say that I spend my fair share of time on the internet, to try to get some information. But I can also say that I read the newspaper at home too to get stories about anything. I feel the only reason that newspapers are declining is the economy. If and when we get out of this economy slump, will you see newspapers begin to rise.
And since not all people are computer-savvy or can’t afford a computer, the newspaper is an inexpensive way to get all of your news, either national or local. When you look at the internet, anyone can post anything without research or knowledge. That can’t be said for a newspaper. If people continue to rely on the internet for everything they believe, they might be lead to false statements.
And to add technology still has its mishaps as well. While I support advancement in technology, to completely throw away the idea of the newspaper is silly and unnecessary. Some of our greatest headlines have been through newspapers and still today a necessity in democracy.
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/business/media/28circ.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Decline%20of%20newspapers&st=cse
The Unavoidable Future for Newspapers
The concept that newspapers are essential for democracy is out of date. In Jack Shafer’s article, Democracy’s Cheat Sheet, he creates an argument that newspapers are a dying form and through their need for profit have developed into a censored “cheat sheet” for democracy. With that being said, I can’t say I do not agree. It is my profound belief, that newspapers are beyond there time as the major provider in news, due to their lack of information, selectivity on issues to write about, and inability to truly inform the public. With that being said, the American society is unavoidably moving towards the world of internet news.
From e-mail, news, shopping, even to watching and renting movies, the internet has overcome almost every aspect of entertainment in citizens lives. With todays advancements in technology and internet accessibility to all citizens, the once “dominant institutions of the press” has no other choice but to transform onto our computer screens. With that transformation I believe, comes a much more freely spoken news story and wider availability on specific news topics.
According to Associated Content and the article The Fate of Journalism: The End to Newspapers and the Rise to Internet?, author Jay L. states “Our newspapers and other media are controlled by huge corporations that have a choke-hold on the free press. There is no longer an reasonably accessible market for new newspapers and voices to be heard. Our nation's press is held in an oligopoly.” With an outcome such as this, poor reporting has been forced to develop with “a desire for increased profit rather then public service. A reluctance to go head to head with those in power who could effect the financial side of the press.” The internet news sources, not only provide individuals with the ability to be able to find news on specific interests, but also multiple perspectives and voices on that related issue. This eliminating any reluctance to go against the “big dogs”.
The internet also allows educated and non-educated individuals to write and inform readers on their perspective of the topics, along side the all mighty corporations. From larger search options and results, to interactive responses, the internet news is bringing back the free press and voice which has been lost amongst the need for money. No longer will what we read be selective or brief, but instant access to thousands of topics and as informative as possible. So will democracy be hurt in the event of newspapers moving to the internet? I truthfully do not know, however I believe that the citizens of the democracy are speaking and newspapers are only moments from nonexistence.
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724/pagenum/2
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724/pagenum/2
From e-mail, news, shopping, even to watching and renting movies, the internet has overcome almost every aspect of entertainment in citizens lives. With todays advancements in technology and internet accessibility to all citizens, the once “dominant institutions of the press” has no other choice but to transform onto our computer screens. With that transformation I believe, comes a much more freely spoken news story and wider availability on specific news topics.
According to Associated Content and the article The Fate of Journalism: The End to Newspapers and the Rise to Internet?, author Jay L. states “Our newspapers and other media are controlled by huge corporations that have a choke-hold on the free press. There is no longer an reasonably accessible market for new newspapers and voices to be heard. Our nation's press is held in an oligopoly.” With an outcome such as this, poor reporting has been forced to develop with “a desire for increased profit rather then public service. A reluctance to go head to head with those in power who could effect the financial side of the press.” The internet news sources, not only provide individuals with the ability to be able to find news on specific interests, but also multiple perspectives and voices on that related issue. This eliminating any reluctance to go against the “big dogs”.
The internet also allows educated and non-educated individuals to write and inform readers on their perspective of the topics, along side the all mighty corporations. From larger search options and results, to interactive responses, the internet news is bringing back the free press and voice which has been lost amongst the need for money. No longer will what we read be selective or brief, but instant access to thousands of topics and as informative as possible. So will democracy be hurt in the event of newspapers moving to the internet? I truthfully do not know, however I believe that the citizens of the democracy are speaking and newspapers are only moments from nonexistence.
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724/pagenum/2
http://www.slate.com/id/2214724/pagenum/2
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Reminder
All,
Just a reminder that all communication on this blog must be done in the form of a "new post." Placing your text as a "comment" to other posts will not be counted. Also, if you do not reference any sources or have a well-reasoned argument based on those sources your grade will be lower. Think of this as an opinion piece, but you are using sources to bolster your argument.
Best,
John
Just a reminder that all communication on this blog must be done in the form of a "new post." Placing your text as a "comment" to other posts will not be counted. Also, if you do not reference any sources or have a well-reasoned argument based on those sources your grade will be lower. Think of this as an opinion piece, but you are using sources to bolster your argument.
Best,
John
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Welcome to the Monroe Lab 2 Blog. Please write your initial post to agree or disagree with the following Slate News article: http://www.slate.com/id/2214724/
One you have read the article you should write a response using other sources and news articles that you have found online. You should have a well-reasoned argument, using news sources, opinion pieces, academic commentaries, etc. to back up your arguments. Make sure you paste a link to the articles or sources that you use so that other students can reference them. Posts should be at least FOUR short paragraphs of 3-4 relatively short sentences. This initial post is due by Sunday, April 12, at 12 p.m (noon). if you do not post by then, your grade will start at a 65% (this is assuming you finally do post something).
After your initial post, you will write a response, with NO SOURCES, to another student's initial post (the one WITH sources). You must use that individual's sources to argue for or against their point of view (you can agree with someone, but you have to write why you do and back it up). You will need to name the student. Place this in front of your response:
Example
*In Response to John M's initial post:
While I agree with your second argument, I believe that our democratic society is based on the ideals and beliefs that government control of public discourse is........
This response must be educated, well-reasoned, and solid. You can state your opinion, that is the point, but silly comments and ridiculous examples will be marked down. You want to be a respect blogger (not come off like a nut job! You all are too intelligent for that...) This response should be 2-3 paragraphs, though 2 paragraphs with 4-5 short sentences will be sufficient, if not desired. This second response is due by Wednesday start of your lab period.
Good luck, have fun, and THINK before you post (I recommend you write it in a word document first then cut and paste)
Best,
John
One you have read the article you should write a response using other sources and news articles that you have found online. You should have a well-reasoned argument, using news sources, opinion pieces, academic commentaries, etc. to back up your arguments. Make sure you paste a link to the articles or sources that you use so that other students can reference them. Posts should be at least FOUR short paragraphs of 3-4 relatively short sentences. This initial post is due by Sunday, April 12, at 12 p.m (noon). if you do not post by then, your grade will start at a 65% (this is assuming you finally do post something).
After your initial post, you will write a response, with NO SOURCES, to another student's initial post (the one WITH sources). You must use that individual's sources to argue for or against their point of view (you can agree with someone, but you have to write why you do and back it up). You will need to name the student. Place this in front of your response:
Example
*In Response to John M's initial post:
While I agree with your second argument, I believe that our democratic society is based on the ideals and beliefs that government control of public discourse is........
This response must be educated, well-reasoned, and solid. You can state your opinion, that is the point, but silly comments and ridiculous examples will be marked down. You want to be a respect blogger (not come off like a nut job! You all are too intelligent for that...) This response should be 2-3 paragraphs, though 2 paragraphs with 4-5 short sentences will be sufficient, if not desired. This second response is due by Wednesday start of your lab period.
Good luck, have fun, and THINK before you post (I recommend you write it in a word document first then cut and paste)
Best,
John
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