Where we stand now

Although I’ve been blogging since livejournal started up, this is my first real foray into something more coherent. I’m an avid reader, and I suspect much of my time in this blog will be about books, reading culture, and writing, as these are both my interests and my “expertise.”

As 2009 begins, it seems appropriate to think about some of the issues facing these particular interests - first and foremost, will they still be around? Books, sure, but perhaps not as we’re used to them. Newspapers? Maybe. Although I know I’d be sad to see the end of the printed newspaper, it’s becoming more and more obvious that the free model works and deters people (including myself, a self-proclaimed newspaper junkie) from purchasing print subscriptions. Reading? Although people claim reading and literacy are down, I think that might not actually be the case.

With digital participation increasing, the old models change. But change isn’t scary; it’s fascinating, and we’re building it.