Print isn't dead. It's just different.

Not sure where you're going with that, but read the FSC web site I linked to. They're doing their best to keep forests from being cleared out, and it's working. If you've seen some of the re-forested areas paper companies have managed, it's pretty impressive how they're maintaining things, especially since it wasn't always so.

As to printed written word, I agree that newspapers are fading, but books are still sought after.

 

TRUST ME, as a former employee of the San francisco Chronicle, PRINT IS DEAD. Unless you're niche. As BA is. So....keep thriving!!!

 

Frank Zappa said it best "Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny." I believe this sentiment also can be applied to this topic. (though I suppose I'm just reiterating the title of the thread)

 

"...it's very hard to smell a sample fragrance strip through the screen of your iPhone."

You guys should capture different beer aromas in the print magazine like they do with perfume and cologne. Because... I... I would like to smell those... and I'd probably rub them on my wrists too. Hahaha. I don't know if I'm kidding. Seriously though, you should do this. Unless you already do, then let me know and I'll buy a subscription. Sounds entertaining.

 

I love print, but, digital is the future.

 

Cars didn't extinct the Horse. We just don't commute to work on one any more.

 

To weigh in , since no one asked....

I hate going to meetings where I work where there are 1.2x20 page printouts for every attendee (because you gotta have extra for "possible" attendees, and some people have to opt out) , and 50% of the pages in said printouts are completely useless.

That said, I hate most magazines because (to pay the bills) it seems 80% of the magazine is ads. I get BeerAdvocate in print, and while I know there are a bunch of ads, where I am impressed is that they aren't overly intrusive. I am pretty sure I don't need to turn 2-3 pages to get back to (and even worse search for) content. Granted, a certain percentage of the ads in BA magazine actually interest me (like 10%) versus the normal magazine (.01%), so take that bias.

I also enjoy reading a Virginia Craft beer magazine, a newspaper-like mid-atlantic/east coast craft beer publication (that every area probably has some version of), both of which are offered free where I grab them. If forced to testify, however, I might not say the content is worth the "cost", but that truly isn't meant to be a condemnation on the content at all, moreso on the state of affairs.

So, if you made it this far into the post, I would say the ads in BA are decently availabe yet "indiscreet". As far as print is concerned, there is no way a print magazine will force you to waste :30 of your time for the same ad the 5th time in 10 minutes because your are watching 2 minute clips of things you are actually interested in. That doesn't mean there isn't a general room for improvement on both ends, I hope!

 

Nice! I'm a printer as well so thanks for spreading the word. Tis' a noble trade.

 

But remember that the print industry and MAC are intertwined. The print industry was what allowed the fledging company to survive. When all of the office computers went to Dos/PC/Windows, the graphics industry went MAC. MAC and the printing industry turned a process that could take 7-14 days into an overnight/same day process. In about 20 years. Now you have that technology in your pocket.

 

Anything show up in your mailbox today?

 

This is a very good point! We are awash in electronic waste which is much harder and expensive to recycle. Paper on the other hand is produced from managed forests, basically a "crop" that is renewed for the specific purpose of harvesting. We are not talking de-forestation here! Paper is also much easier to recycle overall print is much more friendly to the environment!
Edit: Looks like most of this has been covered! Didn't read the entire thread!

 

There will never be digital beer labels.

 

There is something about a magazine that just seems nostalgic and comforting. While digital is easy, and maybe cheaper, people will always enjoy getting a magazine to browse, and then roll up and smack your dog or your kids with when they act up!

Email is pretty much what we all live by these days, but for many, checking the mail box and getting a letter, or a card, makes all the difference in the way the message is delivered. Similar idea of thinking.

And like someone said- print will be popular, as long as there are toilets.