The Print Mouse Vs. The Online Elephant

Print publication is seemingly becoming the mouse trapped under the online elephant’s foot- but I put forward this question; is it possible the elephant will ever cower in fear of the print publishing mouse?
Okay, in plain English: Can print publishing ever rise above the online publishing giant?
The growth of technology has opened opportunities within this world thought never possible- this includes the readily available form of online reading and publishing. However, we cannot fault the design advantages of reading printed material.

“As a general rule, always design for the worst possible circumstances.”
Online reading is much harder than reading a printed document due to the harsh projected light from the screen, as opposed to the light-absorbing paper. This means that the focus on a printed document is much higher than online. - That’s one for the mouse, and elephant, zero.

Print material holds a linear reading path; there is a beginning and end point, all defined by the author. Conversely, the online reading path is non-linear and defined by the reader’s needs and interests. The loss of authorial power has been replaced with the freedom of the reader to find the information they want- whether this is a win or loss for either publishing animal, it’s entirely up to you.

The format of an online document always gives a sense of incompletion- it can be easily changed, placing higher pressure on the correctness of the online publication. Printed publication cannot be easily changed, and although it gives an approving sense of finality, print publications can quickly become out-of-date. It’s a clear tie between these publications.

And it’s game on for the publications- The online giant shows strength in interactivity and maintaining up-to-date information, whereas the readability of the print mouse gives the reader a higher focus. And depending on whether you are a reader or author, your ability to define the reading path will determine your conqueror- the mouse or the elephant?

Parker, R, 2003, “Designing documents for web distribution: Looking good in print”, 5th Edn, Paraglyph Press, Scottsdale Arizona.