We've read the print version of The Guardian since 1962, (when I think it was still called the Manchester Guardian) but are now wondering whether it would be a good idea to change our subscription to the online version. One way or the other, we value the kind of journalism that the Guardian promotes, and would definitely want to keep subscribing, in one form or another. However, it's a bit like voting in an election - one voter makes no practical difference, but cumulatively, each choice helps to shape decisions which affect other people's lives.
So, about a move to an online newspaper;
Pros include;
*Far fewer resources used - the paper comes with numerous bulky supplements which are of no interest to us and go straight into the bin, and the sections we do read and value are binned the next day. Yes all that paper goes to be recycled, but this process involves emissions from collection vehicles, delivery to recycling plants, and chemical contamination from the recycling process. And of course the trees have to be chopped down in the first place.
*I like the look of the online version, and could easily get used to finding my way around. You get updates during the day as news develops, and the online version is invariably available when wanted in the morning - no more waiting for the paper boy to get up during school holidays! Can be downloaded anywhere with wifi. Print version unlikely to be so easily available.
*Less costly - digital subscription costs less than paper, and no need to pay £2.50 per week, £125 a year, for delivery, plus the lad's Christmas bonus.
*No more fiddling about with paper tokens for the newsagent.
Cons are mostly to do with the effect on others of the change to online purchase. They therefore apply equally to all the other online shopping I do all the time, e.g. groceries, clothing, etc etc. So, if/when everybody goes digital;
*The newsagent and paper boy would become less profitable, maybe lose their jobs and our small town would gain yet another empty shop.
*Staff involved with preparing, printing and distributing the paper version would also face job cuts.
Of course, some of you may be facing the same choices when considering your own subscription to other papers, or your use of online shopping generally. I would be very interested to hear your ideas.
So, about a move to an online newspaper;
Pros include;
*Far fewer resources used - the paper comes with numerous bulky supplements which are of no interest to us and go straight into the bin, and the sections we do read and value are binned the next day. Yes all that paper goes to be recycled, but this process involves emissions from collection vehicles, delivery to recycling plants, and chemical contamination from the recycling process. And of course the trees have to be chopped down in the first place.
*I like the look of the online version, and could easily get used to finding my way around. You get updates during the day as news develops, and the online version is invariably available when wanted in the morning - no more waiting for the paper boy to get up during school holidays! Can be downloaded anywhere with wifi. Print version unlikely to be so easily available.
*Less costly - digital subscription costs less than paper, and no need to pay £2.50 per week, £125 a year, for delivery, plus the lad's Christmas bonus.
*No more fiddling about with paper tokens for the newsagent.
Cons are mostly to do with the effect on others of the change to online purchase. They therefore apply equally to all the other online shopping I do all the time, e.g. groceries, clothing, etc etc. So, if/when everybody goes digital;
*The newsagent and paper boy would become less profitable, maybe lose their jobs and our small town would gain yet another empty shop.
*Staff involved with preparing, printing and distributing the paper version would also face job cuts.
Of course, some of you may be facing the same choices when considering your own subscription to other papers, or your use of online shopping generally. I would be very interested to hear your ideas.
Not really, I keep up, vaguely, with main stories online. If I'm honest though, I do think that the modern obsession with news and instant access to everything that's going on has fueled a lot of trouble around the world. If certain groups know that, instantly, the eyes, ears and attention of the world will be focused on them if they do something big enough, well we are seeing the results, aren't we?