Which do you prefer to read for your news? It appears that the newspaper industry is getting a might bit afraid of the effects of the Internet, especially on people under 50 years old. I can’t see it myself, however, I have not purchased the newspaper in favour of the Internet when I was doing comparison shopping. I found it easier and faster on line to quickly shop around, at known retailers, and get my information.

The news is a different thing when it comes to the Internet. There is a validation when reading news printed in the newspaper. The authors and editors are real. What do I mean by that? Sometimes newspapers print the columnist pictures, or they have been exposed via other means, like television or radio interviews. Who knows Craigslist? Do you really know who is posting news or information on the Internet, I think not. It could be a kid or flunky in his shorts typing on his computer in his basement. Who really knows.

One thing I will complain about in newspapers are the advertising pages, and I do mean pages, and pages, and pages. If it’s a full page ad or something just a bit smaller, ads consume the newspaper. I would dare say 75% or higher content is dedicated to ads. I hate seeing all these ads just to get to the news. But, like any operating business, they are in business to make money and advertising revenue is huge for the newspaper industry. I don’t think they will experience any reduction in subscribers or daily buyers, lots of people like to pass the time if they are using public transit.

We have a long way to go before there will be a clear winner. In the meantime, enjoy and use both, I do. Sometimes I want something in my hands to view and read, and othertimes I prefer the speed of the Internet, but lets not lose too many trees while we’re deciding which venue we prefer.