I used to write for a large-market newspaper and when the freelance Gods would smile down on me, a few other regional and national news organizations too. Back in 2015 … when X used to “tweet,” I posted a request on Twitter and FB asking for copies of what at the time, was yesterday’s issue (sometimes I like to send articles to my mom like she’s always done with me in the past … you know, about something mind-blowing that she simply must learn about, especially if I’m the one who wrote the article). Anyhoo, you know how many copies I was able to finagle from my neighbors and other local yokels … ZERO.
I got a lot of responses like, “sorry don’t get the paper anymore” and “only get it on Sundays” and my favorite one, the one that really made me feel like what I do matters:
“Who reads the paper anymore?” EGADS!
So, who does read the paper these days? Do the hours I spend researching, quoting, searching out perfect synonyms so I don’t repeat the same word over and over again … do those hours matter? To anyone? Or have we become a nation addicted to the instant news feed of X and the likes. (insert loud sigh)
For me, like a tangible book (I’m old school that way), there is something extraordinary about holding actual newsprint in my hands … the way it smells, the way it sounds when unfolded, the way it tastes when you lick your fingertip to help turn the pages (what, you thought I was going to say crumple it up and eat it?) … still, I get it. It’s wasteful to print so much paper—and it’s certainly more convenient to whip out the iPad and presto … The Times, The Tribune, The Chronicle, the whatever you subscribe to is there, freshly pressed dare I say.
But I like the paper. I like the formality of it. The tradition. And for some reason or another the news just seems more real when I hold it in my hand … I feel the stories more … because the paper sits on my coffee table … with faces staring at me, reminding me all the day through, of the struggles and triumphs, sadness and joy that people, just like me, are living with. And that, ladies and gentlemen, that is why I used to (insert second oud sigh) look forward to that “slam” against my front door at the wee hours of the morning … (well, technically the carrier just put it in the paper slot, but a girl can still dream of the days when Father Knew Best).
Do you read the paper? How many? Online? In print? I’m curious. What do you use for breaking news?
Cover image created with Google AI, sorry, but I couldn’t find a newspaper to take my picture with (insert third loud sigh). Today’s post inspired by The Daily Prompt: How has technology changed your job?
DISCLAIMER: I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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