Print Is My Happy Place:

A reliable friend and resource for all ages

In print vs online journalism, my vote will always be print. From the first time I saw a magazine, and flipped through the vibrant color filled pages of fashion, I knew I found a love that could never be topped. There was something about magazines that drew me in, and made me want to read. The fun fonts and layouts were my kryptonite.

I would have to say the first thing I remember about print is the smells. I love opening up a magazine and smelling that fresh print smell. It reminded me of my dad. I knew it all too well. He used to work at a silk screen printing company, and that same fresh print smell was rampant whenever I went to visit him. We did not have much money, so when my mom did get me a magazine I cherished it. I was careful to not bend pages, flipped through it more then once, and took quizzes on paper, not in the book. I could see what was going on in the world of fashion, and it gave me the opportunity to see how the other half lived.

Online journalism is great for the fast times of life these days, but it’s always nice to curl up with a good magazine. I don’t treat magazines the same as I used to. I tear out recipes, tips, tricks, and anything I can use. I read through quickly and then recycle them. But I wouldn’t change a thing. The online experience does not have the reward of turning pages, there is no sound for it. You’re able to bookmark, but honestly, I forget to go back to the virtual bookmark. With a magazine you just have to pick up where you left off, no blue light glasses required. The internet connection, and the will I, won’t I have service is a bummer for online. Making sure your phone is charged enough to be able to even view the whole magazine online is a pain, but it could be a great reason to stay with print. No worries about those issues, another win for print.

My choice in the end is clear. It could be my generation, my lifestyle, or the way I grew up, but I will always have a place in my heart for print.