Since becoming adept at on-line banking, I recently decided to go "paperless." Well, almost paperless. I am now paying bills online and have opted out of receiving my bills in the mail.
Some of you may think it's hypocritical for someone who works at a newspaper to try to go paperless, but some things just can't be done over the computer.
You can't cut pictures of your children and grandchildren out of the computer and stick it up on the refrigerator. Kids get so excited to see their picture in the paper and I don't think it would hold the same meaning to them if they didn't see themselves in print.
Some people religiously cut stories and advertisements of events they want to attend out of the paper every week in order to remember them. Many of these people are elderly and don't even own a computer.
The Internet has its value to the newspaper industry, as well. Since implementing our new website, you can now download Weyburn This Week's entire newspaper online at www.weyburnthisweek.com. This is extremely helpful for those who have moved away and still want to get their hometown news. It is also a useful tool for family members living outside of the distribution zone that want to check-out a picture or article about their loved one.
There is also the convenience of having the physical newspaper in your hands. The paper is easily taken from the bus, airport, living room, patio or bathroom - wherever you want to read it. Even with a laptop computer, you can't get more mobility than you can with a newspaper.
I recently heard a promotion over the radio that stated advertising in a newspaper was becoming an old fashioned notion but I couldn't disagree more. There is no better way to get into people's homes than with a free-distribution newspaper that is delivered directly to your door.
When I hear an ad on the radio I have to remember it or write it down. Normally I don't do either as I am usually driving when I listen to the radio.
So, in a society full of "going green" and finding ways to reduce our "environmental footprint" I still believe the newspaper has its place. Besides, what would we do on Sunday mornings if we didn't have flyers and "foodies" to look at?
