The History and World of Print
by Since the beginning of civilization people have been intrigued by communication and have found a way to communicate to one and other by writing. Ancient paintings and symbols on cave walls illustrate the inherent desire for people to leave their mark on the world and to record history for other people to see.
As the printed word emerged and created magazines, newspapers and books, other media products were developed and adapted using printed words. Just as Telegraph offices used a coded version of the printed word to translate messages from one person to another, television continues to rely on print for scripts and programs that will be transmitted to viewers. Many radio and television shows are the broadcasted version of books or magazine articles. Without books and newspapers much of what is shown on television would not be available.
Printed words make up all of the content of all media products and on the internet any individual can create
printed content in the form of e-books and e-zines without the assistance of publishers. As with all printed work the
author retains ownership until the rights to copy are transferred for publication. With the increasing use of the internet
many newspaper and magazine publishers face downsizing due to subscription losses resulting from readers viewing
content online or on television. As the printed word continues its march with humanity through time, the means by
which words are expressed adapt and encourage growth of new products. The development and convergence of
other media products, such as the internet has made written communications easier but with this ease comes a loss of
the traditional paper and binding just as clay and parchment were replaced by paper so will be many manuscript and
printed products. Newspapers are now offering net access which is giving a rise to digital journalism, and
possibly threatening traditional writers and publishers who would be required to adapt or lose readers that find it
easier and less expensive to go online via cell phone, laptops, IPod and home computers. With so much news and
information available at the touch of a button many people do not feel a need for paper products. In fact, some people feel that it would save trees and the environment if less newspaper and books were printed and more people turned on a digital devise to get information or communications.
Thus, words continue to encourage and support change and understanding. As people evolve so will speech and communications as it has since the first clay table and does from a kindergarteners ABC’s, the world of print is ever changing. From hand written manuscripts and fanciful illustrated rice paper books to glossy multi-colored printed magazines the world of print has evolved along with humanity to integrate the aspects of words into print and electronic communications that transform cultures and time.
©ashawn2009
Reference: Campell, Martin, & Fabos. (2009). Media and Culture. Bedford and St.Martin’s.
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