So, I think this is a very relevant debate that we should be having. Everyone decries the print media dying and online media taking over. While such statements are undoubtedly far-fetched, there is no doubt that the landscape is changing. However, in the fashion industry in particular, the PR companies and designers themselves are very slow to embrace the Internet media and the print magazine is still king. I would like to know your thoughts on this subject. Here is the way I see it.
Internet Pros:
1) Democratization of the media - fashion print magazines no longer hold the public and designers at their mercy. Internet has spawned a samizdat industry that is thriving. Even the boutiques are now doing interviews with designers.
2) Speed - there is no way print can match the speed of delivery of the Internet. For the industry that thrives on change, this should be a boon.
Internet Cons:
1) Democratization of the media - everyone and their mother now think they are a journalist, which results in lowering the quality of information and sheer information noise.
Print Pros:
1) Elitism - that's right, I said it. There is something about having the ability and the drive to put together a print magazine - it shows determination and will and a desire to be taken seriously.
2) Physicality - no iPad will replace the beauty of a physical magazine or a book, the quality of images, etc. The "everything on the Internet" adage does not hold true in the case of the fashion media. There is a ton of content that is not available on the Internet.
This is a quick sketch, and I am sure I left out a lot. Please share your thoughts!
Internet Pros:
1) Democratization of the media - fashion print magazines no longer hold the public and designers at their mercy. Internet has spawned a samizdat industry that is thriving. Even the boutiques are now doing interviews with designers.
2) Speed - there is no way print can match the speed of delivery of the Internet. For the industry that thrives on change, this should be a boon.
Internet Cons:
1) Democratization of the media - everyone and their mother now think they are a journalist, which results in lowering the quality of information and sheer information noise.
Print Pros:
1) Elitism - that's right, I said it. There is something about having the ability and the drive to put together a print magazine - it shows determination and will and a desire to be taken seriously.
2) Physicality - no iPad will replace the beauty of a physical magazine or a book, the quality of images, etc. The "everything on the Internet" adage does not hold true in the case of the fashion media. There is a ton of content that is not available on the Internet.
This is a quick sketch, and I am sure I left out a lot. Please share your thoughts!
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