The world of journalism has been altered greatly ever since the Internet revolutionized the spread of information. Spreading information used to be reserved for individuals who have the access and capability to go out into the field and search for that valuable piece of information/story where it then gets published on newspapers and magazines.
Ever since, the Internet took over the information strata of the world, journalism companies aka newspaper companies, have observed a steep drop in its consumers and many have turned to virtual means. The birth of online newspapers and magazines come about due to the increase in reliance of the public on the internet instead of newspapers. Also, the increase in accessibility of information on the net as well as the low cost, is one of the more important factors as to why people would much rather prefer surfing the net for information as compared to purchasing a newspaper with exactly the same information.
However, the picture of reading a newspaper in front of the breakfast table is something that most cannot seem to shake off. Despite this, the emergence of IPads and tablets, have made the use of electronic devices seem more plausible to fit that image.
Furthermore, everyone and anyone in possession of internet, has a hand in creating and distributing information regardless of his/her capabilities. This is especially daunting to the world of writing/journalism as they rely on their ability to craft information as well as weaving stories in such a way that it captivates the readers. However, the use of web 2.0, has changed things in such a way that everyone has a voice and they want to be heard. Hence, the creation of avenues like forums and discussion boards, where people are able to voice what they want to say.
I, for one am still very much supporting the use of physical media. However, the growth of contemporary social media and its high accessibility is especially captivating for me. Its ease and the multitude of content that it possesses, makes reading and the search for information so much faster and convenient. Even though I love chilling with a cup of warm tea and with a good book in hand, the information found on the internet far exceeds that of the ‘past’.
THE INTERNET 
I think no matter how advance technology gets and how accomodating people become, there will still be the few who prefer physical media over digital media. Think about it, if everything you ever own was digital, does that really mean you own it? Like all the mp3 files in your iTunes, do you really own them? I mean, to me it’s not the same as holding the album or vinyl itself in my hands. It will never be the same.
True that the invention and accessibility of internet gives more people a voice-a louder voice than what they originally have had. with internet, and citizen journalism, it changes how news is being famed. Gatekeepers of traditional media has greatly lost their power over media agenda. I believe that the existence of internet brigaded the power inequality between the have and the have nots. And yup. I simply love the touch of a physical book compared to the free PDF versions on online. =)
i prefer the physical media over anything. nothing beats that. sure it’s convenient that we don’t have to bring our entire CD collection with us because now we got mp3 players and mp3, and we don’t have to carry newspapers around because we got smartphones with their 3G. but these physical media, aren’t they the proof of something? they prove something.
I for one prefer physical media. The e-book has become a favourite to some as it is easier to store in the phone and read on the bus or train but however i still prefer the touch of a book. I agree that some writers who publish their books may not get the benefit of the sales as people turn to the e-books instead.