In the year 2013, it is no longer enough to have objects in the hardcopy or tangible form. Now, everything must have a softcopy supplement, or be entirely on the Net. In our MIS class, we have recently been discussing the human move into the digital age, where everything has an electronic copy to it. The common book is no longer just on a self, but instead it can be found in online stores available for downloading. Furthermore, these books aren’t being downloaded into a hardcopy form, but rather the text is downloaded onto a device that can hold multiple different novels.
This option cuts down on clutter in a household and allows for more efficiency. Soon students won’t need to walk around with backpacks because everything will be able to fit on an iPad or Tablet. All textbooks will be downloaded to the device, and all class notes will be taken on the tablet, allowing students to simply carry one electronic device, and leave the backpack at home. What I am currently speaking of, with the consolidation of tangible objects, seems great from a consumer standpoint, however the manufactures of these books, backpacks, loose-leaf paper, and ink pens probably are not so thrilled. This is now bad for business, and is actually causing quite a few places to go out of business.
The bookstore Borders is a prime example of the disappearance many companies are facing, the “E-Book” drove them out of business. It took away consumers from their market. iTunes has increased its market share by selling all genres of music, television shows, movies, and access to radio shows, while all of these CD manufactures and DVD manufactures are now struggling to find business.
Everything seems to be going digital. Even a mere letter in the postage is not good enough for some people. Individuals would rather send an email or an E-Card to recognize their friend’s birthday. For me, as a person that was raised in this growing era, I am perfectly fine with the transition, and understand the conveniences of these new luxuries. However, as a business major I see the strain it has and will put on some households – in particular mom and pop business owners.
While I am still the guy who does not like to read books from a screen, I am definitely a fan of being able to have 5 books in my possession at one time and on one electronic device. The digital move is sweeping the world. This is global economy and the Internet proves that very point with each progressive day.
This was a great post Joe. Made me think about how soon will this happen. I say in the next five years this will be the case for many.
ReplyDeleteThis will be a reoccurring theme for many companies that have competitors on the internet. The internet has proven to be very effective as regards to purchasing items and browsing through exactly what the customer needs. All of this can be done right from the comfort of a home. It is evident that many other business that are struggling will follow suit of companies such as Blockbuster and Borders and go out of business because of their electronic competitors.
ReplyDeletethis was a good post. It reminds us of the importance to be able to make the transition to the digital age. Personally I prefer the look and feel of turning a page in a actual book. but I also realize the convince and necessity of having digital access.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really good Blog also very informative. I like the fact that you spoke about that over the past couple of year things have pretty much changed so much we dont even need a hardcopy or tangible form of anything. As we go further and further into the information age there will no longer be a need for a lot of companies and store locations taking up space and money when everything can be available online.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. It forces businesses to keep up with the change in technology just like this class does. I understand why some companies are afraid of this change because it can a strain and result in a loss of business, but it highlights the creativity of the surviving businesses. In the case of books, I like a hard copy, but the digital version is more affordable and convenient especially when considering college textbooks. Good post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Joe. It is amazing to see the shift society is making to more of a digital space. Last year's marketing conclave was called "Social, Mobile, Digital" which focuses on many of the issues raised in your blog post. It was great to have that reinforced through this post.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Joe. Changes in technology is great but I feel that it could benefit and hinder society. It is easier and convenient to purchase things online or read a book on your iPad, but some people rather the old traditional way. Sooner than later, according to how fast technology improves, we as a society will not have a choice but to go the digital route.
ReplyDeleteNew things are good. I really feel like if people use thing in the right way then it could be a big plus. Things are always changing. If it will make things easier than its a plus. Just hope that nothing will go wrong with it thats all.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting post and a perfect example of the transition to the Digital Age and how rapidly technology is developing. I agree that soon we will probably not carry backpacks because everything will be accessible on an iPAD or Tablet. This is a great reminder that you need to focus on innovation and be prepared for the Digital Age because if not, there will more than likely be negative consequences like loss of a job or going out of business similar to Borders and Blockbuster.
ReplyDeleteThis is a well-written blog that made me think about the drastic decline in printed newspapers. According to newspaperdealthwatch.com, Seventy-four percent of U.S. newspaper readership is concentrated in people over the age of 45, while that age demographic group represents only 39% of the population. This statistic shows how advances in technology and a shift in demand have detrimentally affected the sales and relevance of printed newspapers. In order for newspaper companies to remain relevant they must stay abreast of technological changes and champion innovation.
ReplyDeleteThis is a well-written blog that made me think about the drastic decline in printed newspapers. According to newspaperdealthwatch.com, Seventy-four percent of U.S. newspaper readership is concentrated in people over the age of 45, while that age demographic group represents only 39% of the population. This statistic shows how advances in technology and a shift in demand have detrimentally affected the relevance of printed newspapers. In order for newspaper companies to remain relevant they must stay abreast of technological changes and champion innovation.
ReplyDeleteJoe, I think that you hit some key points in your discussion. It has been evident even in our hometown of Silver Spring that this digital consolidation is hurting many businesses. For example, the Borders books downtown location closed over a year ago. It seems as though this new wave of technology has went over well with our generation. For me personally, I do have some caveats with new technology, though. When dealing with new technologies, it takes away from daily human interaction that society was built on. It seems now that many children are satisfied with interacting through facebook, twitter and text messages rather than face to face interaction that our parents and grandparents grew up on.
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ReplyDeleteI hate books: they take up space, paper cuts, killing trees, heavy sometimes, etc. But you never really think about what it takes to make all these devices that we use to read these ebooks. Yeah we are saving more trees and stuff but uh all those chemicals, metals, and whatever else is needed to continue making these devices will do even more damage to the environment. And about the companies that are not winning right now they should have known better. Technology is the ONLY reason why capitalism works as well as it does so keep up with it. Technology can take jobs and make jobs.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Very interesting post to read Joe, I agreed with several parts of the blog itself particularly the area where you described your personal perference in reading physical books. However wanting to stray away from carry five books at once (physically). It can easily be argued that these advances in technology have made our generation alot more effiecent or creative if you will however on the flipside some might assert that these advances are making our generation lazy as well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed blog because it made me think about the decrease in paper productions and more things online. Many of the bookstores in my area have been closing due to online competition. Other then in school people don't normally buy books anymore. There is some many devices such as the kindle or the Ipad which makes it more convenient to use rather than a hefty book. This digital age is cause people to become less social and more worried about what people say r do on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI agree Joe. I'm glad that we are transitioning to a digital age, but there are some things that I prefer in a hardcopy form. Personally, I HATE online textbooks/homework. By reading it online, I tend to skim more and read less, however, it decreases paper and I dont have to lug the book around.
ReplyDeleteBut as we enter into more of a digital age, I am ready for the prices to go down on electronics. While it is great that we are transitioning into a digital age, we must be cognizant that going to a digital age has an economic impact. Many people still cannot afford an iPad, kindle, or even a computer. So as we make this transition, we must weigh the social impacts, and ensure that everyone can make this transition together.
I think it is really profound to witness the evolution that society has began to make to more of a digital age. However I do feel that this transformation can be somewhat hindering to us. Some people would prefer the old fashion way. Depending on how swift technology innovates itself, society will not have a choice but make the change to the digital world.
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