The incessant importance of print publications in a digital age |14 October 2019

Image sources (L to R): prdaily; documentarytube; BEE Printing

• Traditional printed publications have a role to play and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future

While digital publications are undoubtedly valuable tools, it is important to remember that their growth in the last couple of decades has not been as a replacement of traditional printed publications, but it has rather been alongside them; the reasons for this are many.

In the following interview, we find out what some of these reasons are from Karen Pragassen, founder of locally-based ‘Chanterelle Bookshop’, who points out that the ongoing success of the business through sales of print publications over the last 10 years, is evidence that this type of media is not in decline, and is still important and appreciated by children, teenagers and adults alike.

Seychelles NATION: What are the differences and similarities between print and digital/audio publications?

Karen Pragassen: They are different ways to enjoy publications depending on your preference. Print is still the most popular. Audio books are great for the car for kids or people who are unable to read due to an illness/eyesight problem. Some people prefer audio books if they are pushed for time so they can listen on the go; often you find people interested in nonfiction or business books tend to prefer audio books.

Seychelles NATION: In your opinion, why are print publications still important in a time when technology has taken over for the dissemination of information?

Karen Pragassen: Mainly it seems people retain more information from print publications; possibly because there are less distractions than on a phone or other device. No one will disturb your reading with a WhatsApp message or notification about a dog video!

Reading print publications is a slower process and I think is better as it allows the readers to internalise, respond and react to what they are reading. I find if I’m reading something online, I tend to skim the text quickly and pick out keywords from what I may be researching. Whereas something printed in hard copy seems easier to concentrate on.

The internet can give you fake news! Books are indeed more reliable than sources on the internet because they have been reviewed before publishing. The information from books stays for a long period while information on the internet can change every hour.

I’d advocate that books are better because;

-           You get less tempted to browse ASOS!

-           Print books are a much more relaxing and immersive experience and I think print media is more engaging

-           Print publications will stay forever so you can read again, pass it on or collect

-           No batteries are required, nor do you have to remember to charge your devices or back them up

-           No blue light to affect your sleep; in fact reading a book before bed helps you sleep faster and better.

-           Reading will definitely help boost your memory

“THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY EFFICIENT MACHINE THAT MAN HAS EVER INVENTED IS THE BOOK”

– NORTHROP FRYE –

Seychelles NATION: How can print publications survive the next 10 - 20 years considering the increasing popularity of digital publications?

Karen Pragassen: I believe they will survive; I don’t think they’re in decline. There are around 130 million books that have been published in the history of humanity. Printed books are still surviving alongside e-books and technology is actually helping publishers as well as retailers to reach new audiences and find new ways to tell their stories.

One area where there could be improvement is lead time in book printing and distribution so that you are able to get your books faster.

Magazines and newspapers are some of the main print media which have gone digital, but this has not necessarily allowed all of them to survive as they compete with social media.

More reasons why books are so important:

1) Improve vocabulary; the more you read, the faster your vocabulary will expand.

2) Improve emotional development; it makes us more empathetic, helps us to keep emotional balance and doesn’t allow emotions to influence our growth.

3) Reading books regularly stimulates imagination, accelerates emotional development and fosters natural curiosity.

4) Gives motivation, peace, enthusiasm and courage to see situations in a positive way.

5) Allows us to understand the importance of each time. Books make us understand that we should be happy for what we have while working for what we want.

6) Gives knowledge, makes us wise.

7) Improves attention span, focus and concentration levels.

8) Books give the solution to almost every problem; it helps in every aspect of our lives – family, friends, communication, professional life, health etc.

9) Books are a great source to learn from mentors; you can’t learn directly from big mentors like Tony Robbins, Warren Buffet, Brian Tracy etc, but you can learn indirectly from them, through the books which they wrote to help people.

10) Books give wings to our imagination; a person who can imagine things will definitely have the power to create them.

For more information, contact Chanterelle Bookshop:

-           Address: Quincy Street, Victoria

-           Telephone: 4325424

-           Email: chanterelle@seychelles.net

-           Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chanterellebookshop/