" Since the newspaper is usually OUTDATED now with the NET being instantaneous; perhaps they should consider being the POLICE of the NET?

There really is no FACT FINDING PROOF READER for the net. A person has to search on their own for what they consider the FACTS. The newspaper, instead of just repeating what the Net has already reported, should instead RESEARCH for the viewer the FACTS of what's being reported on the NET.

Sort of the reverse of what the NET has been for newspapers. "

" Vying for a little job security there Rob? I probably would too in your position. The problem with the MSM though is that all they do anymore is repeat what the big wigs have written or said. There really isn't much journalism anymore. If it weren't for the internet(s) we wouldn't get half of the real journalism and the real truths. "

" working for a rightwing newspaper have anything to do with your opinions? "

" father bob wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:42 AM:

" working for a rightwing newspaper have anything to do with your opinions? "

Now, now fb. Working for a leftwing paper wouldn't have anything to do with THEIR opinions? LOL! "

" Billie Brant wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:48 AM:
" father bob wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:42 AM:

" working for a rightwing newspaper have anything to do with your opinions? "

Now, now fb. Working for a leftwing paper wouldn't have anything to do with THEIR opinions? LOL! """"

Touche' "

" Touche' accepted and appreciated fb.:-) "

" Thanks, Rob. Nothing will ever replace holding a newspaper or a good book in one's hands. "

" How are things back there in the Fifties? Just as cell phones did to long distance companies, and email did to the post office, the internet is doing to print newspapers. As a former journalist I truly hope newspapers survive, but at this point its not looking good. Have you checked out Lee's stock price lately? "

" I understand what Mr. Stroud was trying to say. I have had similar thoughts myself over books and other reading material. But I guess you have to be old enough to have experienced them fully long enough for nostalgia to kick in.

I can go to my computer and spend a little time reseaching out almost any topic that I can think of. I can do it in a fraction of the time that it used to take, when having to find the information meant sorting through card catalogs and endless shelves of books in order to find my goal. The computer is much more efficient, yet I always felt that something was missing.

That something is the sensory experience that comes along with that reading material. The smell and weight of a new book, or the worn appearance of an old volume. The walking through the library's cave-like stacks on a quest, surrounded by thousands of volumes, ripe for the picking. Meeting up with fellow seekers and discussing their quests. Discovering the signatures and notes written in the margins by people who had been there before me. The crackle of the pages when they are turned. These are part of my experience when enjoying the printed words.

We have become a society on the run, that expects instant gratification to its every desire. We carry around little electronic boxes to keep us tapped into the universe. We read books and newspapers on screen before rushing out the door. We carry other boxes containing our music, and even more to stay constantly in touch with each other. Convenient, immediate, and efficient.

These things are not bad. They offer many benefits that improve our lives. But I still find something comforting in the smell of a good book, and how it feels when I hold it. It somehow feels more real, more reliable, and more in tune with the universe.

Garrison Keilor, in his book "Lake Wobegone Days" described his reaction to the sight and sound of a combine working in the fields. He spoke of the life-long memories that seeing a combine stirred up and made the following comment:

"It's sad to be so old. I postponed it as long as I could, but when I weep at the sound of a combine, I know I'm there. A young man wouldn't have the background for it." "

" Techno-less, your message was quite beautiful and touching, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic.

I can relate to your combine sound comment, as I get the same feeling when I drive through the old Chanute Air base. It breaks my heart to see those buildings falling apart, and think of all of the young Americans who passed through that place. So many of them went on to give their lives for our country in wars that were legitimate, and not contrived events staged by ego-maniacal people in the highest positions of power. "

" Good article, people are definetely a little too spoiled by their gadgets and gismos today, people don't even write anymore, they type, lol, and encyclopedia's?...forget it. "

" The Net has brought back the scandal sheets of the past. Now, even absurd reader comments are requested and encouraged. "