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Why are there still books?
These days, you're more likely to find someone who doesn't read 3 hours week then someone who does.
Television and radio do such a great job informing us of what we need to know, why are there still books?
Here, where many nights are spent outside, without the drain of electricity-powered distraction, books play a greater role in engaging the senses.
The printed word allows for communication at the speed of understanding.
This is something that can't be said for television and radio, media which broadcast at the speed of a thousand miles per hour. Where the Bill of Rights is tossed around before breakfast and lawsuits get filed in the afternoon. There's an election coming, but does anyone know the men in the beauty pageant? Does he seem like a guy you'd buy insurance from or trust to take your kids out for a game? Was he speaking from the heart about stuff that actually concerned you?
On the page, sound bites look ridiculous. They are exposed as obvious attempts to placate as many people as possible.
"I am the number one candidate for Maine."
Of course you are. But seriously, let's get down to business. How much is my vote worth to you? No, you don't understand, I don't want your promises, I need to see some green on the table, mister ... How's that for campaign finance reform?
I don't like television anymore. Scooby Doo is cool, but besides that, TV is actively teaching people just one culture. It's gross: one accent, one music, one economy, one grid, two parties, one argument...
Come to think of it, Reading Rainbow was pretty cool too.
But, I don't worry about it.
The Internet is attracting more users every day, and as more companies and organizations begin to share more and more of their information, it is becoming the greatest man-made resource. (By the way, sorry noumbrella.com has been pretty stagnant this summer. Next year, look for that to change ... seriously!)
With proper planning, the Internet can free an American of dependence on corporate media, the cost and pain-in-the-ass of mail and telephone and possibly even the hassle of commuting to work.
Also, and with just a hint of self-service here, when you read (or consume ... SNARF!!) media that is, for lack of a better term, grassroots, you're seeing real ideas, not just a result of policy.
You can't even buy thirty seconds of airtime on television if your message is too controversial. That's why books will always be around. The powers that be have eroded the First Amendment with regards to television and radio, because of all the money to be made there.
Books represent original thinking and they have spawned authors in many other media: filmmakers, web masters, publishers and graffiti artists.
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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