Let me be crystal clear on this:
Nov. 3rd, 2011 02:35 pmIf you prefer print comics, for whatever reason (you're a reader and collector, you've got that weird smell-boner people sometimes have with printed things, whatever), then buy your comics as printed materials. No one is stopping you. No one is demanding you switch over to digital. Hell, Marvel is going to start including a code for free digital copy of the comics you buy in print, which means collectors can always re-read their favorites without breaking the seal on the bag.
But don't ever, and I mean EVER, get all high and mighty about how the end of print is nigh, and you refuse to read comics in digital form, and OH GOD THE SKY IS FALLING.
Because you know what? It's not. At all. All the companies will keep putting out paper comics for as long as there is a viable market. It's the same damned rules as print books. If you prefer print, BUY IN PRINT. BECAUSE YOU ARE THE MARKET FOR THAT.
If we use ebooks vs. print books as an example (and I think it's a fairly decent indicator), ebooks only account for about 20% of the market. 20%. That's it. Print isn't dead. Maybe it will be at one point, but right now, 80% of people still prefer their book container to be made of trees. And I'm willing to bet about that same number of people prefer their comics to come in dead tree form as well.
How long with the 20/80 breakdown last? No idea, but I do know this: If you pay for it, they will generally keep making it. So, buy your comics in paper form and calm. your. shit.
This post brought to you by a series of people shitting themselves over Marvel announcing full day-and-date on major titles by March.
But don't ever, and I mean EVER, get all high and mighty about how the end of print is nigh, and you refuse to read comics in digital form, and OH GOD THE SKY IS FALLING.
Because you know what? It's not. At all. All the companies will keep putting out paper comics for as long as there is a viable market. It's the same damned rules as print books. If you prefer print, BUY IN PRINT. BECAUSE YOU ARE THE MARKET FOR THAT.
If we use ebooks vs. print books as an example (and I think it's a fairly decent indicator), ebooks only account for about 20% of the market. 20%. That's it. Print isn't dead. Maybe it will be at one point, but right now, 80% of people still prefer their book container to be made of trees. And I'm willing to bet about that same number of people prefer their comics to come in dead tree form as well.
How long with the 20/80 breakdown last? No idea, but I do know this: If you pay for it, they will generally keep making it. So, buy your comics in paper form and calm. your. shit.
This post brought to you by a series of people shitting themselves over Marvel announcing full day-and-date on major titles by March.