Print vs Digital Media: the ongoing battle

The recent news that the long-running comic The Dandy was being printed for the last time created a mixture of reactions here at Mzuri. The magical image of hiding under the duvet with a torch reading our favourite magazine is a memory for most of us I’m sure, but one that may not mean anything to the upcoming generation.

This is a conflicting topic for most addressing the inevitable move towards technology and loss of traditional printed media. Can we really afford to lose something so fundamental? There is nothing like holding a physical booklet, leaflet, card or printed matter of any kind and what a shame it would be to have everything converted to digital media.

In our line of work we do substantial amounts of printing for our clients, and ourselves, and there is definitely something special about a piece of printed media and it is crucial in creating identity and style for a brand or company. The most prominent example would have to be a business card- putting together a business card is very important for most people as it has to communicate a message about yourself or company in nothing more than a two-sided wallet-sized card. Not only this, but the giving or exchanging or business cards is a very personal communication and has been a ‘business ritual’ for so long, could we really make do without it? And would it not be such a shame to lose it?

Similarly to this, any print communication, from handing out leaflets to providing information brochures, all speak volumes about a person or business. Not to say this isn’t do-able digitally, but having something to look at while holding and feeling it creates a completely different reaction and gives the viewer a feel for the brand. Now more than ever there is a definite regression of people seeking a personal touch and needing more than the ‘faceless company’ from the internet. As print starts to diminish in the business and lifestyle worlds, will we lose a whole dimension of communication?

At Mzuri we are strong believers that print is an invaluable form of communication and it is still very much in demand, alongside an undoubtedly growing demand for digital communications. Seeing iconic establishments such as The Dandy running their last print edition is sad but is an historic mark in time. Will this be the beginning of many publications changing with the times, or will we see a greater appreciation of print when the options diminish? Only time will tell.