Slow Media

I have become increasingly intrigued in methods of slow media and how people continue to consume these forms in the face of technological advances in computers, television and personal devises. Despite all of these advances there are more magazine publication now than there have ever been (the big boys are hurting but independent publications keep popping up). Vinyl record sales are poised to surpass cd sales in certain markets. The DJ has revitalized an industry that was deemed dead only a few years ago. Theater is also increased attendance in the face of blockbuster hollywood films such as Avatar.

Things seem to be at a split right now where people seem to be putting on foot on the digital side while still holding on to the dog eared paper back. One such event that really struck me where both "real" and digital means met in tandem was on December 13th, 2009 in Arlington, Texas where the Dallas Cowboys football game was broadcast in 3D on the jumbotron in the stadium while the game was happening on the field below. To myself and many others this seams absolutely absurd but I guess it made sense to someone with a bit of authority.

This one foot in the future and one in the past won't get any easier as we go along but do we need to disrgard the things we already own and understand simply for the sake of "progress?" I would argue no we don't but we do need to look at where technology truly helps us and where things become simply the newest shiniest gadget on the block without any real benifit?

Will the IPad really help us? It's basically a laptop without a standard keyboard yet still people are calling for the death of print because of objects such as these. Will we still read books and continue to consume slow media as we progress further and further into the world of the microchip?