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I don't read much of anything online these days. Most "reading" environments treat you as a user, not a reader. Poor typography, endless scrolling, and an endle

I don't read much of anything online these days. Most "reading" environments treat you as a user, not a reader. Poor typography, endless scrolling, and an endless supply of content that isn't worth reading in the first place. So I mostly consume text on screen only so that I can accomplish tasks. In other words, "reading" online is a means to an end. All that said, if I stumble on a long form piece of writing that looks interesting, I'll print it!

ser13 6y ago
I also tend to print anything substantial that I plan on reading. It's just easier on the eyes (though Firefox's reader mode and usejournal.com also help) and I can re-use the blank side of the paper for my notes. After that, it makes an okay fire starter. I've also started subscribing to magazines and newspapers again. Most of the 'online' content I read is available in print form.
- blueridge 6y ago
  I am very much a fan of the printed word. I've been thinking about it like this: Online, text delivers itself to you, almost always in short-form streams, everything is ephemeral. With a physical book, you have to bring yourself to the text. Language, dialog, form, typography all come together on the page in a way that is highly satisfying. The act of reading printed pages is an "event" of sorts. Any magazine recommendations?
  - ser13 6y ago
    I really enjoy both the Economist and the New Yorker. They tend to take very different stances on the same issues, but both have really excellent long-form articles that I enjoy. I also recommend hobby magazines (like Shutterbug or Adventure Kayak) that fit with your interests.
MaximumMadness 6y ago
This is probably the comment that I resonate the most with - what defines "something worth reading" to you? Part of me feels like theres no way to get to the good stuff without sifting through it all a bit first.
- blueridge 6y ago
  I don't have a standard definition, I just spend time browsing for articles and essays that are aligned with whatever is top of mind at the moment. I might the weird one here, but I think my JSTOR subscription is worth every penny. The variety of content, along with the quality of publications is generally excellent. I stumbled on ETC: A Review of General Semantics recently and I've printed a bunch of articles and essays from their publications, dating back to the 60's. It's good stuff!

ser13 6y ago

I also tend to print anything substantial that I plan on reading. It's just easier on the eyes (though Firefox's reader mode and usejournal.com also help) and I can re-use the blank side of the paper for my notes. After that, it makes an okay fire starter. I've also started subscribing to magazines and newspapers again. Most of the 'online' content I read is available in print form.

blueridge 6y ago
I am very much a fan of the printed word. I've been thinking about it like this: Online, text delivers itself to you, almost always in short-form streams, everything is ephemeral. With a physical book, you have to bring yourself to the text. Language, dialog, form, typography all come together on the page in a way that is highly satisfying. The act of reading printed pages is an "event" of sorts. Any magazine recommendations?
- ser13 6y ago
  I really enjoy both the Economist and the New Yorker. They tend to take very different stances on the same issues, but both have really excellent long-form articles that I enjoy. I also recommend hobby magazines (like Shutterbug or Adventure Kayak) that fit with your interests.

MaximumMadness 6y ago

This is probably the comment that I resonate the most with - what defines "something worth reading" to you? Part of me feels like theres no way to get to the good stuff without sifting through it all a bit first.

blueridge 6y ago
I don't have a standard definition, I just spend time browsing for articles and essays that are aligned with whatever is top of mind at the moment. I might the weird one here, but I think my JSTOR subscription is worth every penny. The variety of content, along with the quality of publications is generally excellent. I stumbled on ETC: A Review of General Semantics recently and I've printed a bunch of articles and essays from their publications, dating back to the 60's. It's good stuff!