Introduction

Throughout time, there have been a multitude of methods that contribute to the preservation of information through physical spaces. As time has continued to evolve, so has the way that things are recorded throughout history—whether it be through varying images or written in a book, there are multiple physical methods that have led to the recording of varying parts of history. Print is a term and concept that has endured multiple evolutions throughout time due to the newfound methods and ways of recording varying concepts, ideas, and happenings. There is often a common misconception that ‘print’ only refers to handwritten or physical variations of writing that depict some form of information. Throughout this chapter, there will be a discussion surrounding print, what it means, how it has evolved over time, and the impact it has on information that is interacted with.

What Does the “Late Age of Print” Refer to?

The “late age of print” isn’t something that is necessarily easy to understand due to the base idea that many hold in their head. Although it may seem like the definition only refers to books, magazines, and newspapers, it actually includes the realm of the digital world and all of its vast capabilities. As mentioned by J. David Bolter, the “late age of print” includes electronic formats of written print through email, word processor programs, and the internet in general. For a more specific example, a physical copy of a book can be placed into digital spaces via word processors such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. These programs can take a book and place it into digital spaces. These resources are also used to share writing with others, edit writing, and even upload direct PDF versions of physical media without altering anything. The “late age of print” may seem like a thing of the past but it’s actually the reality we currently reside in now—a cross-communication between physical and digital print that is intertwined in order to create a more convenient world of possibilities.

The Ramifications of Digital Print

Although the culmination of digital and physical print may seem appealing, there are some downfalls that plague varying communities of writers. J.D. Applen discusses some of these negative consequences in his book, “Writing for the Web: Composing, Coding, and Constructing Websites.” Physical print, such as books, had a sense of permanency to them which made it feel as if nothing was supposed to change. A printed book can’t be changed after being printed because, even if new, reworked versions are released, the original printed version can’t be modified. As Applen states, “Great books and other texts were arrested in print and that was that; they were deemed perfect and thus should not be changed. This created respect for the author…” Now, with the ability to upload texts into digital spaces, there is the possibility to constantly change and rework the words of authors everywhere. Nothing is necessarily permanent due to the ability to modify whatever is available in a digital space. Don’t like it? Well, it can be deleted like it was never there.

There is also the concerning thought that writing within digital spaces can damage good writing and what it stands for due to the fact that things can be readily changed and modified while a piece is being worked on. There are different resources, such as Grammarly or the built-in ‘Review’ button on Microsoft Word, which can change the voice that the writer initially had, eradicating any sense of personality that was previously there. Using the thoughts of Bolter, Applen comments “Because we can write and change what we write so readily with word processing software, what is written loses its force as a powerful, perfect, and unchanging body of words.” There is no denying that, while the implementation of physical and digital is beneficial, there are downsides that need to be taken into consideration as print as a whole continues to progress. The “old age of media” is happening now and it needs to maintain a relevant part of discussions as more and more writers begin their journey in digital spaces as opposed to physical ones.

How does Remediation tie in?

The concept of remediation plays a significant role in truly understanding the “late age of print” and everything that ties into it. Remediation is the concept of shifting to a form of media that is newer but still has characteristics from the old form of media. The newer form of media is believed to be ‘better’ than the older form of media due to varying changes, tweaks, and just overall improvement. For example, email remediated basic mail. Instead of having to write out a letter, take it to the post office, send it, and wait for it to arrive to the designated person, an email allows people to send a message and have the recipient receive it within seconds. There is no concern, in this case, that there are written spelling errors or that the letter will get lost in the mail—the email will correct varying mistakes, have it typed out neatly, and be delivered to the designated recipient right away. I mean, it can even be said that text messages remediated email because it allows people to connect with others in an even quicker, more laid-back manner. The most important thing to note, though, is that text messages are usually less well-written and reserved for friends or people where professional communication isn’t required. Emails tend to acquire a more professional tone and are delivered to employers or those in any kind of professional field or setting.

The Perception of the “Late Age of Print”

Perceptions and thoughts revolving around the “late age of print” heavily carry the concept and create what it is today. As I mentioned above, a concept such as remediation can be such a useful concept due to terrific breakthroughs but, it can also have negative consequences tied to it. I mean, just using a word processor rather than physically writing down thoughts and ideas is a form of remediation. Although it might seem like something small, using a word processor takes away from the skill of handwriting and reworking ideas by hand. There are so many suggestions that it can feel like a writer isn’t truly writing their own piece. Not only that but typing takes away from the motor skills that are developed through handwriting. Yes, there are still motor skills being used when typing but not in the same regard as handwriting. Handwriting also allows people to truly see their mistakes later on and learn from them rather than just pressing ‘accept’ when a processor produces a suggestion. There is also the concern that digital print is far more distracting than physical print due to all of the add-ons in digital spaces. There are advertisements on some websites, a multitude of colors, and interesting tabs that take away from the writing that was created. This leads to the idea that maybe people aren’t reading things fully when they interact with digital print, maybe they’re just skimming and moving onto ‘better’ things.

On the other hand, digital print has opened up a realm of possibilities for those who just simply can’t focus on physical materials. It’s also more accessible to those who may have a hard time reading small words or can’t see well without a certain background color. That’s the good thing about this period in time, we are still in the “late age of print” which means we have access to both physical and digital forms of print. We can use one or the other or use both depending on our preferences. That’s why the varying thoughts formulated around the “late age of print” are truly heavily based on perceptions and personal opinions—it isn’t a one and done idea, there’s a lot that goes into it.

Acknowledging the Importance Behind the “Late Age of Print”

There is no stopping the progression of print and the direction that it’s heading which is why it’s important to acknowledge the changes that have already occurred and those that are to come. It is extremely important to take into consideration the ramifications of digital text and the impact that it will have on physical text going forward. The “late age of print” is a time period that we are currently living in which is why it is such a relevant topic of discussion, especially in terms of what it means now and for the future. The “late age of print” has changed communication and the way in which we read things, but it has also changed the power that authors have and the method in which forms of print can be changed.