(4)+Implications


 * __Implications of this phenomenon__ **

The death of print in the new digital age is a phenomenon that is undoubtedly going to happen, mainly due to its outreach. Digital materials are more easily found online than in stores and also have a wider consumer outreach than print resources. Given the many stakeholders involved in the print and digital industry, we are able to conclude that this phenomenon will definitely affect many people, either for the good or worse. The arts scene in many countries may, as a result of this phenomenon, be enriched or stifled. The implications of this phenomenon reach out further than one may think. Given the many natural resources required to manufacture print and E-readers, a gradual decrease in demand of paper and an increase in demand of precious metals and industrial ware may affect many other industries which require the same natural resources.

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__** Benefits: **__ E-readers such as Kindle allow the reader to read through many books which results in the usage of fewer resources as compared to print. Despite the use of precious metals in the manufacturing of one E-reader, carbon emission is offset after the purchase of 40-50 downloads, making the E-reader more environmentally friendly in the long term. Also, the rise of this phenomenon will result in a decrease in demand of wood. As such, supply will drop accordingly, which will result in less deforestation worldwide. 28% of all wood cut in the US is used for paper making and this figure is set to decrease with the rise of E-readers as a substitution to printed books.
 * Going green**

**Price** The new digital age offers consumers new, cheaper alternatives such as E-readers and online newspapers or magazine subscriptions that will outsell conventional print while offering the exact same content. Online resources can be easily replicated and sold to consumers without incurring costs in the process. In comparison, conventional methods of printing are more expensive as they require a lot of paper, need transport to deliver print to consumers and incur other hidden costs such as tax. Furthermore, the average royalty paid for each ebook sold is USD$2.12 as compared to USD$3.90 for each printed book sold.

With a simple touch of a button, online subscriptions and E-readers are able to provide readers services and convenience that cannot be found in print. Firstly, ebooks make it easier for budding authors to start out by avoiding the hassle usually associated with publishing, such as finding a publisher. Works can even be self-published, further making it more convenient for authors. Also, works can also be published faster as the manufacturing process will be skipped. Readers will also be able to enjoy increased convenience from E-readers and online subscriptions. Content from print resources are now easily accessible anywhere on the go. Furthermore, less weight will have to be carried as up to 4GB of content can be stored on an E-reader. Portable wireless devices will also be able to provide the reader with unlimited content on the go. Besides, readers will also
 * Convenience**

The new digital age is able to bring more possibilities to readers. Technological advances will allow readers to have interactive texts, hyperlinks and even videos within the text itself. Reading in the future will be multi-modal, increasing interest in reading. Comparing this to print resources, it is evident that technology will lend E-readers and online subscriptions a huge edge over print resources. media type="youtube" key="mGP8Cy0_WE0" height="349" width="560" align="center"
 * Potential**

__** Detriments: **__

It is a fact that new digital age devices make it easier for authors to self-publish. However, given the staggering 764,448 titles published in 2009, there is an increasing lack of quality control in printed books. Furthermore, self-publishing allows the author to skip the editorial stage, which serves as a crucial stage for quality check.
 * Lack of quality control**

A rapid decrease in demand for printed books will detrimentally affect several stakeholders, especially those involved in the publishing process. 15% of Kindle users said that they stopped purchasing print books altogether after owning one. Loggers and printers will be in less need, resulting in the loss of many jobs. Furthermore, printing companies that are dependant on printing books may be severely impacted, threatening many more jobs in the industry.
 * Negatively affected stakeholders**

Print newspapers are more reliable as they go through checks and are regulated by law. In Singapore, other than sports publications, people intending to set up a press have to apply for a license. This allows for inappropriate information to be censored and not distributed to the public. However, with the advent of the digital age, inaccurate and slightly less moderate information can be easily spread through comments, newspaper forums or the setting up of your own site, such as in the case of Temasek Review.
 * Disinformation**

Similar to the music industry, online versions of books are susceptible to piracy. Ebooks are more easily pirated than print books due to its nature. Criminals can easily distribute and sell hacked Ebooks to consumers finding a cheaper alternative. Furthermore, E-readers can be hacked and Ebooks might be bought from online stores for free. Copyright infringement will definitely be a larger problem with the rise of the digital age.
 * Piracy**



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