Obama Elected newspapers sell out the exception that makes the rule

An interesting sidebar story related the American presidential election a week ago has been the "run" on newspapers featuring the front page announcing the historic outcome. Long lines to buy papers, reprints, and special newspaper editions, have all been well documented. (For an example, see The LA Times, "Extra! Extra! Barack Obamas election win sends newspaper sales soaring".)

While this blogs primary focus is printing in the home and office, from time to time we cant help exploring the overall future of the printed page, including that venerable societal institution, the newspaper.

And while the biggest sales day for papers in a long time is an interesting, and even poignant story, it may also provide insight in why the printed page still satisfies certain "fundamental user needs", in marketing parlance. Snippets from the news reporting on the sales surge quotes buyers as seeking something that documents the election in a permanent, "official" format. From the Times piece:

"I think there is an authority and finality, a sort of last word that comes from the printed edition of the newspaper," said Steve Hills, president and general manager of Washington Post Media.

At the same time, with the majority of todays current news, which is much more fleeting and ever-changing, is probably more appropriately delivered in electronic form. To use another example from late 2008, who needs/wants an ink-and-paper stock table from any given closing market day? (And thats even assuming the markets actually close!)

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