Will miss print paper

I just read the letter to subscribers in the May 18 edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. In it, Mr. Hussman gives a good explanation of what economic challenges newspapers are facing these days. He makes a clear case for why electronic distribution of his/ my newspaper is inevitable. I have no argument that would counter his reasoning; however, I just wanted to express a few points for why I would miss the feel of the “paper” in my hands.

I’m 68 years old, and I have no discomfort with technology. I make daily use of a smartphone, a laptop and a Kindle. These technological gadgets provide several conveniences, and they connect me with the world in ways that were not available when I first started reading the Democrat-Gazette decades ago. But they don’t allow me to indulge myself in my morning ritual in the way the printed version of the paper currently does. There’s just something special about holding the flimsy pages of the paper in my hands, in my home office, after a good workout and shower, with a cup of coffee. Heck, even my dog understands the ritual. She heads to my office before me and proceeds to jump up on the couch instead of my lap, which is her preferred place to lounge.

Yeah, Mr. Hussman, I understand times, “they are a-changing,” and you’re running a business. When all is said and done, I would prefer an iPad edition of the Democrat-Gazette versus none. I think a 68-year-old fella can make a minor adjustment in his morning ritual that has brought him comfort for quite some time.

Thanks for the letter!

HOSEA LONG Little Rock