In a Linked-In discussion a pro-business individual proposed that we need to find a way for the end user (reader, viewer) to pay for their access to news. To some extent that is already true, as we pay for internet service, we pay for the newspaper, and we pay for cable...but to have to pay for the news that should be a public service and is a key part to keeping our nation free...I have a real problem with that.

My students do not and will no pay for news.

It's a new generation out there, so pay models will only lead to an informed elite and uninformed malleable masses.

The fourth estate needs to be available and accessible for everyone for free or we could lose the core of our American Democracy, where every citizen has the right to an informed vote.

Interests in news in this iPod age are declining, at least among high school and college students. We see or are in contact with those who eat up news, as I do, but the reality is that most Americans are uninformed by choice.

Then too there is the recession. How can you ask people to pay for something they can live without? Those of us news junkies will pay, but only what we can afford and then we drop subscriptions more than we add.

The survey is very misleading as it limits choices to one (for example I seek our national and international news, particularly that which does not attract the masses in six minute increments).

I read the newspaper for its in depth coverage (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and finally our flimsy and very politically bias local paper the Review Journal).

I watch CNN and for a joke turn to see what Fox is covering.

I listen to public radio over the air and on line, the BBC, have my satellite radio on various international news channels (paid lifetime subscription when I had the funds). I also read journals, on-line news services and news magazines.

But I am a junkie.

Most Americans avoid news or simply watch the entertainment ratings based local newscast.

Again, if we charge for media access we could well lose the base of an informed electorate, of our very Democracy.

The elite will continue to have a lock on our nation.

Art Lynch

536 Sixth Street, Boulder City, NV 89005

(702) 454-1067 • (702) 682-0469 cell

Createcom@mac.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurlynch


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Libraries

When was the last time I went physically into a library? Every week, but then I am a tactile person and live two blocks from one. They have special collections and a certain feeling that cannot be obtained anywhere, at least easily. A place to contemplate, explore the book next to the one you are interested in on the shelf, just think and sort as you walk the shelves scanning related subjects or articles. And they have trained professional librarians.

Library means collection, which goes well beyond books. The loss of libraries would mean the loss of the art galleries, performing arts centers, meeting rooms, viewing room, expertise and other resources they bring, well beyond a collection of physical books.

Public libraries have value in our society. They provide all of what I listed above and more. They are a wall against creeping illiteracy, ignorance and the dumbing down of our overall society. Parents who do use libraries never bring their kids to the library. What strata of society do they come from? What will happen if this trend continues? I am with Ray Bradbury, who grew up practically living in the library. It opens the mind, imagination and intellect.

So, yes, traditional libraries hold great value to our society and its future.

As to virtual libraries, they have their place and their value is increasing. However consider these thoughts:

What if there is a war or natural disaster involving magnetic pulse and electronics stop working? Not science fiction as there are natural causes for such pulses and it is very much both a military weapon and a side impact of nuclear weaponry.

Access to virtual libraries required technology that cost money and takes service? What of the poor, or those who live in a society where a government or a corporation keeps people from having access to information?

Tactile paper and ink libraries can be hidden, transported, displayed and stored in homes or collections.

The building and its contents remind the community that it is a real flesh and blood community, with resources and identity. Often libraries hold local history, writing, art, culture and identity.

There is a physical feeling and pleasure to reading a tactile book. Its touch, smell, the reality that others have read it, the wear and tears that add character and value.

Virtual has its place, but we need both buildings and on-line in the Ethernet.

Besides the best place for those who do not have funds, or those whose technology is aging, or those who just want to be away from home, school or work, to access what is in the ether-world is at their local or campus library.

Art Lynch

536 Sixth Street, Boulder City, NV 89005

(702) 454-1067 • (702) 682-0469 cell

(702) 714-0740 g-voice

Createcom@mac.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurlynch


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I recently took part in an on-line discussion on libraries, where most of the on-line people argued that it was time to tear down physical libraries and move them to cyberspace.

The following were my responses to their questions.