Abstract

The persistence of paper

Alessandro Ludovico

Paper publishing will never be the same again. It is deeply affected by a dual contradictory need. On one hand, real-time updating is pervading the printed page space with various technologies, and on the opposite, the need for something reliable and not dependent on the lack of tcp/ip waves or electricity is more and more precious for a generation stuck for most part of the day close to their unstable laptops. Various disembodiment of paper is practiced on the net and in connected devices, but the immobility (so the reassuring stability) of the printed page is on the other end growing and finding new customized way of production and consumption. Cellulose and electricity are not married, yet, but their vital relationship can still be taken as an opportunity for a new independent pervasive publishing wave.