A love letter to print media (it came by e-mail)

IN HIS Nov. 25 letter ("Face it, print's dying") commenting on those who bemoan the demise of Out of Town News in Harvard Square, Aryaan Razzaghi wrote, "It's not hard to conclude that these are older folks who are not yet accustomed to the conveniences of the 21st century." I am one of these "older folks" who laments the dying of print on paper.

However, I am also a former teacher who has gratefully used computers extensively in my personal and professional life for more than 20 years. I do read some newspapers online. Yet I still really appreciate getting the Globe in the morning.

I can read the paper at the breakfast table and leave my fingers free to eat instead of having to type or use my mouse. I can carelessly spill my tea without ruining an expensive electronic device.

I can scan numerous articles quickly on a broad page to decide which I want to read. I don't have to select each article and wait for it to show up on the screen.

If I have to leave in a hurry, I can take the paper with me to read in odd corners when I have a minute to spare. It's hard to do that on a computer, even a laptop.

Reading has been one of the most important activities in my life for nearly 60 years. I do it everywhere - with electronics, with ink on paper. I can lie in bed with a book or newspaper without worrying about being connected to the Net. When electronics fully match that capacity, then I will "accept reality, and . . . be happy with [my] nostalgia."

Joe Spear
Wakefield