|
Electronic journals enable scholars to present their papers quickly and globally, and to respond and review instantly (Day, 1999; Lee and Boyle, 2004, p. 58). Electronic newspapers allow readers to customise their copies, for instance by being alerted about specific topics only (Nunberg, 1993, p. 28f.). |
Yet, will authors really be prepared to forego payment, or even pay for publication, as recent projects envisage? How could they possibly be granted the copyright in an electronic world? And how much quality control can be exercised with minimal editing and peer review (Day, 1999; Feather, 2004, p. 99)?
Will libraries still provide access to quality information at spiralling prices, and that often for a fixed bundle of periodicals or for temporary access instead of ownership? After the end of a subscription, a university might end up with a year of journal issues on a single CD (which could on top of that decompose into a worthless piece of metal). Well, compared to the box files on the shelves this definitely saves space and paper!
Finally, will newspaper and magazine editors not lose the power to create a chronicle and a political voice? Will the readers not miss out on important and inspiring items through the online filtering (Nunberg, 1993, p. 29)? With a European paper under his arm, a British politician presents himself as an intellectual, political, and multilingual person; it would not quite be the same with a handheld electronic device, however light and plastic. The newspaper is surely another medium which, thanks to its emotional value, will never disappear from this world. Do not even the statues make big eyes at the daily newspaper? Photo: Joachim Lauer |
 |