Don't Back Down

In light of recent events, Denise and I have been talking and we decided that something that I no longer do (or do often) is read the paper. Don't get me wrong. Denise and I talk quite often. I also read the contents of the paper pretty regularly. But I do so online. In fact, I do so in Bloglines because I'm an RSS junkie and don't like visiting web sites if I don't have to do so.

The problem with reading this way, either on the paper's site or through Bloglines, is that I'm still at the computer. It's simply not as relaxing as sitting back and flipping the pages manually. Perhaps I am in the minority here. Or perhaps I'm just getting old. But it's really more enjoyable - and in fact it might be faster - for me to flip through those pages on the couch instead of on the laptop. I feel like I have a better grasp on the contents of the paper to boot.

I think this is because online I just skim things. While in the paper, even if I am still skimming, I can quickly get not only the title of the article but the first line or two as well as often seeing a picture, map or other graphic. It just helps me absorb more quickly, as well as tear myself away from the keyboard for a few minutes in the morning instead of grabbing for it like an addict.

Unfortunately, it costs a bit more: $3 per week in cash and a certain amount of geekosity because I'm actually removing a digital aspect from my life. But in the end, I think it's worth it on all fronts.