The Future of Publishing: Microblogs?

Posted by Jean Ann Van Krevelen on November 16, 2009

Will the future of publishing be affected by our seeming addiction to microblogging services? It is undeniable that these platforms ( like Twitter) have impacted the length of our communications. And in combination with other similar services like instant messaging, video sharing, even blogging, we have become accustomed to short, pithy commentary in files that are small enough to share easily.

Americans have been shortening attention spans since the invention of the television. As our information delivery methods have become more effective and efficient, we grow less tolerant of time wasted. Succinct bites of targeted content are easily obtained with a variety of technological devices. From using a DVR to managing RSS feeds and parsing twitter content with desktop applications, we are getting better at managing incoming information. And this increased aptitude leads us to be less patient with information that we do not find relevant.

For those of us who make our living with words…this creates quite a lot of uncertainty. Just how far will this trend spread? Will we end up with hundreds of books divided into 140 word nuggets, filled with videos, music and photos to keep the attention of a public that has become desensitized and cynical towards traditional communications?

Possibly. But I suspect that it will instead force us to become better writers, better publishers. It will help us to form closer relationships with our readers and more actively solicit their feedback. We will have to think about new ways to deliver our content broadening it to include multiple formats from which our readers can choose.

There’s no denying the way we communicate is changing. Some new ideas will stick, some won’t, the important thing is to be a part of the conversation. For more great ideas on the future of publishing, check out this Mashable post and see what important publishing Tweeps are saying. Also, check out the sister post on Edgy Entrepreneur about TypePad’s new microblogging services…they just might save blogging!

2 Comments about “The Future of Publishing: Microblogs?”

TC says:

November 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm

I think online and traditional methods of publishing are still in the developmental stages of this new media era. Kind of like a baby that’s just learnt to walk and is still wobbly-legged. Eventually we’ll see that young-un walkin with confidence, and that time is in the very near future. Hopefully, there’ll be room for me to walk right alongside that young-un and show it a few new steps as it grows.
jeanannvk says:

November 18, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Hey TC, yes, I agree…so many things are up in the air right now. But I have no doubt that you will be right there at the front of the pack!