The Decline and Evolution of the Printing Industry
When I think of the printing industry, I imagine offset and letter press job shops, big production shops, and books. However, small office printers are a completely different sector. One could argue that these sectors are competing and ultimately, the latter has consumed the former. The industry has already collapsed for some, while others remained dedicated and passionate about it purely for the love of the craft, not the monetary gain.
When I retired a few years ago, no one had the skills or enthusiasm to take over the small customers. They were only interested in serving large-scale clients like medical centers, ignoring the smaller, medium-sized business with printers, copiers, and scanners (MFP). In my city, those with MFP devices mostly operated without sufficient support.
Furthermore, the inkjet printers from office supply stores are more toys than tools for genuine business use. They are disposable and incapable of supporting true business needs, regardless of their scale.
The quality of printing has significantly declined over the years. I was fortunate enough to start in the early days of hot type letter press and offset printing, witnessing its decline as I transitioned to being a laser printer technician by the year 2000. From that point on, the industry has never truly recovered.
Many talk about 'digital' as a solution, but it's largely just marketing rhetoric. Salespeople, perhaps without a deep understanding of printing, repeat factory marketing speak. Each deal claims to have 'digital' technology, but the reality is that laser imaging has been the norm for decades, not optical imaging. The term 'paperless business' is a misleading buzzword; document storage is indeed paperless, but the physical reality is that more paper is consumed. Documents are scanned and printed again when needed, doubling the paper usage.
To truly appreciate the beauty and quality of printing, one should look for old books in second-hand stores with photo engraving and lead type printed text. Even those who are skeptical of traditional printing methods can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of such works, such as the Gutenberg Bible.
Key Points to Consider
The printing industry has experienced a significant decline, particularly for small and medium-sized customers. Inkjet printers are not suitable for genuine business use and are not true printers. The quality of printing has declined, with many focusing on digital solutions as a marketing strategy rather than a technological advancement. The concept of 'paperless business' is misleading, as the demand for printed materials is still high, leading to increased paper usage. Traditional printing methods, such as hot type letter press and lead type, still maintain historical and artistic value.Conclusion
The printing industry has changed dramatically over the years. While some sectors have declined, the appreciation for traditional printing methods remains. It's crucial to understand the industry's evolution and the importance of quality printing, even amidst the digital shift.