What do you think is more effective in this day and age a book or a documentary?

[Toots]

I could be way off base here but I believe less people read today in America than at any other time since the great depression. I believe watching TV or seeing movies is how people now get their information, the great majority anyway, particularly younger people. I think Michael Moore is more effective than say Naomi Wolf or Paul Krugman and not necessarily because he gives more information but because people would rather do things the easy way in this modern America. What I am saying is I think it would behoove us to consider that and produce more documentaries than books. When I was a child I was a very avid reader. Now I can say with some shame I haven't read a book in many years. I start one and get through about one paragraph and fall asleep. I believe this new information age the USA is in is mostly through video and not written material. Do people here feel I am wrong on this?

[panader0]

1. I read alot but I think most people would be more open to a movie.

I know lots of folks that don't read.

[JHB]

2. Both are indispensible

It's not a question of either-or. It's a one-two punch.

Movies have the advantage of visual impact and immediacy. But their constraints of time and format don't allow for the depth of presentation that books allow.

[givemebackmycountry]

3. Neither -

Unfortunately, it's like that commercial that they play on Nova whatever radio.

"If it's not on FOX News, it's not true"

People are going to seek out whatever medium they choose, books or video.
But, when so many of us don't have a clue what's going on, nor do they care to know what's going on, we are ripe for the taking.

I know people who don't know that the Monkey was "selected" by the Supreme Court in 2000 and think that the swift boaters are a group of people that race boats.

It's so freaking sad how ignorant we are.

[mmonk]

4. Only broadcast media seems to be effective today

as America is sleep walking through an eventful and historical time aided by government secrecy and lack of intellectual curiosity.