I'm a twitter addict as well.

http://www.twitter.com/jsondy

Welcome, welcome.

Visited my local (favorite) print shop this morning. Great to meet face-to-face to discuss options for a couple of print jobs (2C biz card & 4C brochure) for upcoming meeting. Handling paper stock stock and determining best solution. Luv it, luv it! Print is NOT dead. Newspapers, Yellow Pages and some others maybe on the verge of extinction; but I think we, as an industry, have a responsibility to put forth ideas that best suite the client's objectives.

The following video hit my desk this evening and immediately thought of this Biznik article and comments. Take a look...

http://creativity-online.com/work/view?seed=f550d066

It's all about balance, baby! Let's face it, there have been huge sweeping changes in the design & print industries. As Mike mentions (above) there are still numerous marketing materials that still hold value like posters, catalogs & calendars.

Why not use a postcard mailing to launch a new website?

A mini-catalog for seasonal merchandise? A condensed annual report?

Personally, I find I'm less inclined to spend more time in front of a computer screen reading. I like turning the pages of a slick 4-color holiday catalog!

A well-designed piece that incorporates razor sharp copy, top notch images and overall design is a winning and noticeable piece anyday.

Excellent article. Thank you for the insight.

So sorry to hear about your pain and hope that the custodial issues will be/have been returned to you completely. Your words of starting over resonated with me. I spent this spring & summer finding the courage to go on. Every day is a challenge and I need to remind myself to "just do it". Because if it wasn't for me my family would not have a roof over their head, clothes on their backs, food on the table. Keep up the fight!

I AGREE 100%! I've been in the investor relations industry for many, many years. The elimination of the annual report is unfortunate. Some companies have a difficult time justifying the expense of the printed annual and think that an on-line (Flash) version is equally expensive to produce. I believe that there are several alternatives to any company (public or private) to have an annual report that could be as simple as a downloadable PDF from the website. SEC requirements are changing and should be consulted before offering consulting any publicly-traded company.

Excellent article and advice. I have to throw my hat in with Debbie regarding the use of electronic-based communications. While I still believe in quality stationary for any company/individual and QUALITY is what sets most businesses apart from one another. It is becoming important to build one's social networking identity. I noticed one of the avatars here in the comment was done with "faceyourmanga[dot]com or similar.

I've sent personalized hand-written cards in the past. However, during the down time in mid to late December, I'll be writing letters and shipping a custom-designed calendar to my clients, associates and suppliers. I've find that I like receiving a creative calendar. I'll get a longer viewing time than a holiday card. A combination of personal recognition for the recipient and me.