No.128 The Reasons for Print Magazines' Existence | Small Things

♦ The Reasons for Print Magazines' Existence In today's world of digital decline, why persist with print magazines? In recent years, the announcement of many publications ceasing operation has evoked a sense of an ending, akin to leaving the ocean planet Caladan from the film *Dune* for the desolate, sand-swept Arrakis. Whether born from a sense of crisis or not, this issue of *Small Things* aims to explore the reasons for the existence of print magazines. We posed this question to editors: Du Tzu-yeh, former Editor-in-Chief of *GQ*; Tung Ching-wei, Editor-in-Chief of *Chi Wei Shou Tieh*; Huang Ming-chang, a new-generation editor; and the editorial team of Japan's lifestyle design magazine *Pen*. How do these creators, capable of producing excellent content, view the future of print magazines? Additionally, we gathered insights from magazine readers across various professions. For them, what is the true charm of print publications? The editorial teams and reporters set sail, capturing the words of their interviewees: "In its physical form, print can appear in places we never anticipated." "Treating print as an object with content, displaying it with appropriate space, is also a direction for the development of printed books." "Currently, a Japanese magazine called *Halmek* sells over 300,000 copies each issue, filled with surprises." "As we see print magazines closing down one after another, many well-known brands have started publishing their own magazines." "Images printed on paper, the variations in color tones, feel much like visiting an art exhibition; the works before you inspire imagination." Reading these words, it's as if we were moving through a dark tunnel, with light at the end. Traveling through Europe, America, and Japan, one still sees people holding books or magazines, whether commuting or sunbathing. Anywhere, anytime, reading print offers a tranquil space. We have also specially curated magazines from around the world, offering a glimpse into different cultures through their pages. Many publications in Taiwan continue to produce excellent content and adapt to the times. *Small Things* is celebrating its birthday. Facing the onslaught of digital and technological waves, in an increasingly noisy era, having a comforting presence is precious. It's like a small shop near your home, where you can chat with the owner after work. In 2024, we hope to remain steadfast in our commitment, creating warm and thoughtful magazines. ▎One Thing Balancing Main Job and Hobbies: A Daily Life of Trade-offs and Regrets Quiet Amidst the Bustle: Xi Shi Lamb Restaurant Romance Novels: Must They Carry Feminism? Building a Table Together for the Children Island Hypnosis: Bringing Hypnosis into People's Lives ▎Illustrator's Diary Fangtzu: Capturing Light-Filled Places with a Brush ▎Columns Luo Ting-Ling: Signals from Small Cells Huang Hao-Ping: An Assessment of the Necessity of Saying, "You Haven't Missed Anything" Peng Chiao-Ru: Life is Lived Plainly and Absurdly; Bookstores Are Too ▎Speaking Out Terrance Lau: Letting Go of Control Made Me More Authentic ▎Cover Story Mystery of Printed Magazines The Reasons for Print Magazines' Existence 🌟 Part I We Believe in the Reasons for Print Magazines' Existence ♦ In an Era Dominated by the Virtual, People Need Things with More "Presence" ♦ Print is a Medium that Breaks Through Echo Chambers ♦ Because of Print Magazines, I Have Achieved a Life Closer to My Ideal 🌟 Part II *Pen* Editorial Office's Honest Thoughts ♦ Call In: Readers' Inner Thoughts 🌟 Part III Our Cherished Magazine Moments 🌟 Part IV World Magazine Special Collection 🌟 Part V Ten Crushing Moments of a Publisher ▎Renting a Space is a Statement Miki Wei: A Space with Flowers is the Best Proof of Living Well ▎Small Things × Very Mulan Unboxing Local Progress Wutai: The Cloud-Shrouded Village of the Gods