My latest post on the Flame blog covers the topic of offline learning (ie books and magazines) vs online tutorials, blogs and sites.
I personally probably prefer offline. Having debated with co-workers, print media seems to take the glory. This is down to a number of factors including a lack of distracting menus, images and adverts, the easier readability, the option to have a book open in front of you while keeping your monitor free, and because your are almost always guaranteed more high quality content from a book.
Check the post out here. And comment where you like!
Matt
Definitely would have to agree with you there. I think when you buy a book you are financially invested into it, which can help to get you mentally invested as well. You will probably be more likely to read a book you spent $40 on, rather than read an 80 page article/tutorial.
A good balance is key I think though. Look to the web for more information on key topics.
Nice post!
Mat
Personally, I think both have their advantages.
Online learning can be good for such things as code snippets, and learning how to put things together.
If you want a truly complete knowledge base, books tend to cover much more (obviously), but also allow to dip in and out at your leisure.
Also agree with the facts of no advertisements, etc
Lovely looking site by the way.
nathan
Good points. I like the idea about being ‘mentally invested’. And that’s a point about web design books, they’re so god darn expensive I make sure I get my money’s worth!
James
Nice post nathan, All have advantages, books are great because you can have the book open on your desk and look at the screen, they are no frills and you can take them anywhere, yet i allways find that by the end of the book or in my case half way through i loose intrest. the web on the other hand is all free there are loads of articles out there yet they are not the best articles around and there are too many distractions. a flashing banner silly little adverts etc. I think it all biold down to personal preference. But anyways good article. keep it up.