Is It Time to Eradicate the 'Page' Concept in Digital Documents?

The shift towards digital documents has led many to reconsider our reliance on the 'page' concept. However, is it really time to eradicate this fundamental unit in our digital document management?

Attachment to the 'Page' Concept Through History

People often have a strong emotional attachment to traditional methods and symbols that have been passed down through generations. The concept of a 'page' dates back to at least 4500 BCE, with the use of papyrus. This enduring attachment highlights the significance of the 'page' in human consciousness.

Another factor contributing to the persistence of the 'page' concept is the inherent human need for quantification. The 'page' serves as a tangible, quantifiable unit that people can easily understand and measure. This is akin to other units of measurement like pounds, feet, kilograms, or inches.

Why 'Page' Remains Relevant

Despite the decline in printed documents, the 'page' still serves as a useful reference for quantifying content. Quantification, which is argued to be a cornerstone of the human experience, helps in organizing and evaluating information. A page provides a clear and consistent measurement of text, making it easier to discuss and plan document layouts.

For instance, saying "our 78-page report covers all the basics of our proposal" has more impact than "my report is 115700 words." The 'page' offers a more relatable and tangible reference point for users.

Interactive Online Web Pages and Word Processing

While we are certainly printing less, the shift to digital means that we are creating more interactive online web pages. However, the need for a 'page' view in word processors remains. For instance, Microsoft Word offers a "Web View" option, and Apache OpenOffice has a "Web Layout" view. These tools allow users to navigate and format content as if it were a web page, while still maintaining the 'page' concept for document structure.

Eradicating the 'Page' Concept: Possible, but Not Practical

Many argue that it is already possible to remove the 'page' concept from word processors. However, sometimes this 'page view' or 'print layout' is still necessary. For example, when a client asks how much something costs per page, a definitive 'page' count is needed. This is where the 'page' concept still proves useful.

Today, the definition of a 'page' has become more flexible. Factors such as line spacing, font, and the specific text being measured can all affect the number of characters or words per 'page.' Some standards exist, such as 1800 characters with spaces for a 'page,' but these can vary widely depending on the tool and the context.

Conclusion

The 'page' concept, while evolving and becoming less rigid, still plays a crucial role in digital document management. Despite advancements in technology and the decline in physical printing, the 'page' remains a useful quantifiable unit. As such, eradicating it may not be the best solution. Instead, embracing the flexibility of the 'page' can help us better navigate the digital age while maintaining the traditional roots that have served us well for centuries.