I have a general proof that people who like reading will never get caught up.
Any technological improvement which makes it possible to read and understand faster will also make it possible to write faster.
That isn’t a proof. It is easily possible for a technoloical improvement to reading accompanying a technological improvement to writing speed to result in catching up. Diminishing writing speed related returns on reading speed improvement for example...
Ok, it isn’t a perfect proof. However, what are the odds (considering how many people are writing compared to any specific reader) that increasing reading speed will enable writers to research, proofread, copy edit, and revise faster?
I leave the possibility open that proofreading and copy editing will be neglected, but I think research and revising are enough to matter.
Ok, it isn’t a perfect proof. However, what are the odds (considering how many people are writing compared to any specific reader) that increasing reading speed will enable writers to research, proofread, copy edit, and revise faster?
Nearly certain, but the point is that even outright assuming certainty doesn’t lead to the conclusion. Odds aren’t the issue, relative degree of improvement is. For example if writing_time is equal to some multiple of reading_time plus a ‘creative effort’ constant and reading speed improves sufficiently then someone will be able to read all of the books despite a drastically and ongoing increase in books written.
That isn’t a proof. It is easily possible for a technoloical improvement to reading accompanying a technological improvement to writing speed to result in catching up. Diminishing writing speed related returns on reading speed improvement for example...
Ok, it isn’t a perfect proof. However, what are the odds (considering how many people are writing compared to any specific reader) that increasing reading speed will enable writers to research, proofread, copy edit, and revise faster?
I leave the possibility open that proofreading and copy editing will be neglected, but I think research and revising are enough to matter.
Nearly certain, but the point is that even outright assuming certainty doesn’t lead to the conclusion. Odds aren’t the issue, relative degree of improvement is. For example if writing_time is equal to some multiple of reading_time plus a ‘creative effort’ constant and reading speed improves sufficiently then someone will be able to read all of the books despite a drastically and ongoing increase in books written.