You make some good points Courtney.

Hand-held readers are probably not an issue as typically they are used for reading what is first printed as a book.

The problem with freelance writing, in my view, is the lack of good pay for good work. Of course that doesn't explain the general decline in the quality of writing in major newspapers where writers still make pretty decent money.

Then there is the internet, where no one wants to pay for anything.... I'm referring to the readers. With everything totally supported by advertising, the publishers are at the mercy of the advertisers.

Still, there is some good writing around. Also, consider this: at least the internet may have people reading more.