A frequent lament denigrates the Maltese who lack the healthy intellectual exercise of reading regularly for leisure or instruction.

This is perhaps a generalisation. Considering the number of free periodicals and magazines wrapped with newspapers, it is more precise to say that they read articles at the expense of other reading, frivolous periodicals instead of books.

In some respect the blame rests with publishers of books, and of newspapers in particular. Human nature is subject to physical changes because of maladies and age.

Eyesight is perhaps the most susceptible to deterioration. If the font size is too small and the print is faded and not bold, then that leads to a loss of readership.

Even the captions of illustrations printed on colour become illegible. Besides, publishers also try to cram in cultural and educational contributions into limited space. They render reading difficult and strenuous.

This is not so with paid advertisements. The shine of lucre weighs heavily towards profit rather than instruction.

A full page advert, paid for in advance, constrains editors to postpone even a researched article. He who pays the piper calls the tune.

Headlines in gigantic print are certainly an attraction. Yet no balance is struck between the miniscule content and the sensational heading.

That forces readers to skim through the paper eliminating the attraction of close educational reading.

What a waste of effort; a useless exercise in the process of learning; an unappreciated information.

Reading newspapers on computer eliminates the habitual pleasure of early breakfast. Reading books on Kindle eliminates the age-long habit of holding a book. It sounds banal but it is true. Ask the many bookworms. Old habits die hard.