Like many in the industry who are focused on tipping points and large-scale transitions, we took a special interest the recent Tribute's Tuesday: There's Still No Short Answer to the Short Run Color Question. While not questioning the technical accuracy of the data or analysis, our reactions concern what is not covered in this piece, that is, what it didn't say.

Analysis based on run length, while technically correct, is in fact largely irrelevant. Focusing on print runs of the types of print you are already doing is a classic illustration of "internal focus."

Using information provided by Frank Romano, Andy Tribute suggested that: "For the run lengths under 250 copies the answer to the question is now almost certainly to go digital. The quality of digital today is fully acceptable for all but the most dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists. This run length would also include the growing amount of personalized, one-to-one marketing printing. The big question is what is best for run lengths above 250 copies. Again, the promoters of digital printing will claim that their technology is still best for run lengths to 500 copies and above, particularly if one takes into account the ability of many digital presses to print duplex and handle the print finishing in one automated pass."