The decline of reading ?

       In The Telegraph 'Social Affairs Editor' John Bingham reports that Reading becoming a minority activity, warns Ruth Rendell.
       Chiming in too:

The Man Booker-nominated novelist Philip Hensher agreed, adding that unlike even 20 years ago, most people no longer feel "ashamed" to say that they never read fiction.

       I have to admit, I haven't noticed the decline -- my entire life (and I'm ever so slightly older than Hensher) few of the people I've encountered have expressed any shame about reading little or no fiction (and a hell of a lot -- a consistent lot -- haven't minded letting me know that they didn't and don't). On the other hand, online I've found more passionate readers than I could have ever hoped to meet in 'real' life -- a minority of the total population, perhaps, but still ..... (In other words: I'm not too worried and concerned: reading has always seemed like a 'minority activity' to me -- but it seems to have a solid fan base which should keep it going. Though of course I wish there were more enthusiasts out there, and I can't quite understand why everybody isn't .....)