Mike, I think this is the best comment and perspective I have received on this article. I truly mean that. It is objective, summarizes some primary issues nicely and gives some very helpful advice. Thanks for taking the time to type this up. It is valuable to this thread.

I tend to be more optimistic than I sound in the article. Like you, I do not subscribe to the death of things — rebirth would be a better term. I also see designers as quite adept in continuing to provide value or finding new ways to do so.

Thanks again. This was really a nice a comment to get on an otherwise dreary Chicago morning.