Chemical wood pulp for the making of paper is patented in 1854 by Mellier Watt. The use of wood for paper did not become widespread for another twenty years. Before using wood as the raw material for paper, rags and old clothes were used. Increases in papermaking technology led to a shortage of rags, and wood slowly became a cheaper option. Newspapers were often printed on the cheaper wood paper, leading to cheaper newspapers. Paper made of wood is of poor quality and deteriotes quickly.
The New York Times ceases printing on newsprint, instead existing only online and downloadable on electronic paper. Detractors of the move complain that too much micromanagement of the news is possible, while others rejoice at being able to remove every mention of President George W. Bush from their morning newspaper.