Elgoog-There are a couple of reasons I personally have experienced to have paper logs.
1)Being allowed to dive byt a dive boat etc without a checkout dive first.
I still think that this is an urban legend, at least for 2015. I wouldn't say that it has never happened to anyone in the past, it's a big world out there and you can find an example for anything. But would be surprised to find a dive op that currently would accept a paper log and not a digital one.
2)Theres a minimum number of logged dives required to go pro -paper proof is verifiable electronic log can be faked.
Unless you are in the habit of having your log pages notarized, not sure where this idea comes from. If you are determined to fake your way into a hypoxic trimix course with 10 shallow reef dives, you might just be able to do it. As Boulderjohn said, anything can be faked.
3)its a quick reference to what weight etc to setup with when you are at a divesite. Its also a really good way to chart your progress.
ie less weight needed as you get more experienced. better bottom times maybe.-especially iof theres gaps in your diving.
Yes, this is a reason to log dives, not sure why paper logs would be preferable in this situation.
Seriously, this comes up all the time, and for the life of me I can't figure out why people are so attached to paper logs. With the possible exception of Crowley's point above (some people just really like the feel and ritual of writing out log pages by hand), what's the advantage?
My logs have far more information than I would ever bother write down (complete profiles with all of the raw data, extensive comments, big blocks of dive site descriptive text cut and pasted from online resources, full gear lists, buddy and dive op contact info, etc...). All of this information is always instantly available to me, wherever I am (since I always have my phone with me). Even if I drop my phone into an active volcano, all of that data is totally secure, backed up, etc.. A paper log is a flammable, drownable physical object that can be easily lost.
I mean, are people still going to banks where they record your deposits and withdrawals in a big book?
I totally understand not bothering to log dives. I totally understand choosing paper logs because you like the look and feel of paper. But I don't understand the idea that paper logs have any operational advantage over digital logs, especially for someone who likes to keep a lot of data.