The noise inside the publishing industry about the e-book is almost deafening. It’s close to accepted wisdom amongst many publishers that the e-book is set to replace the “traditional” book as the dominant means of publishing – sooner rather than later.
Yet, with so many unresolved issues concerning this new medium, is this a sensible assumption? Even more importantly, what do “ordinary” book buyers really think?
Today, Peter does something that perhaps more people in publishing business ought to do – he goes onto the streets and simply asks people what they think.
This show is essential listening for anyone involved in the publishing business – please spread the word.
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Wow, this broadcast may surprise some of those executives in the giant corporation like Amazon and Sony. The cash cow Ereader may develop mad cows desease before it pays for the development costs. Now Google offering Ebooks to any device that has a web-browser (I.E. Laptops) may be change the opinion on Ebooks. One person buys the Google Ebook, and emails it to their contacts list, who then do the same. Wow, one sale and thousands can read that book that would have been a best seller.
Wow, this is actually quite surprising. But, as another young person, I don’t think that I’d use an e-reader either. I mean, considering the amount of technology I use, reading is my little escape from technology.
I wasn’t so much surprised by this, most people I talk to about e-readers always mention the textile feel of a book in their hands. I am reminded of the early days of the internet when, before the benefits are seen, people never thought it would be a part of daily life. However I have met a couple ardent Kindle users who have said they couldn’t imagine reading any other way. It will be very interesting to see how it pans out. I personally am hoping for an e-reader from Santa this year.
Nothing can take away the feel of a book. It’s paper. You place a bookmark between the pages and you can see it. I read on my laptop and I read actual books. There is a very big difference. I get much more attached to the story in the book than I do with the story on my laptop.
I’m not at all surprised by this, it’s expected with the way print is diminishing. I for one will never let go of my books. The smell of the paper, the quiet moments with just me and the book, the way the pages feel in my fingertips. Love my books, ebooks are ok but not for me.