The great debate about the downfall of printed books and the role that ebooks play in that downfall still rages on. I’ll start this post with a quote highlighted in a book I’m currently reading, The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future
“…I have lately kept praising the age in which we live, because of the great, indeed divine gift of the new kind of writing (delivery system). …It was for this reason that I was led to hope that within a short time we should have such a large quantity of books that there wouldn’t be a single work which could not be procured because of a lack of means or scarcity…”
Care to guess what this quote refers to? Is it the Kindle, or even Google? Sorry, not even close. It’s from a letter written less than twenty years after Gutenberg’s Codex machine and references the hopes and fears related to impending change.
One more quote from this same book, and I think it’s important:
“…One medium does not displace another…newspapers did not wipe out the printed books, the radio did not displace the newspaper, television did not destroy the radio and the Internet did not make viewers abandon their TV sets.”
In short, there is plenty of room for ebooks and the printed word. Can electrons live side by side with cellulose fiber? If I were pressed to make a prediction I’d say, “Absolutely. At least for the foreseeable future.”
The machinery of time turns slowly, my friends. Bibliophiles will not be trashing their book collections anytime soon. Every day in the library, I see today’s youth coming in and checking out YA books by the dozen. There seems to be some kind of balance between Warriors and the World of Warcraft.
As well, I consider myself balanced in this regard. Oh, boy do I love my Kindle. I love reading from it, I love the portability and the features. I love the free content available and paying nine bucks for a bestseller hurts me feelings nary one bit. With that said you can have my books when you pry them from my cold, dead hands. I love my bookcase. I love adding books to it whenever I can. I don’t think I’m special or unusual in this regard. My sister told me recently, “I love my Kindle, but I’ll always be a page turner.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
I don’t believe that e-books will ever completely displace the printed word. There is room enough for both.
Where do you weigh in on the Great Debate?
I couldn’t agree more. I would love to own an e-book reader as I can’t read long pieces of prose on a computer without getting a headache. One of the writers I follow online is about to be published in electronic form only, so I really want one now!
I could never give up the simple, visceral pleasure of holding a book in my heads. But a holiday with only a kindle to pack instead of a batch of heavy books? That sounds good….
I love the quote you start with – humans are so poor at remembering that big change has happened before and what they feared most didn’t necessarily happen. What does bother me though is that authors may still do poorly in terms of royalties from e-books. Considering there is no cost of physical copy production, nor warehousing or distribution costs, I think e-books should be cheaper, and that the author should get a better share than many of the big old traditional publishers are giving for the e-book part of the contract. Here in the UK, the Society of Authors is lobbying for that, I am one hundred percent behind them.
That’s enough from me though!
Hi Emma,
Nice to see you here, and congrats on your blog’s one year Birthday today!
I love books as well. Nothing quite like holding one in your hand. Although I’m currently reading King’s Under the Dome – a thousand page plus whopper of a book. Wish I’d gotten the Kindle version of THAT one – I’m gonna have Popeye forearms before I’m done.
Your point about author pay for the ebooks is a good one. When I think of all the paper and production equipment and distribution costs that are *not* associated with an ebook, it seems to me that the author should reap some of those savings. I hope the Society of Authors is successful.
Cheers
George
Honestly, George, I’m not fond of ebooks! I read so much stuff online (research, blogs, email, comments, social media messages, etc.) that when it comes time to read something else, I truly want to hold an old-fashioned book in my hands, ya know?
I have two ebooks downloaded (one about blog business stuff and one about health) and although I did read (okay, maybe kinda-sorta skim) the tech one, I have never even finished reading the health one! I cherish real books. I’m probably the odd one on this, but I just can’t find a place in my heart to let ebooks in!
And, you know, that may be why I have been so very slow at writing the ebooks people have requested I write (the raw juices/smoothies/health ones) – I’m just not fond of ‘em so I guess I can’t imagine other people rushing to buy ‘em if I write ‘em. That’s not positive thinking on my part!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele´s last blog ..Raw, Vegan, Organic ShimmerOrganics Mask Review
Hi Michele,
I think that there are a lot of folks who feel just the same way. truly there is nothing like holding a book in your hand.
I think that a lot of folks will continue to buy the paper version of books and not the ebook version. I think a side issue here is the sheer quantity of ebooks available that do not have a paper counterpart. These ebooks that we see on so many blogs are not necessarily contributors to any downfall of the printed word. They are, if you will, an outgrowth of the internet age.
Your comments and insight are always valuable here, Michele. Thanks for coming by!
George
You’re welcome, George! And thank you!
Yeah, I do believe they are an “outgrowth of the internet age.” Very well said!
Michele´s last blog ..Raw, Vegan, Organic ShimmerOrganics Mask Review
My Mom surprised me with a Kindle – the first version – Christmas of ‘08. She even asked around Thanksgiving time if I’d want (fishing for holiday ideas) and I told her. “Nope.” It just seemed too weird.
As you said, George, you can pry my books from my cold, stiff hands! ha
After my Mom asked me about wanting a Kindle, I thought about it more as I was doing a ton a traveling for my job at the time – typically taking a few books with me to read on planes and prior to sleep. Then I thought, sure, why not? Why lug around all these books? And, I LOVE it my Kindle!
I still probably buy 75% of my books hardcopy – or check them out from libraries and purchase the other 25% on my Kindle. I can remember reading my Kindle not long ago and got so deep into the content that I tried to ‘turn the page’ and my finders had nothing to grab – I had forgotten I was reading a digital device! I laughed out loud.
All this is to say that I agree with you, George – I think there is room for many platforms out there – TV, computer, hardcopy, radio – I love all forms of media and I think many people feel the same as me.
(And, also, that my Mom always knows best!)
Great idea for a post, and especially for a kilt-donning author like yourself!
~xo
Lori´s last blog ..Random Acts of Kick Arse: Wacky
Hey Lori,
I find that my biggest problem now is my book getting decision matrix:
Do I want to buy the hardcover?
or
Do I want the Kindle version?
or
Do I check it out from the library?
Pulling my hair out I is! (in a good way. IF I had hair to pull out, but that’s another story.)
Email coming your way, btw.
George
Hi George,
I personally prefer to hold a book. With all of the reading I do online, for me getting away from my computer and curling up with a good book is Heaven.
One thing I do like about ebooks is anyone can be a published author. I think it’s a great way to get information out, and get it out fast.
As for the battle, I agree, there’s room for all.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Mind Your Own Business, Or Not?
Hi Barbara,
Nice to see you, hope you’re having a great 2010.
I’m loathe to read much in the way of ebooks on my computer. Like you, I spend enough time in front of it as it is. I think that if I hadn’t received a Kindle for Christmas from a very generous blogging friend I may not be reading any ebooks at all.
I do love my books, tho. I still head to the second hand store every few weeks and get another armload. (Had to go get yet another bookcase)
George
I figured I’d chime in on this one. I’ve been an avid e-book reader for at least 8 years now. First with my palm pilot, since then with my smartphone.
I can’t really see carrying around a dedicated e-book reader but I always have my phone. Bathroom, waiting in line, waiting for the GF, whenever I have a minute or two that would otherwise go to waste.
The screen is small but I’m used to it and portability is key for me. Nine bucks for an ethereal “license” to read something is way too much considering the DRM, lack of first sale rights and nothing to decorate the bookshelf.
I don’t pirate, though I don’t mind infringing on copyrights (only for personal use, I think profiting from infringement is immoral). Copyright was intended to last 12 years if I recall correctly, and to encourage creative works to add to the public domain. Now it’s what? 90 years past the death of the creator?
Thanks to Disney, I have little respect for commercial copyright.
Sandman
Sandman,
Hey, good to see you here. Hope all is well.
I’ve read that a lot of folks do read on their iPhones and such. They say it takes a little getting used to, but it also means there is one less device they have to carry around.
The copyright issue is a big issue in and of itself. I tend to agree with you on that one.
Finally, I do love having books to decorate my bookshelf. Nothing like it really.
George
E-books have advantages and conventional books have advantages, and they’re both here to stay. But personally I can’t imagine my house without bookshelves, stuffed with books I have enjoyed. For a while, each of them was a treasured companion, travelling with me on the Tube or the train. Their individual designs, from the size of the pages and the typeface used, to the unique creases and battle scars of use, bring back the pleasure of those encounters.
Hey DWC,
Yep, I think they are both here to stay. As a certified book lover I can relate to your statement about the battle scars and such. I look at my bookcase a lot and it is kind of neat to think about the first reads (and sometimes the second) of those treasures.
Thanks for stopping in.
George
I agree with you, and it frustrates me when people become fixated that it’s all or nothing. I have a Sony Reader, I adore it, and I there are books I know I will still want to own and hold and have on a bookshelf. As a writer, I like the idea of getting my work out to the world quickly and easily, without mailing costs, and also the idea of holding signings to meet my readers. And as a librarian I understand the value of all methods of transferring information.
I recently heard someone describe ebooks destroying regular books as something like what movies did to theatre. …But theatre still exists. So, what?!
Jen B´s last blog ..Chinese Whisperings: The Red Book
Hi there Jen B,
Hey I went and checked out your blog. Very nice. Writing from a Librarian’s perspective? I love it.
Room for both is where I stand. I just don’t believe it’s all or nothing. yes the world is changing in many ways, but I firmly believe books are here to stay.
BTW watch next week for a post about libraries. I’d be interested in your perspective.
Cheers
George
I’m always happy to read posts about libraries! Looking forward to it.
Hey George. I agree that there can be room for both. I think ebooks function better as “quick reads” though. Personally, if the book is long and deep, I cannot read it on a digital screen for an hour straight. It just hurts my eyes.
My brother had Eckhart Tolle’s books The Power of Now and The New Earth. He told me I could read it on his computer. I just couldn’t see myself reading spiritual books on a digital screen. So, eventually I bought both books in print text form at Barnes and Nobles and the experience was wonderful.
Hey Hulbert,
Glad you stopped by. I am loathe to read a book at the computer. I spend enough time as it is in front of the darned thing. I do love the electronic ink of the Kindle and so far I’ve yet to experience any eye strain.
Thanks for the book recs as well. I’ll look into those.
George
Now who’s the wise and fabulous one?! Fantastic point. Fantastic post. Fantastic you. Oftentimes, we debate over things–like the issue you’ve pointed out–that need not be debated. It’s kind of like whether Dippin’ Dots were going to replace ice cream (you know, that thing you can buy in amusement parks whose tagline reads: “The ice cream of the future?”) I like Dippin’ Dots. But I will always love traditional ice cream. And I’d be really, really pissed off if Dippin’ Dots replaced traditional ice cream. Sometimes you’re in the mood for one, sometimes the other–it all depends. Same thing can be applied to eBooks versus traditional print books – it depends what you’re doing, and what you’re in the mood for. Is one better than the other? No. Do they both have their advantages? Yes. Just a matter of figuring out where and when!
Rock on, G-Mac!
Ash´s last blog ..Why Seeking A Meaningful Career Is Bad Advice
Yay! I get all warm and tingly when I see you dropping by. I trust Central America is treating you well? Have some fish/lobster tacos for me will ya?
Oh yeah. The great ice cream “debate”. Same difference with books. I usually have a few that I’m reading at the same time and I’ve found here are times I want to get cozy with the Kindle, and there are times when my hardback is the only way to go. It’s amazing to me that some folks really do believe that ebooks will be the death of the printed word.
Stay safe, pumpkin.
George
Agree. Agree. Agree. It’s never all or nothing. In publishing, it’s about creating a new model that includes complementary digital and print materials.
Can’t we all just get along?
Hi Sara,
First, let me say I went over to No. 2 Pen and I just loved it. The concept, the site design, everything. Marvy! I hope you’re landing clients all over the place.
Complementary materials is how things are these days. consider the e-book the same as any other bundling of hardback, paperback and whatever else that will meet the needs of today’s reader.
Cheers
George
Thanks for the kind words George and sorry for the delay in my reply. Headed over to Puerto Rico for a nice vacation and left the blog-world behind:)
No worries, and… Woot! Hope PR was grand for you!
George
The common denominator between them is that they all have words. The major difference is the way we value them after we read them. Holding a book in its printed form bring me a sense of ownership and a treasure than I can keep or a legacy that I can hand to my grandchildren. E-books however seems only in passing, you can easily set aside what you have already read because there’s no tangible evidence to remind you of it.
Walter´s last blog ..The essence of giving
Walter! How are things?
I appreciate you coming by. Interesting perspective on leaving a legacy to the children. I’m thinking of what it would be like to will my Kindle to Maddy. By that time (hopefully) they’ll probably be reading on some new kind of reader and the Kindle will be a quaint, antiquated device akin to today’s manual typewriter!
George
There’s a big difference between “real” books that are available electronically, and ebook information products. As a writer, I’m a big believer in the latter. Ebooks permit us to take matters into our own hands and deliver solid information and expertise without having to endure a search for an agent and publisher and all the concomitant backs and forths and delays and dilutiions.
Ebooks also permit us to be timely. For example, one of the biggest and most recent books about freelance writing available in print still advises us to send in an SASE with a query and makes the novel suggestion that you might also try contacting editors by e-mail.
I sensed a vacuum and wrote my own ebook called Write Where the Money Is. Buyers will get updates for life. I think I provide valuable content, so it works well for readers. I get most of the proceeds, so it works for me as a writer.
George, you’re welcome to delete the following plug if it seems to self-serving, but I also have set up a little review site where I reviewed the three best ebooks that address the process of writing and marketing an ebook. I used all three in writing mine. Writers might find this of value. The site is http://www.ebooksecretsrated.com
Hi Robert and thanks for stopping by.
Heck, I wouldn’t delete something that may be of use to my readership. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment.
George
I’m finally caving and getting an ebook reader this year (though I may wait and see if Apple is putting out an offering), but I will still take my paperbacks into the bathtub and hot tub. I don’t want to electrocute myself.
Lindsay´s last blog ..How to Make Money Writing for the Web
Yay! Lindsay!
Hope things have been going well.
Maybe Amazon will come out with a Adventure Trek version of the Kindle – waterproof to 50 meters, shock resistant case and all that rot.
Hey, it could happen!
George