For those who read my blog, you may recall that I definitely lean toward being old-school when it comes to certain things - in particular the electronic reading devices also known as e-books or digital books.
I will always love the feel of a book in my hands. I joke about being borderline obsessive-compulsive, and when I have a new book to read you would see what I mean! While dust covers are an attractive addition and do help protect the actual book cover, I tend to take it off- at least initially- to examine the cover. I look at the color, the texture and how the wording has been embossed or printed. I continue my examination of how the book is put together, feeling the paper used, and the edging on the pages. Sometimes- I even peek at the ending!
There are different smells on books, too. Could be a new smell, or perhaps a distinctive smell of a paper-type. Old books tend to have a distinct smell, too. It is a total experience, beginning long before the reading. I don't think I can have the same experience with an electronic device. There is no substitute for the real thing....
But - my interest has been piqued recently. There was the news that the devices are outselling actual books at some sources. Not long after reading that, I actually looked at information for one of the models- can you believe it??? Well, what caught my eye was the claim that the device can hold 100 books! That is impressive, even I must say! When I have the chance to read, I tend to go through a book quickly and then want more- so having 100 digital books at hand would be great!
Don't expect a quick convert though. I am not entirely convinced that the experience will be as pleasing reading a book on a "device". But, I will be doing more research, no doubt.
I cannot believe though that hard copy books will ever totally disappear. After all, how would an author sign the latest release?
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