In the not too distant past, I met the acquaintance of a certain man who very quickly discovered my passion for books. One day, he said he had a gift for me; a book and he was sure I would love it. I was delighted and waited with bated breath for it. A while later, I discovered the book he wanted to give me was a 400 page e-book sent via email. I was a little befuddled. He knew my book philosophy so I didn't understand why he thought I'd be happy to receive a 400 page book I'd have to read on a computer.
Internet publishing has exploded over the last few years and it mostly requires only the click of a button to get anything online. I’m fairly certain something close to millions of books are available for download online. Additionally, we have the marvel of kindle. However, while I have nothing against reading a newspaper or newsletter online, I can’t really get with reading books online. I have downloaded a few e-books here and there but they were usually quite short. I would never, for instance, download a John Grisham novel. That’s just too long. Personally, I need to feel the book in my hand, hear the crisp rasping of the pages as I gleefully turn them to find out what’s next, smell the paper and when I’m finished, I need to put it on my book shelf for reading again at a later date and for posterity. I also have a thing for going into bookshops, taking a seat and just staring at all those delicious rows of books. Regretfully, I am unable to conjure myself into my computer to stare at bookshelves.
Undeniably, the immediate accessibility of the Internet is quite convenient but it really shouldn’t have to replace traditional print publishing. Nothing beats cosying up in a blanket, cup of cocoa by your side and a good whodunit to warm the cockles of your heart. A technological device doesn’t quite fit in with that picture. Maybe I’m just really old school. As a writer, would you rather download and read a book on a computer device or cosy up in a blanket and turn the pages?
Internet publishing has exploded over the last few years and it mostly requires only the click of a button to get anything online. I’m fairly certain something close to millions of books are available for download online. Additionally, we have the marvel of kindle. However, while I have nothing against reading a newspaper or newsletter online, I can’t really get with reading books online. I have downloaded a few e-books here and there but they were usually quite short. I would never, for instance, download a John Grisham novel. That’s just too long. Personally, I need to feel the book in my hand, hear the crisp rasping of the pages as I gleefully turn them to find out what’s next, smell the paper and when I’m finished, I need to put it on my book shelf for reading again at a later date and for posterity. I also have a thing for going into bookshops, taking a seat and just staring at all those delicious rows of books. Regretfully, I am unable to conjure myself into my computer to stare at bookshelves.
Undeniably, the immediate accessibility of the Internet is quite convenient but it really shouldn’t have to replace traditional print publishing. Nothing beats cosying up in a blanket, cup of cocoa by your side and a good whodunit to warm the cockles of your heart. A technological device doesn’t quite fit in with that picture. Maybe I’m just really old school. As a writer, would you rather download and read a book on a computer device or cosy up in a blanket and turn the pages?
2 comments:
I'm on the move a lot so reading books on the computer works for me but I see what you mean.
I don't care for much for reading books on the screen as well. Guess I'm old school too :). Don't know about listening to the crispy pages though. That must be a writer thing.
Post a Comment