E-readers like the Kindle and iPad are sweeping the nation … do you have one? Do you like it? Do you find it changes your reading/buying habits? If you don’t have one, do you plan to?
No. I don't own any kind of e-reader and I don't have any intention of buying one. The main reason is I like real books. I like to hold them in my hands, look at the pretty covers and occasionally surround myself with stacks and crouch there croaking "my pretties" and stroking them....well mostly just the first two :)
I get why people like them - you can carry literally thousands of books and have easy access to all of them. I keep seeing the problems though - they are harder to read (all the ones I have tried have given me a migraine), they require charging and they are expensive. Most e-books cost the same as paperbacks, if not more, and I don't see the point in paying that much for a virtual file.
I have seen the argument that e-books are better for the environment, which makes sense to a point as they aren't printed on paper. They do require power to read though, and that has to come from somewhere. Also most publishers are aware of the eco-focus of their readers now and use recycled and/or sustainably sourced paper. Piatkus, for example, who publish the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels in the UK are actually FSC approved and they aren't the only ones.
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All good points. I love the feel of books too, and that will never change. I have an e-reader, but I go through long stretches where I don't use it at all.
ReplyDeleteGood points regarding the environmental angle. One could probably make an argument that books are better in that regard: while paper is dependent on trees, a renewable resource, the plastic and synthetic components that go into an e-reader or other digital devices is processed using petroleum or other fossil fuels that aren't sustainable over the long term.
ReplyDeleteGreat points. I want one...but only for e-books that I get for free and stuff. If I can't surround myself with books and croon "my pretties" (haha) then I'd be one sad reader.
ReplyDelete:D
Great points! I cant stand that e-books are so expensive. I would rather spend the extra $5 and buy a hard copy than a digital at those prices! And the feel of printed books just cant be replaced!
ReplyDeleteHaha, your post is funny. I definitely prefer actual books and if I could take 10 with me when traveling, I would. But when flying it's expensive to take extra/heavy bags and I'm not strong enough to lug them around. So I'm willing to overlook the shortcomings of eReaders so I can take a bunch of books with me.
ReplyDeleteBut if they hurt your eyes, then I wouldn't get one either. And eBooks aren't always cheaper either. I hardly ever buy anything for my Kindle (if I'm going to spend the money, I'd rather get the hard copy), just download free classics that I've been meaning to read!
Great point. The only reason why I'd like to get a Kindle is that I get quite a lot of e-galleys for review and I hate reading on my laptop. Plus, it's more convenient when you're commuting or travelling. But I'll always prefer actual books to ebooks :)
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Vicky @ Books, Biscuits & Tea
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ReplyDelete"I like to hold them in my hands, look at the pretty covers and occasionally surround myself with stacks and crouch there croaking "my pretties" and stroking them....well mostly just the first two :)"
Same here my friend! :-)
I do love the feel of real books, the way they smell, the way the pages feel.
I haven't tried an e-reader yet so I don't know if I love them or hate them. I do like e-books though because they give me an opportunity to read books that are out of print or books that I couldn't normally find.
Thanks for all the comments guys :) There are lots of pros to e-readers, but whether I'll be able to find one I can actually read means I'm unlikely to risk purchasing one.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd love reading on an eBook reader. I won one in a contest, wanted one for books that are in eFormat only (something that is an increasing trend) and have found that I prefer reading eBooks over print. The eInk is easier on my eyes, the reader is lighter and all-in-all it's just a better experience. And I'm not a young duckling who loves technology!
ReplyDeleteI do like having books in every room, and I've had "my pretties" moments too.
ReplyDeleteThe price (vs. physical books) has never really been an issue for me. I think of it as buying the author's work, rather than the physical thing. It's difficult for writers to make money, and many don't make enough for it to be a "living", but if we think that everything electronic/on the web is free, we further devalue the work that the author does that gives us such pleasure when we read, whether it is electronic vs physical.
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Thanks for the comments guys :)
ReplyDelete@fourdeeroak - I remember hearing authors are paid the same no matter what format their books are sold in and I'd rather have something to show for my money. That extra cash goes somewhere, just not to the author whose work it is.