I guess I'm just a simple old fashion girl. The E-format of my favorite book is something a little hard to grasp still. I really need to get cozy, sit in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Turning the pages instead of clicking on "next page" sounds more inviting to me. Our books are going digital according to Amazon. Would you enjoy reading on your laptop/internet or buy the book and read from cover to cover, so to speak?
[question posted by gtargirl]
responses and comments:
Over 90% of what I read is digital. I read on my Palm PDA and love it. I always have 20 or 30 books to choose from and they slip right into my pocket. I don't need another bookcase or space to buy more books and boxes to pack them up when I move. It is better for the ecology...I see no reason to stay with paper books [Debs_place]
I love reading ebooks because I can put many books in my PDA or even my cellphones. You can check out www.wattpad.com. This site can convert your text files to ebook format to your cellphones. I hate reading PDF format on cellphone or PDA since PDF fonts really unreadable on those devices. I don't know why people like to say "love the smell of books". Yes, it is nice smell if it's a new book. However, if it's old, yucks...:). If you search google, there are actually many good programs will convert files to your PDA or cellphone. Oyeah, I hate DRM-filled ebooks since you are really screwed if the company goes under. [minkx8]
I'd rather read a real book. There is nothing I like better that turning the pages of a good book. Plus, if I read online for too long, I get a headache. [Bd200789]
Headaches are no good. With me it's my eyes. I think my color has changed from brown to red. [gtargirl]
I would probably print it out and then read it. I like to read on the couch with my blankie or in the bed with my hubby. I even read in the tub! I like to light a nice smelling candle in there and fix myself a nice glass of wine and settle in for a soak with a good book. Ha now I want to go take a bath! LOL [girlgonefishing]
oh i love the physical reality of reading a book but also have read e.books, i think they are a positive step forward [ESKARENA1]
I was thinking about you today. I haven't seen a post from you for a few days, and here you are. I am not a fan of e books. I much prefer the real thing. I have also never seen an e book that told me concisely what it is that I want to find out. Most of them seem to be additional sales materiel for something else. But perhaps I am jaundiced because almost all the big internet sales scams that I have ever seem to revolve around paying $40 for something that isn't worth the paper that you bought that printed it. Having written all that I suspect that you are really talking about proper books. Amazon have produced something called the Kindle that allows you to download your books and read them on screen. A sort of literary iPod. Personally, whilst I like the idea of having every book in the Universe in my pocket; I still prefer to have the real thing. Sorry about the diatribe earlier. [p1kef1sh]
E-books are the future, unfortunately for the nostalgic ones... We will tell our grandchildren about the pleasure of reading a paper book, and we will take out a dusty thing from the cabinet and show it to them...and they would just not understand how such a blunt thing could be made and why this waste of material instead of 10Mb of words packed digitally and very handy. We have to adapt...it's not that bad, provided you have a good screen to read on, with no negeative effects on your sight... [klaudyou]
I would never like to read my favourite book on a laptop or pc screen. I find it very tiring and I don't enjoy reading like that. If it's something to do with my work and I have no choise I can bare with it but I print everythig I can to read it on the paper. [Pompon]
I love reading, and while I will get my news and information from the computer, when I want to read a few pages before going to sleep, I don't want to lug a laptop into the bedroom. Not to mention that when the power goes out, I want to still be able to have reading to fall back on, but with something that has to be plugged up or charged, I would only have a limited amount of time to be able to read. I think that too many people still prefer to have hardcopies of books for them to go completely digital, at least anytime soon. [SomethingGood332]
I will read the digital books, but I prefer the book itself. I am like you I like to cozy up with my hot drink and flip the pages with my fingers. [kcook57]
Hi there gtargirl, by no means would I want to read a book on the computer. I have a lamp that overlooks my bed and I love curling up on my bed and reading myself to sleep. I can spend hours reading this way. I have a push button switch affixed to my bed so that when I want to read I just push the button..and push it again when I am ready to go to sleep. I love to read a real book. [OreoCookie3]
oh heck I have to curl up and read the book turning thos pages I read enough on the net getting a book to read I got to be comfortable not set at the puter for that one.! [Lakota12]
lol I dont either just heard about them and yup its all about comfort. NOw I know they have books on CDs to listen to while driving for thats what the truck drivres do. [Lakota12]
I'm with you all the way. What's relaxing about sitting at a desk, upright in a chair, staring at a bright, glaring screen that hurts your eyes after a while? I prefer sitting on the couch, or propped up in bed, covered with a blanket, reading under a soft light. At least this time of year I do. In a couple months I'm going to enjoy reading while sitting in a chaise lounge in the sun with an umbrella in my drink. Either way, a thousand times better than staring at a computer screen. [Sillychick]
I can read a digital book, just as well as I could read by turning the pages. The words are still the same, and I do know with digital, that I do not have to worry about dog earring the pages or someone writing on one of the pages. So it depends on whether I want to look romantic or whether I want the book. I do know that for me reading a pocket book is not as romantic if I have hold open the cover, or if I cannot see the print that good, whereas if I am reading from my computer, I can adjust the size. So unless the book is in fairly large print, and a black text contrasting with a white page (no not as large as the larger print readers digest) but it had better be a hard cover book for me to like regular reading rather than digital reading. [suspenseful]
The digital book has never appealed to me, gtargirl. I've never liked the idea of it for much the same reasons that you express here. However, I suppose that I could get used to it and I do like the idea of being able to download any book I want. [Transdisc]
I have tried reading books on line and I can't do it either..I can read a few pages, but into a whole book, I loss interest real quick..And like you said, a book is to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate, (or in my case water or juice;), and enjoy it the old way..:) [carmelanirel]
I find it annoying & difficult trying to read an ebook. It is uncomfortable sitting up straight the whole time, having to scroll down. I much prefer a traditional method of reading a novel. That is, lying on the lounge. [jennybianca]
I've tried but I really cant. The scrolling is too choppy and I prefer to feel a books pages and binding in my hand. Especially if its a good sized paper back that is really comfortable to hold on to. [MrNiceGuy]
Reading on internet for too long is readlly bad for eyes,so if the book is very important to me or I want to learth sth systematically from it(that significant that I have to read for a long time) I'll buy that book,but if I only want to search some information I'll read online to save time and money.But I think the feeling of reading with a book on your hand is much better than online reading,that's my personal opion~Enjoy your reading~~ [superrays]
I prefer to real books,too.while turning pages,I'd get more feeling than from E-books.What's more,I could be more concentrative.If I really like a book,I'd buy it from a bookstore,read it only when I'm in the mood and be in a quiet place,nobody's around,not even music's playing. [mikexiao]
I have done it and I even have a book that I wrote in e-format it is in print form too, but I do like the book form the best, [winterose]
to pm you we have to be friends, so I send you a friend request. [winterose]
i would rather read a real book than a e-book. I already spend loads of time watching movies and playing games on the computer... To do more on the computer means straining my eyes [getrichfast]
That does seem to be the consesus here, my friend. It seems we are not ready to give up our paperbacks just yet. But I think I will give the e-book a chance just to see what it's like. But I agree with you about the extra strain on the eyes. [gtargirl]
I hardly read books since got access to the internet.There is a lot free resouces on it,E-format is one kind.I thought it was great to read online,paper books would be uesless to me.Yesterday I changged my mind,I eyes got dry and hurt for being no the computer screen too much.So I give myself a break,went to the bookstore,read a few pages,that feeling is so comfortable,I haven't felt that way for a long time. [gxnfly]
I don't prefer reading the book on a computer.because it takes time to start a computer and if the book is very big sitting long hours of computer would be tiresome.I would prefer to buy the book or print the book and then read it. [vicky30]
i read it sometimes. due to my job, i have to read many technical books. also i have to take many online courses. so many times i can't afford to buy so many expensive books and have to do with e-books. but i prefer original books. [subha12]
I think it mostly depends on what I am reading for. I wouldn't mind a textbook being in digital format mostly because that way I don't have to pay for shipping on it, but a novel I would prefer to have a regular book. [daeckardt]
I'm like you. I prefer to sit in a comfortable chair and snuggle up with a good book. I don't like reading books on computer. For one, it hurts my back to sit here too long. But especially, I want to be comfortable and relaxed and really sink into a book I am reading. Can't do that with ebooks. [sageivyberyl]
i really dont like to read books, i feel sleepy!! [nice030481]
I have tried ebooks, I have tried audio books and I just like to read the old hold them in your hand books. I don't like the other two. I curl up in my recliner and have a snack on my bookcase next to my recliner and something to drink and I am set to go. That is the way to read a book to me. [sunshinelady]
I mostly read books in digital format. I actually prefer printed format, but because my work consists of many hours in front of the computer, I rarely have time for 'real' reading, thus I open Adobe Acrobat in my 2nd monitor :) Mostly Japanese comics, and technology magazines though ^_^' [KorganoS]
I will if it's necessary. But I prefer the hard copy. I just do not enjoy reading on my laptop. It's not pleasant to me and my eyes ache. Reading that e-version, I just do not feel like reading a book. [chrissieatu]
I find interesting that almost everyone where said that they prefer to read in a paper format because it's uncomfortable to be in front of a PC, and I agree with this point of view. However, nowadays there are some devices where you can upload the books you want in digital format you can see one of them where: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Reader My brother bought one device like this (I don't remember the brand he bought) and after he showed it to me, I kind of changed my opinion. Imagine you are going on holidays for 15 days, and you want to take...let's say that you read a lot, and you want to take 15 books, one for each day...that would be such a overweight that probably you would take only 5books, and in the middle of the holidays you wouldn't have anything to read. With this device you can even choose 20 books (you'll never know your mood) and read it everywhere, because it has the size of a regular paperback book. It doesn't have the luminosity of a PC, it's really comfortable to read, and the one that my brother bought has battery to change 500 pages...so....a big book. You can be comfortable on the couch reading it, at the beach, in your bed, even in a tub (if you're careful enough and don't let it fall into the water). The truth is that I still prefer to read a good paperback book, but, I'm portuguese and there aren't many portuguese or translated to portuguese books, so it isn't the right time to make an investment buying one of these, because technology evolves so quickly that in one year or so the battery will last much longer and the capacity will be bigger. And if we think in what is more environmentally friendly, maybe paper isn't the right answer! Just to finalize, I really think that this will become the future but it will take us (those you are used to paper) some time to adapt!! [catnun]
I agree catnun. I've heard there are different ways, besides our laptops to upload these books now. And it's as small as a paperback and yes, I can't imagine bringing 15 books on vacation but stuffing it on a PDA (something I'm learning about here) makes sense. Ah but, it will take some time to convince the masses that our books will all but disappear from print. Nonetheless, the digital format does seem to be the future. [gtargirl]
I agree with you 100%. I only enjoyed reading digital books when I was still in the work force and I was reading on my computer instead of working!! LOL [whiteheather39]
Dear Gtargirl, Those book I would like to keep it for reading again and referencing most I would opt for hard copy and if I want to read it while I travel or waiting I would go for hard copy. In the case of digital also I would like to read it and if I want to read it again and again or when I get time and when the computer is off I would take a hard copy. Digital matters are read according to the necessity and need of that matter. [SHAMRACK]
I have seen E Books advertised on the Internet. It is a clever idea for its saves on paper, postage and space on bookshelves. But reading every book that I choose to read on the Internet might lead to a headache. My fingers might start aching clicking on the next page all the time. I think I prefer to hold a real book and turn each page myself. I am getting more used to the digital age but I am a girl that loves going to libraries and choosing real books. [maximax8]
Oh no I couldn't imagine life without real books, I love to snuggle under a blanket on the sofa with a book and a glass of wine and totally relax and get engrossed in book, I would not be able to get comfortable in fron of a screen to read a book, shorts discussions and to email yeah, but a whole book, no way. I'm with you on this one. Ellie :D [ellie333]
I can not read much more than a few paragraphs of digital at a time... I just do not retain what I have read - it does not work for me as a book. I love holding a book - seeing the type in real life and not a facsimile I like the smell of the pages the sound of the pages turning the feel of the aged paper to my fingers there is a certain depth to the type - it is just so much more appealing to the senses and all these things help me to "get into" what I am reading. [Modestah]
No, I would like to read books while I'm comfortably sitted on my bed just before I go to sleep and being in front of the computer is the least comfortable one for me because my laptop emits hot air if used for long period of time, so even when I'm on my bed reading it would be uncomfortable for me. [idaantipolo]
Whether we like it or not, I'm afraid e-books will eventually take over from 'real' books. I personally don't mind. I still preferr the real deal as well, but when I look at the progress being made in e-book readers and how easy it will be to travel with dictionaries and books and what more in just one good looking device, it definitely makes sense to me. It's not like you'll be reading from a laptop. People into the whole e-thing will more likely buy a device suited to do just that. I guess. Welcome to the 21st century :-) [Porteno]
I'm not much of a reader but if I had a choice, I would prefer to read a book and not an ebook. Like the idea of reading at my own pace away from the computer. I do have many interruptions with phone calls as well. The lighting in this room isn't the best around the computer so it's easier to sit in a comfy chair under a direct light. Much less eye strain. [carolbee]
I read books on the Sony eBook Reader and love it. One drawback is the price at $300, but books are cheaper than their real-pages counterparts. The type is just as large as regular books (plus you can make it extra-large if you wish), you can cozy up to it in front of the fireplace, and it's very easy on the eyes. About the only drawbacks are that it's not as easy to flip forwards or backwards through the pages if you want to check on something, and you have to recharge the batteries every so often. Plus it's harder to loan the book to a friend. [charles63]
I prefer the book,just like you.I could not agree with you more.I don not enjoy reading on my laptop,because I think very tired.I like the feelings when touch the paper. [yhyuan85]
Its better for the economy to go digital but like you i LOVE to curl up witha good book and flip the pages. I read the last harry potter book online and it was sooo different. I can't wait to read the actual physical book. I think a great system would be to make everything digital and print books on demand. [jezzikabret]
Wow, now there's a thought. Make everything digital and print books on demand. I think you could make big money suggesting that to publishers. [gtargirl]
You know, I was reading reviews of Amazon's Kindle, and thinking the same thing. I mean, logically it sounds like a good idea to have books in digital format on a device that you can carry around with you. I do prefer the feel of the paper and the weight of the book in my hands, so I am not sure how it would feel. Also, I feel like reading a book is my way to escape from technology, don't we spend enough time in front of the computer and tv? so, for now, I will continue with real books, although I prefer to get them out from the library and return them when I am done. [rubyming]
If it is just for some quick browsing, I am ok with the electronic version. However, for any longer reading, I really prefer reading from the traditional format - the real books themselves. I find it is easier on the eyes too. =) [lordwarwizard]
gtar, NO reason you can't print you book out on paper, and then read it, and if you need it to be in a book format put it in a binder and you can read that way, no one says you have to have to read a book in e format on the computer, Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
I am just like you...i have tried reading ebooks because i needed to in a particular moment but it is so tiring...after a while my eyes hurt...and this comes from one that is on the computer all day! but having to just stare at a page on a screen is not like being on computer doing other things...no not for me... i hope old books will stay around in spite of technologies confused [JoMarch]
I can only read books in their physical form - cant read them from a comp screen! [pitstop]
I love to read an orginal book's mybe I'm also old fashion but I love the book, to see, to fell, to touch to mark when make a pause. I love to go to the liberary to find a good book, to meet people that came to look for a book to ask them about good book. Not always I have the time to read but I look forwerd to read. [as2006]
Ah yes, the library. What would happen to our libraries if the world went digital. That would be some sort of gigantice restructoring. Is that a word? Oh well, I also agree with you about marking the pages. I use pretty bookmarks but something I mark the page too. [gtargirl]
I love to read. I don't read stories or books online though. It isn't as comfortable as laying back with an old fashioned book. The computer screen gives me a headache after awhile too. I have seen those new "digital readers" at bookstores though. You get 100 free book downloads when you buy one. I would probably enjoy that. It is small and not lit up and bright. It is over $150 to buy one though and I don't like spending that kind of money on myself. [moneyandgc]
I do think it is better to keep a book instead of digital on internet and laptop. But I do not know since I do read some manga online, but sounds like something that you can give it a try ^^ [5mayday]
I like to read, both in books and in e-books, and also on the computer. I have written a novel, back in the 80's and a couple years ago, I put it in e-book format. I sold it online, about 5 copies. You can see about it at http://www.kreatedbykewpie.ws/kbkbooks/oklahomawind/ [kbkbooks]
Very nice. You have over 2,000 visits, maybe more. I have friends with books the publishers have stopped printing now. The e-book would be an option. [gtargirl]
I don't think so--I prefer the old fashioned way of reading too (plus it makes me sleepy!). I don't know that the format of an actual book will go away any time soon--it's been such an intrinsic part of our lives since what, the 1400s or 1500s? And how will children learn to read if it's not right in front of them? [scorpiobabes]
Definitely prefer the physical book. I think most of us spend too much time in front of the computer and it can really hurt our eyes. Though Amazon has come out with an e-book device, doing the math, reading actually turns out to be more expensive..as the e-books are not cheaper than the physical. The device itself is over-priced and still quite first-generation. The only pluses are that it eliminates shipping and storage and it's a little easier on the eyes. So..still the good old-fashioned way of reading for me. [Britelite]
i tried reading an e-book too. its okay for me but it really hurts in the eye. but now i haven't been reading any e-book because i usually only surf the net with the computer. i actually haven't finished a book i have started late last year! ^__^;; but if our internet connection would be cut off (God forbid!), i might finish that e-book. i still read books though. i like reading while i'm lying down in the bed. happy but i don't get to buy books that i really like because they are just so expensive! so i seldom buy books. and its not surprising why people choose to read e-books because of the high prices of books in stores. [secretbear]
i tried buying books from ebay but i was too lazy to meet the seller and get my books. it can be delivered but i'm also too lazy to go to a bank and deposit my payment to the seller's account. ^__^;; i still prefer to buy books in a bookstore after all. happy i think its much more straining to the eyes if we are reading an e-book. because apart from the strains from reading itself, there is also the strain cause by the bright light from the monitor and the radiation coming from it. [secretbear]
I'm not a fan of the idea. My eyes already hurt enough from the too-much web surfing I already do. I think reading in front of the computer, like you said, is not cozy or relaxing so it takes away for me the best part of reading. I think I would get headaches from trying to read books online...not to mention if you don't have a laptop it's probably a huge pain! [fallingstar1124]
I have become disabled and this is a wonderful innovation for people who can't hold books. Also the backlighting of the computer helps me. I wish I could afford to buy an Amazon kiindle. [fec139]
Ah, you are right my friend. Even though I'm still not a fan of reading on my lap top it sounds like it is an ideal for you. I've heard so much about Amazon Kindle I will have to study up on it. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend. [gtargirl]
I can see pros and cons of digital reading, but mostly I am like you, I like to curl up with a good book. There are times when it would be very inconvienient for me not to have a paperback. I like to read in what my hubby laughingly calls "The Library" In the bathroom, and also soaking in the tub, now i don't know about you, but I do not want my puter in the bathroom, esp. when I am in the tub. So yes, give me the old fashioned paperback anytime. [olivebranch56]
If I want to read a book I will read the book regardless of what format the book is in. As long as I can read it, I'll be happy with it. Digita, print, whateer, just as long as the story is still the same. [danishcanadian]
I don't think I would be able to do it. Reading an article or an email or discussions on myLot are one thing, but I am not sure I would be able to keep my eyes on the computer screen long enough to read a book online. I would rather buy the book and read it. [lilybug]
maybe the future is here but even am still the old fashioned gal at heart.. i tried readin e-books once but not appealin to my eyes. my eyes cant take it for long n i tend to get a headache... moreover, i love readin inside quilt lyin on my bed. readin on a laptop even in the bed isn much appealin either. maybe thts cause am not that techie n am more of a romantic at heart... ;) [nidbirdie]
I love reading but I don't enjoy reading them on my computer I can't really enjoy them that way. I love being able to take a book woth me everywhere where ever I go and not have to worry the battery will go out right in the middle of a great part. And plus my computer is dialup which means slow loading pages and I just don't have time to sit around waiting for a page to load to read a book Lord it take to long and you forget half what you'd read. I would like that they have a device that reads only books and that you just have to slip in a cartiage and start reading of course you'd better make sure your around a handy place to plug in your power pack. That be neat.But still nothing better then turning the pages of a favorite book. [mtdewgurl74]
You have a great week also. And that you get alot of great books read. [mtdewgurl74]
I just bought an ebook (191 pages) I'm printing it out (because it's something I want to learn from about photoshop). I also can't read too much online because my eyes can't handle it. I get migraines if it's too bright outside and I don't have my sunglasses on. Same thing will happen if I sit in front of the computer too long reading or chating or whatever. I agree with you, it's just so much nicer to have it in print. Not glowing with light! [simplyshawn]
By the way, is an Ebook cheaper by any chance. I guess by the time we print it up we might have incurred a few more expenses. Anyhow, I'm lucky enough not to get migraines but it seems I am getting a few headaches here and there. And my eyes are really red. I would take a breather from my computer but it's how I make a living. I guess I better though. Have an awesome weekend, my friend. [gtargirl]
No way..... I hate reading any literature on the computer screen. I am a teacher, and when we set the question paper and get it typed, its proof reading also I hate doing on the computer. I cant find mistakes. Same way, I hate reading on the computer The book can go with you wherever you want. You can read it whenever you want -- even when the lights have gone (electricity) which happens quite a few times in India, while travelling, while in the bathroom, anywhere I can read a book. I prefer reading a book a normal book than a e-book. [anuraa30]
yup.... you should hear my mom yell about it. During exams I even took my study books into the bathroom to study. I used to find that as the best place to study. And of course I had this some kind of belief that whatever I learnt there came for the exams and then ofcourse I could remember well whatever I Learnt there (now this part was true). [anuraa30]
I find it difficult to read anything beyond a few paragraphs - so reading a book is totally out of question! [pitstop]
I would and I have. I just happen to prefer paper books instead. Electronic is nice though because they're much easier to carry and can be used anywhere there is a computer. Plus they are cheaper and do not contribute to paper waste or cutting down trees. [highflyingxangel]
Digital Format..That is the E-Books Neah..No wayz man..It jz becomes so boring to read a book sittin in front of the computer all the time..Jz too sick a thot. Readin a book in real time is far too better than this E-Book thing for me [doctorgenius]
I have some e-books. I have Printer and I will print them. I prefer books in papers. But we must keep our book wealth in digital formats. Long ;ivr the books. [poppy76bg]
I prefer the printed word by about 1000 to 1. ;-) I have read books digitally, but very, very few. And, I did not care for the experience. It's really tough on a laptop to read from it on the beach. heh. [TravisE]
I read books online all the time but I still prefer holding it in my hand in "book" form. I like to see the cover in real life and smell it between the pages(when it's new). [psychopath]