The
controversy around traditional books verses eBooks is one that raises emotions
akin to differences surrounding such hot button issues as religion and
politics. Having jumped into the world of digital books approximately three
years ago, I have formed definite opinions on the issue. As it involves new
technology bumping into an ancient human activity, namely reading, the topic is
tied to the profound changes that the digital age is having on humanity.
I
think that in regards to this subject, a few points relevant to the history of
books are important to keep in mind. When the printing press first became
popular in the fifteenth century, folks, mostly scholars, protested that the
new machines produced books of much lower quality than handwritten tomes.
In
the twentieth century, when paperbacks first became popular, there was protest
over their low quality as opposed to hardcovers. First, of course, this history
illustrates that changes in the way that we read books are commonly resisted as
folks defend the old ways. I am not completely dismissing the above arguments.
After all, I think that it could be argued that aesthetically, handwritten
tomes were far superior to printed books or, more importantly, that mass-produced
paperbacks lack many of the merits of hardcovers.
I would
contend that we place too much value on cheap paperbacks and lower quality
hardcovers. I do not see all that much tactile or aesthetic appeal to these
lower grade books.
Much has been said and written about sensory
satisfaction gained with physical books. People often comment upon the perceptible
sensations associated with them. Some even remark about their aroma. But when
it comes to paperbacks, I question the value of the experience imparted. I am
so much more appreciative of the positive sensations garnered with higher
quality, more substantive books.
If
one wants to fight for traditional books, I say make it about quality books
that are worth it. Of course, for a personal collector, the issue of cost comes
into play. I fantasize about a library of high quality hardcovers. A perusal of
such books online indicates that price escalates with quality.
For someone such as myself who likes to delve deeply
into books, the benefits of eBooks are immense. I can, and do, take numerous
notes and make comments, as well as highlight passages. This would destroy a conventional
book. I recently did read an old-fashioned book, and I filled it with post-it
notes in lieu of the electronic notes that I am now used to.
Likewise, the copy and paste function is invaluable
for bloggers and others who need to use quotations from a book. As I do look up unfamiliar words, the dictionary
function is very convenient and useful. I even use the word search, which is
better than an index. Of course, particularly with history books, my ability to
search the web for additional information, maps, charts, etc., greatly enhances
my reading experience.
I have also shifted to a system of just in time
buying of books. Instead of hoarding tomes, some of which I will likely never get
to in my entire lifetime, I now download the instance at which I am ready to
begin a new read.
With all of that, I do not discount the value of
traditional books. I have made several references to quality hardcovers. I believe
that these may represent the future of conventional books much like vinyl records
have made a comeback among folks who enjoy collecting music. I think that it is a good bet that eBooks will
eventually replace soft covers. I am aware that sales of old-fashioned books
have stabilized, but as digital book technology continues to get better and
more economical, I would surmise the erosion in paperback sales will commence
again.
I do have a vision of my fantasy library. It would be
filled with the high quality hard cover tomes. Though I already own a very few
of them, cost has sadly prevented me from embarking upon any real collecting. I
wonder, however, if I did possess such an impressive library, if the great
books would still sit on a shelf while I read digital versions of them. There are
just too many advantages to eBooks!
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| I recently read a traditional book. I have become so dependent on note taking this was the shocking result. |
If one considers the history of positive human
progress, such progress is often aided by advances in communication. EBooks are
part of the larger digital evolution that allows folks to instantly communicate
with one another and to access vast reservoirs of human knowledge. Digital
books give us access to millions of books, relatively cheaply, at the press of
a few points on a keyboard or screen. They add to our ability to cross
reference information and utilize words much more easily than ever before. These
advantages cannot be overstated. In my
opinion, this will only enhance the spread of knowledge and ideas, which has
traditionally led to great benefits for humanity.
