(Also, some FRAWESOME deals of the week.)
*I inadvertently scheduled this blog to post on Monday instead of Wednesday. No idea why, but clearly the universe wanted this out before then, so I'm just going to go with it. Count this as my regular Wednesday post, okay? Thanks!
A couple weeks ago, some friends and I had that inevitable discussion about ebooks versus the ink-and-paper versions. I’ve had this talk before with a number of people, and have come to some personal conclusions (which are solely my opinion and feelings).
1. There is nothing quite like holding an actual book in your hands, smelling the paper, turning the pages, stroking the cover, etc. I will ALWAYS prefer paper books to ebooks, no matter how convenient or inconvenient. And I will ALWAYS *heart* libraries and bookstores.
2. I love my Kindle, and also the Kindle app on my iPhone. I love that wherever I go, I can pull up a book and start reading. Ereaders are possibly the best invention ever.
3. I love books. And when I find one that resonates with me, I buy it. More often than not, one copy to keep, and one to give away or loan out. And if I really, really love a book, I have been known to buy both the hardcover copy AND the ebook. That’s right, I BUY BOTH. (And no, I am in no way rich.)
4. I have an extensive library of ink-and-paper titles in my house. I also have a growing ebook library. If you were to walk into my house and compare the actual books to my ebooks, you’d find a lot of repeated titles.
5. My actual book library is still bigger, and continues to grow faster than my ebook library.
In conclusion, I believe that while ebooks seriously ROCK, there will always be a place and purpose for their ink-and-paper counterparts.
Yes, I know publishing is changing. I understand that the market is constantly evolving and growing and becoming something completely unpredictable. I’m okay with that, because I think avid readers will adapt with it. But I also think that goes both ways. I think the market will adapt with the needs of people. And scary as that sounds, it’s also exciting to see how much more easily accessible great books will become for those who need them.
So what do you think? Is one market-type going to overtake the other?
*Also, dudes, if you’re a fan of Elana Johnson’s Possession, don’t miss out on this FANTABULOUS, AWESOMESAUCE opportunity to win an exclusive (never to be released digitally) character booklet filled with beautiful illustrations based on the next installment, Surrender. Also, you can read the first two chapters of Surrender here. All you have to do is preorder Surrender by Elana Johnson. You’ll find all the details here.
**And if you love reading like me, don’t miss the amazing deal on the ebook versions of Lani Woodland’s Intrinsical and Indelible.
Yay for fun opportunities! And guess what? I just found a bunch more awesome deals, including some free stuff, all listed here. Be sure to check them out.
7 comments:
I love my e-books, but that doesn't mean I don't buy physical books. My library keeps growing, but it is easier to load up the iPad with books than to take several paperbacks on a trip.
The medium isn't always the most important to me--ebook or physical, the story trumps it all. But I won't lie, I have a love for paper books and my paper library DOES exceed my ebook one.
I love to read on my e-reader, but only because I can't carry printed books with me... I really travel a lot. This device is little, portable and I can have it always in my bag.
I got my eBooks from All you can books, a very great site with hundreds of interesting titles. Nevertheless, I won't stop reading traditionally, because I must admit that the sensation is not the same... I love to feel the books in my hands!
Dude, I think I agree with you on everything. I like reading on the go on my phone, but I like buying books just as well. And yes, the story is everything!
PS. Thanks for the shout-out about my stuff. You rock!
Cheree, my thoughts exactly. Travel is easier with an ereader, but when I'm home, I always choose actual books.
L.T., I get that, and agree. If the story is good, I want it on my shelf. But also in my ereader. Thanks for your thoughts.
Diana, totally makes sense. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
And Elana, back atcha, and you're welcome. Hugs!
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