Ah – the reader’s version of ‘Paper, or Plastic?‘ I know it’s a stereotype, but I’m old enough to resist a few changes and be set in my ways about some things. As much as I like the electronic/digital gadgets that make my life easier, I really prefer a good, old fashioned, printed book.
I 
like the weight of it. I like the touch of the paper, and the comfort of the turn of the page. I like the smell, even though I do get a fit of sneezing now and then from paper dust. There’s a cozy-ness about the books on my shelves – a sense of gravity, a memory dump when I see the titles all lined up together, and yes, a bit of pride that I know the stories contained in those volumes. Several of them I have read more than once
But, WHEN I publish again, I will most likely do it electronically, unless they develop a telepathic download before I’m ready. This makes me pretty hypocritical. I gave my Dad a Kindle when they first came out, so why have I dragged my feet about getting one for myself? I began comparing e-readers – asking friends and family about theirs. My daughter picked up on this search and made the decision for me – a Kindle for Christmas.
Great! What to get first? I have many books on my ‘to buy’ list. But wait. A few of them are instructional. These are books I intend to refer back to constantly, retrieving specific information and going over certain chapters. Is an e-reader the best way to own those books?
I think the books that I use for research or educational purposes still need to be in print. Marking a page, going back and forth between two or three of them at a time, having them all open at the same time and being able to refer to them while I am writing or reading makes a print volume necessary to my mental process.
But the Kindle has already given me joy. I purchased a few novels, and it’s nice to take it out of my purse (yup – one of those big ones…) when I am stuck in a waiting room (instead of those three year old magazines) or when I decide to take a relaxing lunch away from the office. I enjoy having my reading at my fingertips, instead of sitting at home on my coffee table waiting for my return.
So I’m now in that half-way domain of book ownership. I’m enjoying both worlds, and gradually getting comfortable with the change. I hope when I finally take the plunge, others have done the same and will include my work in their collections.
I will miss those beautiful volumes beaming down from the shelves, though.
How about you? Paper, or… Electronic?
I can download to the iPad and have done so, but I still prefer paper.
Paper. I have downloaded a few books on my iPhone – easy to read at the gym. But I much prefer paper.
I’m on the fence too. I have some books that will always have a place on my shelf. But there are others that I just want to read and then I’m finished with. I used to do the same with hardback or paperback. I have some authors that I have always bought in hardback, knowing I would keep the book forever. Others, I knew I would read and pass along, so I bought it in paperback, or borrowed from the library. Those are the ones I now enjoy on e-reader. Best of both worlds!
I’m right there with you on all points. I’d much rather hold the actual book, magazine or newspaper. But it’s also nice to be able to download a library book!