I always anticipate curling up to a new book with my highlighter in hand. There is something about having an actual book in your hand versus looking at one on a screen. The evolution of E-books and Ipads have changed the way we read and recently many authors have been up in arms about this new advancement. Not for the same reasons I have but mainly because they are fearful that they will not get properly compensated for their work. However recently an article in the New York Times by Motoko Rich talks about the leverage that publishers are gaining with the introduction of e-books.
The increased competition has allowed publishers to demand top dollar for their selections. For over a year Google has been try to launch an E-Store only giving publishers 63% of the suggested retail, with the launch of the Ipad Apple has offered 70 % to publishers. With this current pricing warfare, authors that were hesistant to put their material in an electronic format out of fear of product devaluation, have now warmed up to the idea. I have to admit so have I. The chances of me using an Ipad for on the run presentations and other cool mobile video options are high, however, I am not sure if I am ready to download a book yet.
There is still something about going to a bookstore and finding books at random and learning something new. I am happy that publishers are finally being properly compensated.
1 comment:
Time brings changes, and changes come with time. Habits will also change eventually.
Technology will help in many ways. It will eliminate the cost of storage and moving books.
When it comes to highlighting stuff in the book, I think soon you will be able to prepare a summary of highlights, smoothly enter them into a search engine and probably blog/socialize with people that made similar highlights. I think in future you'll be drooling on your e-book.
I wonder when the libraries will switch to e-books. I think they would be able to buy e-copies and have them available for students/users for a limited time. I think this will make libraries more popular...
With the technology costing less and less, the e-books will be so cheap that may even make education cheaper and more efficient in the developing countries.
iPad is cheap to make and probably will be even cheaper in the future. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2010/tc2010029_588063.htm
I don't have an e-book yet, but will probably have one when its convenience exceeds that of the alternatives. I don't think I have to wait long.
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