The Kindle, it's like a portable iPod for books. Whoever came up with the idea is quite genius to realize the fact that everyone is going digital with just about everything, so why not books as well? Amazon pioneered the first portable reading device with the Kindle, and with its success, many other companies produced similar products. You can purchase whichever book you are interested in and download it into the Kindle, all without leaving your house. It's small, convenient and you can take it with you anywhere. Is the rise of these portable devices a threat to bookstores or even to paperback books as we know them? Barnes & Noble could have possibly felt some kind of competition because they came out with their own version of the Kindle, the nook, not too long ago. Apple also came out with the iPad, which can be used for several things including the ability to store books. It goes without saying that as long as companies are willing to adapt to any new technology, they are more likely to stay around, as opposed to the companies that choose to ignore it or not do anything to adapt. Even textbooks are being sold as e-books, which for students its great because the cost is a fraction of what the hard copy goes for.
Although these products have been very successful, I believe there's still plenty of people out there that prefer traditional reading from a paperback book. I am one of them, not saying that I'm not open to the idea, I just prefer to have a book in front of me, maybe I'm just old fashioned. I think many people probably feel the same way, they like having a collection of books in a bookshelf, where they can pick a new book to read whenever they wish . Others may feel that keeping books that already have been read is pointless and creates clutter. I guess only time will tell what the future holds for how we will enjoy our reading material.
I am in the same boat as you, having a book in front of me is preferable than reading off of a screen. The digital readers have taken the market by storm and within the next decade, I think half of the population will have one. It is insane to think of the possibilities that the internet has for us. Is it possible that within the next 100 years people can live their lives strictly from their homes? It has already started, Movies can be watched, music can be listened too, products can be bought, and all types of business can be done through the internet. People do not even talk to each other the way they used too (with phones) when we have things like Facebook, Aim, or Skype. As the digital age is ushered in, modern technology doesn't seem so modern any more. Soon the world will all be run with the touch of a button.
ReplyDeleteExcellent example using the rise of the Kindle to point out how for most of us, the touch and smell of reading that printed book cannot be replaced. The best analogy I can think of is perhaps our grandparents wishing to continue listening to old record albums--those HUGE round disks. They made a distinct sound our grandparents just couldn't give up for anything.
ReplyDeleteFor our grandparents, it was record albums. For our generation, it's printed books and magazines. Sadly, just like those albums, technology will inevitably replace them for what consumers demand most. And for the rising generation born with a computer mouse in their hands, it's devices like the Kindle that will win them over.
I too love having an actual book rather than a digital one. I like their smell, I like looking at them in their shelf, I like having a physical book in which to write a dedication and give as a gift to my friends. But I can see how the Kindle has affected and will continue to affect printed books. Years from now as products such as Kindle are a common household item new generations will not feel as attached to printed books as we and previous generations are. As for us printed book lovers, I have a feeling we will also have to adjust as our favorite writers choose to no longer print their material and instead go digital.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ingenious that Barnes & Noble came out with its own version of the Kindle. The nook is their entry into the realm of e-books. If for whatever reason the world decides they will no longer buy one more paper book, Barnes & Noble will still be able to serves its customers through the e-book realm. It is their back-up plan to a world that is ever changing. Companies must no longer "react" to the action of the consumers but they must "proactively" come up with ways to counteract what may happen. Because in this environment where changes happen so fast, you will miss bandwagon and you will be left behind.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, I much prefer holding the real thing. I've read books on my iPod and it just isn't the same, convenient but unengaging. I recenty attended a book reading and signing and it would have been very strange for Candace Bushnell to sign my Kindle.Let's not call ourselves old fashioned but Traditionalists.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, the change can't be resisted and as you pointed out, even Barnes & Noble has recognized the need to move with the wave in order to remain relevant in the market.
I agree with you that the Kindle is an incredible machine. However, I believe that the Kindle still needs allot of work. E-book readers like the apple's Ipad have gained market share by offering tons of applications that can be used in one device.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I also believe that physical books (not necessarily talking about school textbooks) will remain because people (including myself) make "bonds" with some of the books we read and get attached to the physical "paper".
ReplyDeleteI think that opening a book, going trough the pages, making marks and marking where we left off is a form or ritual that we cannot have with an online version. But don't get me wrong, I love innovation and the fact that I can read certain stuff like magazines, newspapers, textbooks and even some other books over my tablet or any other digital medium.
I never was an avid book reader, but since the kindle and the iPad came out, I seem to be more inclined to look through the iBookstore and browse through the books to see if there was one I'd be inclined to buy and I actually have quite a few that I have downloaded and reading with pleasure. Not to mention, alot of textbooks are now becoming available in digital format, it makes research, and classwork so much more efficient. I don't know if it was curiosity that drew me to this new technology or if I just suddenly had an interest in reading, either way, I think as long as people are READING, it is a good thing.
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