Books vs. e-books

[Gabriel]

Do you think e-books will eventually catch on? I see many pros, but also many cons... and I must plead my nostalgia when it comes to the design and the whole presentation of books. What do you think?

[Veronica]

I also think "flesh and bones" books will never be replaced.
I have some books in my PC in pdf format and I have read some out of a palm but it's definetly not the same. My eyes got tired pretty fast, the scrolling of the pages was very uncomfortable, etc....

[Milton_Ivan]

in my personal opinion, I believe that depends on the situation.

For example:
some books are not available in several countries, for diverse reasons like:
copyright,governmental sensura, religious problems...etc.

or, maybe some translations of books are incorrect or simply you wish to have the book in it original language...and this is not available in your country.

these are some advantages but, if the book that you wish it's in original language and available...is better that you'll buy it, because in this way you are going to show to the writers that you like it.

I think that the "flesh and bones" books are better, because if the electricity is interrupted...ever you can use a candle and read your books while the electricity is repairing

[sarab]

I agree...there is something unchangeable about the book design and I don't think anything will EVER replace that. I have only listened to an e-book once online and it is a completely different experience from reading a book yourself...I almost felt like I was cheating! However, for what it is worth, it is nice to be read to once in a while, even online. For anyone that can get into books on tape, here is a good website: http://www.librivox.org/

[mem286]

I have several .pdf e-books but you're right when you say it's not the same. On the other hand I finally have the chance to get many books I've always wanted to have and never could, because they weren't edited in my country.

Pros and cons everywhere. What about e-mails and letters?

[Gabriel]

Originally Posted by Milton_Ivan

in my personal opinion, I believe that depends on the situation.

For example:
some books are not available in several countries, for diverse reasons like:
copyright,governmental sensura, religious problems...etc.

or, maybe some translations of books are incorrect or simply you wish to have the book in it original language...and this is not available in your country.

these are some advantages but, if the book that you wish it's in original language and available...is better that you'll buy it, because in this way you are going to show to the writers that you like it.


I think that the "flesh and bones" books are better, because if the electricity is interrupted...ever you can use a candle and read your books while the electricity is repairing

I completely agree with you Milton. It helps a lot, especially when you like disciplines which are in close relation to a good translation. But I can't deny, on the other hand, that the struggle often comes from within myself: I don't feel I "have" a book until I buy a hard copy. I guess it all comes from our human so human consumer education. I'm not making a point here... just saying what it makes me feel.

On the other hand, whenever I see a dubbed movie, I feel like I didn't actually see it until I see it in its native language. The expression, the tone, there are so many things that get "lost in dubbing". I guess it's an argument that favours Milton's idea: it's always better to read a book in its original language and many times it is not available in the country from where you are.

Sarab, thanks for the link! I guess you kind of sympathize, don't you?

[sabrina]

I´m convinced nothing will ever replace the pleasure of holding a book in your hands to read whenever and wherever you are in the mood. PC screens have taken over most of our lives at work and at home (and I´m not counting the TV set) so having a break now and then from the electronic world is simply vital to survive in the technological jungle!

[TopNotch]

Printing costs are too expensive and eventually the publishing companies will push us all to read in an electronic format.

[analaura]

I just wish that moment never takes over... and if that happens, I´ve already taken care of having huge bookshelves at home -from wall to wall, from top to bottom...
I can´t imagine reading ´e-stories´ to my grandchildren...

[Gabriel]

Really? Push us? I mean, chaos theory says there are some behaviours we cannot predict, like that of the stock market or traffic because we would never be able to consider all the possible variables. The regular market might be more predictible, but look, for example, what happened with the laser disc technology. I don't know how the public could react to the change, but I wonder: do you think all the public who reads would go for it? I mean, there are some very technology-oriented people who might be so inclined, but there are others, a huge amount, that are kind of reluctant when it comes to technology. I guess a big part of the market might be risked with such a move. I don't mean to say it won't happen... it would be quite contradictory of my part. I'm just saying: who knows?
But don't mind me. It could be just "wishful thinking" reasoning.