Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Print or Pixels? The Debate (Apparently) Rages On

Came upon this NY Times Article while looking thru my Library Link of the Day. (I really like Library Link because the publications it features are first-rate and even scholarly. Nothing sensational, but things that make you think.)
Like:
Debating the aesthetics of the reading experience: how people like to get their reading "fix." E-readers like the Kindle claim "it produces neither glare in a well-lighted spot nor a glow in the dark." (see link above) Book lovers like the wife in the article counter this defending the smell and feel of real books, and suggest that there is a 'right' way to read.
So far the article has told me several things:
1. It's not strictly a generational split, because one older woman said she liked E-readers for their ability to magnify text.
2. Genuine disagreements occur among family members with strong differences of opinion.
3. Kids are being read to in both formats.
4. Book sellers are offering to sell "bundles" that include both formats.
5. People sold on the new E-form believe others will "get over" the need for the feel of real books.
6. Some folks read ebooks but collect real ones for sentimental reasons.
7. Time will tell.

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