I rarely consider myself a traditionalist, but when it comes to books I do prefer mine the old fashion way, or so I thought. Im not questioning the ink on paper part, Im questioning my thought that my preference is old fashioned – aka out of date, not cool etc. Have I been e-brainwashed to believe if it doesnt come on a tablet it’s as antiquated as I must be? ACK, I think so.
I am putting down the e-Kool-Aid, reaching for my car keys and proudly driving over to a book store (there are a few left here). I will roam the aisles searching for my summer read, admiring cover art and in-store displays along the way. I will put my book, protected in its bag, somewhere safe until I am ready to attack it, and anticipate the moment when I can crack it open and get lost in the pages. That isnt old-fashioned, it’s a ritual, and one that connects me to the book in a way a download will never replace… and seems Im not alone.
E-Books in America [infographic]
E-Books, are they as popular as we thought they would become? Well yes and no, while they are not quite as popular as printed books at the moment. They are becoming more and more popular with 17% of Americans having read an e-book before the 2011 holidays and 21% after. While not a staggering stat, it does show people like e-books and more importantly there is growth in popularity.
While printed books remain the top choice for readers those reading e-books with e-content reportedly spend more time reading. With e-content a reader is allowed to get more involved in what they’re reading. Through the simple click of a link an e-book will show you a video or take you to a website full information.
As someone who has used an iPad for my textbooks I have to say I am a fan of the digital medium. It is surprisingly easy to take notes and highlight, something I imagine will only get better after time.
via E-Books in America [infographic]. Original Infographic source: OnlineUniversities.com
