MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Book lovers have emotional bond with paper

sebastien · 03-10-2008, 08:33 AM

I have two young children (2 and 5). I wouldn't dream to lend then my PRS-505 to get them interested books. Instead, I rely on the good old paper book, some with flaps, others with textures like fur and sand paper, other in strong cardboard, plastic, and all with a lot of colors and pictures. The goal is to get them interested and curious about the information within. About life, nature, science... These, lets call them physical book for lack of a better description, are essential to spark their interest in knowledge.

But as they grow, I'm convince that they will jump on the electronic band-wagon. Already, this week-end, my oldest son was intrigued by my (new) PRS. When I showed him that it was an electronic 'pocket' book, he sat next to me and God forbid that I should flip a page, that was his job for a good 1h. Made for slow reading, but a great afternoon.

The new generation are addicted to electronic devices. In this particular case, I'm kind of glad. If getting them an electronic 'pocket' reader will keep them interested in reading, then by all mean read away.

As you might have notice, I call my PRS-505 an electronic 'pocket' reader, because that is what it's suppose to be replacing; pocket book. I would never use the device to read a news paper or a scientific article. The device is ill equip to preserve the required formatting and display it's message with the same effect. On the other hand, the Iliad might be too big to use as a pocket book reader, but to me it would be the perfect size for a scientific article...

Also, my PRS would never replace the reading experience I get from one of these 'Pléiade' edition book (http://www.gallimard.fr/collections/pleiade.htm), ie, printed on 'Bible paper' with a gold siding. The content might be the same, but as many as pointed out before, the added sensory aspect is second to none. Then again, I would not take these books with me during my daily commute. They are safely stored on a shelve, behind glass, and are taken out only when the house is dead quiet while sitting in my favorite chair, with a tea next to me... See the difference?

What my PRS provides me is a chance to read tons of 'no longer available in print' books. That in itself is reason enough for me to by the device. Where else could I have read the adventure of Captain Blood?

This said, I believe that both format, print and ePaper, both fill a niche that the other are ill equip to maintained. Small eReaders will take over the pocket book and comics audience, while the hard cover will continue to thrive with it's horde of followers. The Iliad, once they drop a bit in price, will storm through the scientific community. And the news paper will continue to darken it's audience's finger for years to come.

The world as never be black and white. Why should this be any different?

03-10-2008, 08:33 AM	#33
sebastien Enthusiast Posts: 26 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Laval, Québec, Canada Device: Sony PRS-505	I have two young children (2 and 5). I wouldn't dream to lend then my PRS-505 to get them interested books. Instead, I rely on the good old paper book, some with flaps, others with textures like fur and sand paper, other in strong cardboard, plastic, and all with a lot of colors and pictures. The goal is to get them interested and curious about the information within. About life, nature, science... These, lets call them physical book for lack of a better description, are essential to spark their interest in knowledge. But as they grow, I'm convince that they will jump on the electronic band-wagon. Already, this week-end, my oldest son was intrigued by my (new) PRS. When I showed him that it was an electronic 'pocket' book, he sat next to me and God forbid that I should flip a page, that was his job for a good 1h. Made for slow reading, but a great afternoon. The new generation are addicted to electronic devices. In this particular case, I'm kind of glad. If getting them an electronic 'pocket' reader will keep them interested in reading, then by all mean read away. As you might have notice, I call my PRS-505 an electronic 'pocket' reader, because that is what it's suppose to be replacing; pocket book. I would never use the device to read a news paper or a scientific article. The device is ill equip to preserve the required formatting and display it's message with the same effect. On the other hand, the Iliad might be too big to use as a pocket book reader, but to me it would be the perfect size for a scientific article... Also, my PRS would never replace the reading experience I get from one of these 'Pléiade' edition book (http://www.gallimard.fr/collections/pleiade.htm), ie, printed on 'Bible paper' with a gold siding. The content might be the same, but as many as pointed out before, the added sensory aspect is second to none. Then again, I would not take these books with me during my daily commute. They are safely stored on a shelve, behind glass, and are taken out only when the house is dead quiet while sitting in my favorite chair, with a tea next to me... See the difference? What my PRS provides me is a chance to read tons of 'no longer available in print' books. That in itself is reason enough for me to by the device. Where else could I have read the adventure of Captain Blood? This said, I believe that both format, print and ePaper, both fill a niche that the other are ill equip to maintained. Small eReaders will take over the pocket book and comics audience, while the hard cover will continue to thrive with it's horde of followers. The Iliad, once they drop a bit in price, will storm through the scientific community. And the news paper will continue to darken it's audience's finger for years to come. The world as never be black and white. Why should this be any different?