I think for an author to say that he or she prefers reading "real" books is a little bit offensive, if only because it sounds condescending.
I don't expect all authors to have to be compelled to be ebook readers, but perhaps the above can be phrased better. "I enjoy the feel of paper in my hands," for instance, or "I like print books, because I like the look and feel of a well-designed cover." Even "I like the looks of having books filling my shelves," would be fine.
But when one says, "I prefer 'real' books," that implies that ebooks are somehow lesser. Perhaps that is not what the poster means, but when writing on a forum, one has to be careful about their choice of words. After all, we can't hear their tone or inflection in their voice to estimate the 'true' meaning. All we have to go on are their words on a screen.
I would think that a professional writer, of all people, would know enough to chose his words with better care.
|