Quote:
Originally Posted by DixieGal
No matter what the naysayers say, I think the ebook revolution is coming. I'm betting my bookshelf on it - planning to scan most of my pbooks and then trash them. I'm on the ebandwagon from now on, regardless of what some ridiculous so-called expert says about the future of ereading. So there!
Does the general public even pay attention to things like the article?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSWolf
eReader does not mean electronic reader. eReader is a program for viewing eReader format eBooks. Please do not use the term eReader in such a way that does not refer to either the software or the format.
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Jon, as you already know (of course), Dixie Gal said the "future of ereading." She did not mention software or hardware, but the experience of ereading. And, I submit that this was an extremely appropriate use of that term. Why?? Because if she had said "the future of reading" the statement simply would not have made much sense.
Everyone who speaks English uses gerund forms all the time to convey additional meaning to a statement without adding additional words. This is especially true when trying to convey a distinction in the experience of the activity.
If I am going out on the lake, and I say "I am going boating" ... that is a different level of communication from "I am going rafting" or "I am going boat racing." If I am tied to the gerund "boating" ... then I'm stuck with not being able to convey what I am doing.
So, while I agree with you about the confusion using the term "ereader" can cause among those who do not have the understanding that the word does not apply to all ebook readers, all formats, or all software, I respectfully disagree with your coming down on Dixie Gal like a ton of bricks for using the word "ereading." It is (for me) a word that is necessary to convey an activity that is distinct and different from merely reading.
I never draw a crowd when I am reading. I never fail to draw a crowd when I am ereading.