MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Will e-book readers make your library obsolete?

stevejay · 02-18-2009, 08:44 AM

The author of the original article did not make his case at all! If it was an argumentative essay in school, I'd say a solid C. He goes on to praise the virtues of MD, (did he mention the environmental aspects at all?) but closes with the idea that these technologies are devices he can live without....

Unless I missed part 2 of this essay, what are the exact reasons he can forgo these technologies?

The book has had a long and robust history, it is a technology in itself. But like many technologies, they reach the end of their viability and must adapt to newer circumstances. It is not a painless transition, there are legal and proprietary concerns, technology concerns, and fear that important works may be lost or altered in some way. But viewed in another sense, a "one of a kind" book or manuscript may be converted and read by millions as opposed to perishing in a basement flood during a hurricane season. The beauty of the technology has a flipside, and tantamount to a publisher's nightmare, the total loss of control over ownership and rightful compensation. Many are honest, some are not, and the honest are under constant temptation. We are just people, and not perfect.

I am enchanted by these technologies, and wish to learn more.

02-18-2009, 08:44 AM	#125
stevejay Enthusiast Posts: 48 Karma: 209 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Sony 500 prs	The author of the original article did not make his case at all! If it was an argumentative essay in school, I'd say a solid C. He goes on to praise the virtues of MD, (did he mention the environmental aspects at all?) but closes with the idea that these technologies are devices he can live without.... Unless I missed part 2 of this essay, what are the exact reasons he can forgo these technologies? The book has had a long and robust history, it is a technology in itself. But like many technologies, they reach the end of their viability and must adapt to newer circumstances. It is not a painless transition, there are legal and proprietary concerns, technology concerns, and fear that important works may be lost or altered in some way. But viewed in another sense, a "one of a kind" book or manuscript may be converted and read by millions as opposed to perishing in a basement flood during a hurricane season. The beauty of the technology has a flipside, and tantamount to a publisher's nightmare, the total loss of control over ownership and rightful compensation. Many are honest, some are not, and the honest are under constant temptation. We are just people, and not perfect. I am enchanted by these technologies, and wish to learn more. Last edited by stevejay; 02-18-2009 at 08:55 AM.