Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
Eh, I have no issue with the term "real books" and I know I've used it here. Real v. virtual, what's the problem? By objecting to the term "real books" you're just buying into the mindset of the paperites.
"Ebooks aren't real books." *sniff*
"You're right. Ebooks are virtual books."
It's the responder who owns that exchange. At a minimum, it forces the paperite to define terms.
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Paperite.
It's the meaning that counts, IMO. If you, ZodWallop or any other old, longtime member here who is well known to read and like ebooks uses the phrase "real books", of course I would not take offense. I doubt I'd even notice. What's objectionable is someone specifically using "real books" to diminish or belittle ebooks or audiobooks. As in "I prefer real books", "Nothing beats the smell and feel of real books" and so on. In short, when the speaker/poster means (consciously or subconsciously) to convey the perceived inferiority of ebooks.
Now, would I get all bothered by such a statement? Would I call them out on it? Probably not. Let them think what they like.