Quote:
Originally Posted by Dylrob
My point was that the term refers to the medium. And I also think "EBook" should perhaps refer to the devices, not the files.
That said, I think ultimately "book" could well be what people call these. Just as the word "calculator" went from referring to various mechanical aids to the modern electronic device we use today. And "computer" from a person skilled at computing information to the thing you're sitting in front of right this moment.
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So you too would like to change our lexicon, but you would rather it go a different direction. The problem with your proposal is that "ebook" already has a definition: electronic book. "Email" means electronic mail - which is also simply a file that can be read on many devices. In the same manner, ebooks can be read on different devices (not just liseuses). So you aren't just proposing a change in the use of the word "ebook", but in the "e" prefix as well.
Until paper books go away, "book" will refer to them. As it is, there needs to be a word for ebook devices. "Book" doesn't suffice because in its current usage it refers to paper books. "I'm going to buy a new book and I don't know what kind to get" doesn't convey the message that one intends to purchase a new device dedicated to reading ebooks.