Why E-Books Will Succeed-- from webworkerdaily.com

flumbo · 05-01-2007, 12:57 AM

Here's a short post on webworkerdaily.com rebutting the recent ComputerWorld article "Why eBooks are Bound to Fail"

http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/04/30...-will-succeed/

They argue that ebooks won't replace paper books, but are a good compliment the same way post-it notes are still useful in a world with Outlook task lists.

I agree with the author-- she even mentions the often-heard arguement "But I can't take my ebook into the tub". That's what paper books are for.

rlauzon · 05-01-2007, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flumbo

I agree with the author-- she even mentions the often-heard arguement "But I can't take my ebook into the tub". That's what paper books are for.

Ya, but the argument isn't valid.

I can't take my paper books into the tub either - at least not until they start making them with waterproof paper. (The books I buy tend to not be mass-market - i.e. cheap - paperbacks and I would be very sad to ruin them by getting them wet.)

flumbo · 05-01-2007, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlauzon

Ya, but the argument isn't valid.

I can't take my paper books into the tub either - at least not until they start making them with waterproof paper. (The books I buy tend to not be mass-market - i.e. cheap - paperbacks and I would be very sad to ruin them by getting them wet.)

Oh, I agree with you. I've never understood the appeal of reading in a tub but that seems to be the main argument you see when people discuss why ebooks don't work. Well, that and the people who seem to spend more time smelling and fondling the book than they do reading it.

astra · 05-01-2007, 05:59 AM

I used to read books while taking a bath some 15 years ago when I used to borrow books in Uni library. Not anymore. I buy mostly only hardback editions (I dislike paperbacks that look awful after I read them 1 time) and I would loath to take a book that costs 13 quid~25$ into a room full of hot steam. I also like to collect books. However, with eInk I realised that I enjoy reading ebooks as much as I used to enjoy reading hardback editions. There are certain situation when a real book is nicer and some situations when e-book reader is more convenient. So, I think they co-exist

As far as I can see there are a few issues.
If I spend 13-15 quid ($24-28)on a hardback, I am not prepared to spend even half of the sum on its electronic duplicate in addition to what I have already spent on hardback. Prices on ebooks are way, way over the top imho. At the same time there are books that it is very difficult to obtain them in hardback editions (they are out of print and only their paperback equivalent can be found for a reasonable price) and sometimes you are not sure about a certain book, is it good or not, is it worth $25? So, in this situation I would probably opt(in the past) for a cheaper paperback edition, but since a purchase of eInk book reader I have given up on paperback editions entirely. I would rather spend the money for ebook (Non DRM) but again for a reasonable price which is supposed to be less than paperback books, then if I really liked the book I can buy its hardback version, if I didn’t like the book then I can leave it as it is and not to worry that I wasted too much of my money.
Another issue AFAIK is that writers benefit only from 1st print hardback editions, they are being paid peanuts from any other editions. So, all the high prices we get on ebooks is a greediness of publishers who want to profit from someone’s else labor. They want to do nothing and to get rich. They are gotta reconsider their position in today’s world.

NatCh · 05-01-2007, 01:35 PM

Oh, how quickly we forget ....

You can't do this with a paper book but devices like the iLiad, and the Sony Reader work just fine inside an appropriately sized Ziplock bag.

yvanleterrible · 05-01-2007, 02:23 PM

I've seen a tv in a bathroom. It was protected behind a glass screen. One could instead rig up a computer the same way and use it to read with the aid of a cheap wireless mouse.

stxopher · 05-01-2007, 03:48 PM

Why that's...that's....BRILLIANT! A trained mouse behind the glass that will click the button to flip the page every time you tap on the glass. Brilliant I say!

(Err, that was what you meant, wasn't it?)

yvanleterrible · 05-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Obviously there is a computer next to the monitor or does it have to be pointed out.

by the mouse maybe?

stxopher · 05-02-2007, 07:50 AM

Well of course there would have to be a computer near the monitor. Don't be silly. If there wasn't then how would the mouse use the keyboard? (I guess it could use a "Mouse" version of Dragon Naturally Speaking but where would you get the tiny, tiny headsets for it?)

Robert Marquard · 05-02-2007, 08:24 AM

My main argument for ebooks is that i can take many of them with me. No wrong decision in the morning which paper book to take with me.

yvanleterrible · 05-02-2007, 09:15 AM

Okay! I hear you!

I did not, because of time, express the full extent of the thinking behind my last post. Here it is.

There have been numerous posts about protecting the expensive readers used while reading in the bathtub. And on posts # 2-3-4 of this thread also. I did not want to quote directly but just underline the subject and add just an other thought.

Being a building type of person (sorry I'm not a programmer

), this subject piqued me and I had to find a solution. After seeing that TV in the bathroom it was natural to think of a computer in its place. You can get a very old computer for next to nothing or even have one donated. It does'nt need to be the latest thing because reading text is not something very demanding on it. Next to the screen you also need to put the wireless mouse's sensor or whatever you call it. The one I have is on the end of a USB wire, it's easily installed in a small hole through a wall. You'll have to build a box of shelf behind the chosen wall to house everything. If it's an outside wall forget it, it's a much too expensive proposition. I have a closet behind the shower wall, the perfect setup. Installing a wireless mouse adds the security of not frying the USB port if you drop the mouse in the water. The most expensive part would be the window... and don't skimp on silicone.

Adding up everything, it's a cheaper solution than dropping the reader in the tub. Some of the solutions I've seen were just as time intensive as this one. You also have the added bonus of maybe doing some work there too! Just add a small wireless keyboard.

I forgot the mouse nest on the edge of the tub...

dhbailey · 05-02-2007, 10:48 AM

Or you could experiment with those food bags which claim to be waterproof and have the double-seals.

Put something like the reader in one, seal it well, and put it in the sink/tub and see if the water stays out.

I'm not so worried about dropping the reader in the tub as I am worried about splashing it and getting water in the device and shorting things out.

The food storage bag would certainly take care of that without building anything, and if they're actually waterproof as they advertise, then the reader can be used in the tub more safely than a paper book, since the page turn buttons will be available to press through the bag.

yvanleterrible · 05-02-2007, 11:47 AM

Yes! I do believe it to be one of the better alternatives too!

Xenophon · 05-02-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhbailey

Or you could experiment with those food bags which claim to be waterproof and have the double-seals.

Put something like the reader in one, seal it well, and put it in the sink/tub and see if the water stays out.

I'm not so worried about dropping the reader in the tub as I am worried about splashing it and getting water in the device and shorting things out.

The food storage bag would certainly take care of that without building anything, and if they're actually waterproof as they advertise, then the reader can be used in the tub more safely than a paper book, since the page turn buttons will be available to press through the bag.

The Sony Reader is the third device for which I've used the ZipLoc Protection Device Strategy (TM) while reading in the tub. Works great! The reader is more convenient in the tub than a paper book is. Just one more advantage of eBooks.

Xenophon

nekokami · 05-02-2007, 04:35 PM

I'm generally in a hurry when bathing, so I'm more of a shower person than a bath person, and reading while bathing is just right out.

On the other hand, I can readily imagine putting my iLiad into a ziplock to float around on the lake.

And I do use my ebook reader while exercising on the treadmill-- I find this much easier than reading a paper book.

For what it's worth, Mike Elgan, the Computerworld author of “Why e-books are bound to fail,” responded positively to this blog post.

05-01-2007, 12:57 AM	#1
flumbo I got nothin... Posts: 127 Karma: 302 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hawaii	Why E-Books Will Succeed-- from webworkerdaily.com Here's a short post on webworkerdaily.com rebutting the recent ComputerWorld article "Why eBooks are Bound to Fail" http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/04/30...-will-succeed/ They argue that ebooks won't replace paper books, but are a good compliment the same way post-it notes are still useful in a world with Outlook task lists. I agree with the author-- she even mentions the often-heard arguement "But I can't take my ebook into the tub". That's what paper books are for.

05-01-2007, 05:59 AM	#4
astra The Introvert Posts: 8,307 Karma: 1000077497 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United Kingdom Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500	I used to read books while taking a bath some 15 years ago when I used to borrow books in Uni library. Not anymore. I buy mostly only hardback editions (I dislike paperbacks that look awful after I read them 1 time) and I would loath to take a book that costs 13 quid~25$ into a room full of hot steam. I also like to collect books. However, with eInk I realised that I enjoy reading ebooks as much as I used to enjoy reading hardback editions. There are certain situation when a real book is nicer and some situations when e-book reader is more convenient. So, I think they co-exist As far as I can see there are a few issues. If I spend 13-15 quid ($24-28)on a hardback, I am not prepared to spend even half of the sum on its electronic duplicate in addition to what I have already spent on hardback. Prices on ebooks are way, way over the top imho. At the same time there are books that it is very difficult to obtain them in hardback editions (they are out of print and only their paperback equivalent can be found for a reasonable price) and sometimes you are not sure about a certain book, is it good or not, is it worth $25? So, in this situation I would probably opt(in the past) for a cheaper paperback edition, but since a purchase of eInk book reader I have given up on paperback editions entirely. I would rather spend the money for ebook (Non DRM) but again for a reasonable price which is supposed to be less than paperback books, then if I really liked the book I can buy its hardback version, if I didn’t like the book then I can leave it as it is and not to worry that I wasted too much of my money. Another issue AFAIK is that writers benefit only from 1st print hardback editions, they are being paid peanuts from any other editions. So, all the high prices we get on ebooks is a greediness of publishers who want to profit from someone’s else labor. They want to do nothing and to get rich. They are gotta reconsider their position in today’s world. Last edited by astra; 05-01-2007 at 06:11 AM. Reason: grammar...

05-01-2007, 02:23 PM	#6
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	I've seen a tv in a bathroom. It was protected behind a glass screen. One could instead rig up a computer the same way and use it to read with the aid of a cheap wireless mouse. Last edited by yvanleterrible; 05-02-2007 at 08:32 AM.

05-02-2007, 09:15 AM	#11
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Okay! I hear you! I did not, because of time, express the full extent of the thinking behind my last post. Here it is. There have been numerous posts about protecting the expensive readers used while reading in the bathtub. And on posts # 2-3-4 of this thread also. I did not want to quote directly but just underline the subject and add just an other thought. Being a building type of person (sorry I'm not a programmer ), this subject piqued me and I had to find a solution. After seeing that TV in the bathroom it was natural to think of a computer in its place. You can get a very old computer for next to nothing or even have one donated. It does'nt need to be the latest thing because reading text is not something very demanding on it. Next to the screen you also need to put the wireless mouse's sensor or whatever you call it. The one I have is on the end of a USB wire, it's easily installed in a small hole through a wall. You'll have to build a box of shelf behind the chosen wall to house everything. If it's an outside wall forget it, it's a much too expensive proposition. I have a closet behind the shower wall, the perfect setup. Installing a wireless mouse adds the security of not frying the USB port if you drop the mouse in the water. The most expensive part would be the window... and don't skimp on silicone. Adding up everything, it's a cheaper solution than dropping the reader in the tub. Some of the solutions I've seen were just as time intensive as this one. You also have the added bonus of maybe doing some work there too! Just add a small wireless keyboard. I forgot the mouse nest on the edge of the tub... Last edited by yvanleterrible; 05-02-2007 at 10:05 AM.

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05-01-2007, 01:35 PM	#5
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Oh, how quickly we forget .... You can't do this with a paper book but devices like the iLiad, and the Sony Reader work just fine inside an appropriately sized Ziplock bag.

05-01-2007, 03:48 PM	#7
stxopher Nameless Being	Why that's...that's....BRILLIANT! A trained mouse behind the glass that will click the button to flip the page every time you tap on the glass. Brilliant I say! (Err, that was what you meant, wasn't it?)

05-01-2007, 05:08 PM	#8
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Obviously there is a computer next to the monitor or does it have to be pointed out. by the mouse maybe?

05-02-2007, 07:50 AM	#9
stxopher Nameless Being	Well of course there would have to be a computer near the monitor. Don't be silly. If there wasn't then how would the mouse use the keyboard? (I guess it could use a "Mouse" version of Dragon Naturally Speaking but where would you get the tiny, tiny headsets for it?)

05-02-2007, 08:24 AM	#10
Robert Marquard Delphi-Guy Posts: 285 Karma: 1151 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Berlin, Germany Device: iLiad, Palm T3	My main argument for ebooks is that i can take many of them with me. No wrong decision in the morning which paper book to take with me.

05-02-2007, 10:48 AM	#12
dhbailey Guru Posts: 604 Karma: 733 Join Date: Mar 2007 Device: HP iPAQ211 / PRS 500, 700 and 505	Or you could experiment with those food bags which claim to be waterproof and have the double-seals. Put something like the reader in one, seal it well, and put it in the sink/tub and see if the water stays out. I'm not so worried about dropping the reader in the tub as I am worried about splashing it and getting water in the device and shorting things out. The food storage bag would certainly take care of that without building anything, and if they're actually waterproof as they advertise, then the reader can be used in the tub more safely than a paper book, since the page turn buttons will be available to press through the bag.

05-02-2007, 11:47 AM	#13
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Yes! I do believe it to be one of the better alternatives too!

05-02-2007, 04:35 PM	#15
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	I'm generally in a hurry when bathing, so I'm more of a shower person than a bath person, and reading while bathing is just right out. On the other hand, I can readily imagine putting my iLiad into a ziplock to float around on the lake. And I do use my ebook reader while exercising on the treadmill-- I find this much easier than reading a paper book. For what it's worth, Mike Elgan, the Computerworld author of “Why e-books are bound to fail,” responded positively to this blog post.

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