Be a faster, better reader...

[Yolina]

I read fast enough as it is, and as Apache said, it's not a race.

What will they think of next? For a quick boost just stick your fingers in a socket?!

[Apache]

I can see it now: reading races. Instead of Nathan's sponsoring an eating contest, Amazon or B&N could sponsor reading contests. Instead of IFCE (The International Federation of Competitive Eating) we could have the IFCR (The International Federation of Competitive Reading.
Apache

[Freeshadow]

I think that trying to read "artificially" (i.e. by every method other than training by doing) faster than ones minds data stream processing speed is leading to losses, like "I read a $_datachunk and forget it almost immediately" There's a lot more involved into the process than mere eyeball scan. This, mental processing - digesting and embedding the sorted stuff into your memory network has to match.
That's why I'm also mostly sceptical about speed reading techniques and such.

Apart from that +1 to Apache's argument: reading is joy, why should I haste to the point of being done with!?
I don't with other joys either.

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by Freeshadow

I think that trying to read "artificially" (i.e. by every method other than training by doing) faster than ones minds data stream processing speed is leading to losses, like "I read a $_datachunk and forget it almost immediately" There's a lot more involved into the process than mere eyeball scan. This, mental processing - digesting and embedding the sorted stuff into your memory network has to match.
That's why I'm also mostly sceptical about speed reading techniques and such.

Apart from that +1 to Apache's argument: reading is joy, why should I haste to the point of being done with!?
I don't with other joys either.

Probably you are right about the datachunks, but I put it down to old age on my part. I remember the books I read forty years ago with almost embarrassing clarity and I read faster then I think.

I took speed reading (SRA) in elementary school starting in grade 3 I believe. It was optional for those who were caught up on their schoolwork. I actually enjoyed those little colour coded folders

I too enjoy my reading, although I rarely enjoy rereading.

I guess if I thought I could read faster and enjoy it as much I would go for it. I doubt I would like it any better or even as well, but who knows.

Where books are concerned I am greedy. It is equally thrilling for me to read a book as yet unread by a favorite author as to discover a new author I really enjoy. And there are many authors I like very much at any time and many I like on occasion. At least 1,000 authors which probably equates to 10,000 books and the list keeps growing.

I know I can never read them all, and while it doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for what I can and do read, it still saddens me on occasion.

Helen

[~Kate]

Ewwww! They look like frog fingers.

Reminds me of the old War of the Worlds movie at the very end.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by kevinp

I can see it now... brain tumors caused from prolonged use...

As I recall some have said the same thing about the use of Cell Phones. No idea if there is a real basis to it. Of course I don't use mine 24/7 either.

[Grace Elliot]

There are perfectly good speed reading techniques that you can teach yourself without resorting to this sort of thing. Honestly though, if you have a really good book you don't want it to end so I tend to savour every word and slow up!