How did you feel about reading a paper book after The Transition? - Page 5

nelsonescorcio · 10-13-2009, 09:25 AM

The absolutely only thing I miss about treebooks (I like the word) is the better contrast. The contrast ratio of actual e-ink screens must improve. With good light, it's fine. But if you read at night, in bed, with a not so bright light, than you feel the diference. The paper is still superior in this regard.

I hope the next generation of e-ink devices come fast! (2010 will be the year, it seems)

I haven't read a treebook for about 16 months now! (seems like I am in some kind of therapy!

)

Regards

neilmarr · 10-13-2009, 12:47 PM

Getcha, Nelson -- it's not exactly jet black on sheer white (is that the best presentation?), but the whole idea is in its infancy and things can only get better. Tell you what, though; after over half a century of reading in bed, I find an ereader -- with all its faults -- vastly superior to a treebook for many practical reasons. Like others here, I've found that the amount of recreational reading I do now that I have an e-reader has vastly increased. And -- I kid you not -- I'm a died-in-the-wool bookworm who prefers reading to (almost) anything. Hoots. Neil

narbeauchamp · 10-13-2009, 01:32 PM

I still have thousands of pbooks ,and still purchase them. I often can't decide if I want to buy something electronically,that ultimately I probably want to read and swap. I do wish it were easier to share books .I think what I am going to start doing,is have a "loaner reader" (which will probably be my 505,once its fixed,or maybe even a prs 300)-so that I can have an additional device on my account-where when I want to share a book (obviously with a very close friend or relative,so I can keep track of the device)-I would simply loan them the reader like I normally loan them a book. I have for many years done swaps with friends and family,am just now starting to do so with people I don't really know.Plus,I really enjoy traditional books still. I don't really see one replacing the other,just enhancing-so that I can read more,when I'm away from home especially.

neilmarr · 10-14-2009, 02:42 AM

Maybe I'm in an unusual situation being exclusively English-reading (as far as novels are concerned) in a quiet part of France. Originally, new books were bought from English bookshops in Cannes and Nice (count on paying up to double cover price). Then a few years ago, health problems kicked in and I became housebound and reliant on online stores with P&P charges from the UK or US again doubling the cost of books -- sometimes P&P can be several times the price of a discounted book. Maybe this makes me heavily biased in favour of ebook readers. Pay once for the device and then read what you like without fear of the poor house. I do have a strong feeling, though, that I'd be an enthusiastic ereader fan even without the local hitch. Cheers. Neil

banjomike · 10-14-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilmarr

With ruthless dedication, I've consigned about five-hundred books to the dumpster. I doubt they'll ever be replaced by new treebooks -- who needs 'em? N

I could never throw books into a dumpster, certainly not 500 of them.

Unless you weere using a figure of speech.

Any I decide to, um, release, would go to a local charity shop or in a few instances to eBay.

kennyc · 10-14-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banjomike

I could never throw books into a dumpster, certainly not 500 of them.

Unless you weere using a figure of speech.

Any I decide to, um, release, would go to a local charity shop or in a few instances to eBay.

at least donate them to the local library or friends of the library book sale...

neilmarr · 10-15-2009, 04:08 AM

I literally can't give English-language books away anywhere here. There used to be a local English church jumble sale years ago where I'd donate scores of books every three months, but that's defunct now. I've stacked the shelves in a couple of nearby holiday apartments where English-speaking visitors sometimes hang out, some local dentist and doctor waiting rooms now have a few titles and I've given as many as they'll accept to local hotels. I have also stored/displayed other books in good condition in the communal garage at my own place where any English-speaking visitors vacationing here can help themselves, but as for the others ... I'm afraid it's the dumpster.

Breaks my heart to see millions of heart-wrung words trashed (I've been a pro writer and editor for nearly forty-five years -- so you can imagine that it ain't easy to say bye-bye): But don't forget, major publishers see 60% of their mass print runs destroyed now. Hardbacks are usually returned by retailers if unsold, but the cost of returning paperbacks to base for pulping is such that the (ridiculous) sale-or-return deal with retailers actually means sale-or-destroy. And, as far as I've been able, I've not removed anything from my shelves that has sentimental value or isn't now available in ebook format.

Those who have thrift shops, local friends and neighbours and family nearby to keep cull their collections and keep them under control will, hopefully, never have to make the painflul decision I did to give books to the only folks who can make at least some use of them ... the local council's re-cycling garbage collectors. Examples of some of the world's best loved literature will now become grocery bags, kitchen rools and toilet paper. It's nothing less than tragic, but if you could have seen the state of my wee apartment, you'd understand why the clear-out was necessary.

Very best. Neil

mores · 10-15-2009, 05:29 AM

Neil ... if you ever need a nick on this site, I suggest "Wee-Man"

peitsao · 10-15-2009, 07:58 AM

I love the smell of a new paperback book (must be an addiction).
Can't find most of the academic books I need on ebook.
DRM issues are a mess--don't have time to research all the new readers w/their own special DRM requirements.
Want wifi so I don't have to sync with a computer.
Am always fearful that I will drop my 505 and break it.
Love the large fonts as I turned 60 this week and hate reading glasses!
Love the ability to read lots of books without having to find a place to store them.
Love the ebook sellers who let me read a few chapters of a new book before I buy a book (saves gas money driving to local bookstore).

We have a long way to go, but making progress every year!

neilmarr · 10-15-2009, 08:57 AM

***if you ever need a nick on this site, I suggest "Wee-Man"***

A dreaful wee habit, eh, Mores? There are some things about being Scottish that the world just can't drum out of you.

Peitsao: Thanks for the friendly hook up. I just beat you to the sixty line by four months, so I get what you're saying. I tend to hang out and read mostly at home or on the terrace outside, so I don't share your fear of dropping the 505 and don't fuss about linking up to a PC or laptop, so wi-fi's not a serious consideration. I understand your own feeling, though. And I sure am with you on the storage issue and the value of font sizing to suit the old eyes. The whole ebook idea, I think, is going to encourage valuable reading among younger generations ... but a few more old fogies like thee and me should discover just how much it extends their life as bookworms and just how darned comfortable and convenient it is. Hoots. Neil

peitsao · 10-17-2009, 03:22 PM

Neil,

I love the font size on the buggers and am even thinking of getting one for my mom! She is 80 this year and still reads a lot of books at the library. Actually, the libraries in our state are going digital, and am hopeful that they will add epub. Right now it is limited to computer reading, which is awk to carry around even on a small netbook. Once I know what format will be library standard where she lives, I will get one for her too.
Pei

Teyrnon · 10-17-2009, 04:26 PM

I was developing an aversion to paper based on allergic sensitivities which led to my finally going for a reader. I've been happily using my readers for about 2 and 3 months respectively. I still feel an aversion to paper but I'm hoping it'll subside in time. For now, I have no desire to pick up a paper book unless I absolutely have to for reference.

10-13-2009, 09:25 AM	#61
nelsonescorcio Zealot Posts: 108 Karma: 102 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Portugal Device: Cybook Gen 3	The absolutely only thing I miss about treebooks (I like the word) is the better contrast. The contrast ratio of actual e-ink screens must improve. With good light, it's fine. But if you read at night, in bed, with a not so bright light, than you feel the diference. The paper is still superior in this regard. I hope the next generation of e-ink devices come fast! (2010 will be the year, it seems) I haven't read a treebook for about 16 months now! (seems like I am in some kind of therapy!) Regards Last edited by nelsonescorcio; 10-14-2009 at 09:32 AM.

10-15-2009, 04:08 AM	#67
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	I literally can't give English-language books away anywhere here. There used to be a local English church jumble sale years ago where I'd donate scores of books every three months, but that's defunct now. I've stacked the shelves in a couple of nearby holiday apartments where English-speaking visitors sometimes hang out, some local dentist and doctor waiting rooms now have a few titles and I've given as many as they'll accept to local hotels. I have also stored/displayed other books in good condition in the communal garage at my own place where any English-speaking visitors vacationing here can help themselves, but as for the others ... I'm afraid it's the dumpster. Breaks my heart to see millions of heart-wrung words trashed (I've been a pro writer and editor for nearly forty-five years -- so you can imagine that it ain't easy to say bye-bye): But don't forget, major publishers see 60% of their mass print runs destroyed now. Hardbacks are usually returned by retailers if unsold, but the cost of returning paperbacks to base for pulping is such that the (ridiculous) sale-or-return deal with retailers actually means sale-or-destroy. And, as far as I've been able, I've not removed anything from my shelves that has sentimental value or isn't now available in ebook format. Those who have thrift shops, local friends and neighbours and family nearby to keep cull their collections and keep them under control will, hopefully, never have to make the painflul decision I did to give books to the only folks who can make at least some use of them ... the local council's re-cycling garbage collectors. Examples of some of the world's best loved literature will now become grocery bags, kitchen rools and toilet paper. It's nothing less than tragic, but if you could have seen the state of my wee apartment, you'd understand why the clear-out was necessary. Very best. Neil Last edited by neilmarr; 10-15-2009 at 04:33 AM. Reason: typo

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10-13-2009, 12:47 PM	#62
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	Getcha, Nelson -- it's not exactly jet black on sheer white (is that the best presentation?), but the whole idea is in its infancy and things can only get better. Tell you what, though; after over half a century of reading in bed, I find an ereader -- with all its faults -- vastly superior to a treebook for many practical reasons. Like others here, I've found that the amount of recreational reading I do now that I have an e-reader has vastly increased. And -- I kid you not -- I'm a died-in-the-wool bookworm who prefers reading to (almost) anything. Hoots. Neil

10-13-2009, 01:32 PM	#63
narbeauchamp Groupie Posts: 170 Karma: 98 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York,NY Device: PRS700BC/PRS505/TZ350N/MacBook/Aspire One/iPad/iPhone/BB 9630	I still have thousands of pbooks ,and still purchase them. I often can't decide if I want to buy something electronically,that ultimately I probably want to read and swap. I do wish it were easier to share books .I think what I am going to start doing,is have a "loaner reader" (which will probably be my 505,once its fixed,or maybe even a prs 300)-so that I can have an additional device on my account-where when I want to share a book (obviously with a very close friend or relative,so I can keep track of the device)-I would simply loan them the reader like I normally loan them a book. I have for many years done swaps with friends and family,am just now starting to do so with people I don't really know.Plus,I really enjoy traditional books still. I don't really see one replacing the other,just enhancing-so that I can read more,when I'm away from home especially.

10-14-2009, 02:42 AM	#64
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	Maybe I'm in an unusual situation being exclusively English-reading (as far as novels are concerned) in a quiet part of France. Originally, new books were bought from English bookshops in Cannes and Nice (count on paying up to double cover price). Then a few years ago, health problems kicked in and I became housebound and reliant on online stores with P&P charges from the UK or US again doubling the cost of books -- sometimes P&P can be several times the price of a discounted book. Maybe this makes me heavily biased in favour of ebook readers. Pay once for the device and then read what you like without fear of the poor house. I do have a strong feeling, though, that I'd be an enthusiastic ereader fan even without the local hitch. Cheers. Neil

10-15-2009, 05:29 AM	#68
mores Guru Posts: 834 Karma: 102419 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vienna, Austria Device: iPhone	Neil ... if you ever need a nick on this site, I suggest "Wee-Man"

10-15-2009, 07:58 AM	#69
peitsao Addict Posts: 211 Karma: 32760 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Allegheny Mountains Device: Kobo mini, PW3,NookST	I love the smell of a new paperback book (must be an addiction). Can't find most of the academic books I need on ebook. DRM issues are a mess--don't have time to research all the new readers w/their own special DRM requirements. Want wifi so I don't have to sync with a computer. Am always fearful that I will drop my 505 and break it. Love the large fonts as I turned 60 this week and hate reading glasses! Love the ability to read lots of books without having to find a place to store them. Love the ebook sellers who let me read a few chapters of a new book before I buy a book (saves gas money driving to local bookstore). We have a long way to go, but making progress every year!

10-15-2009, 08:57 AM	#70
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	*if you ever need a nick on this site, I suggest "Wee-Man"* A dreaful wee habit, eh, Mores? There are some things about being Scottish that the world just can't drum out of you. Peitsao: Thanks for the friendly hook up. I just beat you to the sixty line by four months, so I get what you're saying. I tend to hang out and read mostly at home or on the terrace outside, so I don't share your fear of dropping the 505 and don't fuss about linking up to a PC or laptop, so wi-fi's not a serious consideration. I understand your own feeling, though. And I sure am with you on the storage issue and the value of font sizing to suit the old eyes. The whole ebook idea, I think, is going to encourage valuable reading among younger generations ... but a few more old fogies like thee and me should discover just how much it extends their life as bookworms and just how darned comfortable and convenient it is. Hoots. Neil

10-17-2009, 03:22 PM	#71
peitsao Addict Posts: 211 Karma: 32760 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Allegheny Mountains Device: Kobo mini, PW3,NookST	Neil, I love the font size on the buggers and am even thinking of getting one for my mom! She is 80 this year and still reads a lot of books at the library. Actually, the libraries in our state are going digital, and am hopeful that they will add epub. Right now it is limited to computer reading, which is awk to carry around even on a small netbook. Once I know what format will be library standard where she lives, I will get one for her too. Pei

10-17-2009, 04:26 PM	#72
Teyrnon Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 384 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Eastern United States Device: jetBook, Kindle DX, Kindle 3, Kindle Fire, Nook Simple Touch	I was developing an aversion to paper based on allergic sensitivities which led to my finally going for a reader. I've been happily using my readers for about 2 and 3 months respectively. I still feel an aversion to paper but I'm hoping it'll subside in time. For now, I have no desire to pick up a paper book unless I absolutely have to for reference.

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