Will E-Books Survive?

[TadW]

But what are the advantages of having a popular novel on e-book format over printed format? Can you take it to the beach? Or relax with it in the tub? No. Is it cheaper or easier to read? No. In fact, e-books actually bring additional concerns to readers, such as whether the battery in your e-book reader needs to be replaced or recharged.

I don't necessarily agree with Brighthand author Steven Bush; make your own opinion and read here .

[jasondv]

Originally posted by TadW
I don't necessarily agree with Brighthand author Steven Bush.

Neither do I. Although I'm an old-fashioned reader who really likes the smell and feel of a new book and who appreciates subtle design cues (choice of typeface, margins, use of white space, etc.) in well designed books, the time I spend reading e-books has crept up to match the time I spend reading p-books.

Sure, the disadvantages that Steve Bush mentions can be a little annoying, but I find it funny that he hardly mentions the advantages that e-books have over p-books (e.g., portablility, bookmarks, annotations, no need for a light, etc.). Also, some of the good qualities that he cites for digital photos and music (falling cost of memory cards, easier to carry a small card than a bunch of CDs) are easily applicable to e-books.

Finally, the fact that e-books are not yet "better, cheaper, and easier" is not inherent in their being e-books, IMO; methinks that it has more to do with the way DRM has been implemented in e-books and the inconvenience that current DRM schemes pose for e-book readers.

I think the potential for the e-book market to grow is still there, and that there will be room for both formats for some time to come.

Just my $0.02