I want your opinion!

chantelbrenna · 10-12-2012, 05:05 PM

I am currently doing a research project on eBooks, and I stumbled across this website (hallelujah!). I have read through some of the threads, and I want to get an idea of why you enjoy reading, writing, or publishing eBooks, as opposed to hard-copy books.

I don't currently own an eReader, but my mom has a Nook, and so I have the Nook app on my phone and we buy and share books. I really love it, because it allows me to carry books with me on my phone at school, instead of lugging around one more book, in addition to my text books and binders.

I know this is a really broad question, but I want to leave the discussion open to whatever you want to say! All of your feedback is appreciated.

susan_cassidy · 10-12-2012, 05:37 PM

I love ebooks because I can carry multiple books around with me, and because I can change the font size. Also, because I'm no longer cluttering up the house with more books.

QuantumIguana · 10-12-2012, 05:39 PM

Both paper books and e-books have their advantages, and I read both. E-books are convenient, I can hold a library in my hand. Books that were hard to find in paper are easy to find as an e-book. I had always wanted to read Don Quixote, but I didn't relish lugging around an a 1000+ page book. I could easily enough buy a copy in paper, but what if I didn't like it, and never got around to reading it? Or I could buy a used copy cheaply, but with old paper books, the paper can be yellowed and hard to read. With an e-book, it was free, and the e-ink screen was easy on the eyes.

Then there's the ability to change the font size. I'm reading The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant in paper, and the font is tiny. I keep wanting to increase the font size.

There are so many free books out there. When I first got my e-reader, I was grabbing up every free book I could. I've since slowed down, and only get books I want to read, even if they are free. Project Gutenberg is a fantastic source. I still buy books though.

The dictionary feature is a big plus. With paper, if you don't know a word, you can dig out a paper dictionary, figure it out by context or just skip over it. But with the e-reader, the definitions right there.

Not everyone likes it, but I enjoy the text to speech feature on the Kindle 3. It's great for when I'm in the car.

Paper books have benefits too. You can sell them or give them away. You can buy them used at a reduced price. And a bookshelf is, in my opinion, an enjoyable way to search for a book.

ucfgrad93 · 10-12-2012, 05:48 PM

I prefer ebooks for several reasons: (in no particular order)

1. Can shop and get a new book on my Kindle in a few minutes.
2. I can carry around hundreds of books in a small package.
3. Built in dictionary.
4. Free books.

Penforhire · 10-12-2012, 06:02 PM

I started e-reading years ago because my bookshelves were overflowing (again). That'll never happen to me with e-books because electronic memory is cheap. I continue to e-read for many other reasons but a big one is having several e-books without the bulk of p-books when I travel.

silverraven · 10-12-2012, 06:32 PM

Three main reasons for me:
1. I can make the fonts as big as I can for my bad eyes!
2. Lightweight so it doesn't hurt my hand/wrist.
3. I can carry bunches and bunches of books with me!
S

lioslaith · 10-12-2012, 07:01 PM

Originally I began turning to ebooks more and more due to size constraints when we downsized to a smaller house after my brother married and left home.

Then as my disabilities advanced an ereader is easier on my joints, esp. on days when my hands/wrists are badly swollen/stiff. Also not having to hold my book/device directly in front of my eyes is great. I can increase font and have my device sitting on my lap or on the bed beside me while I lie/sit in a whichever position in most comfortable for me at the time.

RainingLemur · 10-12-2012, 08:08 PM

1. Convenience of carrying around multiple books in the palm of my hand.
2. Ease of shopping, near-instant delivery.
3. It's an electronic gizmo, so I'm already attracted to it.
4. I find it easier to read on my Kindle than in an actual book.

cfrizz · 10-13-2012, 11:36 AM

I got an ereader because I can adjust the font size to something that is comfortable for me to read. I don't clutter my apartment with books, I can carry my entire library with me everywhere I go.

jersysman · 10-13-2012, 11:52 AM

I got an ereader initially because I was tired of losing books during my various moves (especially while in the military). I re-bought books numerous times because of this. The ereader just makes it more convenient for me to have my entire library at hand and lets me read whatever I want whenever I want.

alecE · 10-13-2012, 11:54 AM

eBooks solve my problem of no more shelf space plus they offer a portability that is impossible with pbooks.
I can purchase old pbooks and format-shift them to digital (thank you Sigil & Calibre).
I can overcome DRM (thank you Apprentice Alf) and correct the errors in commercial ebooks (and improve the front covers - no thanks to Random House for their *boring* covers!)

Biggest (and only) downside is my impending bankruptcy as I buy far more books now that I used to when restricted to paper.

exscentric · 10-13-2012, 12:08 PM

I have thousands of books, all free and I would not be able to walk through our small house if they were all in my space instead of digital space. Secondly, I think I have dyslexia - at any rate I read on ereaders but never touch real books unless forced to. I could read on pc/laptop but ereaders are much easier.

I have a kindle with 1400+ books on it as of date, most all free. I have collected other digital books from the net and have in the 20,000 area at present on my desktop.

My wife likes this type of collecting much better than old cars :-)

NickyWithNook · 10-13-2012, 12:11 PM

I don't like to accumulate physical books because they take up space and become clutter.
I like to be able to adjust the font as my eyes aren't that great anymore.
If I want a book, I can just get it without running out to the book store.
I can carry tons of books with me if I'm going on a trip or something.
There are free and very inexpensive books available.
I don't have to worry about my toddler taking out the bookmark. She ignores ereaders but can't keep her hands off a book with a bookmark in it.

elemenoP · 10-13-2012, 12:15 PM

I purchased my ereader when our local library closed for renovations. The library system has an excellent ebook program. Two years later, the library has reopened but I will stick with checking out ebooks. I love having no late fees! I do still buy paper books sometimes.

eP

sadievan · 10-13-2012, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan_cassidy

I love ebooks because I can carry multiple books around with me, and because I can change the font size. Also, because I'm no longer cluttering up the house with more books.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

I prefer ebooks for several reasons: (in no particular order)

1. Can shop and get a new book on my Kindle in a few minutes.
2. I can carry around hundreds of books in a small package.
3. Built in dictionary.
4. Free books.

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverraven

Three main reasons for me:
1. I can make the fonts as big as I can for my bad eyes!
2. Lightweight so it doesn't hurt my hand/wrist.
3. I can carry bunches and bunches of books with me!
S

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainingLemur

1. Convenience of carrying around multiple books in the palm of my hand.
2. Ease of shopping, near-instant delivery.
3. It's an electronic gizmo, so I'm already attracted to it.
4. I find it easier to read on my Kindle than in an actual book.

All of the above.

10-12-2012, 05:05 PM	#1
chantelbrenna Newbie Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Utah Device: None	I want your opinion! I am currently doing a research project on eBooks, and I stumbled across this website (hallelujah!). I have read through some of the threads, and I want to get an idea of why you enjoy reading, writing, or publishing eBooks, as opposed to hard-copy books. I don't currently own an eReader, but my mom has a Nook, and so I have the Nook app on my phone and we buy and share books. I really love it, because it allows me to carry books with me on my phone at school, instead of lugging around one more book, in addition to my text books and binders. I know this is a really broad question, but I want to leave the discussion open to whatever you want to say! All of your feedback is appreciated.

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10-12-2012, 05:37 PM	#2
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	I love ebooks because I can carry multiple books around with me, and because I can change the font size. Also, because I'm no longer cluttering up the house with more books.

10-12-2012, 05:39 PM	#3
QuantumIguana Philosopher Posts: 2,034 Karma: 18736532 Join Date: Jan 2012 Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2 gen, Kindle Fire 1st Gen, Kindle Touch	Both paper books and e-books have their advantages, and I read both. E-books are convenient, I can hold a library in my hand. Books that were hard to find in paper are easy to find as an e-book. I had always wanted to read Don Quixote, but I didn't relish lugging around an a 1000+ page book. I could easily enough buy a copy in paper, but what if I didn't like it, and never got around to reading it? Or I could buy a used copy cheaply, but with old paper books, the paper can be yellowed and hard to read. With an e-book, it was free, and the e-ink screen was easy on the eyes. Then there's the ability to change the font size. I'm reading The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant in paper, and the font is tiny. I keep wanting to increase the font size. There are so many free books out there. When I first got my e-reader, I was grabbing up every free book I could. I've since slowed down, and only get books I want to read, even if they are free. Project Gutenberg is a fantastic source. I still buy books though. The dictionary feature is a big plus. With paper, if you don't know a word, you can dig out a paper dictionary, figure it out by context or just skip over it. But with the e-reader, the definitions right there. Not everyone likes it, but I enjoy the text to speech feature on the Kindle 3. It's great for when I'm in the car. Paper books have benefits too. You can sell them or give them away. You can buy them used at a reduced price. And a bookshelf is, in my opinion, an enjoyable way to search for a book.

10-12-2012, 05:48 PM	#4
ucfgrad93 Wizard Posts: 2,372 Karma: 9026681 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Colorado Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2nd Gen	I prefer ebooks for several reasons: (in no particular order) 1. Can shop and get a new book on my Kindle in a few minutes. 2. I can carry around hundreds of books in a small package. 3. Built in dictionary. 4. Free books.

10-12-2012, 06:02 PM	#5
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	I started e-reading years ago because my bookshelves were overflowing (again). That'll never happen to me with e-books because electronic memory is cheap. I continue to e-read for many other reasons but a big one is having several e-books without the bulk of p-books when I travel.

10-12-2012, 06:32 PM	#6
silverraven Guru Posts: 974 Karma: 3438612 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Kindle Voyage, Kindle 4NTB x 4	Three main reasons for me: 1. I can make the fonts as big as I can for my bad eyes! 2. Lightweight so it doesn't hurt my hand/wrist. 3. I can carry bunches and bunches of books with me! S

10-12-2012, 07:01 PM	#7
lioslaith Zealot Posts: 145 Karma: 1000000 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Scotland, UK Device: Sony 505, Kindle, Kobo Vox/Glo, Nook	Originally I began turning to ebooks more and more due to size constraints when we downsized to a smaller house after my brother married and left home. Then as my disabilities advanced an ereader is easier on my joints, esp. on days when my hands/wrists are badly swollen/stiff. Also not having to hold my book/device directly in front of my eyes is great. I can increase font and have my device sitting on my lap or on the bed beside me while I lie/sit in a whichever position in most comfortable for me at the time.

10-12-2012, 08:08 PM	#8
RainingLemur Spork Connoisseur Posts: 2,355 Karma: 16780603 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: Nook Color	1. Convenience of carrying around multiple books in the palm of my hand. 2. Ease of shopping, near-instant delivery. 3. It's an electronic gizmo, so I'm already attracted to it. 4. I find it easier to read on my Kindle than in an actual book.

10-13-2012, 11:36 AM	#9
cfrizz Wizard Posts: 1,579 Karma: 36389706 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Quincy, MA Device: Samsung 54A, Kobo Libra H2O, Samsung S6 Lite	I got an ereader because I can adjust the font size to something that is comfortable for me to read. I don't clutter my apartment with books, I can carry my entire library with me everywhere I go.

10-13-2012, 11:52 AM	#10
jersysman Wizard Posts: 1,747 Karma: 3761220 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Device: T1 Red, Kindle Fire, Kindle PW, PW2, Nook HD+, Kobo Mini, Aura HD	I got an ereader initially because I was tired of losing books during my various moves (especially while in the military). I re-bought books numerous times because of this. The ereader just makes it more convenient for me to have my entire library at hand and lets me read whatever I want whenever I want.

10-13-2012, 11:54 AM	#11
alecE Evangelist Posts: 412 Karma: 546196 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK canal boat Device: sony prs505, prs650, kobo Glo HD liseuses	eBooks solve my problem of no more shelf space plus they offer a portability that is impossible with pbooks. I can purchase old pbooks and format-shift them to digital (thank you Sigil & Calibre). I can overcome DRM (thank you Apprentice Alf) and correct the errors in commercial ebooks (and improve the front covers - no thanks to Random House for their boring covers!) Biggest (and only) downside is my impending bankruptcy as I buy far more books now that I used to when restricted to paper.

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10-13-2012, 12:08 PM	#12
exscentric Addict Posts: 379 Karma: 1033424 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: WY Device: Kindle keyboard	I have thousands of books, all free and I would not be able to walk through our small house if they were all in my space instead of digital space. Secondly, I think I have dyslexia - at any rate I read on ereaders but never touch real books unless forced to. I could read on pc/laptop but ereaders are much easier. I have a kindle with 1400+ books on it as of date, most all free. I have collected other digital books from the net and have in the 20,000 area at present on my desktop. My wife likes this type of collecting much better than old cars :-)

10-13-2012, 12:11 PM	#13
NickyWithNook Guru Posts: 750 Karma: 3942770 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: American living in Australia Device: Kobo Libra Colour, Kindle Fire, Kindle Pwhite (Don't use Nook anymore)	I don't like to accumulate physical books because they take up space and become clutter. I like to be able to adjust the font as my eyes aren't that great anymore. If I want a book, I can just get it without running out to the book store. I can carry tons of books with me if I'm going on a trip or something. There are free and very inexpensive books available. I don't have to worry about my toddler taking out the bookmark. She ignores ereaders but can't keep her hands off a book with a bookmark in it.

10-13-2012, 12:15 PM	#14
elemenoP Wizard Posts: 1,717 Karma: 3790058 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Sony 650	I purchased my ereader when our local library closed for renovations. The library system has an excellent ebook program. Two years later, the library has reopened but I will stick with checking out ebooks. I love having no late fees! I do still buy paper books sometimes. eP