"What's an e-book worth?" ?

[DaRoc]

I spotted a news feed on the Bank St page titled, "What's an e-book worth?". My first thought was that it might consist of a commentary on a [physical] book's 'spiritual' worth. So, I read the feed... a short blurb on what monetary cost should apply to e-books vs. 'real' books. Okay, so...

For my money, I just have to say, simply cause I am moved to do so, that 'real' books have my 100% support and that I like them very very much. E-writing and reading certainly has its place when it comes to more or less spontaneous and instant publishing of ideas... or nonsense (witness this very blog you are reading). BUT, when it comes to actually spending 'quality time' with the physical interface of a piece of writing, I have to say that a real BOOK wins head over heels. Its a tactile thing I suppose, and sometimes its a nostalgic thing, particularly when you are talking about a favorite story from your own early years. I just can't, and have no interest in, taking a kindle to the beach with me, particularly when I have my own cotton covered and ragtag 1947 printing of Robinson Crusoe available to accompany me. "Merry Christmas kids! Its a kindle of '101 Dalmations'! Enjoy!". Nah. Heck, if the story is a sad one, who wants their story to short out right in the middle of a great emotional moment when their tears drip on the... screen. At least with a book you can say, "Yeah, it made me cry... and there's the proof.".

If 'information' is all reading means to you, then by all means, read by whatever means you must, but if the reading you wish to do is to be an EXPERIENCE you wish to remember or have others remember, then let it be a real book you read... and hold... and put over your eyes to take a break from the brightness... and blow the sand off of when you wrap things up at the end of a wonderful warm sand-between-the-toes sort of day. Leave the infogadgets at the office; a good book out there needs your personal attention.

:)