e-books-What do you think about them?

[jq...@cox.net]

My kids and I have had discussions about e-books in the past. They are
big computer fanatics and my middle son, 17, thinks that someday books
will become obsolete. Well, I remember fantasizing about that when
computers started becoming common in the everyday household and there
were books on disk available. But as a long-time reader of the old
fashioned kind of book, I feel like there is just nothing like holding
a book in your hand and getting comfy in your favorite chair to read.
I do plenty of reading on the computer, but I definitely prefer a book
in hand for in-depth reading.

What do you think about e-books? Do you think they will become a thing
of the past in future generations? Can you enjoy a book on computer
just as well as one you can set on your bookshelf?

I've also noticed a new trend in online marketing and sales. There are
tons of people out there writing e-books and selling them without ever
publishing a print version. What do you think about this? It seems
like it would be a much easier way to get yourself published and get
the information out there for non-fiction books anyway. I might
consider getting into that myself!

I'm sure there is plenty of room for both. It will be interesting to
see how reading technology unfolds. Here is a link to some e-books and
some places to purchase e-books for those who are interested.

http://www.readingebooks.com/

[sbrehill]

We too have had the discussion about what will come to pass in the
written realm! I believe if and/or when paper books become obsolete
it will be a terrible shame. Rose you were right on when you said
"there is nothing like holding a (paper) book in your hand and getting
comfy in your favorite chair..." you can curl up with a book--not so
easy with a computer! haha! I know--- computers are just going to get
smaller and smaller and e-books will be available in "pad" form, but
there is just something comforting about the feel of the paper in your
hand-- natural, you know? Turning the pages with excitement, urgency
or dread (without scrolling) is something I personally look forward to
and find comforting as well. I read quite a bit on the computer too
and after a while my eyes, head and back begin to ache. With paper
books you can get comfortable more easily and it is not such a strain
on the eyes.
I also believe that one day (most) everyone will not only have
computers in their homes but use them for much of the day, whether at
home or work. Many of us do so now. I look at a computer screen for
about 10 hours a day (between work and home). I look forward to
looking at ANYTHING other than that screen!!! haha! So a good (paper)
book is so much the blessing!
We need paper books in our lives and in our children's lives. I hope
whatever comes to be, that my children and grandchildren will ALWAYS
know and LOVE what it feels like to curl up with a good book and pass
that on to others!