Confessions Of An E-Book Discriminator
Now that I’ve got you here, I’ll warn you the following paragraph is boring. But the post gets better. Or not.
I recently read in USA Today that for the first time, “revenue from the sale of e-books has outstripped revenue from hardcover sales.” During the first quarter of 2012, adult e-book sales totaled $282.3 million, while hardcover sales netted $229.6 million. Paperback revenue was $299.8 million, which, although higher than e-books, was down 10.5%. Furthermore, in the third week of June, 19 of the top 50 books on USA Today’s best-seller list sold more in e-book format than print.
Good. Signing with an e-publisher sits better. I wrote an invisible post on the subject back in December, entitled “Every Which Way But Traditional.” Well, at least that blog-hopping mushroom head saw it.
Despite this chapeau feather for e-books, I realized something strange about myself. Shocker, I know. I’m finicky when it comes to downloads, and judging by my iPad Kindle contents, thrillers and new releases top my purchases. But non-fiction? No way, bidet. I likes me a print copy.
Pretend the writer of this post is this young and cute.
Perhaps it’s because I overdo the dog-ears and markings in the non-fiction genre. The number of notes littering my copy of Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking could spawn an entire manuscript. Apparently, I’m the reader who can’t quit penciling.
Classics suffer my e-book cold shoulder as well. At the suggestion of Perfecting Motherhood, I read Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Though not one for classics, I’m open to new things (yeah, right). I toyed with downloading the Kindle edition. For a nanosecond. Then I headed to the library for a well-read copy and relished its stained (hey, is that pizza sauce?) and tattered pages instead.
So there you have it; I am an e-book-discriminator. If the novel is new, and particularly a thriller, I’ll download it. If it’s non-fiction or a classic, I won’t.
Now that makes sense…
What about you? Are you an e-book-discriminator? Are you a bit slow—er, I mean, busy—and still don’t have an e-reader (I’m talking to you JM)? Are you the one that left pizza sauce in my library book? Well, let’s hope it was pizza sauce…
Ooh, creepy pizza eaters…
Before I close, enjoy the latest Awful Offspring Offal, brought to you in a limited-edition, olfactory and visual format.
Awful Offspring Offal
While my youngest and I whooped it up in Las Vegas, Mr. Rubin and our oldest completed a 14-day backpacking trip. The trip included two showers. Total. Their arrival home concludes the olfactory portion of this offal.
As for the visual, my teenager sent me this image captured in Colorado, before they trudged to New Mexico. Lovely, isn’t it? Who knew he had it in him?
He named it: “Two Penises.”
“Two Penises”
Images from Microsoft Clip Art. Except for “Two Penises.” That credit’s all my son’s.
158 Responses to “Confessions Of An E-Book Discriminator”
I’m back, at least for now, and starting with my favorite blog (not just because I only have to catch up on 7 of yours, as opposed to the fecund Promethean’s 15…lol).
Am I an ebook debater? Well, I certainly wouldn’t buy a coffee table book as an ‘e. Fo sho. So, is that an answer?
So there you are! Welcome back. I just found all of your comments now. They went into my spam. Guess WordPress is punishing you. I’m honored you’d come by and read all of my posts, not to mention comment on them. You are a class act.
Thats nice, thanks!
Spam? That’s odd. Maybe I’ve been hacked! I actually go through my email, write down each persons blog and the number of how many I’m behind (so I can delete the notification emails – makes me feel less behind) and methodically go through them. Starting with yours, natch. I don’t want to miss anything! 
Keep writing!
Wow, someone more Type A than me? Is it possible? But very nice of you to do.
I’ll have to return to read all of the comments. That’s interesting about your preference. I’d like to see honest to God real stats on self-published e-book sales from the honest to God authors. I have a problem with “virtual” inventories if you get my drift.
Since I’m going through a publisher, I wonder how often I’ll get feedback on my sales–number of downloads, etc. Then again, I’ll probably be able to count them on one hand.
OH hell no! (about counting them on one hand!) Your stats are gonna soar
I am soaking up your positive vibes.
I’m torn on the whole subject. I do prefer hardbacks for serious reference work. I just find them easier to handle, travel…ebooks fiction or non fiction…with the weight restrictions on airlines, it just makes sense. Serious fiction, I want a hard copy to keep in my library as I love the feel and smell of a real book. There’s just something solid about it. Beach reads..kindle maybe but what does sand do to a kindle?
I’ve never tried to read my Kindle on the beach. It kind of seems like an oxymoron in a way, but that’s probably the old-fashioned me talking. I wonder if they’ll make a water-proof Kindle for the bath tub? On the rare occasions I get to enjoy a bath, I always bring a book. So, I guess there are times where the paper will always be preferred.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
[...] Haiku is again looking at the Carrie Rubin’s son’s “awful offspring offal”, because a) it is amusing, b) I’m being lazy [...]
I don’t really discriminate against e books but nothing beats the feel and the smell of a hardcover book… mmmmm – <3 ria
I am from http://www.riatarded.wordpress.com but I just started http://www.roastedkeyboard.com and I was too lazy to log out :p hahah
Will that be your new blog from now on? If so, I’ll be sure to follow it.
Possibly
<3
My darling girl, you are BRAVE. OMG – those stains you politely refer to as pizza sauce could be god knows what when that book has been publicly circulating. And heaven forbid the library is located downtown: the patrons frequently include persons sans abodes, thus exposing tomes to the daily rummaging of unwashed hands (think awful and offal). Yes, god knows what that pizza sauce really is.
(If I am being successful here, your medical background should have you squealing through the hallway, plastic bag in one hand to grasp those dirty library books and a can of Lysol in the other to de-germ them.
NOTE: before I get hate mail for my inhumanity towards library patrons, this is HUMOR. A little sick, a lot borderline, but humor nonetheless.
Darling girl, you read any way you want to. Just don’t hold my hand.
You bring up a great point (in a humorous fashion), because I think of germs in everything I do, and yet I can overlook them in library books. That being said, if I find a hair? Oh, dear, I’m in for it there. Don’t like to find hairs in my books. See? I really am weird.
I’ll download super thick books to the e-reader for ease of travel reading, but I love a nice paper book to read in bed. I like the paper and the weight of the book. I’m a tad hesitant to download books only pubbed as e-books. I worry about the quality control.
I think travel is one of the biggest advantages to e-books. That and cost. Although I have a nice mixture, I don’t see paper books disappearing from my future anytime soon.
I download “expendable” fiction on my Kindle. If I think I might like it, but I’m not sure… e-book. Then if I love it, I buy the hard copy. I still don’t quite trust electronics enough and I still enjoy the sensory experience of reading “a book” too much to go entirely e-book. But I do love my Kindle when I’m travelling. Gone are the days of trying to cram 8 – 10 books in my suitcase for a one-week trip.
Wow, authors must love you! If you like the e-book you may buy the paper copy. A double duty.
It’s hard to let go of that sensory experience of holding a “real” book in your hands, and hopefully, as long as we keep reading to our children, they won’t have to either.
I love books, real books. I know I am showing my age (old) but I will always love the feel and smell of books. I love the way the look on the shelves of my library too. I have however learned to parse my books into categories;
Research: e-reader, this makes it easier to make notes and find them again.
Classics: I suspect mine are different I am always on the look out for classics on government, economics, philosophy, etc. I haunt used book stores for these in hardback and snap them up when I find them.
Favorite Authors: same as above, I have a few that I love and that I have entire sets of their books. I often will re-read them. Sometimes I am missing early books I search for them, search Amazon, used book stores. If I find them in hardback I am in paradise, but I will buy in paperback if they are in decent shape.
Then there is just the idea of reading. I like to hold books. I don’t often buy a newly released hardback, it is a waste of money unless it is to complete a set I already have (not many). But I will stock up on paperbacks and contentedly read through them. Amazon and I have a love affair. The half price book store and I have torrid affair, they love me when I arrive with two huge boxes of well loved books and leave with more books (they never have to give me cash).
Like you, I prefer paper format for books by my favorite authors, and for some, I will even splurge on the hard cover, because I’m so excited to read it. It’s interesting that you find your books for research easier to use in e-book form. It is convenient to take notes and highlight on the e-reader, but to me, it still seems easier to do this in paper format. I imagine it’s like everything, though. The more you do it, the more comfortable you get with it.
I wish we had a half-priced bookstore near us. I used to have one close by, and it was great. But I love my library, too. There’s something wonderful about walking out with a big stack of books.
Thanks so much for commenting!
There will always be books I will want the 3D copy of, and a lot of them are non fiction. Here in Australia, books are hideously expensive and the e book is a fraction of the price, plus I can get it immediately and at home. If I love the book, I will get the hard version too. I think e-books have made reading accessible to many more people, including those who love tech. I’m a fan of it and as long as I can keep reading, bring it on.
You bring up a great point–the immediate accessibility of e-books. If a new release comes out, and I read a review on it and feel I must have it now, I can download it to my iPad Kindle and have it in seconds. We’re quite spoiled in that regard, I guess. Plus, as you mention, much cheaper than the hard cover.
Thanks for the comment!
Just got my e-reader, so I couldn’t tell you yet, though I think if anything were really a “keeper”, I’d buy in in hard-copy. I also do believe that it would be a very bad thing if physical books went out altogether in favor of electronically stored information. What happens when the power goes out? When the solar flares interfere? We do so many things that make our civilization more fragile. No physical books is about the worst idea I can think of in that regard.
Such a good point. When it storms, I worry we’ll lose power, and I won’t be able to get any work done. So much of what I do revolves around my computer. Even when I was working in my job, electronic records were used. We’re really at the mercy of technology. Plus, it’s nice to have a paper book for those moments on the plane where electronic devices can’t be used. Though I guess there’s always the skymall catalog.
I bought my Kindle because I thought it would be convenient for travel yet I rarely take it on vacations because I’m afraid I’ll leave it on the plane!
You’ll have to put a string on it and wear it around your neck. Think how cool you’ll look.
I have gone completely ebook. I haven’t bought a print book in forever. I do feel a little wistful for the smell of a new book though:(
Wow, you really are a convert! Impressive. But you’ll have to take a stroll in the library to get that smell you’ve been missing out on.
I always sniff the books when I open the monthly school book order box. I’m kinda weird in case you hadn’t figured that out already:)
Ha ha–just don’t let the students catch you. They’ll think you’re a huffer.
There is nothing like holding a book in my hands and reading it off somewhere, in a corner. I know that the e-books are a brilliant idea, however I’m addicted to the full texture of the book. Give me a book and a glass of wine, and I’m in “Happy Land.”
Hmmm, I suspect that glass of wine has something to do with that “Happy Land” feeling. But I hear you. Only I like to settle in with chocolate in place of the wine.
Read the earlier post and it gave me pause for thought. E-book publishing? Hmmm. I’m still stuck in the dark ages when it was so not politically correct to publish on your own. Maybe I should pull me head out of the wastelands? Anyway, this post is interesting, too, as I still have my head in the wastelands about e-books. (I’m considering one for travel, as that makes complete sense — I lugged a ton of books to Italy last trip and as I finished them, I left them on hotel book shelves. Left room for trinkets coming home.) I never buy hardbacks anymore. They cost as much as a house payment! Besides, I tend to batter my books, folding pages, bending spines and spilling pizza sauce on them. I read everywhere and they are just easier.
Hey, thanks for actually reading that earlier post! Nice to have another “like” there.
An e-book publisher is not synonymous with self-publishing, though. I’m not self-publishing. I signed a contract with a publisher. I will have print copies as well, but the bulk of their products are e-books.
Like you, I rarely buy hardcovers unless they’re on the $5.99 table at the bookstore. When a new release comes out, I can download the Kindle version for a fraction of the price. But alas, I can’t feel those books in my hand and tatter their pages.
Thanks for commenting!
Ok – here it is: I’m slow!
Great post. Love your kids!
Thanks! I think I’ll keep them, even with their love of human anatomy jokes.
With technology like this, I’m usually leery of it until I try it and then I like it. I do like my Kindle, although there are some books (non-fiction) I’d rather have in print. Plus, I realize I don’t value e-books the same. I download the freebies, but when I see an e-book for $14, especially one that’s been out a while, I can’t bring myself to pay that much for a computer file.
I’ve never encountered an e-book that expensive, but I imagine textbooks and such would run higher. Still not as much as the “real” thing though. I agree with you on putting less value on e-books; I tend to do that as well. But despite that, they are convenient, and they are no doubt here to stay. But I suspect paper books are as well.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.
I wanted to buy Watership Down on Kindle, until I looked it up: 13.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Watership-Down-ebook/dp/B002NXOQF2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341585707&sr=1-1&keywords=watership+down) I think I’ll just get it at a used bookstore for $2.
Oh, my. I don’t blame you.
Although I have a tablet reader and have down-loaded a few books, I still prefer buying and reading a paperback, especially for the classics and best sellers. I find a tablet reader is hard to share.
True, an e-reader is not as easy to pass around. Which for those who don’t like to share, may be a bonus.
Great post Crubin! I’m old-school..I love the actual book and for all the above reasons…but, I have to tell you the truth – I’ve never looked at an e-book (maybe I should give it a try!)
Well, they’re cheaper, they take up less space, and you can travel with as many as you want. But still, it’s awfully nice to hold the real thing.
I download classics – they’re free!! I laughed at the two penises – I hope I never see penises that look like that!
Yes, those are two very deformed penises. Apparently, anything remotely phallic shaped is fair game.
As for the classics, I didn’t realize some of them were free. You may have just sold me!
I love ebooks for fiction, love the way you can download them to all devices … but like you Carrie, I don’t like them for non-fiction, educational textbooks in particular need, for me, to be in hard copy … a preference only, but a strong one still.
Your son is ace.
The e-reader has really saved my bookshelves, too. They are crowded enough, and although a collection of books is nice to have, at some point, one wants to reduce the clutter.
As for my son, I guess this is what I get for insisting on teaching them the proper names of anatomy when they were young…
heh-heh
I am cheap and since ebooks are cheaper, this is the version I get. In fact I’m SO cheap, I usually wait for free kindle books.
Seems like a good plan! Though I doubt those best-selling authors are going to be giving their e-books away for free.
But I agree. For a new release, $7 for an e-book is much cheaper than a $25 hard cover.
I have a Nook, which is a bit cracked from over-enthusiastic NEXT PAGE PLEASE clicking. I don’t use it a lot except for travel because I tend to read in binges, and hate to be interrupted by low battery life; also I buy a lot of books at the library book sale and I have STACKS of unread pleasure laying around. Otherwise I buy paperback because I am too cheap for hardcover unless I am in LOVE with the book, like To Kill a Mockingbird or Jane Eyre or unless it is in a specially priced B&N edition. I think the 50 Shades trilogy is single-handedly responsible for that dip in hardcover/blip in ebooks. I know people who have bought e-readers just to get and read them discreetly. And still I have no desire to read them.
I, too, have no desire to read “Fifty Shades,” but I give that author credit. She did something right, no matter what the critics might say. And you’re probably right–her books might have had something to do with that dip. Pretty amazing when you think about it.
My husband has a Nook he got from our kids’ school auction, but he doesn’t use it like I use my iPad Kindle. I find I do have more space on my bookshelves now, which is actually a good thing, because the older I get, the less possessions I want, even if they are books.
Thanks for the comment!
We (Mr. W and I) are just finishing building a pair of bookshelves for our front room, a project which has been in progress for years. My stacks will soon have a home!
That’s how long it would take my hubby and me to build something, too.
I like both for different reasons but would most likely pick dig if I had only one choice. I like being able to highlight and take notes w/o having to lose the little papers on a hard copy. And I much prefer cleaning a screen to dusting the books and the shelves.
Your son did a great job with the photography. He might request some occasional input for captions/titles depending on the venue…
As always, a fun post! Thanks, Carrie
The highlighting and note-taking ability on the Kindle is pretty cool, but I find I don’t refer back to those as much as I do my dog-eared hard copy pages. But it does make for less clutter on the bookshelf, that’s for sure.
I’m just starting to refer back to the highlights. I like how they’re organized under contents–makes it easy to find them.
As you can well imagine the ebook/electronic resource vs POD/print material controversy has raged for decades in library land. The Rodney Dangerfield syndrome “I get no respect” we’re becoming obsolete paranoia is frequent call to arms.
. I wouldn’t want to discriminate myself out of a tasty little morsel that’s only offered one way! – Nikki
IMHO “e” vs “P” is like restaurants. Sometimes I want a light snack that I can grab & go. Sometimes I want a 5 course meal I can linger over with friends. Sometimes I want an intimate, romantic guilty pleasure. There’s room in my life for a variety of reading, eating, etc purposes
Once again, your comment outdoes my post! That is exactly my thoughts on the subject, only put much more symbolically and elegantly. But alas, I am a left-brain individual with a preference to the concrete over the abstract. I’ll have to rely on you for these right-brain translations.
Thanks for the wonderful comment!
Gaaaarsh! Now you’re making me blush. Does that make me Goofy? If the gaaaarsh fits…
Oh, you got me again. I haven’t heard the word “garsh” in ages. Too bad. It’s a good word.
; )
Writing How-Tos never on my kindle. I do too much highlighting and reflipping pages.
I agree. I just finished “Story Engineering,” and I’ve never marked up anything so much in my life.
I’ll put it on my “To-Buy” list. Another book I just added to the list is “The First Five Pages.” Have you heard of it?
Yes, I have that one but haven’t read it yet. So far, “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks has been the most useful resource I’ve read. He is very adament about the need for a particular story structure, which appeals to my left-brain personality, though that is precisely why many right-brain writers might not care for it. But I loved it.
I’m too much of a curmudgeon to get a kindle or a fire or whatever they call them. For a time, I was able to download new books onto my not-so-smart phone, but then it didn’t work anymore.
I need to sign with a publisher of any sort, but wouldn’t know where to begin.
In other news, I see you’re still sporting that jaunty hat!
The hat stays for now!
As for signing with a publisher, all you need is a finished manuscript. And patience. And good juju. I hope it happens for you.
The last time I checked, my juju was simlar to poopoo….and the manuscript is still a long way off….and I’m impatient…but otherwise, I’m a good candidate.
Concerning your juju, maybe some Febreze will help…
Fresh scent or mountain pine? You’re the publishing expert…
Oh, to me, nothing beats laundry fresh.
The more I learn about you, the more I understand the hat
I have a kindle, but usually only download free or super cheap books to it. I still mostly patronize my library and love the feel of a book in my hand. But I do love traveling with my kindle (it’s so light, and if I finish my book, I’m not bookless in Seattle, or something like that).
“Bookless in Seattle”–sounds like a great title!
I’m with you; I love a trip to the library, but my Kindle comes in handy when a book I want to read is released, but there’s a big line for it at the library, and a new hardcover costs over $25. A $7.99 e-book is much more appealing.
I don’t have an e-reader yet (GASP!) and I’m not sure I want one. And you know me, I read at least one book a week and dozens more with my kids. I feel I stare at a computer screen enough hours in the day, I don’t want to curl up in bed and stare at another screen before going to sleep. No matter what the e-reader manufacturers tell you, it can’t be great for your eyes. I love flipping the pages of a real book, using my cow bookmark, going back and forth easily, looking at the cover on my nightstand screaming at me, read me, read me! With an e-reader, not so much. But I’m thinking it might be convenient when traveling. I’m just back from a week’s vacation with my boys and I took three books for me and about 50 for them. It sure fills up part of the car’s trunk. And I want to take them to France next summer, so I may consider an e-reader then. I also don’t like that the library often has the hardcover sooner than the e-reader and definitely more choices in hard copies.
One quick question about your stats, while I’m thinking of it. I’d love to know if people are still reading less and less (you’d need number of books rather than sales dollars), even with e-readers. I doubt that e-readers are making people read more, even with the convenience. Unless it’s magazines, but it doesn’t really count as reading, right?
That’s a good point about whether people are reading less in general. I suspect in terms of novels, they probably are, given the availability of other reading materials online. It would be interesting to look into.
As for you not having an e-reader, there are a few others like you. My eyes are sensitive, and while my laptop tires them out, my e-reader doesn’t seem to, but then again, I’m not on it as much. I think you’d like it for traveling, especially with the kids.
That being said, I still love going to the library to check out books. As I mentioned to an earlier commenter, leaving the library with a stack of books just feels so good.
Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts.
Great point about carrying books! With all the children’s books I check out and return at the library every time, I’m guaranteed an arm workout on a regular basis. Why would I give that up?
Ha ha–not quite the feeling I was talking about (I was going more for the anticipation of all the wonderful stories to come), but I like your take, too!
This is sad. Am I the only one who answered that I don’t have an e-reader yet? The three people I live with all have them (2 Kindles, 1 Sony). I still read books. My husband is afraid he would be broke if he had to buy all of my books (albeit on an e-reader). I check out many from the library and buy them hard copy if I think I’ll be sharing them with friends or referencing them at a later date.
Did I skew your results? Ruin the bell curve? ; )
I think there was one other person who didn’t have one. I’ll have to go back and look. But you are definitely in the minority.
I still use the library a lot. Checking out a library book is so much more than that simple act, you know? There’s a thrill when I leave with a stack of books. Oh, the possibilities.
Carrie,
Do you think the ebook version of Fifty Shades of Grey is as good as it’s paperback version?
Le Inquiring Clown Wants to Know
Oh. And yes. I ask the tough questions.
Le Clown
Well, someone has to. Glad you’re willing to play that role…
Well, I haven’t read that book and don’t intend to, but as another commenter pointed out, at least in the e-book format, no one can tell what you’re reading.
Carrie,
And no sticky pages, right^
Le Clown
Ha ha. Oh, wait. That’s gross…
I still prefer buying the print books. I just like the physical thing more, and although they take up more space, they just look nicer on the shelf. Plus if I’ve read something and I think a family member or friend would like it, I can say, “here you go, check it out”, which you cannot do as easy on an e-reader. Well not without loaning the machine.
We do have a Kindle that we got for free, and it does have a bunch of free ebooks, and books we downloaded from other bloggers / writers, but it doesn’t get read much, yet.
I also like physical music formats more for a number of reasons, there is just something more tangible to me, and also more private, than the digital form.
Oh I see you are nudging me with the offal stick again…
That’s right–I forgot you like to listen to record albums. So I can see why you favor paper over e-books.
But although I’m teasing you, I agree, there is something about the tactile nature of paper books that I don’t think will ever fall out of favor. When my favorite authors release a new novel, I like to get the hardcover right away.
As for the offal, there is never a shortage of that in my home…
It’s an odd one. I can imagine if I was in my teens and starting off an adult book collection (not that sort of adult books, I meant the non teen fiction), ok let’s say “grown up” book collection. Well anyway, getting it on digital wouldn’t be the worst thing, you can carry round your book collection with you, much like music on an iPod or smart phone. But for all us who have grown up on print books it is the loss of that physical experience.
Understood. Well, except for that music thing. I’m a huge iTunes fan.
I remember jogging with a Walkman. Scary.
I have a huge iTunes library (over 35 days of) but I prefer if possible to buy a higher quality format like cd rather than download. Well not strictly true, I have downloaded a bunch of cheap stuff from Amazon to try it out. I listen at home via the stereo, or sometimes via laptop with headphones.
I had a walkman too. I think I still have one somewhere that I kept so I can get it out in the future.
I still remember my first MP3 player, too. Talk about bulky!
Carrie,
I am ambivalent about e-readers. I do have an iPad which I use as a reader on occasion. I’m happy to download knitting patterns; I can use GoodReader to annotate and mark my place as I work.
I’ve been known to download things like books of motivational quotes and exercise plans.
But somehow, I prefer the feeling of paper in my hands when I read. I hate scrolling (you have to do it more frequently than simple page turning). Plus books never need to be recharged and their backlighting doesn’t keep you up all night when you’re finished reading.
That being said, I did read 50 Shades on my iPad, just because I couldn’t read it in public (without much embarrassment) otherwise.
Oh, I’m seeing you in a whole new light now. Fifty Shades, huh? I never thought about the embarrassment factor–another plus for the e-book.
I probably devote equal time to Kindle books and paper. I don’t think I can ever completely go paperless, though a Kindle does keep the bookshelves a little lighter.
I’ve got to wonder what kind of Penii the Rubin boys have been seeing…
Chapeau is a hat. Now I know!
I’m excited about the concept of ebooks, because it means that the novel isn’t dead as I’d once feared. Having said that, although I have a couple (Bill Maher’s new book), I haven’t actually read any yet (I love to read, but paradoxically, I have a very hard time making myself do it), but have read a few comics on the e format and like the possibilities.
I agree. Those “two penises” seem anatomically incorrect. But such is the teenage boy’s mind.
You should get started on Bill Maher’s book soon. It’s written in quick snippets, so it can be read in short bursts. The bathroom might be a good place…
e books, light stuff in every sense, for a wait in the hospita or a plane tripl, but real books for pleasure.
Imagine the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire on kindle…
I think we’re on the same wavelength. Though, clearly, you are a better woman than I, because I would never read “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.”
Thanks for stopping by!
Go on, try it…the descriptions of rioting monks and blackmailing bishops will give you a whole new light on the history of the church – even if you didn’t want one.
Gibbon is so funny, in an evil sort of way…
Evil funny IS always a pleasure to read.
I admit that I resisted the idea of ebooks at first. I absolutely love the smell of a real book, the feel of the pages and simply holding the book in my hands. After a while it’s like having a friend nearby that I can turn to whenever I like. However, reality and progress will finally impress itself upon even the most resistant of us. I also resisted getting a cell phone but now I can’t imagine not having one. I would think people thought cave walls with little hieroglyphs would be the way of writing forever, too, but let’s admit it, stone tablets really improved things! In an effort embrace technology, our household now contains 3 Kindles, two of which are Kindle Fires and one is a Kindle Touch. We use them regularly. I haven’t referred to a cookbook on one of these devices as of yet and I think I would prefer the real deal when it comes to that actually. However, when I publish my first book this fall, it will be self published and be an ebook. Technology happens.
I agree–you have to go with the flow, and one can’t argue with those e-book sales numbers I cited. We all have the Kindle app on our iPhones in our home, so even my kids sometimes use it. But I’m with you on the cookbooks. I want a print form of those.
I didn’t realize you were publishing a book this fall. Congrats! I look forward to it. But are you sure you don’t want to release a stone tablet version as well?
You know if it weren’t so darn cost prohibitive I would certainly try it! lol I actually have two books in the works – a collection of flash fiction/short stories,as well as a collection of flash fiction inspired by photographs my mother took, which will be included with the stories they inspired.
Sounds intriguing. I like the inspirational photograph angle.
I’ve not made the jump for readers either. I love books. Maybe if I was going on some long trip, it might be more practical, but my eyes are strained enough from reading a screen (I truly think it does something to your eyes), so when I want to settle in a read a novel, I want the real thing — stains and all.
Great post, Carrie. I’ve toyed with this myself. I’ve heard time and time again that a writer should never take the e-book route, other publishers won’t consider you as a “serious” writer but these numbers don’t lie plus I have another follower and blogger that I follow who’s published an ebook. I’m going to read your post about this — thanks for the info.
Oh, good. Glad to see someone will read that earlier post. Ahh, the days before freshly pressed.
I hear you on the eye thing. Sometimes I am so sick of staring at a screen, that opening up my e-reader is the last thing I want to do. But it’s pretty easy on my aging eyes, and of course, you can adjust the font and brightness to your liking. But still, the old print form is nice…
My e-publisher calls themselves a traditional publisher, but I think they are referring to royalties, etc., and it’s possible a traditional publisher might not take me seriously in the future (though I’m not self-publishing.) That being said, if I hadn’t found a publisher, I probably would not have embarked on my life change (or at least the year I’m giving myself), always too scared to take the leap. Now I’m doing what I love, and there’s something to be said for that, too.
You are correct. There’s definitely something to be said for that. How did you find your e-publisher? Google? Anyway, look forward to your published work, C. Ah, the times, they are a changin.
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I found it through a writing site’s list of recommended publishers, though I can’t remember which site. I haven’t released the name of my publisher, because if things don’t go as planned, I want to discuss the process openly. But that’s my glass half-empty side talking. Still, once I hear from the editor, I’ll feel better. The clock is ticking…
I just consulted my crystal ball….i see an editor and a published work of genius in your future… be patient the ball says, be patient.
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Oh, I like your crystal ball!
My husband just bought me a nook and I have to confess I like it more than I thought I would. It is small, portable, and saves me money downloading my text books instead of having to buy a hard cover text book.
I miss the tactile feel of the book in my hand when I read a classic, but it hasn’t stopped me from using the nook to read my favorite “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin.
Isn’t it funny how easy it is to like? I used to think I’d never switch from printed books, but once I used the Kindle, I really liked it, with the notable exceptions I mentioned above. Although I prefer a hardcover textbook, having completed a master’s degree not too long ago, it would have been handy to have all my textbooks in e-book form rather than print. Less expensive and would take up less room. I suspect more and more textbooks will be in the e-book format soon. Probably not something textbook publishers are thrilled about, given the lower profits for them.
It is crazy what the charge for text books, but I suppose they are not the most popular seller!
I never thought I would even want an e-book reader at all, but know that I have it I love it!
I refuse to buy an e-book reader. I use my laptop’s Kindle program to read stuff that’s available ONLY as an e-book, but that’s it. I like books. I like turning pages, smelling the paper, feeling the heft of the book in my hands while I read it. An e-reader is just another electronic device–if I were to see one in my bag it wouldn’t really jump out at me. I like seeing a book in my bag. It’s like carrying a little friend around with me.
All good points. There’s just something about the feel of a printed book. That being said, I’ve adapted to my iPad Kindle well and find it very convenient for certain times. If you ever do get one, I think you’ll like it.
Thanks for the comment!
It took me a long time to summon up the wallet width to invest in a Kindle. Something profound in me insisted I calculate how many cheaper e-books I would have to read before I broke even on the deal. I still don’t know. In the end my wife eased my troubled conscience by going halves, which has led to issues that make sharing the family car seem paltry by comparison, though with a similar result: I still read my e-books off the PC.
Paper or technology? My dog definitely comes down on the side of paper, as the chewed remants of several unread or partly read purchases will testify: she hasn’t got around to technology yet. My wife points out that you can’t read a Kindle in the bath, but I take showers… I always used to drop the damn things in the water anyway.
Alright, I confess. The reason I like bound books is for those filled shelves that contrive to make me look learned! Nothing impresses like a nice row of red morocco titles! Diseases of Sheep in six volumes! Wonderful!
Well, lined book shelves are nice, but the older my hubby and I get, the less stuff we want to accumulate, so e-books are nice in that regard, especially when one reads a lot. And I think the amount of savings I’ve achieved by buying e-books instead of new-release hard copies has more than made up for the cost of my Kindle. Then again, I just downloaded the Kindle app to my iPad so I didn’t really pay for it.
But your wife is right. It sucks when you want to read in the tub. Like you, I’ve dropped paper books. It would not be pretty to drop my iPad…
Thanks for the comment!
I’m an ebook procrastinator. Still hardback all the way, but trying to carry War and Peace onto a plane requires a second ticket so I may need to reconsider one of these days…
Those e-books are definitely nice for the tomes. But reading “War and Peace”? Not likely gonna happen for me. You’ve impressed me greatly. Unless you were kidding. In which case, you’ve still impressed me.
I’m kidding. I googled “world’s most painfully long-ass novels” and it was at the top. =)
Oh, good. I was worried I’d have to hide my head in shame for my sometimes less-than-literary reading choices.
Carrying War & Peace on a plane would be a great way to keep people from talking to you…
True, in part because I could injure someone with it.
Good point. And if they prattled on anyway, you could clunk them over the head with it.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s a treat to see Steve Austin’s comedic sidekick over here.
When I think of all the trees harvested to make all the books trad publishers used to print back before print on demand or ebooks. Are the thousands ordered, which didn’t sell, sitting in a warehouse…or a landfill?
I’m with you and didn’t even realize it. I like how-tos, reference books, cook books…anything I’ll need to refer to again, in print. I like classics and books I adore in hard cover. I will not pay above $5 for an e-book…sorry. I’d rather check it out from the library or buy the paperback. I mostly snag up the free ebooks I am notified about from eReader news today or Pixel of Ink.
Oh, and I adore my Kindle Fire!!!
Sounds like you and I are similar in this regard. But I will pay more than $5 for a new release e-book given that’s still much cheaper than a new hardcover. I think my publisher prices their e-books at $6.99 or something like that. Unfortunately, the POD print copies can be a little pricey for a paperback.
I didn’t even think about cookbooks. I definitely like hard copies with those, especially since I spill all over them!
Yeah, I’m not up for the e-book thing. I like the look, feel and smell of a book. As a writer, there is no difference seeing my book in ebook form than seeing the final draft on my computer in a .pdf file. There’s not a gratification of holding your hard work in your hands. Plus, you can’t pass around e-books when you’re done with them. An author can’t sign them. There’s nothing ‘personal’ about an e-book. I see a place for them, but unfortunately, it’s not for me.
All great points. I’m trying to figure out how those book-signing events go with an e-book. And I, too, want to feel my book in my hands, which is why I’m going with a print version as well, though it will be POD as I have an e-book publisher. But I still enjoy reading some e-books. The convenience and cost benefits are great.
Thanks for the comment!
Hehheee your son’s pictures may provide great illustrations for some of my spam posts – I may reach out with a licensing deal.
You have now officially called me slow! I’m one of the late ones to jump on the e-book bandwagon. Still haven’t quite made up my mind, but leaning very heavily towards getting a Kindle soonish.
Knowing myself once I take the leap there won’t be any discrimination whatsoever. Au contraire (I’m told it’s a French term that means something fancy), I’ll probably end up having all future book purchases travel the e-route. I have these “all or nothing” streaks sometimes…Kindle and e-books may just be the next one!
So you’re a “laggard” when it comes to e-readers, huh? I never would have guessed it. Well, I’m happy to hear you may get one soon. I suspect you’ll really like it. It’s convenient, and of course, the books are cheaper. That will leave you with more money to purchase scary dolls. Or start your infomercial endeavor…
Yes, I imagine I’ve opened myself up to a world of hurt from spam and search engine terms by including that photo name. Then again, what else is new?
Indeed, my e-reader virginity is a bit of an anomaly…I’m usually a gadget freak. Just never quite got around to buying any. Although I see the appeal, for sure. And the “scary doll” money will definitely come in handy. Warrants further thought!
Well hey, if you do get more spam, you’re more than welcome to send it to me for inspiration and potentially “infomercialisation” (because don’t own me!)
*”because words don’t own me” it should have said…I need to do something about that ADHD….
Ok, now that makes more sense.
Ha ha–I will keep that in mind.
Hmmm . . . I thought I left a comment, but here’s the short version . . .
If it’s a shareable book, I get a hard copy. If the ebook isn’t much cheaper than the hard copy, I get a hard copy. Strangely, there are some books I own as ebooks and as hard copies, as if I have an unlimited budget or something.
And as for non-fiction, I love the ability to search those books on my kindle.
You did. It was just waiting moderation. Not sure why as you’ve commented here before.
Ha!
Believe it or not, I recently bought a Kindle Touch 3G
And I like it. Surprisingly, so does my husband, who definitely is not keen on rapid technological change.
And I’ve peeked over his shoulder as he learns the ropes of his newly assigned work Blackberry. Maybe there’s a droid or iphone in the cards….
I think e-books will continue to outsell paper at an increasing rate. I don’t want to see paper disappear, but I think the big publishers have to face the fact we are in the 21st century and technology will continue to change how we do things. And that’s not limited to reading.
BTW, has your elder son seen saguaro cacti up close. There are some he would have a field day with….
Oh, I’m so proud of you! You finally committed and got that e-reader.
I’m sure you’ll love it, but I imagine, like me, you’ll still relish a print book or two.
I don’t know if my son has seen that cactus. I’ll have to ask him. Sounds like I could get an “offal” out of it.
Oh, definitely an “offal” out of it. The cacti can look like human figures with various appendages.
“Arms” in various positions, smallish “double protrusions” about chest height, single “erect appendages” about groin height…. Adults have a blast taking photos of them. You know what a teenager will think! 
Ok, now I’ll definitely have to search for an image of them!
hmmmm bad…. bad… bad…
Aw, I’m just giving Carrie some future post ideas
I don’t know anyone who’s really taken any photos like that…. 
I looked up an image of those cacti. Impressive indeed!
Was it a generic one, or one that would make a teenage boy take a photo?
Oh, there are plenty in Google images that would make a boy snap a photo.
I am a bad influence on others, aren’t I?…
no i was teasing JMM
I know I would discriminate against an e-book. There’s something about pages that makes me happy. There’s something about bending the corner to keep my spot. There’s something about the feel of it. I’m not ready to move on from that.
Also, Two Penises? That’s gold.
There is pleasure in the tactile nature of a print book, no doubt. On the other hand, the e-reader is nice on vacation, and new releases are much cheaper than buying a hardcover new release. But I don’t think print books will disappear just yet.
As for my son, yes, he’s quite the verbal savant…
As much as I love my kindle in concept, there are still some books I like to hold in my hand. If I’ll want to share it with my husband or my kids, then I buy a hard copy. And if the hard copy price and kindle price are almost the same, then I’m definitely getting the hard copy.
On the other hand, I’ve loved the ability to search non-fiction and to easily pull up my bookmarks and highlights on the kindle. I rarely make notes in ebooks, because my old school kindle just isn’t note-taking friendly.
Embarrassingly for someone with my limited income, there are some books that I own in both incarnations!
I do have a couple non-fiction books on Kindle, and it is pretty cool to highlight and take notes, but I don’t seem to refer back to them like I do with a print copy. I suppose over time I would adapt. And I think e-textbooks will become common place in the future.
But I agree, it’s nice to be able to share a print copy, though with my iPhone and iPad Kindle, others in my family can pull the book up on their Kindle since we share the same account.
Thanks for stopping by!