It is no secret that I'm not all that into eBooks. For one thing, it took me years to learn to read and I took lots of mean spirited teasing in the process.
I want a book, a real one. I like the feel of a book in my fingers, or resting against my chest as I curl up with it -- lost in the writer's world between the pages. I like the smell of the crisp yellowed pages of the 100+ year old books I own. I like the wonder when I open the proof copy of one of my books.
eBooks don't do anything for me. I can't hand write notes in the margin and draw a line to the print that spawned the idea. My laptop doesn't fit in my purse. I won't spend the money for an eReader (though they all look really cool). The readers don't have a universal file type - remember BETA vs VHS, and now Blu-ray? That pirating thing really hacks me off - bet they cheated in school too. Okay, the pirating thing is my biggest issue.
And don't give me that GREEN business. I've been recycling for years. Our recycling bin is always twice as full as our trash bin - try that with a family of five.
The ebook might be digital, but it took energy to produce it on a computer, most servers are on regular energy (iPower hosts on green servers), and don't think the satellites were launched into orbit without using just a bit (okay a whole lot) of energy -- including the lights on inside the sat companies where all those smart people work. Even reading on a phone or PDA isn't all that green, if not on satellites, they are sending the signal from towers that were smelt in factories...blah, blah, blah.
But mostly, I set out to publish a book, not a digital file...and I am so not with the times on this at all.
I've said this green stuff before and I only dare do it again while Carolyn Howard-Johnson isn't looking. But here is an expert: http://www.ringgold.com/UKSG/si_pd.cfm?Pid=10&Articleid=5018&XSection=Business&issueno=208
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article6925926.ece
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/nov/20/filesharing-crackdown
and a great overview of eBook readers -- really cool: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-ndl1link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.engadget.com%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Fengadgets-holiday-gift-guide-e-book-readers%2F
I forgot to say, there was no compensation for this post.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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Kathryn's Beach
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Well this is a very good idea,really like this series. These are fabulous and so fun!Very Sweet, I love it!
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Thanks Holy,
ReplyDeleteI think the link that reviews the eReaders is pretty good.
Hi Nadine,
ReplyDeleteI haven't read through the links...but just wanted to say I LOVE THE WAY BOOKS FEEL in my hands...and I like being able to "talk" back by writing in the margins, or underlining...or highlighting.
Hi Peggy,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I like the ease of looking up quick info on line, but really like a book in hand. It is nice to have it on my shelf, so I can return to it over and over.
Sometimes links disappear and Amazon customers learned a while back that an eBook isn't forever. That's why I had to make the blog party into a book.
What did you think when you saw your copy? That is one fat book, ain't it?
Although times are changing, I hope that we'll always have access to printed books.
ReplyDeleteHope life is treating you well, Nadine. xx
Hello Carol Anne,
ReplyDeleteI hope so too. I do like that last link with all the eReaders. Pretty cool stuff. I hope all is well with you.
If you're new to internet marketing, you'll be always on the lookout for ebooks with resell rights, especially ebooks with resale which can now be done with now doubts and worry any more.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know there are people who sell other people's works without their consent. I just don't work that way.
ReplyDelete