Warrors I have a question: Will ebooks ever replace books?

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I know books are as ancient as the beginning of civilisation and we are very accustomed to them. But I for one think its time for a change. As we progress and become the 'instant society', microwave meals, instant broadband, etc.

Is there a possibility ebooks will become the next 'instant product' ; instant books?

:p
  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    Originally Posted by jjrich1 View Post

    I know books are as ancient as the beginning of civilisation and we are very accustomed to them.
    Not really. Texts used to be scrolled, not paginated.

    I guess we're going back to scrolling again, when you consider websites.

    I think someday eBooks will probably replace books, but you would need eBook reading devices that are more advanced than what they are today. I think you'll need color screens, low power consumption, better portability, ease of use and so on.

    People will also need to change their thinking about books, or eBook devices will need to better be able to adapt to people's preferences. For example, with a book, I can look at two pages at the same time, sometimes three or four, just by using the fingers of one hand to separate sections. You can't easily do that with an eBook. You could bookmark it and flip back and forth, but it's still not quite the same as holding a physical book and doing the same.

    Of course, you can't as easily do a text search with a printed book.

    Maybe the ideal would be holographic books, a la Star Trek: The Next Generation. The hologram would be something solid you could hold in your hand and flip through, dog-ear, whatever, and the computer could still do a text search. "Computer, what page contains the phrase...?"

    The best of both worlds, really.
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    I know somebody that swear they will. Of course, he has a site that sells ebooks,so me might be a little jaded.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I don't see it happening.

    1. Power can go out, batteries can go dead.

    2. In an e-book you have to KNOW what you're looking for. In a book you can browse without knowing exactly what you're looking for.

    3. Nothing can replace the smell or actual feel of a book in your hands.

    4. Going to a bookstore or a library is a wonderful experience, and any attempt to do so in an electronic format would fall short. Again, with electronic versions, the ability to truly browse is severely limited.

    5. Dan has some good points, but even at that, I don't think real books are going to become entirely obsolete.

    6. I disagree with the premise that it's time for e-books to take over. They are not to that point yet.

    7. What e-book author/publisher would let you browse EVERY single page before deciding whether or not to buy? You CAN do that with real books.

    8. I have several shelves full of books. I walk over and grab one, sometimes not knowing what it will be ahead of time. It's not the same on a hard drive.

    9. Highlighting, making notes in margins, and other things are better suited to paper.

    Thank goodness real books are going to be here for a long to come.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      1. Power can go out, batteries can go dead.
      Solar, wind-up dynamo, extra batteries, etc.

      Of course, a book stands a better chance of surviving an EMP blast.

      2. In an e-book you have to KNOW what you're looking for. In a book you can browse without knowing exactly what you're looking for.
      I can browse an eBook without knowing precisely what I'm looking for.

      3. Nothing can replace the smell or actual feel of a book in your hands.
      That's subjective, though. Some people maybe had a hard time going from scrolls to bound books. Some people felt the same way about vinyl records. They're still around, but most people are happy with CDs. Oops. Some people don't have CDs either; just MP3s.

      4. Going to a bookstore or a library is a wonderful experience, and any attempt to do so in an electronic format would fall short. Again, with electronic versions, the ability to truly browse is severely limited.
      Subjective too. I've purchased more books through mail than at the bookstore. Flipping through a new book catalog that had just arrived in the mail was always exciting. I think it's been at least a couple years since I've been to a bookstore.

      5. Dan has some good points, but even at that, I don't think real books are going to become entirely obsolete.
      I don't think they will become entirely obsolete, but they may become a niche item.

      6. I disagree with the premise that it's time for e-books to take over. They are not to that point yet.
      They're certainly not. I think what eBooks are really lacking is that "killer app" that makes them a must-have.

      7. What e-book author/publisher would let you browse EVERY single page before deciding whether or not to buy? You CAN do that with real books.
      It's really a different situation, though. I'm sure no bookstore owner is going to let you take a handheld scanner into their store and "browse" books by scanning their pages.

      8. I have several shelves full of books.
      I have more books than shelves.

      I walk over and grab one, sometimes not knowing what it will be ahead of time. It's not the same on a hard drive.
      I can randomly pick an eBook. Maybe Apple needs to make an iTunes for books. You can flip through the covers and pick one.

      9. Highlighting, making notes in margins, and other things are better suited to paper.
      You deface your books!?!?!?
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Nope never happen.
      There is nothing like having a book in your hand.
      Ebooks have their place, hell I've authored a couple myself.

      I was just sitting on my front porch reading 'Cannabis Spirituality' by Steven Gaskin when I came in to check the forum.
      I took the cover sleeve and used it to mark the page I was on.
      Now when I pick it up again, no matter where I am or what I'm doing I can find my spot instantly.
      Do that with an ebook.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Nope never happen.
        There is nothing like having a book in your hand.
        Ebooks have their place, hell I've authored a couple myself.

        I was just sitting on my front porch reading 'Cannabis Spirituality' by Steven Gaskin when I came in to check the forum.
        I took the cover sleeve and used it to mark the page I was on.
        Now when I pick it up again, no matter where I am or what I'm doing I can find my spot instantly.
        Do that with an ebook.
        i agree. nothing like the feel, smell, texture of a real book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I knew I should have waited until Oct. 12th.

    Dan, I wasn't looknig for an argument. Heck, I agreed with your point about technology.

    Anyway, nothing can replace books - for whatever books are. Just likne nothing can replace the Rosetta Stone, or scrolls, or even 8-Track tapes. There is something intrinsic to each format that can't be replaced. Now, that doesn't mean that the "intrinsicness" is better or worse, just that any comparison is going to be like apples to oranges.

    In my opinion, actual books are still the superior option, in most cases. But, if it's a topic that I would be referring to while I'm on the computer, then I prefer e-books in most cases.

    Maybe it comes down to how each person uses and enjoys books. The way I do it, e-books are almost always deficient. For you, that may not be the case.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      I knew I should have waited until Oct. 12th.
      What happens October 12th? Is Allen kicking me out and no one told me?

      Dan, I wasn't looknig for an argument. Heck, I agreed with your point about technology.
      I wasn't looking for an argument either, just refuting your points.

      I just think it's largely like any other kind of change. There were people that couldn't imagine why anyone would want a computer in their home.

      For me, I used to write stories... on paper with pen or pencil. Even having a typewriter, I couldn't imagine not writing it down first. How could you replace the experience of pushing pen to paper and letting the flow of the pen go with the flow of words in your mind?

      But, over time, I got used to doing it on the computer. Nowadays, it would be rare to write something on paper first, except for notes and stuff when I'm not near the computer. And, if my Newton didn't eat batteries like there's no tomorrow, which is often the case for the batteries, I'd probably do a lot of notes right on it instead.

      Anyway, nothing can replace books - for whatever books are. Just likne nothing can replace the Rosetta Stone, or scrolls, or even 8-Track tapes. There is something intrinsic to each format that can't be replaced. Now, that doesn't mean that the "intrinsicness" is better or worse, just that any comparison is going to be like apples to oranges.
      Don't get me wrong. I like books. I have books that are over 100 years old, and that's like a piece of history. Who else has read and owned that book? How many people have touched and been touched by that book? There's something special about a book.

      But, that's not the case for many people, probably not even most people. Some will sell or toss a book after they've read it, or even if they haven't read it. Many people just don't care. It's just something to be consumed and gotten out of the way.

      As eBook technology improves and people get used to it, more and more of those people will be using eBooks. The majority of book buyers these days are consumers, not book lovers. To them, the format is not going to matter to them once they've become familiar to a certain way. For people that read a book and toss it, there is no shelf appeal, so it doesn't matter that it's an icon on the hard drive instead of a tome wrapped in a colorful book cover on the shelf. They'll just toss it into the recycle bin when they're done with it any way.

      I think that books will become a niche. Book lovers will want them, seek them out, etc. But, most book consumers won't care. They'll be happy with an eBook.
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    Ok, I'll bite.
    What happens Octoober 12th?

    And yes, real books will always rule.
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    • Profile picture of the author jjrich1
      Some interesting responses.

      I too believe that once the ebooks become more sophisticated people will eventually start to accept ebooks and ebook readers as a new and interesting way to read. Whether or not they will replace books no one knows the future.

      Imagine a eBook reader that smells like a book, can view two pages (even four) and feels like a book? lol
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        Originally Posted by jjrich1 View Post

        Some interesting responses.

        I too believe that once the ebooks become more sophisticated people will eventually start to accept ebooks and ebook readers as a new and interesting way to read. Whether or not they will replace books no one knows the future.

        Imagine a eBook reader that smells like a book, can view two pages (even four) and feels like a book? lol
        But you still won't be able to start a fire with it:rolleyes:
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
          Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

          But you still won't be able to start a fire with it:rolleyes:
          Good. Then it will be harder for the power-hungry to burn books and suppress or oppress thoughts and ideas.
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          • Profile picture of the author ThomM
            Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

            Good. Then it will be harder for the power-hungry to burn books and suppress or oppress thoughts and ideas.
            Naw then they would have ebook reader smashing parties instead.
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            • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
              Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

              Naw then they would have ebook reader smashing parties instead.
              Then people won't be able to read their manifestos.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    RE: October 12th.

    On Sept. 12th I said I was taking a one-month break from the OT.

    I think it's related to my health, but not sure. For whatever reason I have been hyper-sensitive, and that's not a good thing for the OT. I'm seeing arguments where before I would see discussions, etc.

    I really do enjoy the conversations here, but I have to be in the right frame of mind (or would the be OUT of the right frame of mind for the OT?).

    Just so you know, I'm not pointing fingers, and it's a problem with me, not the people here. So that I may participate more fully, I need to take a break. Thanks for understanding.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      RE: October 12th.

      On Sept. 12th I said I was taking a one-month break from the OT.
      It's like the Hotel California. You can check out, but you can't ever leave.

      I think it's related to my health, but not sure. For whatever reason I have been hyper-sensitive, and that's not a good thing for the OT. I'm seeing arguments where before I would see discussions, etc.

      I really do enjoy the conversations here, but I have to be in the right frame of mind (or would the be OUT of the right frame of mind for the OT?).

      Just so you know, I'm not pointing fingers, and it's a problem with me, not the people here. So that I may participate more fully, I need to take a break. Thanks for understanding.
      No problem. Just take care of yourself. Your own health is more important than discussions (or arguments) here or in any forum for that matter.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Books are too heavy, and you have to look for a page and many details reading many pages until you find what you need... I believe that ebooks will soon replace books. Ebooks are more attractive and easier to be read. I personally only read ebooks now.

    If you are always online, you tend to prefer them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
    It depends on what kind of books you're talking about. To me, if you're talking about old books, which i love, when you hold it you are touching history.

    I've got books my great great grandfather read, that have been passed down through the family. Its like a physical connection to him for me. I can smell 'burned' stuff where his house caught fire, i can smell the coal from his son's (my great grandfather) house that had a wood burning stove and the smell permeated everythingin the house, there is a light blue tinge on the back spine that was put there when my grandfather had it on a desk and knocked over his ink well for his fountain pen.

    That kind of stuff you can't reproduce with an ebook.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lucky727
    Actually, I think there is a very good chance ebooks will replace paper books. I have boxes and boxes, shelves upon shelves of books, but have recently discovered the Kindle. My son bought one for me and I am amazed how much I really like this gadget. It will hold up to 1500 books. I'm not saying I will get rid of all of my books, but it sure will make it easier in the future when moving and a lot of my regular books have been donated to Good Will.

    There are some people that will always stand hard and fast by the book you can actually hold and turn pages. And, let's face it, there are some books that should never be replaced by an ebook, i.e. The Bible.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Lucky727 View Post

      And, let's face it, there are some books that should never be replaced by an ebook, i.e. The Bible.
      Not completely, but take a look at eSword sometime. Simultaneous interlinear comparison of multiple versions and languages in whatever combination you like, Strong's numbers and Greek/Hebrew dictionaries in the sidebar, search functionality... if you're at all serious about biblical research, it blows away every paper bible on the planet.

      Not that I ever want to sit in synagogue with a laptop, but the 200+ bibles in my house were taking up an awful lot of space before I started using eSword for research. Now if only someone would make an electronic Talmud...
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      • Profile picture of the author ConcordeWarrior
        I do not like e-books I get tired of reading them after a number of pages.

        I love paper and I love real books and I hope they will exist until the day I die!
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
          Originally Posted by ConcordeWarrior View Post

          I do not like e-books I get tired of reading them after a number of pages.
          Maybe that's because the content wasn't compelling.

          I read a novel online once because I just couldn't stop reading it. The media didn't matter; it was the content that kept me going to the next (web) page.
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          • Profile picture of the author prosource4
            They might some day replace real books. Studies have shown that you learn more from picking up a real book reading it. The information is processed better!!
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            • Profile picture of the author barbling
              I don't think so.

              I just treated myself to the latest Diana Gabaldon book (Echo in the Bone) and curled up in bed with my family and mooses and had a great time reading last night.

              Can't do that with an ebook.
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  • Profile picture of the author knight8
    There are too many people like me who get a thrill of attacking a new book and holding it in their hands. I am young too, it isn't like I am part of a dying breed. No chance.
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  • Profile picture of the author talewins
    When I was a kid the biggest question of the day was: "Will dry cereals EVER be as popular as hot?"
    About 15 years ago I saw an ad in a major magazine that asked: "Will hot cereals ever be preferred to dry cereals?
    I have 21 grand children still in the lower grades. When I visit their class rooms 90% of them are working -- on computers -- on ebooks. In their minds at least, plain books will never compare with an ebook.
    Still preferring real books myself, when I visit the LITTLE library next door all 20 computers are busy with kids, the big reading room for kids is deserted unless somebody like me is in there telling stories in person, or something like that. Even then, if I handed them a disk, they would ignore me and pop in the disk.
    Will ebooks ever be preferred to real books? My 20,000 downloads per month web site says yes.
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  • Profile picture of the author gareth
    I prefer PDF to paper so for me they have
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    • Profile picture of the author topearn
      Will never happen cos there are over 6,500,000,000 people in the world, so there are bound to be some who use either ebooks or books.
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  • Profile picture of the author lcombs
    Yes, e-books will replace hardcopy books.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Completely replacing all books with electronics would be the most ignorant move mankind ever makes. While it's good to save on trees, we need to have hardcopy backups of our society, our arts, our thoughts. What happens if the power goes out and we have to live on the land again and there are no paper records?

    Ya know - they are just in the process now of finding out how rich the dark ages really were. For some reason there is hardly any paper record. Fortunately recent findings are starting to illuminate the actual intricacies of that age. If we could have paper records, we would know who we were, how we got to this point, and what mistakes were made along the way. Removing our paper trails just is bad sense.

    That and it's much easier reading a book in the bathtub, under a tree, or in bed than it is carting a computer screen around with ya all the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author chargers
    I believe it will happen one day. But there will be more side effects reading an e-book as we have to concentrate on the PC which might effect the eye sight. If that is the case best option is take a print out and read lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lambert Klein
    Ebooks already replaced some books, but I don't think they will ever replace them completely.

    It's to hard to read a lot of words on a screen for many people, especiaaly older folks.

    I feel more confortable reading off paper with anything of lenght. Easier to read and easy to take with you. You can write remarks on it and easily find what you want.

    I read this way waiting for my wife at appointments.

    Lambert
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