Death of a Bookworm

Books, printed on paper and bound are basically an anachronism and will largely yield to the technology of electronic readers. There are several examples of readers whose display closely resembles ink-on-paper (IOP) and are easy to read, do not get moldy and whose useful life is unmeasurable. The ease and low cost of publishing enables an explosion of available literature of many forms, as well as graphics and even some video and sound file inserts. I am struck with the image of students at most levels carrying backpacks with textbooks, notebooks and other media. How much spinal curvature must students endure as a result? The electronic media business will overtake traditional publishing only when the business community has the courage and audacity to break the current strangle hold on publishing and adopt new technologies. It takes a business-not-as-usual attitude that has typified the advent of innovative businesses in the past. We exist largely in a risk-averse business environment where most changes are scorned and avoided since they lie outside the comfort zone. No leaps forward are made in comfort but instead with angst and trepidation. Several business start ups in e-books have failed due to short sighted business models rather than models based on long term, multi faceted development programs. The e-book is in our future and those who have the vision and resources may participate therein. They don't teach this way of thinking in books.

Posted On 5/19/2008 10:03:46 PM

The death of a "classical book worm" is inevitable from multiple causes, not just large organized retailers. Don't forget the increasing number of publishers who are moving to paperless books re: e-books. I am a baby boomer who highly values the disorganized type of small, old, crooked and creaking floors, beat up chairs, etc - especially if you can find them while on vacation. I am equally distressed that a "unique" vs. "cookie cutter" experience is disappearing from my sensory inventory. What a tremendous respite it was from the bombardment of better, faster and cheaper. The new generation, wants 100% availability, wants it yesterday and at the best price via the web or Walmart (for a quick and heavily discounted grab of a best seller). The surviving retail giants not only get that but are also focusing on making the organized store "a unique experience". Now you can have a variety of coffees, teas, pastries and sandwiches all while reading your favorite book or searching the shelves - and more seats. Take heart book worms - much of the experience may still be there. We have simply traded certain elements such as that disorganzied and musty stack of books for other elements e.g. a nice cup of coffee or your favorite green tea. It's not gone - It's different.

Posted On 5/20/2008 1:13:37 AM

People may say what they may,but I cannot imagine a world without good old paper books. Trying curling up with a cup of coffee and an electronic book on a rainy day and you would know what I am talking about.

Posted On 6/7/2008 11:22:17 AM