As someone who works in publishing we have this conversation a lot.

Reading patterns will change, and that's about all anybody can agree on.

Borders has closed because it operated on a bad business model, not because people weren't buying books. What's actually happening is that large chains are closing (again, business model) and smaller independents are opening up. However, people have definately reduced buying books on the high street. We have Amazon to thank for that. There are also more non-bookshops selling books: urban outfitters, TK Maxx, music shops, museums etc. Increasingly, this non-traditional channel will be very important for book trade.

TV didn't replace Radio, Radio didn't replace live concerts, Cinema didn't replace Painting, and I don't think e-readers will replace books. What's happening, like you're implying, is that the format can change, and it will, and it will supplement, not replace. E-readers are good for some reasons, but also pose larger more difficult questions about freedom of information, creativity, archiving, rights, and the editorial process. And right now, it's so fadish, and fashionable to walk around with any gadget.

I also don't think because something is on a screen, it's automatically more appealing to 'younger generations'. I think there's a knee jerk reaction right now to the digital revolution. There is an increase in book clubs, knitting circles, allotment farming etc. The bubble will burst with digital technology at some point, it's only a blip in human history, and so recent, that we will reach a point where bigger questions will have to be asked, and we won't be able to sustain the market. But that's a bigger conversation. Right now, it's time to snuggle up to my Penuin Book of American Verse.

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As someone who works in publishing we have this conversation a lot.

Reading patterns will change, and that's about all anybody can agree on.

Borders has closed because it operated on a bad business model, not because people weren't buying books. What's actually happening is that large chains are closing (again, business model) and smaller independents are opening up. However, people have definately reduced buying books on the high street. We have Amazon to thank for that. There are also more non-bookshops selling books: urban outfitters, TK Maxx, music shops, museums etc. Increasingly, this non-traditional channel will be very important for book trade.

TV didn't replace Radio, Radio didn't replace live concerts, Cinema didn't replace Painting, and I don't think e-readers will replace books. What's happening, like you're implying, is that the format can change, and it will, and it will supplement, not replace. E-readers are good for some reasons, but also pose larger more difficult questions about freedom of information, creativity, archiving, rights, and the editorial process. And right now, it's so fadish, and fashionable to walk around with any gadget.

I also don't think because something is on a screen, it's automatically more appealing to 'younger generations'. I think there's a knee jerk reaction right now to the digital revolution. There is an increase in book clubs, knitting circles, allotment farming etc. The bubble will burst with digital technology at some point, it's only a blip in human history, and so recent, that we will reach a point where bigger questions will have to be asked, and we won't be able to sustain the market. But that's a bigger conversation. Right now, it's time to snuggle up to my Penuin Book of American Verse.

Henry Martin , Playwright , 20/02/11 , 2,101 AP
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78d80778-09c5-4cd5-97fe-9e90014eebfa
Totally agree with this article. The excitement of reading a book and wanting to keep turning every page to get to the end. I don't own a kindle but i couldn't imagine the same thrill. Although i also agree that being read in any format is better than not being read at all. Maybe e-books will help younger generations get involved in literature?

Interesting article.

koko91 , Actor , 17/02/11 , 27 AP
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3928c1f5-8fa5-4a76-b480-9e8d0168aaec

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