Since quite a long time, I have been debating about technology usage, and stressed the fact that, quite often, users can be divided into:
§
§Systematic Users. Those who will immediately dig into the new features, swapping massively from legacy technology / social interactions.§Critical Users. Those who will approach new features as a potential alternative to fit into a consolidated pattern of legacy technology / social interaction.
Now, that actually applies to books, as it seems from this survey. It is sometimes incredible how fundamental aspects of a consumer experience, intangibles, social history and current demographic evolutions are skimmed over by tech marketeers.. a book is not only a repository of information, it is not only a waste of a piece of a rainforest (albeit it is somewhat an usage of an otherwise scarce commodity such as, yep, a forest tree..)(ok, some editors may recycle, appreciate that..), a book is a personal, full-bodied, complex experience that, nevermind what, can be rendered by the most advanced of eText book reader…
You enjoy stepping into a bookstore, browse the shelves, look at covers and wander what’s inside, you weight the colors, loose yourself in that maelstrom of printed words and weird characters..then, later, your listening to the crisp noise of the turning of the first page is something close to meditation, and the smell…
It is not just digesting information, is a tactile, multisensorial experience about someone else’s dreams. Then, clearly, I may accomodate some tech into my personal library, but alongside, very purposely, targeted, whatever.. BUT, nevermind the eBooks, do not touch my collection of worn-down paperbacks and hard covers!! Could kill..
4 responses so far ↓
Andy // March 9, 2008 at 11:05 26 |
I, SO, agree. For me it’s the smell first (I smell the pages as I flick through) first and then the feel of the paper (each one being different) and the ability to open the book in a second and read a few sentences, wherever I am.
As oposed to an ebook, where I must be at the computer, I must boot the computer, I must find the page, I must find the spot where I had got to, etc. etc.
I do read ebooks, but it’s not such an experience as reading a real book.
88days // March 10, 2008 at 08:47 25 |
Hi Andy, thks for comments! Yep, that is the whole point, ease and pleasure.. ebooks may deliver other assets, such as “quantity” and “convenience”.. still, I stand in awe each and every time I step into a library or bookshop.. pretty difficult to imagine when looking at a Kindle!!!
grethen // July 7, 2008 at 14:12 10 |
well done and useful content
88days // July 7, 2008 at 22:58 22 |
Cheers Grethen, tks for stopping by,hope I will be able to post a bit more on the subject, since I am not part of an editorial group, and in its new media arm!!!
See you later, then!!!