E-readers vs. Books

My books. Attempting to creating a literal mountain of them. Or perhaps mountain ranges even.

Inspired by Simon Clark's most recent blog, I felt the desire to share my own thoughts on the subject of books, bookshelves, and E-readers. I used to work at Barnes and Noble, at times at the Nook counter, and one of the most common questions was "you think this'll replace books?" I told them no.

There are a few reasons I usually offered aside from the fact that books are books and people love them. One, you can't have an E-reader signed by your favorite author. I mean, I suppose you could, but it certainly wouldn't have the same feeling. Second, as much as having an E-reader is great and it's portable and concise and nifty, you can't beat it up as much as you can a good solid book. This is putting aside the other concern of collectible books as well. A leather-bound book is very different from a leather-bound nook. Thirdly, there is nothing like having a physical copy of something. Without a doubt, the E-reader and E-publication will cut down the sheer quantity of books that are printed. But the really good ones, the classics or those books that inspired you in some unforgettable way or form, you'll want that book in your home on your shelf.  And lastly, of course, there's simply the feel of a book, the cover, the artwork, the texture, the fact that it ages with you. It is, without a doubt, more personal than simply having text on a plastic screen. And in my opinion, always will be.

As for my own library. It's in a sad state. A very, seriously, sad state. I love my books, and I've been able to acquire many free books from Barnes and Noble and even 'buy' some as well. But now I am poor. I always was, but now I'm realizing I am and can't be buying things like books anymore. Instead, I am selling them. If anyone want's any of them, I have most of them up on half.com. It makes me sad every time I do well one, but I try and take some comfort in the idea that they're going to a good home and one day, hopefully, I'll be able to buy them back. This is where the wonderful use of libraries and friends come in. In my opinion, much the same thing.

In answer to Simon's question "old book smell Vs new book smell?" Such a hard question. I'd say both for different reasons, but if forced for one answer, old book smell (though it does depend on what it's been kept with. Kept with an old bucket of stew left in the attic for years, not such a good smell)

Mr. Sora on top o' those comics there. And Vince peaking out of the corner.

Life Goals:

            -Become a comic book writer

            -Become an author of fiction

            -Become a young adult book writer

            -Create and sing in a full band with 4 or more people

            -Create and play in a two person band

            -Create a virtual band

            -Do a bit of acting

            -Improve artwork (drawing/inking/etc.)

            -Write a TV show

            -Eat every story that ever was