eBooks vs. Books

by Doppelganger

Although it sounded nice, I was originally against the idea of eBooks. An entire book, multiple books on one device, readable anytime, anywhere at the tip of my fingers? It sounds pretty awesome at face value. What I didn't like is the implications eBooks would have on the industry I have grown to love. Since eBooks began, we have seen many good things, many new up-start authors getting a voice and a place to sell their books, varying prices and strong availability. But these things have come at a big cost. Borders went out of business, for more than one reason, but primarily because they didn't embrace the eBook generation that was on the up-rise. Used book stores, while still around in force, are slowly closing up because they aren't able to generate income and don't have electronic books. On the flip side, libraries have taken a part in eBooks because it seems to be the way of the future. I don't think anyone wants to see their public libraries close and I was glad to see they continue to do their thing, while embracing the new technology. I never thought I would own a Kindle or a Nook, but I received one as a gift, like it and can definitely see its value. I think of it as a great way to supplement books but not a way to replace them. To me, there is something about a book in your hand, the artwork on the cover, the turning of a page and the completion of a physical book that an eBook will never be able to replicate. Give me 1000 books on a device and shower me with ads, good values and options, but at the end of the day I would rather hold a good book in my hands, know what actual page I am on, finish it and return it to my bookshelf. Some today would say that is old fashioned, but I think its literature.