The future of the book
Although I am one of the people who greatly benefited from the presence of e-books, but there is a sense of sadness and worry also if I imagine the print books disappear from around me. The printed books have been through a very long historical period and have left a very deep impression and memories. It is impossible to imagine someday, it will completely disappear.
On the other hand, and at the same time, I also have to admire the "Social Book" project by Robert Stein, founder of the Institute for the Future of the Book and co-founder of Voyager and the Criterion Collection. How not, if the "Social Book":
... allows members to insert comments directly into digital book texts and is already used by teachers at several high schools and universities to stimulate discussions.
It's really amazing!
As quoted by Nuwer, Stein even says this:
“For my grandchildren, the idea that reading is something you do by yourself will seem arcane. Why would you want to read by yourself if you can have access to the ideas of others you know and trust, or to the insights of people from all over the world?”
A very tempting thing!
However, apart from all sides of effectiveness and flexibility, frankly, reading a printed book, to me, is still more enjoyable, and allows me to concentrate fully on reading.
The printed book, perhaps through the touch of its hard body, gives me an intimacy with the reading, even feels like giving the breadth of discussion with the author, even "a quarrel" in silence, of course.
Besides, I am also free to mark the parts that are very memorable or something that should be discussed with heat. For a very touching part, I can underline it with a thick line, even many times in the same place.
So, the printed book gives a place to express feelings, I think!
But I do not know how all this will continue in the future? Will the print books still take up space in our lives for the next few decades?
Physical books are becoming just a collection. Even though I haven't personally read any e-books, it's easy to see why people would prefer to read from their tablet, which has access to thousands of books, instead of a physical book that takes more space than the tablet. Maybe some day owning books is as cool as owning classic cars :)
You're right, and I agree with you. But somehow I feel sad if the physical books shifted by e-books. It may be like losing a friend who has been with us for a long time.
Forgive me oh my memories sure you have brought me in a new book.
https://steemit.com/busy/@adialam/the-old-book-is-now-talking