Yes, it's been said that it will cause the end of the world as we know it. There's been rumors that it will ruin the publishing industry and make paper books obsolete. Then there's the whole 1984 fiasco. Despite the doom and gloom, I got a Kindle for my birthday, and I love it (I suppose this is where I say I have not been paid by the makers of Kindle to say nice things about it). I was skeptical before I got one--very, very skeptical. And I was nervous that the government would take over my brain if I turned it on (ok, maybe not so much that fear, but you never know). Now that I have one, I'm sold.I don't have access to a bookstore because I live in Timbuktu--It takes a week or so to get a book I've ordered. So, it's awesome to see something I really want to read and have it in a minute. Because of this, I read more, and for some strange reason, I read faster (maybe that's the result of the government controlling my brain). But the thing I use my new gadget for the most is critiquing manuscripts, whether my own or a partner's. I went through a lot of hard copies while revising my last book, which meant a LOT of paper and ink. Now, I have my manuscripts on a contraption that looks like it came straight out of an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. No more gazillions of reams of paper and $100 ink cartridges. Having a Kindle doesn't mean I'll stop buying paper books, because I haven't yet. To me, it means reading more and having more convenience when critiquing. Awesomeness.
17 comments:
Yup, it's on my xmas list. If nothing else, so I can beta read and feel like I'm reading a real book. Glad you love yours (without being paid to say it.)
BJ!You live in Timbuktu? Do you speak Timbuktuan? :)
I don't want a kindle. I like to feel the book. Touch it. But I've heard great stuff about them. I do agree it can be a hassle having to drive endlessly, searching for a book store.
And the convenience has gotta be unbelievable. I dunno. I'll let you know. You've convinced me to at least think about it. :)
Loved the post! I was worried about the government thing too, but if you don't morph into, let's say a Tribble or a Stepford Wife-- over the course of the next few months--I'll consider getting one. :D
I want one, but I've been using Kindle for iPhone and even the tiny screen is better than a book. Just can't justify cost...
Noooooo.....that's how they get you. You don't even KNOW that they really are controlling you...
save yourself, BJ.......save youself......
;)
You've sold me! I probably won't get one for a while, though.
Sams as Karen, it's on my xmas list. I can't wait!
I want one, but I just cannot justify the expense right now.
This old dinosaur shall remain ever faithful to the olde tyme book. :)
Love hearing "real" people comment on the e-readers. I don't know many people who have them (only know of) and I like hearing what people think as I've been considering getting 1 especially since I travel.
Hehe, Robyn. Yes and yes. ;) And I'm glad you'll think about it.
Deb-Lol, tribbles! I'll let you know if I notice anything strange. So far, I've just been impulse buying all the books I've wanted to buy in the last month. :D
lapetus999-the screen is awesome. I love that I can change the word size because I'm pretty blind.
Tess-lol, you crack me up. Yes, I've gone to the dark side.
Susan-I forfeited Christmas so I could get it for my b-day. :D I am so impatient.
Angie-I don't blame you. It's not for everyone! :D
WindyA-It will be sooo awesome for travel. I can't wait to bring it somewhere. :D
I too was a skeptic and swore I'd never own a Kindle. Ah, the folly of using the word 'never'!
I love my Kindle and am probably reading more now then ever before. I still go to the bookstore. I love the feel/smell of a new book, the different textures of paper, the brilliant cover designs, and just the chance to surroud myself with thousands of books. Every now and then, based on the texture of the paper . . . I might buy a book. I'm crazy like that sometimes. Most times, I walk reluctantly away from the bookstore, then hurry to my car and download the book. : )
Welcome to Kindleworld where the books you want are just seconds away.
S
I haven't yet gone to the dark side, but I like the idea of being able to make the font as big as I want it. I'm sure we'll all be using it someday whether we want to or not.
Wait - how do you critique? Can you makes notes on it?
I'm tempted...
I know, Scott! Isn't it so cool!
Linda--next time I see you, I'll let you take a look. It's really neat-o.
And PJ--Yes, you can make notes and highlight words, too! The keyboard is small, but it's nice when you're sitting on the couch or something if you're doing clean up work. I haven't figured out if there's a way you can send it back to yourself (or someone else) so that it can be opened into word with notes attached. I'll get back to you on that one.
Please do! Because that would be huge!
Thanks!
Dear Santa,
I'd really love a Kindle this Christmas. Just sayin'...
PS: paper books will never be out of style for me, either, just that the Kindle makes things more transportable.
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