Are Books Disappearing?

[ammahood]

Although I do own a Kindle, I will never give up reading paperbacks. There is something about holding the book you are reading and physically turning the pages as you read along. I don't think books will ever disappear forever. Even think of children's books, they aren't the same as a digital copy as on paper.

[sarahnichole92]

Has long as there are people reading (and preferring) printed books, there will be printed books.

Is has decreased, but the demand is still there.

[Age777]

Not yet but they are probably slowing considerably or will in the near future.

[goldengate]

No... We have used books for many years. Many folks like the fell, the smell and the experience. Plus, there are lots of book collectors out there. I think the huge publishers (Scribner's, etc) may start closing down but there will always be a market for special books. Small printers, specialty printers, and printers who specialize in lovely limited editions... those folks will be around. It may be that books will be more expensive... but you'll always be able to find books.

[gali]

I think that as long as there are people reading printed books, there will be printed books. Although I do own a Kindle, I also read paperbacks.

[Mom2Grey]

No, I think there will always be printed books available. There's just too much demand for them to disappear altogether.

[obiebookworm]

I don't think that books will ever totally disappear. There are so many tactile elements that only a book can give. Plus, if the electricity goes, there's always a book and a flashlight!! (Of course, there are books stored on ereaders, but in my humble opinion, there's nothing that will replace the feel of a book.)

There is another element that gets overlooked and that is not every person is computer literate - not to mention on a much wider scale the fact that it's the richer countries that enjoy all this technology. Poorer countries do not have this luxury.

[Mom2Grey]

I disagree, actually.
Loads of people in developing countries own cellphones (for example).
I still use a landline. E-books are cheaper to manufacture than hardcopy. As the new technologies become more widespread, costs will come down. In the near future, I expect more people in the developing world will be reading books than ever before.

[obiebookworm]

To Mom2Grey: This is true about the cell phones, which I have yet to figure out how they manage this financially.

[KayB]

I think in time paper books will be a novelty, there will always be someone who like s the feel of the physical. But as kids continue to grow up relying on technology the likelihood of our future generations to walk into a book store grows slim.

[knightenight27]

I don't think books will be leaving anytime soon. Too many people like books that they can hold in their hands, like myself. I do own a nook and the only time I actually read it is when there is a book that I am not really sure if I want to read it or not. It is cheaper to get a nook book sometimes. If I do not think the book I am reading would be worth getting a hard copy of, I don't. Sometimes I find a book that I really like and I think it is worth going to buy a hard copy of it. Also there is the trouble of my eyes cannot deal with looking a screen for a long amount of time. I am most likely not alone in that. So, I don't think books are disappearing. The opportunities to read are just expanding.

[obiebookworm]

To knightenight27: I wholeheartedly agree!

[K-katastrophe3]

I, myself, own a nook. It was a decision I came to most reluctantly. I love to read, and read quite a bit, but I love to keep the books I have read so that one day I may be able to read it again. Maybe even give it to someone I know would love the book. But as I ran out of room to put my books, it was one of my only options. However, I still buy printed books once in a while ( I just make sure I have more room, or give another to someone to read). I absolutely Love printed books, e-readers simply are not the same. I do believe, though, that this is becoming a world of technology, and printed books will one day fade from our existence. It is not a thought that I relish, but one I think is inevitable. Maybe one day printed books will become that of legend, becoming rare and coveted pieces for wealthy collectors. No one really knows just how soon it will happen (if it happens), though I just hope it isnt going to be anytime soon.

[kaiye]

I own both a Kobo and an iPad. I enjoy reading on both devices, and love having thousands of books literally at my fingertips. It's great when travelling since it takes up way less space and weighs much less than adding a couple of books to your luggage. That being said, there is nothing like holding your favorite book in your hands; enjoying the texture and smell of the pages, seeing each and every blemish. It's like visiting an old friend. There are also certain types of books that I won't buy in eBook format (cookbooks for example). I don't want to get my eReader covered in whatever new recipe I am making.

I think in the long run, purchasing eBooks actually costs me more money despite their slightly cheaper cost. If I read a new book that I love, or find a new series to collect, I just have to buy the paperback or hardcover edition. eBooks and eReaders are certainly here to stay, but I don't think paper books are going anywhere anytime soon.

[arnaleigh]

I think the discounted price is more to do with materials and overheads used in production of the books. I don't think the author would receive less money than what they would for a papercopy. I guess it depends on how all of that is worked out though.