This is not a full commentary on the “digital revolution” that is occurring or the mad dash towards the tablet or great digital phone- this is more a summary of how my attitude has changed towards something that I have stated very publicly up until now: that I would never use a digital device to read a book, period.
Let’s begin at the top.
I am a firm believer that digital will take over as the primary channel for content.
Now, content is a very interesting word:
1. Content (noun): the topics or matter treated in a written work
2. Content (noun): substantive information or creative material viewed in contrast to its actual or potential manner of presentation
So, in order for me to explain my complete 180 in terms of digital content, I will refer to the definitions provided.
I consume content(2) either with a laptop, my cell phone, my internet connected media server, tablet, etc.- literally technology that I can get my hands on. The types of content that I consume with these devices include movies, tv, blogs, websites, recipes, online retailers- again, anything that is available. The common link between most of these is that the content is delivered in small snippets, consumable in short bursts of time. Yes, I have succumbed to the behaviour that is driven by digital media; a pictogram that outlines a complex idea in simple terms, a news article in short-form, even reviews of products that I am interested in. Only when my interest is piqued do I dig further and look for long form writing, talk to people about their experience using a product, their opinions about an idea, or trying to solve problems. I even cancelled my physical magazine subscriptions as they are replications of content I can find online.
But I draw the line at books. I will always buy hardcopy books. I love the “romantic” idea of flipping pages. I am even building a library for all the books that I own (and I own and still collect a lot). I grew up with the notion that a personal library was a legacy for my children; reading the books that I read, gaining the same feeling of enjoyment with each story. Then...
I brought a tablet home, played with it a little, and found that it was a great device with which to consume content. Anything that I wanted to view or listen to I could, and quickly. Since I am curious by nature, I wanted to understand what this whole “digital reader” thing was. How could I possibly give up the tactile experience of reading a book? (side note: I collect vinyl and love handling the artistic album covers). How could I give up the idea of having a physical reminder of an adventure I took without leaving the couch? How could I dismiss my personal library legacy for my children? Here’s where I concede...
I LOVE READING BOOKS DIGITALLY. I can read a book in the dark without one of those archaic book lights. It remembers where I left off and I don’t have to “dog ear” (a term soon to be archaic itself) or use a book mark to get me back to where I left off, and when I fall asleep and the book closes I don’t have to search for my spot. Better yet, when I am finished a book I can check out the online retailers immediately to buy another book when and where I want it. I am a convert. The key point here is that although the tactile experience isn’t the same, the book is the CONTENT(1) – not the physical, but the story and my journey with the story.
I will still purchase books like I always do at used book stores (probably not as much), and I won’t be abandoning my library. However, I am content with consuming the content of a book, digitally.
Here’s what I have read recently (digitally)
Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror
The Trench
Meg: Primal Waters
Meg: Hell’s Aquarium
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