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Author Topic: Hard Copy vs. E-Books  (Read 8465 times)

Offline Kallisti

Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« on: October 28, 2011, 01:20 AM »
Obviously, everyone on here likes to read e-books. But I tend to be curious, so I had a few questions...

1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?
..and if anyone has other questions, feel free to post them.

Here're my answers:
1. No, I have tons of books in hard copy. But my husband has been trying to get me to read more e-books so that we don't have to build an outbuilding just for my books. ;]
2. I'm a reading slut; I don't care which format it is so long as I get to read it. The biggest plus about e-books for me is that I live an hour from the nearest bookstore, and my local library is tiny, so it's easier to buy a new book in e-format than it is to spend gas + book money.
4. At the moment, I don't have many duplicates. I'm thinking about trying to back up my hard copy library with e-books, because I've had too many occasions where my books get lost, "borrowed" for eternity, or eaten by my dogs (not kidding, they've eaten at least three books that I know of).
 

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Offline Lady Macbeth

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2011, 02:21 AM »
Well, I was initially very reluctant to change over to an e-reader.  I'm an avid reader and my husband had been trying to convince me to have a Kindle since they first came out.  I was all "No, I love books - I would miss them too much!"  He wanted me to get one because I can't part with my books and they were building up and taking up too much space.  Eventually, I capitulated and he was on Amazon ordering me a Kindle faster than I could believe!

Of course, as soon as it came, I totally fell in love with my Kindle and haven't looked back once.  I read exclusively on the Kindle now and completely prefer it.  Of course, I can read as much salacious fiction as I like and tell everyone I'm reading Charles Dickens - they all believe me!! ;)

I don't currently have any duplicate books in both formats that I can think of as I still haven't been able to part with the hard copies much to my husband's constant disapproval but I don't rule it out for the future and my e-library is significantly more extensive than my hard copy library thanks to sites like these. :)
 

Offline Mr. Greyfox

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Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2011, 03:29 PM »
Oh man... I have this conversation with my holier-than-though-because-I-only-read-paper-books friends so often it's turned into a full on debate. Forgive me if I start to rant ::)

First off, I LOATHE paper books :-[, and the Kindle has almost everything to do with what got me back into reading ;D.  Call me a wuss, but no matter how hard I try I can never find a comfortable position to both relax AND fight paper books - supporting them, keeping them open, constantly turning pages, rolling over so the opposing side can rest on the bed while laying down... The Kindle just sits on my chest and I tap the page button every now and then. Done. Not to mention carrying bulky paper books around or finding your bookmark fell out and you've got to dredge around looking for the line between what's familiar and what's not ;).  The Kindle holds more books than I'll ever need and has yet to lose my place, it teaches me new words, grants near-instant access to Amazon's entire Kindle library, and like Kallisti said, eBooks are cheaper, delivered instantly and freely, you can loan them without wondering if you'll ever see them again, and you don't need an outbuilding just to store them!

Most importantly, I don't believe any part of the author's story is lost on either medium.  A small handful of my friends, however, disagree.  They maintain that reading digital books is somehow selling out or cheating or caving to the uncultured swine or disrespecting the author and the denying yourself the "full experience" ...like there's some magical enrichment transmitted only through the act of physically holding and turning page after mildew-stenched page. Or something.  I just don't see it.  The story is told through a stream of words, and as long as they're all included and formatted identically, it's impossible to say that one is any better at telling the author's story.  It's more likely that they've built up this idea of prestige for holding paper books simply because it's been the only way to read since the dawn of print.  Like Lady Macbeth experienced, there's no doubt in my mind they'd see past this archaic association if they just gave eBooks a try.  Sadly they never will. 

To each their own, of course ...I just wish they'd be more open-minded. They've never even TRIED a kindle/Nook/knock-off.  Instead it's more or less a religion; no debate or experience can change blind faith and dedication. Their loss.

edit:
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... I like books because you can flip to different pages, with my kindle I have to either flip a page at a time or jump to a location ... too bad the engineers designing the thing can't figure out a good way of flipping pages like with a book.
True.  You can do that on the Kindle reader for PC/Mac (little scroll bar at the bottom, instantly drag to a percentage) but on the portable reader you do have to guestimate a percentage with a location number. I also like "flipping through" magazines so I should point out that my original reply is strictly talking about novels;  for anything that's heavily layout-based, like magazines and textbooks, nothing beats the real thing!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2011, 03:32 PM by inferno999 »
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Offline ereaderuser

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2011, 04:18 PM »
1) I read almost exclusively on my Nook or Nookcolor. There is nothing better than having a good portion of your books on an ereader that can go everywhere with you. And I mean EVERYWHERE!! I never leave the house without one or both of my Nooks. Even if I'm only leaving for a few minutes I always think, what if my car breaks down or something and I could've been reading?

2) I prefer reading on my ereader. In fact in almost 2 years I've only read one "real" book because my daughter recommended it and handed me her paperback. I had such a hard time wanting to read and finish that book. I can't pinpoint why, but I didn't enjoy it. So I stick to the ereader now.

3) My e-library is way more extensive than my hardcopy library. I think my hardcopy library consists of about 2 dozen reference books on finches. And maybe 2 dozen cookbooks. My e-library consists of a little over 3,800 books.

4) I have NO duplicate books.



 

Offline losemyself

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2011, 06:36 AM »
I was originally in the category of "i loved the feel and smell of a real book" that is until i decided to try an e-reader and now am one of the converted. I would much rather read on my Kobo
then a paperback, it is just easier and more comfortable, not to mention that when i go on vacation it is easier to carry than a stack of books. My hard copy library is slowly disappearing
since as soon as i find an ebook copy i get rid of the hard copy.  We have a very small house and i just don't have the room anymore. I have even managed to talk my mom into an ereader
who happens to be a die hard book person, she loves that she can make the print bigger and not worry about looking for her reading glasses! 
 

Offline flipflop

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2011, 06:48 AM »
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Oh man... I have this conversation with my holier-than-though-because-I-only-read-paper-books friends so often it's turned into a full on debate. Forgive me if I start to rant ::)

First off, I LOATHE paper books :-[, and the Kindle has almost everything to do with what got me back into reading ;D.  Call me a wuss, but no matter how hard I try I can never find a comfortable position to both relax AND fight paper books - supporting them, keeping them open, constantly turning pages, rolling over so the opposing side can rest on the bed while laying down... The Kindle just sits on my chest and I tap the page button every now and then. Done. Not to mention carrying bulky paper books around or finding your bookmark fell out and you've got to dredge around looking for the line between what's familiar and what's not ;).  The Kindle holds more books than I'll ever need and has yet to lose my place, it teaches me new words, grants near-instant access to Amazon's entire Kindle library, and like Kallisti said, eBooks are cheaper, delivered instantly and freely, you can loan them without wondering if you'll ever see them again, and you don't need an outbuilding just to store them!

Most importantly, I don't believe any part of the author's story is lost on either medium.  A small handful of my friends, however, disagree.  They maintain that reading digital books is somehow selling out or cheating or caving to the uncultured swine or disrespecting the author and the denying yourself the "full experience" ...like there's some magical enrichment transmitted only through the act of physically holding and turning page after mildew-stenched page. Or something.  I just don't see it.  The story is told through a stream of words, and as long as they're all included and formatted identically, it's impossible to say that one is any better at telling the author's story.  It's more likely that they've built up this idea of prestige for holding paper books simply because it's been the only way to read since the dawn of print.  Like Lady Macbeth experienced, there's no doubt in my mind they'd see past this archaic association if they just gave eBooks a try.  Sadly they never will. 

To each their own, of course ...I just wish they'd be more open-minded. They've never even TRIED a kindle/Nook/knock-off.  Instead it's more or less a religion; no debate or experience can change blind faith and dedication. Their loss.

edit: True.  You can do that on the Kindle reader for PC/Mac (little scroll bar at the bottom, instantly drag to a percentage) but on the portable reader you do have to guestimate a percentage with a location number. I also like "flipping through" magazines so I should point out that my original reply is strictly talking about novels;  for anything that's heavily layout-based, like magazines and textbooks, nothing beats the real thing!

I could have written your post, it's exactly how I fee (insert Nook instead of Kindle)
With Nook, you can scroll the bar to a specific page #, not a percentage.
"And I wonder if that's what my scars really are: proof that I've put myself back together again." Carrie Ryan ~ The Dark and Hollow Places
 

Offline Spoodle

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2011, 06:08 PM »


I used to read paperback books only because i would re-read all my books and destroy them, so i wanted the cheapest copy that i can take to the beach, get sand in, read (and occasionally drop) in the bath and chuck in any bag.
My "special" books are all hardbacks which i cherish, gone with the wind, and most of the classics. I have been collecting them, and makets are great to find really old fashioned copies of for only a few dollars.

The first time i used an e-reader i hated it! it hurt my eyes and i decided i loved real books much better. But, After realising i couldn't wait to go out and buy or borrow the book, STP was an easier solution to get a hold of books straight away and reading them on an e-reader or laptop is much easier and my eyes are used to it.

I now read books in both forms and dont have a preference. Its more depends on the genre as to whether i buy it and read it hardback or online... I find that i cant stand to read the classics on an e-reader, but modern and YA books i can.

My hard copy library is more extensive than my ebook library, however i have read everything in my ebook library whilst i havent in my hard copy one.

I have the duplicates of my favourite YA books on my laptop and e reader so i can read them where ever i am rather than having to  bring the book out

 :D
 

Offline jollygreengiant1

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2011, 07:00 PM »
1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?


My Answers:
1. I read in what ever format I have. If I have a book in E-Format, then usually that is the way I read it just b/c I have gotten spoiled by only having to use one hand instead of 2!

2. I used to prefer books in print but now prefer an EBook.

3.I have an extensive library of both print and Ebook. I am selling off my print library as I read or as I obtain an ebook. Eventually my ebook library will be much more extensive.

4. Yes I do have duplicates in some of my favorite authors/series/books.
 

Offline Twasn't me

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2011, 09:03 PM »
I LOOOOVE to read almost anything. I drive everyone around me nuts because I prefer it to tv although I can read and watch tv at same time AND not lose my place and keep my place in more  than one book at a time, That said I have had to convert to computer/e-reader because I am no longer in my own house. I had to get rid of bookcases upon bookcases of hardcovers and paperbacks (I had a broken heart as they left)
Hey but at least the kids can just delete em when I go.
1.I'll take em any way I can get em
2.It took adjustment but now prefer ereader,tablet or computer(God the Kindle Fire looks good)
3. 99% of my hard copies are gone
4.I only have a few dupes,gotten searching for a better copy,but those will soon be gone as I continue to edit the worst ones out :)
"I know you think you understood what I said, but what you think you heard is not what I meant."
 

Offline jessadia

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2011, 09:15 PM »
1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?

Answers:
1.) No. I read both types of books.
2.) While I love ebooks and eReaders, I actually prefer reading a paper copy.
3.) Both are about the same.
4.) I have tons of duplicates in paper/ebook formats. Every time I go to the store I pick up a new paper book and every time I'm on this site I download a book (or three...). If I find a book I love in paper copy, I download/purchase an ebook version and vice versa. I even have several duplicates of books in the original paper release, the newer re-released paper version and an ebook version. I love books and I kind of 'collect' things.

I love the feel, the smell of paper copies and I'm not a save-the-world-go-green-go-digital-tree-hugger (no offense meant, of course) so I have no problem with chopping down trees and making books out of them. I love the written word and even prefer paper and pen over type. I love holding a paper book in my hand but they are a hassle to take with me, and I read everywhere, at work, at the doctors, although reading while driving does not work out ;) so when i go somewhere i always take my eReader or iPod with me.
 

Offline Shenanigans

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2011, 09:58 PM »
1. No, I read both eBooks and hard copies. I love to get snuggled up with a hardcover and smell the paper, turn the pages. You just don't get the same feel with an eReader.
2. Recently I have preferred reading my books in e-format. But only because I've been on the go so much lately. I usually have one book going on my Nook and another in hard copy.
3. I would say my eBook library is more extensive for two reasons, 1) I haven't gotten around to buying all the hardcovers I need ;D and 2) because I also get eBooks for family/friends.
4. I have an eBook copy (some paperbacks too) for every hardcover I own. And I get really bummed out if books are only available in eBook or paperback. I have to have my hardcovers! :D
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riam22

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Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2011, 09:29 PM »
Nothing beats having a real book in between your hands so I prefer having a hard copy than a digital one.  However, some books are just so hard to find so I'm very grateful just to have an ebook copy of it. 

The high cost of books nowadays also drove me and others too, I'm sure, to settle for the ebook.  I'm not proud of this fact but I have other expenses too so I have to budget my money wisely.  That's why I'm so grateful to this forum.  :)
 

Offline BBN

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2011, 01:32 PM »
1. No, I have both print and electronic books. I have so many print books that I've run out of space. Kept buying bookcases until I had no more room inside. Then I have way more in boxes in our building out back. But the stacks were getting too big and taking up too much of the building, so my hubby said no more print books, and bought me a Nook Color. I still manage to sneak in a print book here and there by my must-have-author's whose books I collect, all others are ebook only now. :(

2. I love both formats. But I'll be honest and say that as time goes on I'm leaning more towards the ebooks because you can read without nosy people knowing what you're reading, because you can take more books with you in eformat, and because I can change font and such to suit my needs.

3. Hmm...not sure which is bigger. I have thousands of individual titles (not including the duplicates) in both mediums.

4. Yep, guilty for both types. Especially for my "keepers." Gotta have back ups, you know. <G> Some of my very faves I have several print copies of and some ebook copies as well. As for books I have in e-only, I usually have more than one format. One for my ebook reader, one for my phone, another if I'm reading on computer. What can I say, I like to read. <G>
« Last Edit: November 09, 2011, 02:14 PM by BBN »
 

Offline BBN

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2011, 01:37 PM »
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I never leave the house without one or both of my Nooks. Even if I'm only leaving for a few minutes I always think, what if my car breaks down or something and I could've been reading?

LOL It's great to know I'm not the only one who thinks like that.  ;D
 

Offline Aoibheal

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2011, 01:49 PM »
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Obviously, everyone on here likes to read e-books. But I tend to be curious, so I had a few questions...

1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?
..and if anyone has other questions, feel free to post them.



1. No. 

Because...I love reading books in their physical forms.  Especially the hard covers.  The scent of fresh paper reminds me of a library, the appeal of a book cover, the way the paper feel against my fingertips.   Oh..I could wax lyrical poetry over it. 

However, I consider books in physical forms a luxury. They are expensive, hard to maintain, difficult to store, difficult to maneuver and most important factor of all, harms our environment (save the trees please).

2. If speed, money and tree killings are not an issue, then I would have preferred a book in physical form.  But almost always, ebooks never fail to give me instant gratification.

3. Ebooks definitely.

4. LOL!!  Just tidied up my Calibre Library for my main laptop.  Will probably work on my desktop and my secondary laptop when I have the mood ;)

cheers
Aoi
« Last Edit: November 09, 2011, 01:53 PM by Aoibheal »
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Offline enaire

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2011, 05:22 PM »
1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
No, I really prefer hard copies, but since it's not available for me in my location, I'll do with e-format

2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
Hard copy, easy on the eyes, and doesn't need electricity, easier to read when you're in bed as well.

3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
I think my hard copy, I've been collecting books for almost 6-7 years.

4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few
I have e-format duplicates for my hard copies, almost all except for those hard to find e-books, but I don't have hard copies for all the e-formats I have since it's not available for me
 

Offline GG drypen!

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #16 on: November 09, 2011, 06:46 PM »
Ok I'm old, my eyesite was poor to begin with but bifocals suck. I has a hardcopy snob. I'd buy paperback (used) only until I could find the hardcopy. Then we downsized when the kids moved out & I just didn't have room for the 7 (yeah 7) floor to ceiling bookcases in our new home.  :(. 2nd Gen Kindle had just come out so I was able to buy a cheap 1st gen. 4shared I noticed had books.  ;D I didn't trade my books ever. I did let my family read them & we all trashed them; wrote in the margins, spilled coffee, broke bindings, a couple floated out to sea etc... I can read my ebook outside in the sun & make the font big enough to read without the stupid reading glasses, but I still love sitting with the grandkids & reading them a story. Hardcover of course although I just dl'd a dinosaur & kids gardening book for my grandson.  ;D
 

Offline lulu7005

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Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #17 on: November 10, 2011, 01:23 AM »
1. Do you only read books in e-format? Why or why not?
-> I read in both format. It depends on what I'm doing and where I am.

2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
-> In general I prefere reading on my iPad (versus paperback) but if I have it I prefer reading the hardback version of a book. Although when reading in my bed I prefer reading on my iPad because it's just more comfortable.

3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
-> The e-library because 95 % of my hard copy library is constituted of already read books which is not the case of my e-library constituted for the most part of to be read books or to be discovered authors...

4. Do you duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?
Yes, I have most of my paper books also in e-formats. Those I don't have in both formats it's just because I didn't found the e-version. If I discovert an author via an ebook and I loved it, I'll buy the hard copy of the book. But I'm not willing to pay twice for the same item so I'm thankful of site such as STP  :)
« Last Edit: November 10, 2011, 01:27 AM by lulu7005 »
 

Offline cacinta

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #18 on: November 10, 2011, 08:10 AM »
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2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
-> In general I prefere reading on my iPad (versus paperback) but if I have it I prefer reading the hardback version of a book. Although when reading in my bed I prefer reading on my iPad because it's just more comfortable.

I'm the exact opposite. I find my ipad a bit uncomfortable to bring to bed with me (not that it has stopped me any) and still can't resist cuddling up with a few well-read books. You can usually find a few around my bed area. Probably a remnant of a childhood habit :P
 

Offline redrose027

Re: Hard Copy vs. E-Books
« Reply #19 on: September 21, 2012, 02:57 PM »
1. Do you *only* read books in e-format? Why or why not?
No. I read in both formats. It's also good to read hard copies. It also depends on where I read them. They both have their advantages depending on the situation.

2. Do you prefer reading books in hard copy or e-format?
No. I like reading both.

3. Which is more extensive, your hard copy library or your e-library?
My e-library is more extensive.

4. Do you have duplicate books, in both formats? Lots or just a few?
Yes. I do have duplicate books in both formats but only the Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands.
"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading."  ~Logan Pearsall Smith, Trivia, 1917
 

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