Today, I came across a Barnes and Nobles bookstore, which whenever I pass a surge of enthusiastic energy creeps through me and I cannot resist the desire that it creates. I browse through the sections passionately; my hands pressing lithely through the fresh pages. I enjoy the feel of holding a book. I enjoy the turning of its pages. As I walk out of the store with a new book in tow, my heart glows with the flow of love that a mother may have for her child. This book I now possess. This book is possessed with new words and ideas that I cannot wait to unfold. A journey awaits me within the confines of the pages. I hold on tight to the book as if it were the bible. An actual book to me is worth more than gold.
But today, it seems like technology is dictating the presence of books. No longer to people wish to read text in a book. Now there is technology to take care of it for us. Out of pure laziness do we wish to rely upon the internet or a kindle to provide for our hobby. Instant access is what we all want. The printed word universe is slowly fading because people do not wish to take time to search for a book or go out of their way to find one they like. Technology can choose for them. To me, there is no thrill to reading through the internet. An all out battle has begun between the printed books and the technological ones. Since technology is constantly advancing and people are constantly in desire to get things as quick as possible, the printed books are losing ground. According to Writing Space, " it now seems possible that many texts may never be printed, but simply distributed in digital form." There will no longer be a point in publishing text in a tangible form- an individual can read anything they want from the internet. Technology has in its arsenal video representations, book voiceover recordings, and easy-free access. Most articles can be read for free or paid for online. There is no need to walk out the door to the nearest news stand for a magazine or newspaper. Technology can kill business. What does printed text have in its arsenal? Not much to cause a dent against technology, which has consumed people's interest. So who will win this war? Only time will tell.
I should add that everyone falls victim to internet use. Why go to the library when it might not have what you want? Basically, there should be a balance between having printed text and internet text.
I know what books have -- printed texts -- they have stability and physical materiality. They are sensuous objects (as you describe so fittingly in para 1 above). But I also know what digital texts have -- they have accessibility and adaptability. They are patient for the impatient reader. They get more reading, I think. They get more linkage, I think. And they can attach to other texts more readily, more seamlessly.
ReplyDeleteI want both printed texts and digital texts. I can have both, can't I?
You pose some interesting thoughts but I think your second paragraph comes down too hard on digital texts. Even though it may be sad for people who loved going to the bookstore to "browse," many people DO find it more enjoyable to read through the internet or through non-print technology. The digital format on a purely logistical standpoint is actually much better than print because it can widen readers' knowledge and let people who may not want to "go out of their way" to a bookstore to discover books and stories they otherwise may have never found.
ReplyDeleteI think that the internet will win the war. I personally am like you and enjoy the fact of having a physical copy of the text and being able to turn the pages, but most of society prefer everything that a kindle or nook has to offer. The fact that you can red whatever you want at a drop of a hat and how slim and compact they are. Your can carry 500 books or magazines in one small case.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is beautiful! Although, I am wondering why you are asking who will win the war-- books or computers? Haven't computers already won? With the direction our world is going I think that computers will take over and books will be a thing of the past. I do believe that books will still exist, but they will not be the main way to read. Computers will win.
ReplyDeleteI love how you started this post out in a narrative form. It gives a great personal touch! I feel like although computers definitely have a leg up in the race, book have their own charm and won't truly be replaced, but probably overlooked. I al a book lover, but at the same point computers are an easy way to store information.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that reading a book is more of an experience then reading something online. However, the internet is becoming such a useful source in researching and as a source for online texts. They are much easier for everyone which is why in this fast paced society they are becoming so prominent. But, distracting ads and formats of online text make it seem less formal and official
ReplyDeleteInteresting choice to open your argument with a personal narrative. The subtlety of the your argument within the story coupled with your figurative language worked well. However, I disagree with the argument you are making overall though the writing is superb. I'm an avid reader, and I too was originally against eBooks or digital formats as opposed to printed pages. However, after my purchase of a Kindle, I realized that the words of the book had obviously not changed and the message of the novels I read were still conveyed effectively. The turning of pages and closing a book is satisfying, yes, but in a world where technology is changing the face of society everyday, the only way literature will survive is if it adapts and finds its place in the future. And that future lies within digital format.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the personal statement at the beginning of the post, but I would have to agree with Annik. Technology has already won and I feel like there will always be a need for physical books that the internet can never take away from.
ReplyDeleteHere are some inclass "notes on cards as" about this post:
ReplyDeleteStudent #1
We have reached the point where the library is a last resort. The Internet is fast, easy, and has so much easily accessible information right at our fingertips. It is no longer necessary in most cases to do research at a library. Why leave your room or desk computer? Information online is constantly updated - books stay true to their time period.
Student #2
Written books still have one thing over electronic writing; you can touch them and feel them. There is nothing like reading an old book and turning the pages with your hands. Electronic writing does not have this advantage; it is only words on a bright screen that hurst your eyes, and there is no real interaction other than clicking a button.
Student #3
Once in the library the abundance of choices can in fact give you a new idea of what you want. The Internet doesn't do this; it simply gives you what you ask for.
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ReplyDeleteFor one, in another section of the chapter it also said that we think both will be around meaning computers will not replace print. We will still need print because if you think about it, when power is lost (the stuff that powers computers and tvs and refrigerators and lights) and people are bored, what do many people do? Pick up a book, find some matches and lite a candle. Candles are from when?
ReplyDeleteI really like this blog post a lot. Not only is it descriptive in setting a scene, but it informs the reader. This post actually made me reflect more on the feeling and image of a book instead of disregarding it. I like how even though I was reading text on the internet, I wanted to be in a book store. I currently have the urge to pick up a book.
ReplyDelete"Technology can kill business" holla, yes it can. Because I heard today... Wait for it... That Barnes and Noble is being bought out by borders. Heartbreaking, right? I guess borders sells more things that aren't books while BN sells... Pretty much books. And that is apparently not something anyone is really into anymore. I don't get it. I don't like reading on the internet/computer. I get new books all the time. I don't care if the war is over, I choose books as the winner! let me have my delusions...
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