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-   -   We are readers (http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=17493)

classicman 08-02-2008 10:33 AM

Its a new world - the kids are getting input from a multitude of electronic sources. The written word is going the way of the daily newspaper...

xoxoxoBruce 08-02-2008 10:46 AM

True, but they are missing out on the wonder of the imagination.
Quote:

Bastian made many other wishes and had many other amazing adventures before finally returning to the ordinary world . . .

DanaC 08-02-2008 10:51 AM

I disagree classic. Books have never been so popular or so widely, and cheaply, available. When I walk into a Waterstones or Borders shop I see a dizzying array of books and its always full of people. There are more children's books and children's authors than there ever was when I was young. Books for tots, books for teens, dark books, fun books, bleak books, and colourful books. The market for books is vast.

classicman 08-02-2008 11:02 AM

The market is there and the forced summer reading programs here are a reason for much of it.
I have to say that the supply of books is vast, but the reason is pure economics. They must have whatever you want, because if they don't you will go elsewhere. They also have the food courts and all to keep you in the stores longer. They let you read the books for free. What other business does that? None, because its a failed model. There is no doubt that we are headed to a paperless world. (good for the trees) Books will be an inevitable part of that...soon.

How many of you still write out checks?

DanaC 08-02-2008 11:13 AM

Quote:

How many of you still write out checks?
From time to time.

What does paper have to do with anything? Books can be published in all manner of formats.

Stormieweather 08-02-2008 11:21 AM

Me. For some things, anyway.

I still read books...real books, made with paper and everything. A LOT of books, actually. And I read them to my children. Ok, not the same books, but books with words and pages and covers and illustrations. They may never read another book once they get out of school, but at least I tried. I do read internet books occasionally, but really, there is nothing quite like curling up in an armchair with some hot cocoa or coffee and turning the pages of a good book.

Stormie

classicman 08-02-2008 11:38 AM

Please don't misconstrue what I'm saying. I am not defending the reality as I see it, nor do I like it. It is my opinion that the end of the written book, much like the newspaper or even magazine is near. I am no writer, but the reality is that books written on paper are not gonna be around much longer. Children today have the attention span of about 5 milliseconds. Everything in their world is immediate. Thats just a simple reality. As technology and that progresses - it will only get worse. I see it in young adults and even moreso in the teens and younger. Reading takes time, patience and effort, three characteristics lacking in the vast majority of our youth.

jinx 08-02-2008 11:42 AM

I don't know... As much as my kids love video games and TV, they both beg to be taken to the bookstore and read for at least an hour every night.

classicman 08-02-2008 11:46 AM

I believe you, but that is certainly not the norm.

DanaC 08-02-2008 12:34 PM

It may not be the norm.....but nor is it rare.

xoxoxoBruce 08-02-2008 12:56 PM

Except among teenage boys. Most are going blind from too much... you know... ;)

DanaC 08-02-2008 01:03 PM

sun?

Cicero 08-02-2008 06:53 PM

I don't value electronic books as much as the other.

I am going to admit that, and I am not ashamed. I have a fetish for old and/or rare books. I like physical libraries more than online libraries. Off course, I am an old bag so that explains a lot.
:)

DanaC 08-02-2008 06:56 PM

Quote:

I have a fetish for old and/or rare books. I like physical libraries more than online libraries. Off course, I am an old bag so that explains a lot.
So do I. I have a (admittedly rather small) house full of books. I used to have a library but had to give away my book collection when I moved house. I gave away hundreds.

I love everything about books. I like the way they feel, I like the different textures of paper, I like the way books, especially very old ones, smell. Doesn't stop me enjoying a story accessed in some other way.

classicman 08-02-2008 06:59 PM

For the record, I love books also. I have many many, very old ones that I cherish. I still firmly believe their days are numbered.


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