Reading Traci's post on the Kindle, a gadget that I have never even thought about buying, despite being an avid reader and a total tech geek, made me ponder: Why have I never considered the Kindle?
The real answer is much for in the vein of... well... vanity.
Shelf Envy
I have already switched to storing most of my music on my computer instead of on a shelf (with the exception of my small record collection). If I stop reading, and therefore collecting, actual books, I will have no way to quickly show my varied interests to my houseguests.
How will they know that I have read a wide array of both classic and contemporary fiction? That I am interested in vintage interior design and National Geographic books? That my book collection shows what an urbane, interesting and well-informed person I am? HOW? HOW WILL THEY KNOW THAT I AM WORTHY?
Likewise, it terrifies me that I won't be able to judgmentally peruse the book collections of others. I have a friend who is often at the same parties as me, and we inevitably end up standing together as we silently stare at the bookshelves of the party host, too socially awkward to be talking to other people. Please, don't force us to talk to people.
Spinal Tap
The closest solution that I've seen was a distinctively analog one: A friend of mine made color copies of the spines of all of the library books he read for several years, artfully arranged them on paper, and framed them. It was like the flat-screen version of the home library.
In terms of social networking, there have been some soft attempts addressing the desire to broadcast one's tastes in hope of favorable judgment. There are online book clubs, and there are apps that let you share what you're reading or your favorite books on Facebook. But I hate Facebook apps; they clutter the page and rarely look good.
But none of these can be displayed in my home. So it comes to this: The majority of my social networking, thank goodness, still takes place in the offline world. I need to hang on to something so I can update my real-life profile.
Jordan Miller
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Strategists & Planners
Comments (2)
I hear your kindle concerns. I think publishers should include a kindle copy of any paper book you buy. Even though I own a kindle, I don't plan to stop buying paper books.
I like books too, but the kindle is mega convenient and I love the ability to instantly download and start reading something right away.
There should be a movement to push towards bundling of kindle & paper books. Publishers need to recognize that the two formats are not mutually exclusive. I'm sure environmentalists would see this differently, but there's no reason why the books of the future can't all be printed on eco-friendly materials.
Would you consider buying a kindle if you could get both for the price of one?
Posted on January 28, 2010 06:10
I don't think that it would make a difference for me. I guess part of it is that I don't mind carrying a book around in my bag.
Although I get very annoyed by all of the half-read magazines that pile up around my house. If my magazines came with a subscription for both, I would LOVE that.
Posted on January 28, 2010 08:46