Quote:
Originally Posted by fuzebox
I think people that work with technology for a living overestimate how different the general public is... Yes, the Ipod took off, but before that everyone had a portable CD player, portable cassette player... it wasn't a new product, just a better product.
People who read books like books. I really don't see the cost of a device, in addition to the cost of a book that you don't actually get to own, winning over people who read.
Hell most the books and magazines I read I read because I can't or won't have an electronic device with me... It's sort of a non compete product. The Kindle is cool and all, but anywhere I'd bring one I'd just bring my netbook, otherwise I'll take a disposable used paperback or a magazine. Apple making a slightly more expensive and trendy version of it will not wipe out print media.
 |
My girl reads an average of 3 books per month. When I was trying to feel her out whether she liked the Kindle (potential xmas gift) she basically shot it down in every way possible.
Going to a book store is therapeutic. Walking up and down the aisles. Looking for books, getting a coffee, taking "her" time. She loves it. She isn't interested in stopping that practice.
She loves the smell of books, and curling up with a good computer just isn't the same.
She never wants a computer to buy books on.
Now, for me...... bring that sucker on. I would subscribe to 20 magazines if I had that demo I just saw. Easily.
I agree with many here that print will never succumb. What I think will happen, for what it's worth is, readerships will grow because people like me who won't buy books WILL in fact buy the computers/tablets that are coming because we're tech geeks, and we have to have it, and we still have the desire to be informed and entertained.