Cambridge Publishing Management writes: Well, not really. I like paper, not screens. I like flicking though pages to check back on what I’ve already read. I like lending a book I’ve enjoyed to a friend or adding it to the pile on my shelf. I like taking it with me on holiday and not really caring what happens to it, using it as a pillow at the beach. I like people to see what I’m reading and I like to see what they’re reading too. I know the physical shape, feel, and look of a book should be subordinate to its content, but these things are important too. Surely I’m not the only one in this industry who’s far more excited to receive a final hard copy than a nice new electronic manuscript – even one that’s been expertly edited?
But of course instead I answered ‘yes’.
After overcoming the initial hurdle of buying a book (which really shouldn’t have been as hard as I made it) I started to read. And read and read and read. Could I put that Kindle down? There’s something about knowing exactly what percentage of the way through a book you are that makes reading very addictive. The compulsion to reach that next round number before you’re allowed to stop. The knowledge, too, as you start each chapter, of how long it is – pretty useful really. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that all those who tell you the screen is easy to read and doesn’t hurt your eyes were actually telling the truth. And while there’s something to be said about that moment of sudden clarity, when you realise nothing’s making sense because you turned over two pages together, it can sometimes be a right pain when pages refuse to un-stick. Far easier just to click a simple button.
So would I recommend a Kindle to others? Absolutely; I’ve just bought mine. This doesn’t mean I think printed books will be replaced: the advantages listed above all still stand, and there are of course different types of book that will never work as well as a soft copy. On the whole, however, I was impressed by the Kindle and really enjoyed using it. Slightly sorry though I am to admit it, it certainly has its place alongside printed books.
Stephen Fry tweeted recently on exactly this topic. He said, ‘Books are no more threatened by the Kindle than stairs are by escalators'.