"E-book or not E-book - That is the Question"?

So, there I was, sitting in the walk-in clinic waiting for my turn. I knew from past experience that whenever you go the walk-in route it could be hours before you get seen so I came prepared - I brought a really good book with me, smart thinking.

After a while I decided to do that "people watching" thing which I love to do and noticed sitting to my left was a lady with the new electronic book...an "E-book Reader" (could also known as a Kindle). I found myself watching her as she sat there with this compact device doing the same thing as me..."reading her book". As I watched her I realized something about myself, even though I had heard about this and knew of its benefits I knew I would never be able to give up the "feel of the book" and the page turning which for me, added to the enjoyment of reading a book!

So there we sat, her and I, both enjoying a good book in a very different way and I started thinking to myself, this whole "E-book versus Real Book" is a lot like "Cilantro", I think you are going to either love it or hate it.

My husband thinks that the "E-book Reader" is just awesome and cannot wait for Fathers Day, his Birthday or Christmas to receive one of these. He loves the concept, the ease it provides to have as many books as you want right at your finger tips and just how compact it is and can fit so nicely and easily to take just about anywhere. Even though I completely agree with him, we as husband and wife are definitely a divided camp. I see the advantages but will never be able to give up the feel, the look and the page turning of the traditional book that I so love. Yes, shelf space throughout my house is getting less and less for my collection but there's something warm and inviting about those two shelves in my bedroom filled with colorful and special books that I am either about to read or have done so and just love having them around.

So, I guess the moral of this story is that is really doesn't matter which way you go with books, all that matters is that you continue to read for whatever reasons you have and depending on your lifestyle and preference - I guess you are covered!

Now, from a business side of things I would say it is a MUST to cover all areas and when publishing and it makes good sense that your book is available both traditionally and electronic so you can cover all those "divided camps" and not lose a very important and lucrative stream of income! Knowing whats going on and keeping up with the ever changing world of publishing is one of the differences between success and failure. Oh and a sideline....perhaps I may in the future find myself using an "E-book Reader" or at the very least "sharing with my husband" so that I do not run out of books when I am sitting on the beach in Mexico!!