Good post. The funny thing is that I opted to listen to this post via the text-to-speech option, rather than read it. I have to admit. I’ve been spoiled by audio.
This is interesting. I can see as a reader I don't fit into the mold of most readers who prefer physical books. When ebooks first came out I thought "That's stupid, why would anyone prefer digital ebooks instead of physical ones?" As time went on and I started to buy ebooks I discovered why. Because I can take a tablet with me anywhere and have my choice of what to read from my library of over 256 books to choose from, imagine carrying around 256 physical books everywhere you went? Another thing I found out: when you're reading ebooks, you don't depend on the restrictions of light in the room you are reading in. And page turning? I don't need to lick my finger to grab the page to turn it, or fumble the pages in my fingers trying to only turn a single page. Now I don't mind having a physical book, it's still fun to read, but think about space? where would you keep all those books? Build another room onto your house to keep your growing library? I never thought I'd be such a proponent of ebooks.
That's interesting, Dave. All those things you mentioned is kinda why I love physical books. Turning the pages, carrying the books with me, presenting them in my home - I love all of that.
The biggest issue if this is the case is that it may limit the pool of future writers. Self-publishing outlets offer their book and ebook publishing services mostly for free, but it costs a considerable amount of money to produce an audiobook, which some others might not have on hand.
Agreed, but AI might solve that issue, as far as cost of production. And if it makes it more accessible for writers and readers, maybe writers end up with more of the pie.
Good post. The funny thing is that I opted to listen to this post via the text-to-speech option, rather than read it. I have to admit. I’ve been spoiled by audio.
We're headed in that direction, Dale. Podcasts have prepared us for this.
Yes, I agree. I'm also a slow reader, so books I really want to savor I read and others I listen to on audio, when available.
Still, right now, Amazon and co. control most of the audiobook market, like everything else.
Fair point. Maybe with some of the current litigation happening, some of that changes. Unlikely, but one can hope.
This is interesting. I can see as a reader I don't fit into the mold of most readers who prefer physical books. When ebooks first came out I thought "That's stupid, why would anyone prefer digital ebooks instead of physical ones?" As time went on and I started to buy ebooks I discovered why. Because I can take a tablet with me anywhere and have my choice of what to read from my library of over 256 books to choose from, imagine carrying around 256 physical books everywhere you went? Another thing I found out: when you're reading ebooks, you don't depend on the restrictions of light in the room you are reading in. And page turning? I don't need to lick my finger to grab the page to turn it, or fumble the pages in my fingers trying to only turn a single page. Now I don't mind having a physical book, it's still fun to read, but think about space? where would you keep all those books? Build another room onto your house to keep your growing library? I never thought I'd be such a proponent of ebooks.
That's interesting, Dave. All those things you mentioned is kinda why I love physical books. Turning the pages, carrying the books with me, presenting them in my home - I love all of that.
That's awesome, I love how different we all are. Variety is the spice of life for sure.
Exactly!
The biggest issue if this is the case is that it may limit the pool of future writers. Self-publishing outlets offer their book and ebook publishing services mostly for free, but it costs a considerable amount of money to produce an audiobook, which some others might not have on hand.
Agreed, but AI might solve that issue, as far as cost of production. And if it makes it more accessible for writers and readers, maybe writers end up with more of the pie.