BTT: Electronic vs. Paper

Do you have an ebook reader? Do you read ebooks on your computer? Do you hate the very thought? How do you feel about the fact that book publishing is changing and facing much the same existential dilemma as the music industry upon the creation of MP3s?

I don't have an ebook reader. The idea used to not appeal to me, but now I actually think it would be kind of nice. I guess I won't know until I try one, and I honestly don't know when I'll be willing to shell out that much money. I like the library because it's free. :) Even if ebooks are cheaper than regular books, you still have to pay for them! And the readers aren't exactly cheap to buy. I like the idea of ebooks, because they are more environmentally friendly, I could have multiple books available, and it would be more convenient for travel.

I have some books on my computer, but I don't really like to read them in that format. You can't really curl up in a chair with a computer. I've heard that the readers are easier on your eyes than a computer screen, and it is small enough to read wherever you want.

Book publishing is obviously changing due to ebooks, but I think there will always be books in print. Especially children's books. I don't think a picture book would be as fun on a computer. I like having books all around our house, and I don't think my children would learn to love books if they only saw me staring into an electronic device. I do some of my studying and reading on the computer, and I really don't think my son realizes that I'm doing something good with my time. Sitting down and reading a real old-fashioned book is really good inspiration for kids, so it is something I plan to continue doing for a long time.