an argument for why the kindle is evil

Thoughtful argument on the dangers of the Kindle.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0318/p09s01-coop.html

After my wildly positive post about how digital books will increase readership and expand the circle of readers this is perhaps a good corrective.

The basic point is that digital books stop us from sharing.  Local cultures are built and sustained on the passed-along book.

I think these are issues we need to grapple with and overcome, given the compelling reasons to explore digital books (audio and ebooks) in our little communities.

Comments

[Malcolm Brown]

I wonder if what is needed is sharing not on the old model but sharing 2.0. For one thing, an ebook is cheaper than a paper book, is it not? "The Element" costs $10 as a Kindle book but $16.35 in paper from Amazon. As the cost comes down, perhaps that fills the space of the used book store.

[Anthony Helm]

Sharing 2.0, yes, but I don't think I agree cost supplanting the role of used book store, Malcolm. A book that is passed along is both a gift and a shareable object. It is not about price. If you recommend a book and I buy it, I may read it and enjoy it, but in 10 years I may forget that you suggested it. If, however, you give me a book, there is a stronger possibility that I will recall that connection to you years later. The object makes and reinforces a series of memories that a recommendation or a digital artifact does not necessarily do at this time. The digital book needs a way to be passed along with a virtual bookplate, not for "piracy protection," but to connect one reader to another. That's not currently possible, nor will it be possible with the DRM mindset. Plus, how will churches be able to raise money if they can't hold used book sales on occasion? Don't forget that rare opportunity to discover a photo, pressed flower or love letter tucked between the pages of an old, passed-along book. How do you do that digitally, short of storage corruption?