The publishing industry’s alarm over the electronic book isn’t based on current use. Last year, less than 2 percent of all books sold were e-books, according to Bowker, which tracks the industry.
By contrast, trade paperbacks and hardcovers made up approximately 35 percent each of unit sales, Bowker says. Mass market paperbacks came in at 21 percent.
But we all know how fast technology can take hold. Not long ago, e-commerce sites like Amazon.com were just a blip on the bookselling scene, and now they are major players.
Book chains still hold the lead in the percentage of books sold, at 27 percent, but they are now followed by e-commerce sites, at 20 percent. Independent booksellers, meanwhile, account for only 5 percent of books sold.
With e-books costing less to make but also selling for much less than printed books, it’s no wonder that publishers are anxiously eyeing the horizon.
Do you think purchasing e-books on the Internet will benefit more on the economic side and the environment side? If people begging to buy for e-book , less paper will have to be use and we can be saving some money while caring about the environment.
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I think the thing e-books lack is the culture and experience surrounding books. I know it sounds cliche however, if I wanted to read books on a Kindle or iPad, I would just do that on my computer as opposed to buying an independent system. Also, look at the iPad, because it is essentially a computer. Amazon and Apple need to figure out new marketing to change the mind of readers everywhere from grabbing a paperback for $10 as opposed to a few hundred for a technological device. Furthermore, a lot of people will cling to books because of the history connected to them. Also, a reason for increased sales could be the closings of stores such as Barnes and Nobles and such.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I can't stand reading off of a screen. It's easier for me to focus when I'm reading words on paper, plus, I feel like e-books defeat the whole purpose of books. i know that must sound kind of dumb, but there is just something about reading a book...and i wouldn't want to replace that will something like an e-book.
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I think that a lot would have to change about the culture of reading books to make ebooks a major component of the book selling industry. Most people that I know who read consistently have stated to me that they would miss the feel of a tangible book in their hands and like Ali stated, reading off a screen hurts one's eyes. Despite the obvious impact on the environment, buy saving paper there would be other externalities to think about, such as the energy and resources that go into making the ereading devices and the fact that it would create more electronic devices that would eventually end up in landfills as people are bad about recycling electronics. Paper is at lease biodegradable and trees are a renewable resource.
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E-books are environmentally friendly, cheap and convenient, some of my friends would prefer to download E-books in their cellphone rather than carry a heavy hard-copy with them. However,in my opinion, the E-books are really convenient, they are lack of the atmosphere of reading, so many people still keep their old-fashion way,which means hard-copy books to read. I think purchasing E-books on the Internet will benefit more on the environment side. A,E
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of electronic books is a good idea for saving trees. However i know a lot of people who don't like using the internet to read articles like me, I need to have the newspaper in my hands or the book in my hands in order to read it. Books are meant for you to be able to bring with you anywhere just put in your bag and read at anytime. I personally don't see myself ever buying a ebook to read when i can pay for non enviromentally friendly way.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't particularly mind reading off of a computer screen, I doubt that I will ever prefer it to reading an actual book. It's hard to curl up with a Kindle or similar device the way you would with an actual book. And if our generation is hesitant about ebooks, it doesn't bode well for older, less technologically adept generations. A,E
ReplyDeleteAs many have already stated there are pros and cons to both e books and hard copy books. But the culture or reading books has to change in order for e books to thrive. I don't think that much of the world is ready for that change. Some people feel that it is an unnecessary gadget while others may find it quite convenient. I think marketers have to target their advertisements to college students, business professionals, and groups that will benefit the most from e books.
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Although e-books are convenient, nick brings up a good point. not only is it not that appealing to waste hundreds of dollars on a kindle or ipad, the cost of the individual books is also more.
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