Some good news for print book lovers! A Nielsen survey shows that UK ebook sales have declined for the second year in a row. Whats even more interesting is that the study cites younger readers preference of physical books as a main reason for the decline. Trends in adult coloring and YA reading have pushed more readers into bookstores, causing an increase in print sales and decline in digital for most publishers.
I'm interested in finding out everyone's preference in reading? Are you a ebook or physical book person? Do you think the trend will continue and moreover, is something that is happening/will happen in the U.S.?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/mar/14/ebook-sales-continue-to-fall-nielsen-survey-uk-book-sales
I definitely prefer reading physical books, which I find strange since I prefer to read news online as opposed to in a newspaper. I've never understood the popularity of news apps but not ebook readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting Mark!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to read physical books, be it for leisure or academia. It's the whole experience of holding a book, turning it's pages and not needing any electrical outlet or device. Plus it's my time away from the screen.
It was depressing to see so many big bookstores go out of business in the past few years owing to the popularity of e-book readers and e-books.
Given that readers at elementary level in the U.S. have not yet switched to e-books entirely, there is still hope for the preference of physical books. As these young readers progress in their journey of reading physical books, they might look for the same or they might switch to e-books, I can't say.
One vote for e(text)books.. As a commuter, I prefer to use my iPad as my hub for reading both class- and work-related materials. I will acknowledge that the graphics for tables, charts, designs, etc is much more limited in ebook format...
ReplyDeleteI also prefer print. I'm probably biased because I've never actually owned an e-reader, but I've never had a desire to purchase one. I feel there's an added experience of having a physical copy of the book and flipping through the pages. It's also a relief to escape dependency on a screen.
ReplyDeleteTowards the end of summer / beginning of fall, I had to purchase my Bus Law book, and had the option of an e-book vs physical text book. What pushed me towards the physical textbook in that case was actually the weather. It was a nice time of the year and I liked the idea of being able to take the book outside to read rather than depending on using my laptop. However, after a few weeks, when the temperature dropped, that benefit was eliminated and I found myself desiring the interactive study materials / practice quizzes that came with the online version.
I personally prefer print. There is something about holding an actual book that is comforting and nostalgic for me. Like many of my classmates, my job entails staring at a computer screen all day. I feel the difference and relief on my eyes when I read content in print, or when I step outside for a walk.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I must admit that I do own an e-reader and it is primarily how I read during my commute. I use it for the simple convenience of its light weight. I am able to read dense texts (such as class textbooks, or to escape and re-read my favorite Harry Potter series), without being weighed down with a heavy book on the train.
While I can understand the advantage of e-books, when given the choice (during a non-commuting time), I would opt for print.
I actually prefer physical book. While I was reading the eBook via my laptop or iPad, it always distracted me for other notifications, or like potentially forced me to press the home bottom to open other apps. I couldn't even fully concentrate on my reading. But it makes a lot more sense to me when using physical books. It kind of forcing me to use pen and in that I'm able to extract useful information and better understand the content, make me more focused. And I love the sense of accomplishment after I finish a session maybe 10-20 pages, and then it becomes the motivation to drive me,for loving this book.
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