Plus Ca Change, Plus C'est...

 HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I remember the day TV changed. When I started as a reporter, in 1975, I saw the news director walk across the newsroom with a yellow plastic box.

"What's that?" I asked.

 

He held it up, holding it like a moon rock, or some other remarkable object. "It's a 'vid-e-o-cas-sette,' he said, pronouncing each syllable carefully. "Some people think vid-e-o-tape is  gonna replace film. But I say--it's a silly product. It'll never last."

 

I laughed, he laughed.

 You know the rest. We were wrong. And now--has the same thing happened in book world?

 

Take a look at that book in your hand. Will it someday be a relic? 

Today's blog all began when I was at the Derby Street Barnes & Noble (in Hingham, MA. A fabulous store--have you been there?)

While I was in the front of the store wooing readers to THE OTHER WOMAN, there was a salesguy in the Nook, um, nook, talking to readers about e-reading. I couldn't help but listen, reporter that I am.  He  was charming, and respectful, and funny, and knowledgeable. And he seemed to know everything.

So of course, dear Reds, I latched right onto him, figuring he knew the new secrets of the universe, and he would tell them to us!


 And now, here's David Factor. He has seen the change approaching, and embraced it--even though some of his customers have a bit of a hard time. He teaches classes in the intricacies of his ereader--and now tells all. (And I'll bet he'll be here to take your questions!)

 Inside the Nook
                    by David Factor

When I was growing up, things like ereaders were relegated to the realm of science fiction, as in an episode of Star Trek. We have now it seems, reached that stage of enlightenment. As a traditional reader for many years, I ducked it like a bill collector. As with anything, the proof is in the pudding. Try one and you may love it. A trip on the starship Enterprise is not even required.

This is not to say that you shouldn't stick with books. If books are your friends and the smell of paper pages intoxicates you, then you should not make the change. There are things that make these machines great that go beyond the odor of paper, however. Instant access to media and customized reading are two of the distinctive features that they offer. People also like the price of ebooks and the amount of space these devices save in their houses. One can also now get books from their public library right on their reader.

After working with these devices for years now, I' m still amazed at some of the questions people ask.

My favorite one is if the books are free. I often feel like saying that my company, in a brilliant plot to put themselves out of business, decided to not charge them for the ebook version.

I also love when people ask me if they're durable. I mean, compared to what? No. They are not waterproof and you should not use them in the bath. An active four year old, bless their soul, may indeed break it by smashing it on the ground.

People also want to know if their paper book libraries will automatically transfer to their device. No, there is not some way, through some bizarre osmosis, they will suddenly appear in your reader.

More than one person has asked me what would happen if they lost their place in an ebook. My response is always what if you lost your place in a real book?

People also are compelled to sometimes tell me that these devices are evil. A segment of the population seems to think that reading on a machine is unnatural and a violation of everything that is holy in the book world. I used to try to convince them that it is not a moral issue, but at this point, I find it best to not argue. Even after I say yes, books are better, they still look at me as the messenger of evil. This is no exaggeration. Despite this, I love these people as much as the digital reading heathens.

There are moments of joy as well. It's satisfying and reassuring when a 92 year old woman who doesn't own a computer embraces you because she can finally read again after her stroke. The class I teach is also extremely rewarding because of the looks of triumph people get when they learn how to use their device. Unfortunately, many bring me cookies, which of course I have to eat. After all, I can't be rude. Even if I am amongst the unholy!

HANK: Wonderful, Dave! And of course you'll eat the cookies! So what do you think, dear Reds? Are you in love with your e-reader? Was it love at first sight--or did it take a while? Do you sometimes buy a book-book AND the ebook like I do? Have you changed your opinon?

(Yesterday's winner of THE OTHER WOMAN is Diane Hale!  Send  me your address at hryan at whdh dot com! Who will win today? A version in the format of your choice to one lucky commenter.)

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David Factor is a life long reader, long time bookstore employee, and converted digital reader. His interests include spending time with his family, his beloved New England Patriots, chinese food, and the music of Phish. Mr. Factor currently resides in Plainville, Massachusetts.