Get excited, it’s time for our annual e-book poll, which I have held every year since 2007: will you ever buy mostly e-books?
Let’s get this out of the way first: Yes, I know this isn’t the most scientific of polls. Yes, the sample has changed from year to year. Yes, there are two polls from 2009 because I forgot one at the end of ’08. Entertainment purposes only!
Here are the past polls:
2007
2008 (technically beginning of ’09)
2009
And here is this year’s poll. Do you think there will come a time when you buy mostly e-books? Click through for the poll if you’re reading via e-mail or in a feed reader:
I used to be a cold-dead-hander. Until I found out that my husband is getting me an e-reader for Christmas. The arthritis in my wrists is very grateful and, I have to say, will probably demand that I stick with the nice, light e-books from now on.
I already do, and I don't even own an iPad/Nook/Reader/Kindle yet. I do have "Kindle for PC" which is fine because I do all my reading in my room anyway.
I was born in 1985, and I've never read a newspaper.
Last year, I said maybe. This year, though, I have a Kindle (named Fluffy) and I already buy mostly ebooks. It's too easy! I want a book? I go on my kindle and buy one. No driving thirty miles in the snow to the store. No waiting for my books to be shipped if I buy them online.
Instant gratification. And isn't that what America is all about? 🙂
As a mom of two, I'm starting to see the need for an E-Reader. My 4 month old son has to use a bottle for some of his feedings, which makes it nigh impossible for me to do some recreational reading while feeding him… but I was thinking that if I had a Kindle or nook, I could one hand it and it wouldn't be an issue.
Plus, you can't rip out pages from an e-reader (as my 2 year old can if she finds a book lying around–we're working on that.)
Still, I think there will be times when I'll want to have a hard copy of a book–when I go to a book signing, for instance. I'm getting to have a decent collection of signed books, and I don't want that to come to a halt.
I already do. The only reason I check out a paperback these days is make sure it is not cheaper than the Kindle version.
I bought Tad Williams' SHADOWHEART yesterday. It is the last paper book I will ever buy. I am e-only from now on.
I love my K3 wouldn't trade it for anything. No driving, waiting, or crowds; that time is now used to read. I love it.
I said never, and then I said maybe, and now I'm back to never. Why? Because I bought an ebook reader, that's why.
Aside from the fact that my Nook has all the cons of a paper book (can't get it wet, can't read it in the dark) it has none of the pros (cost, if you drop it it won't break) and even more of its own cons (a 62 second page turn, bipolar software, general awkwardness), there's the issue of my ADHD brain and having 180 books to choose from means I read 1 sentence of 180 books and then am too tired to choose between any of them.
I hate my ereader. It makes reading no fun.
I put "maybe," because e-readers are still too expensive for broke college students. However, I do think I'll be buying mostly ebooks in the future once e-readers become more prevalent. I will still buy paper versions of ones I really love, though!
Yes, unfortunately. Because of space constraints, convenience and budget. Downwardly mobile liberal arts grad here trying to get a foothold in… publishing!
Interesting the see the shift this year especially. I personally don't own a reader and prefer not to read on-screen because I spend so much time writing on-screen. I do want an iPad or similar, mostly for manuscript reading/editing.
A lot of books, including mine, do not translate well on readers. Poetry is generally not good. That may change. But meanwhile, don't give up paper completely.
I'm really surprised at how quickly I've abandoned paper books.I got my nook in September, and haven't walked into a bookstore since. Everything has been strictly e. I thought I would be the type of person who would do the combo paper/e for my book collection, but truth be told, I can't wait to sell/donate 95% of my library and clear off those shelves.
I say never, and I shall not falter. Computers already taking away my newspapers. Like fuck are they getting a hand on my books.
Nope, sorry. It's not only the actual book(s) lying on my nightstand that I enjoy, but the wandering through the shelves at the local bookseller and re-seller. I discover books while browsing shelves that would not be listed on a "best seller" or "most popular" list on a reader. I have the Kindle app on my iPad and I'll give it a try, but I just don't see me making a significant shift.
Oh, and Kindle? No way. I won't give my money to Amazon. In fact, I have a $100 Amazon gift card just sitting here . . .
It depends on the genre, really. If I'm traveling, I like novels. So if I end up traveling a LOT, then I can see myself buying a disproportionate amount of e-book novels as opposed to print. For picture books, however, I prefer them in book form. At least for now. Who knows where the tech will ultimately take us?
People need to realize that at one time, the printed book was considered "advanced technology." Yet I don't see a lot of people clinging to their cherished scrolls. 😉
You can never, ever take away my paperback from me. Never. Ever.
No one can "buy" ebooks. Better wording would be: "Will you ever mostly license digital-only rights tied to a specific device that you can never print, lend, share, excerpt, or transfer?" Unquestionably no. Get rid of the DRM, get rid of the EULA's and license terms and we'll see.
I live in Japan, but I have a US mailing address. They only way to get my writer-friends' books on release day is to get the E-book.
If I continue to live here or in another non-English speaking country, then I'll probably lean more and more heavily towards e-boox.
I'm surprised so many people are in the Never and Absolutely camps. I'm definitely a Maybe at the moment.
There should have been a choice, "I already do."
Because I already do!
And I was a cold-dead-hander a year ago. Go figure.
You left out the option for "I already do". I got my ereader two months ago, and while I've read about 10 books since then, none of them have been hard copy books. 🙂
I have had an e-reader for over a year but find I only use it for books that I don't feel a need to "own." If I really want a book to be a permanent part of my library, I buy a print version.
I don't particularly enjoy reading from an e-reader, too hard and cold and potentially breakable. Who really wants a book with batteries?
Watcher55 here (I'll figger this balmed machine out soon)
I'm a grouchy old schooler and I hope I die before paper books are encased in glass. "GEE, Gramps, did you really have to read like that in the olden days?"
Paper books are more personal (someone made this) and the tactile aspect is important to me.
I already do buy mostly ebooks. I'm not sure I even like paper books anymore, LOL! Ebooks are just easier to buy, read, and shelve for later than paper books. I'll never have to move heavy boxes of books again! I'll just pick up my kindle and go.
I think it's interesting that the two options that are basically oposites are almost even in the votes – 36% & 37% as I voted. I'm surprised that there aren't more people in the middle.
Haha "our coming ebook overlords." Why would they be any worse than the overlords we have now?
I have both a Kindle and an iPad and do most of my reading on them,but certain books I must have for my shelves.
I have been buying only e-books for nearly two years. I'll buy physical books for others who don't have e-book devices, but for myself, I won't even accept loans of physical books now. They're far too cumbersome.
I got the Kindle3 when it first came out, and I feel it's a lot easier on the eyes to read on there than a paper book. As much as I love the paper books I already own –handling them does bring back memories in a way e-books can't, and they are more fun to browse–since getting the Kindle, I've bought more e-books than paper ones. There will always be some types of books that work better in paper form, but for most books, I get the e-book form.
I hope you'll post the results side-by-side when the poll is done! I love the "come from behind" attitude of the "welcoming the overlords" category. 🙂
I think I was a "never" voter last year, and now I own a Kindle! I think I will always enjoy a mix, though. On my reading table now I have a hard-cover library book, several paperbacks and hardbacks that I've bought and the Kindle. I'm an equal-opportunity reader.
I have a Nook, and I already buy mostly e-books. I like the convenience of having it immediately, and when I have a toddler in my lap, it's nice to not worry about pages being torn!
Although, there are some authors I will still always buy "real" books for. Jasper Fforde and A. S. Byatt are among them.
I will likely also buy "real" books for work resources and references.
I only read e-books.
I was born in l990. I never write checks unless it's absoultely necessary. I never read a newspaper or print magazine. And the only time I've ever been to a library was when my computer went berserk.
And I'm an undergrad A-student.
I said "never" but the honest answer is a bit more complicated.
I'll always prefer tree-books. And if I'm reasonably certain I'm going to like a book I almost always but paper. But between boredom-browsing on my Kindle for iPhone when I get stuck in a waiting room or long lines, and giving a test run to a new author, or trying out a self-pub that I've heard good things about, I've bought a lot more e-books in the past year than I ever would have imagined just 12 months ago.
I mostly buy e-books, especially for pulpy paperback reads, ones I don't really want on my shelf forever, but might re-read under the right circumstances (DMV, beach, etc). I read on my iPhone, which is surprisingly great. I can read anywhere, including dark places, and unlike my library of books, it's always with me.
I already spend too much time glued to a computer screen or my phone…. real books are an escape and if I lose a paperback, which I've done a couple of times by leaving it somewhere, I'm out what…less than $10? I like to annotate my books and then pass them on to a friend. We write little things in the front and pass books round to generations of people. It becomes sort of a generational road map, so I doubt that I'll make a 100% switch or ever get close to that.
I'm always open to the possibility. The only thing stopping me from actually buying one is the price and the availability.
Thing is, I already pretty much only buy on Kindle now. I'm too much of a pack rat to part with the books I own, yet don't want to squeeze a tenth book case into my home.
Plus I walk and read (or exercise bike and read) which is a lot easier with a Kindle than with a book.
E-books are often cheaper than their bound counterparts. However, I have never had a problem with my pages being erased from between their covers or unwilling to turn when I desire them to.
Oh, and let me not forget being able to drop it on the floor– even throwing it across the room if it is abysmal– without it smashing to literal, literary pieces.
I promise, I'm not addicted to the smell and feel of paper. Anymore… lol
I actually have an iPad and use it for everything but reading books. Call me crazy, but I love the feel and weight of paper.
They still make books out of paper? Animals …
nook Color FTW
I voted "never" last time and I continue to vote "never". I played with one of those readers in the store the other day and was not impressed.
I'll keep my paper books, thank you very much!
I hope to always have a mix. I travel a lot, and so I love my nook. Even when traveling, though, I need a real book for those take-offs and landings when they don't let you use gadgets.
I love the graphics of a well-designed book. So far, that art form doesn't transfer well to the nook. So I often have the hardback AND the e-book in my collection.
I already buy mostly ebooks. I love 'em!
I only buy paper books as an exception, like if I want to get the author to sign it (I've seen authors sign Kindles but that's just not my style), if I am giving it as a gift, or if it's for a classroom discussion and flipping through an ebook would be impractical.
Welcome, my sweet ebook overlords!
I'm no luddite; I'm often quick to embrace technology. I find it hard to get past the idea that books should be tangible things that appeal to all the senses, though. Some people often lament the book smell the gadgets lack. I also think books should have texture, sound and weight. They contain some truth, wisdom or information about life or the human experience and are the results of knowledge and hard work. That should weigh something, feel like something and sound like something.
Of course there are instances where the mass and bulk of a book make it daunting, unwieldy and ultimately hard to read.
Still, I don't see myself reading only e-books anytime soon (if ever). Buying? We'll see once I actually get an e-reader. I bet I'll still frequent my local library for the inked and bound ones, though.
For reference I prefer book form. I also collect author autographed books, which doesn't translate well to my Kindle.
Other than that, I am very happy reading ebooks.
I highly doubt it, at least in the foreseeable future. I have a Kindle, and it's collecting dust. Actually, it isn't even doing that because I have it underneath a tissue box. I was amused by it at first, but then I quickly went back to musty smells and page flipping.
I just can't seem to give up book covers, filled bookshelves, being able to easily flip from page to page, and all the other great things that come from traditional books.
I know it may have to change one day, but not soon.
I just can't see giving up paper books. I like the feel and the smell (yes, I'm wired strangely).
I can understand the appeal of an e-reader (as can anyone who's ever spent house in a hospital waiting room for days on end), but for anything other than travel reading, I want pages to fold down and hold my place.
@Ellen Hopkins,
If it's a gift card, then Amazon already has the money. right now they have the money for nothing. And they're laughing. You gotta at least enjoy that hundred dollars and buy yourself some books. 🙂
As soon as I can get all the books I want on an e-book reader and the price is cheaper than buying the book used. I'm not paying 9.99 when I can get the book for 3.99 with shipping on Amazon. Sorry.