Jenipher Ouma discusses the advantages of e-readers and the different possibilities they offer from print books.
There is a certain magic involved when reading print. The mechanical process of turning pages, getting a whiff of the new book smell while enjoying a cup of tea is something to look forward to. In my opinion, reading an excellent novel in print form feels as though the weight of the world is held in your hands. The sensations and feelings it incurs are powerful. However, readers have had to quickly adapt in the last few years with the decline in book sales and increase in electronic copies as an alternative. This may not be an appealing change but it has its benefits not only to the environment but also to the readers themselves.
What makes eBooks and e-readers so appealing is their accessibility.
Amazon has taken advantage of this shift and sold over 30 million kindles in 2013 alone and made a profit of over 530 million on eBooks. What makes eBooks and e-readers so appealing is their accessibility. E-readers exploit society’s need for instant gratification, the idea of wanting something and receiving it instantaneously. The charm of e-readers lies in the ability to purchase a novel and directly obtain it through your electronic library without the long and tedious wait. There is no need to deal with packaging and shipping costs and it offers more variety in languages and editions – catering to individual readers.
Compatibility is needed in today’s society with items becoming more compact and lightweight. While collecting print novels might be aesthetically pleasing, they are not the most convenient of possessions. They are heavy to carry around whilst being more expensive than electronic novels. This is where e-readers come in – they provide a suitable solution for all the book lovers out there. Some novels sell for prices as low as 99p, while iBooks offers over 30,000 free texts, saving readers money. Moreover, individuals can customise their preferences, making the experience more enjoyable and interactive.
Various critics argue that these devices ruin the individuals’ eyesight, however this statement is not always a valid one. Most e-readers use different types of display than the screen seen on iPads and computers, called elnk, which mimics the appearance of printed-paper and minimises eyesight problems. They have also advanced throughout the years, allowing authors to have more control over how their stories are received and read. Writers can now provide music playlists alongside the text, which not only creates a personal connection with the reader but also enhances the overall ambiance of the reading experience.
As stated previously, the print industry is unsteady in the current economy. This affects current and aspiring writers as it makes the publishing process almost impossible in the print world. The success of the e-reader indirectly affects the success of authors’ works, as the e-novel world permits writes to publish their works easier and faster. This presents the opportunity share more contemplative and imaginative novels.
The world of electronic devices is booming and thriving, with e-readers being on top of the industry. E-readers simplify the obtainment of novels while still benefiting the authors. Due to their accessibility, more individuals are reading and educating themselves, creating a stronger more knowledgeable world.
