Mark Twain is reputed to have quipped, “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Such hyperbole aptly applies to predictions that digital reading will soon triumph over print.
In late 2012, Ben Horowitz (co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz Venture Capital) declared, “Babies born today will probably never read anything in print.” Now four years on, the plausibility of his forecast has already faded.
The post Will print die?: When the inevitable isn’t appeared first on OUPblog.
I read books in all formats: print, digital and audio. If the story is good, I'll read in any format. I got curious about whether other people felt the same way, so I recently posted a one-question poll asking:
"In the past year, how have you read books? Check all that apply."
424 people responded. I opted for a multiple choice rather than "which do you prefer" for this poll to cut out the need to decide on a preference, plus it gets complicated because I would need to include different categories of reading; someone may prefer picture books in print, for example, but opt for a digital version of a novel for older readers.
So I let you check as many formats as you'd like. Here's what you said:
98% of you said you read at least one print book in the past year.
61% of you said you read digital books on your tablet or Kindle. Some of you added a comment that you read ebooks on your phone.
43% of you said you listened to audiobooks.
19% of you said that you read digital books on your computer.
I also had a comment field for those who had more to say.
HERE'S WHAT SOME OF YOU SAID ABOUT WHY YOU PREFER PRINT BOOKS:
Almost everyone said they had read at least one print book in the past year (as opposed to digital). Some of you gave reasons why you enjoy or prefer print books, and these included:
- Enjoying the physical sensation of holding a print book, turning pages, etc.
- Print books can be more easily shared.
- Print books can be put in the classroom and library for silent reading.
- Special edition, collector's edition, autographed.
- Technical books where tables and charts don't easily transfer to an e-reader.
- Easier to read longform text in print than on a screen. (Interestingly, some of you said it was easier to read longform text in digital format; see below.) One of you said you printed out PDFs of public domain books.
WHY SOME OF YOU SAID YOU READ OR PREFER DIGITAL BOOKS:
While many of you said you preferred reading print books (reasons included enjoying the feel of the book in your hands, turning pages, special edition, autographing, easier to read than on a screen etc.), quite a few of you said you also read digital books. Reasons given include:
- Easier to travel with digital books.
- Instant gratification when it comes to buying.
- Easier to read (don't have to turn on reading light, can enlarge the print).
- Takes up less space at home.
- Cheaper.
A few comments:
"I adore physical books, they'll always be my preference. I think the cover design and feel of a book can't be beaten. But sometimes the convenience of e-books wins ie my recent holiday, in which I knew I'd read a lot, and actual books would have filled my already bulging case." - @BookMonsterAlly
"I only buy print picture books and we listen to a ton of audio. If I am reading a new release that's adult or ya, I will sometimes go with the ebook because it is quicker and cheaper. I will buy it in print if it is particularly special to me. :)" - @mvp1972
"Books are memories bound in paper to me. Not just stories. I can't bring myself to read them digitally. I need to keep them on my shelf so I remember." - @bethnavarro76
"I have read in all kinds of formats and on different devices, but I still prefer print. The others are all about opportunity...it's easier to read on my ereader when I can't sleep at night - plus it's nice to pack because I can take so many books with me. I love my phone because I can easily and quickly access library titles and listen to audiobooks on it (making road trips - especially solo road trips - more appealing)." - @cbethm
"I prefer reading "real books", but the Kindle allows me to read at night without worrying about the size of the book and without having to turn on the lights (I have a paper white Kindle)" - @santiagocasares
"I like the smell and feel of paper books. Audio books are ok, but with 2 little ones I have less time for them than paper books. Also I read much faster than an audiobook could, so I prefer paper. Not a fan of eBooks but love that more people read using these. I think they are best for nonfiction. Especially nonfiction that has information that changes from year to year." - @daniduck
"I own a Kobo and occasionally read short ebooks on the computer, but for business, never for pleasure. The reading experience isn't very satisfactory. Jean-Luc Picard always kept a book in his ready room. If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me. :P" - @heathermoconnor
"I will always treasure real paper and ink books more than those of the digital kind. A real book is like comfort food. It reminds you of childhood and it is so much like a present that gets opened every time you go back to it. Perhaps this has to do with belonging to an older generation. I am not sure. Younger people who are digital natives might have a different opinion. This is a great question." - Anonymous
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Thanks again to all those who responded! Feel free to browse more results from past Inkygirlsurveys and polls.
2 days til the DECEMBER DISCOUNT DAYS come to an end. which means 2 days left til Christmas! how the heck did that happen?! wow! talk about time flying by like Santa and his reindeer....geez.
on that note, my tribute (for a lack of a better word) to my favorite musical maven,
Tori Amos is today's
FEATURED PRINT. it was inspired by one of my favorite songs of her entitled "ribbons undone" (same title as the print). Love Tori. Love red hair. Love bows. Love ribbons...(you get the point).
and now the song that inspired the painting...enjoy, friends!
It’s Friday! According to the random number generator at random.org, the winner of the print is:
Congratulations, Anya! Email me with your address at jess (at) jessicalanan (dot) com. Thanks to everyone who participated, and have a great weekend.
By Chloe
Alice Pattullo is an illustrator based in East London. Her work is inspired by British folklore, traditions and superstition. This has created a distinctive vintage style within her work with a handmade quality. It is full of character and texture. Her work depicts a variety of subject matter from food to whimsical scenes of people and animals.
To view more of Pattullo’s charming illustrations, please visit her portfolio.
By Alyssa Bender
We print many different types of bibles here at Oxford University Press, one popular line being our Book of Common Prayer. While this text is used worldwide, you may not know about its interesting history. From the fact that there are a half a dozen books in print with this title, or perhaps that it is not so much a collection of prayers as a sort of “script” to be used, there is much you may not know about this text. Take our quiz below to learn more.
Your Score:
Your Ranking:
Alyssa Bender is a marketing coordinator at Oxford University Press. She works on religion books in the Academic/Trade and Reference divisions, as well as Bibles.
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The post The Book of Common Prayer Quiz appeared first on OUPblog.
'1,2,3 by the Sea' is officially here!
And to celebrate I'm having a giveaway for 2 lucky winners!
TO ENTER
FOLLOW THIS BLOG
AND LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST.
Open internationally - draw will be made from entries 10pm ET March 8th 2013.
There will be TWO great first prizes ...
Prize ONE will be a signed copy of the book
and the ORIGINAL cover sketch, also signed!
Prize TWO will be a signed copy of the book
and a signed giclee print of the first page.
Which one would you like to win?
Good luck!
(remember you must be a follower of the blog and leave a comment on this post to be in the draw!)
Toodles - Hazel
'1,2,3 by the Sea' is available to buy on line at
and the print is available on my ETSY store.
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Nice article! I wish I had had the opportunity to take your class way back when.
What a lovely thing to say, Anna! You are the perfect example of an author/artist who continues to absorb, learn, and apply new skills beautifully. You have so much to teach the rest of us, and yet you proceed as the eternal student. Look at how accomplished you are!