I read. A lot.
Before Kindle, I bought and collected hundreds, if not thousands of books. Most of them are now in my garage, except for a few select copies that I want easy access to that are in one of the three bookshelves in the house. Or they just look good together on a shelf. There’s something comfortable having books nearby to browse and discuss, like my friend Chauncey argues. I still buy the occasional book from Half Price Books to complete collections I have, and love to spend a weekend afternoon browsing a bookstore, but I rarely buy anything these days.
The thing is, since getting hooked on Kindle, I read more. I re-read more books. I love collecting and building my Kindle Library. Currently at 221 books and growing every week. I wouldn’t have room in our house to store these even if I wanted to. Just like I don’t have room for my CD or DVD collection. Meaning that if I bought the physical/dead tree versions of those books, my only option would be to sell some books to Half Price Books or give them away. Instead, now I have access to them wherever I am, whenever I want.
Which brings me to my next point. I don’t actually read books on my Kindle, because Holly uses it most of the time.
I read on my iPad, my iPhone, computer, and sometimes even on my laptop. Living a busy life working on multiple things at the same time, I can now take advantage of those 10 minutes before a meeting/conference call to read a chapter or two in a book of my choice. When going on a trip, I don’t have to try and fit 3 books into my luggage, I just bring my iPad. The Amazon vision is that any internet connected device will have access to your Kindle library. Whatever phone or device you have, you can get Kindle. There’s no need to actually buy a Kindle Device unless you only read in the sun. (The iPad sucks in sunlight).
So with that said, let me try and break down and respond Chauncey’s points in his post about why he doesn’t own a Kindle:
1. Memory of reading a book together with someone. I completely agree. Having a memory of doing something together is great, and having a physical part of that is awesome. I have a shirt that I bought in Sweden on a recent trip there that I’ll always cherish because of the memories associated with it.
2. Collections. Chauncey collects books and gets them signed by authors. I have a football signed by Tony Dorsett and an autographed photo by Mats Sundin. Authors would still hold events where they meet with readers even if there weren’t any physical books because it’s good marketing. Wil Wheaton for example, holds events in bookstores and elsewhere where he reads from his books. With beer.
3. Having books in our homes. We agree on this one. Love it.
Chauncey, I’m not trying to talk you into getting hooked on Kindle, but if you want to promote reading and get people to read more, don’t hate the Kindle. What is wrong with people reading more?
and Sweden.
