Poll : 25 March - 07 April 2009

Analysis

While the vast majority of you evidently still prefer the printed word, new technology always takes awhile to get used to and we’re quite excited by the potential for e-books. Our own program’s still in its infancy, although we now have 18 titles available in e-format from ShopLVA and six for Amazon.com’s Kindle (including Tax Help for Gamblers, Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner, and the new edition of Whale Hunt in the Desert), which is why the feedback we received from you is so valuable in helping us plan for the future.

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, an e-book is an electronic version of a title that can be read either on your computer (and printed off) in pdf format, or via a number of different devices like the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader, or on your mobile device in MobiPocket format. Right now they're all their infancy but as with other new technology, they’ll no doubt become more refined and less expensive as time goes by; and while nothing may ever take the place of curling up by the fire with a good paperback, there are all kinds of advantages to be had with the e-format. For one thing, you get instant access (it’s yours to download as soon as you buy). Plus, an e-book’s searchable, space-saving, and environmentally friendly. And it’s much cheaper because all the printing costs are eliminated and there are no shipping charges.

Here are some of your thoughts on the subject:

• "I like e-books for reference and price, but for entertaining reading I still like a printed book. I don't have an e-book reader and don't plan on buying one in the near future, so a printed book is better for me to carry around (reading on the plane to Vegas, on the sofa, etc.)." (John)
• "Yes, I have purchased e-books to read on my iTouch and think it's great. However, there is a certain tactile experience in reading a physical book, which I prefer. But for when I'm on the go, I prefer taking the iTouch rather than carry around a book." (Tom)
• "I definitely like e-books for travel and guide books. Especially if once downloaded they are searchable. I buy lots of books and don't have enough time to read them. The e-book is attractive because I can increase the font to make it easier to read. Being able to download updates is also an appealing idea."(Ray)
• "I am definitely a child of the modern era: For example, my goal is to wire my house to be able to access the lighting and AC systems through the Internet, as well as stream media wirelessly around the house. However, I still prefer the feel of a good book. Any book that I wanted to keep, I'd like to have a copy of, but there are some books, like a tourist guide book, for example, that I wouldn't plan to need long-term and wouldn't mind having in e-format." (Roland)
• "I've never used an e-book, although I do know what they are and know people who use them. The books I "read" are audiobooks ,which I listen to on my rides around town. It helps ease the traffic nightmares." (Al)
• "First off, I think I'd always prefer a physical book. However, I'm not averse to the e-book concept. There are some types of book that I’d buy in e-format, but for others I’d always want the physical book. First, I work at a computer almost all day (desk job) and I read for relaxation and fun. The last thing I want to do is spend more hours staring at a computer screen. Second, I don't like the idea of having to be in one place (at the computer) to read a book. I carry my book around and sometimes read to kill time, e.g., waiting for an appointment, at kid's soccer practice, etc. Third, I underline