Wow, this week's BTT topic is actually quite a complicated one:With the advent (and growing popularity) of eBooks, I’m seeing more and more articles about how much “better” they can be, because they have the option to be interactive … videos, music, glossaries … all sorts of little extra goodies to help “enhance” your reading experience, rather like listening to the Director’s commentary on a DVD of your favorite movie.But my answer is pretty simple. Assuming we're talking about reading for pleasure, I really prefer my reading to be non-interactive. Or, if it's going to be interactive, I want to choose my own form of interactivity. I'm a little dubious about having my reading experience "enhanced" according to someone else's tastes or ideas.
How do you feel about that possibility? Does it excite you in a cutting-edge kind of way? Or does it chill you to the bone because that’s not what reading is ABOUT?
I'm not opposed to e-books and e-readers; in fact, I've read several books online or on my iPad. But when I'm e-reading, I like the experience to be as near to "real" reading as possible. Yes, I am a bookaholic, and love the look, smell and just general aura of real, physical books. Also, when I'm reading, I like to lose myself in the narrative and concentrate on the writing; I don't want videos, embedded music, sound effects, advertising, or author interviews intruding.
And since I'm also a VOB (very old broad), and I've had a lifetime of getting used to my bookish habits, I don't think my opinion is likely to change anytime soon -- I don't have anything against all the new electronic reading gadgetry; but for me, it's always going to be something extra. An interesting (and even attractive) something extra, but definitely not my main choice (as long as I have a choice). And when I do choose to e-read, I don't want a lot of bells and whistles distracting me.
Oh, and I don't usually watch or listen to directors' commentaries, either. I just wanta watch the movie.
LOL -- VOB -- I like that. Yeah, I am with you. I do like the e-reader for reasons that I have already discussed but I buy more tangible books than virtual books -- and I still like real book covers. I did buy one of the new Nook's because it is lighter, longer battery life and NO bells and whistles -- none, zip, nada. It is better that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm a VOB also, and I love my books. I don't have an eReader yet, and don't really see one in my immediate future.
ReplyDeleteHahaha VOB. I'm a VOB in a YB's body. ;O)
ReplyDeleteI love VOB!! I downloaded an interactive book for our iPad because it was free and have to tell you I was not impressed.
ReplyDelete