Webtales

I didn’t mean for it to happen and Lord knows, enough people have dissed the ebook in general and the Amazon ebook model in general. I’ve just become very attached to the Kindle my family got me for Xmas. It is just so damned *CONVENIENT*.

It took me a bit of time to get used to the paradigm; pressing buttons instead of turning pages, the whole look and feel of the thing. After that, it all came pretty naturally. Since then, I’ve spent HOURS using the device. More like hundreds of hours at this point.

I still have a loyalty to local independent book sellers. I buy at least one hardcover a month to do my part for the cause. Losing independent book sellers is not an option. The Kindle may be convenient, but the whole book purchasing experience is unsatisfying. No one to talk to. No one to share your loves and quibbles with. While ” if you liked this, you might like…” is OK, it lacks the subtlety and humor of a long time book friend.

Plus there is the whole “wander” element of book shopping. I would sooner scan shelves, pull down books and find things that surprise me. The list of recommended books the Kindle store offers simultaneously works too hard and doesn’t get me at all.

So I’m torn. As usual, I have one foot in each world with no clear preference for either. Both have their strong points. ebooks vs. bookstores. I want the bookstores to win. But I sure do like pressing a button and having a book delivered to my reader in under three minutes.

Living in interesting times.

Amen.+