How Come Books Are Still Popular?

[bluefortress]

Technology usually robs physical items of their use. For example camera's, cd's, DVD's tend not to be sold in stores or used as much due to the development of smartphones/devices. 
 

However books seem to have stood their ground and still be popular (which is a good thing). 
 

I am wondering why do you think this is. I know I prefer a physical book to reading off screen but I can't really identify why. 

[tomus42]

Same reason vinyl is popular.

Technology makes things easier but it becomes boring after a while, and you yearn for a physical object.

If they ever developed a Star Trek type vending machine where you could ask for any meal and it appeared, it would be hugely popular for a time but eventually cooking things yourself would make a comeback.

[Canary42]

//// camera's, cd's, DVD's tend not to be sold in stores or used as much ////

Do you have evidence/statistics to back this claim ?

[1ozzy]

https://ibb.co/5KNCMTY

[newmodarmy]

I generally read books when on holiday in the sun. It's much easier than trying to see on my phone outside when I can't see my screen at all. I don't see a need to buy a kindle.

[barry1010]

I haven't read a paper novel since 2007, when I bought my first e-Reader, a beautiful Sony model.  I much prefer eBooks as I can read in bed without putting the light on, adjust the font and I don't lose my place if I fall asleep holding it.  I can read it in the brightest of sunlight and the darkest of nights.  I can easily carry it in my pocket.

Print still accounts for 80% of sales (https://nielsenbook.co.uk/snapshot-of-print-digital-books-in-the-uk-in-2022/) and I think it's because many people can't see any advantage to owning an eReader.  Unlike listening to music where people listen to many tracks in an hour and like to carry hundreds of their favourites on their phones or mp3 players, most people only read a book or two at the same time.  They have no need to carry hundreds of books in their pocket.

The big advantage to eReaders is holidays.  So much easier to carry a small device that only needs charging every couple of weeks than a fortnight's worth of books especially when flying.

 

 

[rockyracoon]

I prefer real books and usually only read in the bath or at bedtime. I've tried using the Kindle app on my iPad but find it very clunky and don't want to get another device. I also buy most books in a charity shop or Ebay. They're too expensive brand new, paper or otherwise.

[ToraToraTora]

I prefer an actual book and there are plenty like me so I guess that's why.

[douglas9401]

It's almost impossible for those who imagine they know what's good for us to edit what we're reading at the time.

[Ken4155]

I have a Kindle, but that's for bedtime reading. Downstairs i read hardbacks mainly, with the odd paperback thrown in now and again.

I think there is something very satisfying in holding a weighty book, using a bookmark to hold your place and then finally closing the book for the last time when it has been read.

I also find, that when i've read a hardback/paperback, and closed it for the last time, i tend to sit and reflect on what i have just read. With my kindle, i either go straight on to the next book (if i'm not tired) or just turn it off and go to sleep.

[jno]

Canary, yes, I had a compact camera with a zoom lens, but it was recently stolen, so I went in search of another.

There are basically none left. All the manufacturers have given up on them and all give the same explanation: people use their phones instead - even though the phones offer nothing like the zoom lens.

I found an online retailer with a couple left and I've ordered one, but it cost twice what my last one did, because of the rarity. And when I looked this morning, the price of the last one left had jumped by another £50. The price bots know what they're doing!

This is just compact cameras, the more expensive high-end cameras are still being made. But a whole genre of compact/zooms has just vanished in the last year.

[Arksided]

I'm far from being a techno phobe... but I love thumbing through a book a bit of escapism, paper or hardback. I must admit though I haven't bought a Hardback book for many years... it being 'Last Human' by Doug Naylor a bit darker than his other Red Dwarf novels with Rob Grant (co creater) 

[Auntypoll]

Technology has brought me back to books. I was an avid reader as a child, but a busy life got in the way apart from bedtime stories for the children I did'nt seem to have time for myself to commit to a whole book. Last year one of my daughters bought me a subscription to audible and I m loving it. I can listen to books and short stories while crafting and painting and it takes me into a different world. I'm not one for curling up on a couch doing nothing while reading, so this seems a better alternative. Even my cookery books are redundant now as I can find more interesting recipes online.

[pastafreak]

For me, it depends on the book. Fiction is mostly kindle as I can read anywhere, and more importantly...I can adjust the font and brightness. I've started several novels recently in book form, but given up as it's hard on my eyes. And, in some cases my hands. So I wait for them to be offered at a reasonable price on kindle.

Cookbooks and anything heavily illustrated have to be in book form...preferably hardback. I love viewing my packed book shelves, it gives me great pleasure. They are full of the books I did read in physical form as I like the reminder of them.

[barry1010]

Pasta, you should be able to get library books for your kindle - free, browse at home at your leisure, download to your kindle.  

I'm registered at libraries in three counties so have plenty of eBooks to choose from.  

[bluefortress]

Canary - What The Funicular? do I have 'evidence to back up my claim'. I posted on a chat site I'm not applying for a benefit. 

[barry1010]

I do love a funicular.  As far as I know I have been on every one in the UK.

[bluefortress]

Ditto Barry though my fear of them has grown more over the years

[bluefortress]

Also everyone in the UK - that's really good going!

[ichkeria]

Speaking as someone who has tried a kindle, I'm not surprised at all 

[ichkeria]

"even though the phones offer nothing like the zoom lens"

Not sure about that: the zoom on my camera phone is pretty basic but then so has been the zoom on any basic camera I ever had. Cameras these days are for the real photography buffs who need really good lenses.