Not really just another shameless plug for my book. I'll start that again when the next one is out. But apparently ebooks are really taking off, Waterstones have sold more e copies than real copies.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jun/25/crime-ebook-publishers
Has anyone got an ebook reader? Are they worth the 180-200 quid to buy one?
Quote: Marc P @ June 30 2009, 4:07 PM BSTHas anyone got an ebook reader? Are they worth the 180-200 quid to buy one?
No and no. They're charmless. Even the most hackneyed piece of genre fiction has a certain charm as a battered old paperback. E-books have none of that. I'm disappointed in you, Marc. I always thought you were old school. 
Yay for Chip! I prefer actual books to ebooks any day, personally.
Quote: chipolata @ June 30 2009, 4:13 PM BSTNo and no. They're charmless. Even the most hackneyed piece of genre fiction has a certain charm as a battered old paperback. E-books have none of that. I'm disappointed in you, Marc. I always thought you were old school.
Well I haven't got one or tried one. But I can see their uses for holidays, load up ten or more books etc. I try to be liberal about these things.
I hate the whole concept.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil.
I am silly happy now, as my friends have always told me I'm silly for feeling this way about ebooks!
I have to confess to a bias, but I admit I used to take your stance SF.
Certain books I would absolutley want a physical copy. Not just to read but to have.
Quote: Griff @ June 30 2009, 5:09 PM BSTI feel very strongly that I don't want an e-reader, but then I remember 20 years ago everybody feeling equally sentimental about vinyl LPs and whatnot, and now pretty much nobody wants LPs anymore and everyone's all iPodded-up. Also, I watched WALL-E last night so I'm despondent for the future of humanity.
All fair points but I think the way we listen to music is fundamentally different to the way we read.
As a reader I love the book form. As a writer, story teller, if it shifts more units helps me reach a wider audience I am all for it.
Quote: Marc P @ June 30 2009, 5:12 PM BSTAs a reader I love the book form. As a writer, story teller, if it shifts more units helps me reach a wider audience I am all for it.
Will it sell more books? I haven't read the article, but at the moment it seems expensive and gimmicky. It'll be a while before they replace actual physical books. Also, if there's a nuclear war, I can still read all my books. You'll be f**ked with your e-book reader.
Quote: Griff @ June 30 2009, 5:16 PM BSTand you'll have to rely on your charm and personality to flog hard copies at book signings in Hay-on-Wye.
He really is f**ked then.
I don't think I would be keen - but as I'm off on holiday soon and no doubt half our luggage will be books, they might have their uses at times.
Have a look at the article Chip. Top ten books sold since last September.
Like I say they are selling more ebooks than real ones. Of mine anyway.
Quote: Griff @ June 30 2009, 5:16 PM BSTAnd remember, "Remain Indoors".
I do anyway. I'm practically ac recluse.
It will be the death of literature.
And of authors being able to make a living.
It's the end of the wooooooooooooooooooorld.
etc.
It is though.