Sample chapters: much better than browsing shelves and reading first paragraphs.
Review sites: I bought my first ebook (and a Kindle) based on a review by Marion Sipe on GoodBookAlert (http://goodbookalert.blogspot.com/ ). After reading her review and sampling the book, I realized I was missing out on good writing if I didn't immediately buy an ebook reader. (Marion, you should get a cut from Kindle). The book, a bargain at 99 cents, was Ice Blue, a cleverly written mystery by Emma Jameson. My second ebook purchase was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, a young adult novel featured by Mooderino in a blog post analyzing the first chapter. (http://moodywriting.blogspot.com/). Thanks, Mood—I not only liked the book, I learned a lot. Third was The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarity. I can't remember where I found this one, maybe Kindleboards. Price--one cent. Can you believe that even at one cent, I downloaded the sample before purchasing? Loved the book. A few days later I saw its price had risen to something like $5.35. If the one-cent price was a marketing scheme to raise the book quickly in the Amazon rankings, it worked.
The ebook reader itself: easy on the eyes, wonderful for one who gets eyestrain from too many hours staring at a computer screen. Like the words to that old song…"lovely to look at, delightful to hold, and heaven to [substitute "read"]. Thanks, Diane, for the red leather cover.
Ebook hunting: I might be able to pay more but I love to pay less. I love the fact that many authors are independently publishing at prices that are good for them as well as for buyers. (Authors get a small cut of traditionally published books.) Unless it's a book I think I must have, I'm bypassing ebooks over $5, especially if I can buy a cheaper used copy in excellent condition. Of course, no money goes to author or publisher that way...publishers, pay attention!
Textbooks: Much as I love glossy, gorgeous textbooks, I look forward to the day when learners from primary school to college will not have to lug around pounds and pounds of books. This will not be good for textbook printers, but hopefully the prices will be good for everyone.
Magazines and newspapers: I'm not there yet, but I think the honeymoon will last.
I'm considering getting a kindle too. Sounds like you're a solid convert. No drawbacks?
ReplyDeleteMood - The battery is supposed to last for a month. Maybe that's just advertising. Mine weakened after a few days, but that's not really a drawback.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't sound good. Have yo been using wifi a lot? I think it's a month if the wifi is turned off. I would certainly expect it to last more than a few days.
ReplyDeleteOh - I hadn't heard that. I have to use wifi because 3G doesn't work at home.
ReplyDeleteI think you can turn off wifi and only turn it on when you actually need to use it and that saves battery life. I'm not sure of the details though as this is just stuff I've picked up browsing the subject so maybe I'm wrong (wouldn't be the first time).
ReplyDeleteAlso, since you just got it and are probably transferring a lot of stuff that may suck up juice too.
Aha! (Pauses to turn off off wi-fi). Thanks for your diligence.
ReplyDeleteSounds like hours of endless entertainment to me! I'll have to definitely consider making the investment :)
ReplyDeleteI bought a Kindle for my daughter's 15th birthday. Now, I want one, too! I have been in love with my iPod for years. I love being able to carry your living room with you on road trips. I hadn't considered that writers get no percentage of a used book. That's a good point. I'm reading mostly online now ---- even newspapers. Do you pay for any subscriptions on your Kindle?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the break - this blog has been sick (cookie/cache problem, I'm told).
ReplyDeleteLiz & J - The Kindle is making me read more and I'm wondering why -- because it's easy to hold? or does it feel interactive? I didn't mention the ability to see sections that have been "highlighted" by others, or immediately opening a dictionary definition by clicking on a word. I haven't subscribed to a magazine yet. I love layouts, good paper, and double page spreads!