> -----Original Message-----
> From: rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com [mailto:rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Debbi Mack
> Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 8:30 AM
> To: Rara Avis
> Subject: RARA-AVIS: Re: nuts to the feel of a real book
>
> And, while I'm at it, I should add that print books are probably not going
away
> completely. I realize this is an imperfect analogy, but vinyl records have
become
> increasingly popular lately (despite the greater popularity and
availability of cheap
> music downloads), for reasons having to do with the quality of the
listening
> experience, cover art, collectibility, etc.
Keep in mind, however, that while vinyl album sales have been climbing
recently and have achieved their highest percentage total since 1991, they
still makes less than one percent of all album sales. While they haven't
"gone away completely," they may as well have. Consider, too, that CD sales
have fallen a further 20 percent this year alone. When the numbers are
viewed correctly, it's clear everything is migrating to digital mp3s.
Are these numbers indicative then of the trend we'll soon see with books?
I've no idea...but I do believe there is a fundamental difference between a
song that one has no ability to hold and is used primarily as a filler
(driving, parties, exercising, background @ businesses and home, etc.) and a
book that is more tactile and offers a more personal involvement and
experience. I don't know that these factors will be enough to stave off the
digital trend r.e. books, but I do believe they have a better chance of
keeping the playing field level than music ever had.
Ron C.
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