Thing 20--Books 2.0

There were over 50 sites suggested for examination. I don't do 50 of anything, so I dipped in here and there. Some made no sense, like the 'future of the book,' link, and the rest of the articles seemed to suggest we might as well burn all books now as they were as dead as the dodo. I dunno. The puff video on Kindle didn't answer the question, 'how much is that in dollars?' I admit to blowing off the telephone stuff as I have a cheap cell and no features. Several of the book sites wanted you to sign up before you looked at their stuff. No way. Others, like Book Trails probably have possibilities if you have the patience to read through all the commentary, and I don't. I have been using KDL's What's Next for years and swear by and not at it. Who would ever pay $2 per book stumper with Fiction-L and Project Wombat at one's disposal? I subscribe to both and recommend them without reservation. Online book groups and 'communities' do nothing for me. Reading a book is between the author and the reader, and letting other people in does for that relationship what Princess Diana said her husband's mistress did for her marriage--makes it a bit crowded. No, thank you. By the time I got to audio books and lit crit, I gave up with a headache and crossed eyes.

Will the computer destroy the book? I doubt it. It's too handy and requires very little effort to use. Will other formats become part of the world of the book? I certainly hope so. The recorded book, LP format, etc., certainly didn't do the plain-vanilla book any harm. If the computer and its associated technologies make it possible for more people to have access to information for both entertainment and practical use, that's fine with me. I will continue to prefer the Mark 1 carbon-based book because it can be toted and read almost anywhere with no auxiliary technological needs. But that's me. There are others like me out there, and there are others who are more comfortable with devices. Let's leave it to the readers what formats are available. The book can stand many formats.

Late-breaking observation: Interesting cartoon. I, alas, am still old, fat, homely, and dowdy. Perhaps when I have done all 23 things I will become gorgeous. Or perhaps my lack of faith will doom me to remain myself. This prospect does not devastate me.