·
If writers can write books on computer screens,
people can consume them.
This is a point I had never thought about. Most authors do write on their computer
screens, but then they work hard with the publisher to make it look like a
completely different product. I do
not like reading on screens but know that eventually I probably will without
grumbling too much. No matter the
way it gets to you, reading is an experience that happens in your brain. I do not like to read large anthologies
or completed works because it distracts me from being solely focused on one
book. It shouldn’t matter as long
as we can read, and if this e-book change is encouraging more to read, it is
even better.
·
Create online communities and brands built
around their works that have the potential to be even more popular than the
works
This change is already clearly evident with the Harry Potter
series. This series has produced a
whole theme park in Florida. It
has produced food products (Bernie Botts Every Flavored Beans, Chocolate Frogs)
and almost anything they can put the movie imagery on. I’ve seen notebook, t-shirts, pens,
mugs— all with the face of Harry staring out at me. J.K. Rowling has also come out with Pottermore. This is an online type of virtual game/experience
that allows readers to read extra commentary by Rowling and allows audiences to
virtually walk through Harry’s world.
Now, J.K. Rowling did miss one big point that I respect her for. She would not allow the movie images to
be printed on the cover of her books.
But even with the major success of the books alone, it is not enough in
today’s reading society—readers are demanding to become even more plugged-in
with the characters.
·
How candles became an art form after electricity
effectively removed them as a necessity for creating and sustaining indoor
light.
It makes sense that printed books will become a type of art
form. I think there is already a
lot lost physically when translating a book into the e-book format. The design for the book cover has a lot
of impact as to whether I pick that book up or not. The change from that printed design to a digital cover I
think lessens its importance. First off, you need a colored reader to fully
enjoy the cover design of a book.
By looking at the cover on an e-reader you do not get the spine and back
design (I don’t think, I don’t have an e-reader). To me, those are a big part of the book and the design
theme. Will book designers change
the way they design books if they know they will never be printed? Will it allow them to do more with a
digital screen or will it cause them to lessen their quality?
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