You make great points. I know my own dad can read on my Nook, and it's helped me as my own eyesight starts to go downhill.

How ironic is it that my books are all e-books. 🙂

Without ebooks, I would no longer be able to read. Despite the mention of small font in the post, I actually set the font very large on my Kindle so I can see the words to read them. My vision is too poor for normal print. Also holding a print book is difficult because of my arthritis. I like to read when I eat, so I need to be able to hold a book with one hand, and it's hard to hold a paperback and turn the pages one-handed. I agree there are some poorly written ebooks – it's easy to publish, so many writers take shortcuts. However, there are also many well-written books. I read far more indie published books than traditionally published books. Indie books have the advantage of being less expensive than ebooks from the big guys. In fact, I have more than 500 books on my Kindle, and I downloaded most of them when they were offered in a promotion for free. Since it will take me more than two years to read the books I have on hand, I'm trying to restrict myself from downloading more, but I can't resist.

Although I personally prefer to read ebooks, I still love print books and have a huge collection of autographed books on three walls of my office. I will buy a print book to be autographed by a favorite author but actually read the book on my Kindle.

Almost all of my editing clients self-publish in both print and electronic formats. I would be willing to put any of their books alongside a book from a major publisher for a quality comparison. I've even handed people two books, one from a major publisher and one that I've edited for an indie/self-publisher and challenged them to tell me which was which. No one has ever been able to tell the difference.

It's true that it can be more difficult to find the well-written indie ebooks among the zillions of titles available. However, I subscribe to several blogs that list free and discounted ebooks as well as a number of review blogs. Reading the descriptions and the reviews can usually winnow out the really bad ones. If I start something I don't like, I simply delete it and move on to something else. That's an advantage of watching for free and discounted books – if I don't read them, I haven't wasted money.

I'll get off my soapbox, now. Sorry, Lori, I know you didn't invite me to write a guest post. 🙂

I, too, was a "bookie" who kept all books I'd read. But I came to the painful conclusion several years back that I just didn't have the space. I think that's what made it easier for me to transition to ebooks.

One complaint, though. I protest the crazy-high prices of ebooks! I never bought hardcover before, so it's irritating for me to pay much more than $7-8 for an ebook. but that's my problem, not others!

Like Cathy, I don't have any e-readers. I don't even have a smart phone.

But if someone wanted to give me an e-reader I'd probably love it. Who knows – it might make reading easier for me despite all of my annoying floaters.

Count me among everyone above who believes there's room for paper books and e-books.

I like books because dropping them doesn't cause minor heart attacks. 🙂

If I'm travelling, an ereader makes more sense — I can store more books without having to pay for overweight luggage!

But I like the intimacy of holding a book, which is something a screen can't do.

But recently, I've begun downloading cookbooks on them. I don't have ANY room left for paper cookbooks, so this seemed like a great idea. It was. And a few magazines have appeared on there, but I'm still not liking reading for leisure on them.

Kimberly, I remember. 🙂 You're right — it's too easy, too convenient to buy books on the damn things.

Lisa, thank you again for the post. A great conversation starter!

I consider myself a pretty hardcore bibliophile. I love, love print books – the texture, the smell – even the way they look on my book shelves. I

This might not make sense, but there are certain books/authors I'll only purchase in print format. Still I can't deny how wonderfully simple it is to click Amazon's "buy now with 1 click" button and have my book ready and waiting within seconds. But I'm conflicted because the idea that someday print books may not exist depresses me. I feel that way about music too. I LOVE my iPod, but am still holding on to a set of turn tables and a collection of vinyl covered in dust.

Awesome post, Lisa!

It's not that I am against the new technology or a technoid dweeb. Right now, it still feels too much like work.

I am on my computer all day. I go to bed early at night to spend 1 – 2 hours reading. The thought of that being digital makes me think I am doing research for my business. Not rational, I know, but that's how it feels to me.

I am sure I'll get over it and at some point cave in.

I love the question on how it differs on how we sell our own books. I have several in the works and I know I will sell in both forms – paper and ebook. I am a big believer in choice.

Another consideration is what the book is about. For example, I am working on one that contains business forms. I'm leaning toward not putting it in ebook format as the forms are meant for completing and possible *Gasp* printing.

Great post, Lisa. Thanks for sharing your point of view.