post #2 What is a book?

Let me begin with my definition of a book: I define a book as ideas that are recorded. I worded that so broadly so I could include art books, graphic novels, children books, plays, manuscripts, really anything that can be recorded. Books are a way of expressing ideas and concepts, and I believe that it doesn't matter what form you read the information in. It could be an Ipad or a 50 year old book, you're still receiving the same information. It would be similar to saying "Well I don't listen to my Ipod because I don't have the physical CD, it doesn't feel the same." It doesn't matter how you listen, you're still listening.

I must admit, I am a bit of an amateur collector of many things, Including classic books, comic books, and graphic novels. There is no way you could ever brag about having Volume one of a superman comic in your digital library. The physical aspect of a book matters almost exclusively to collectors or the super controlling reader. You could still read a comic book in digital form, you'd still receive the same information, just not the same sentimental level. The digital copy of "Lord of the Flies" will contain the same story, same characters, same setting as the physical copy, with the only exception of you not being able to hold it.

Another point to be made is the welfare of the author. You might argue that the author's vision isn't realized when it's read online, I'd argue the opposite. When it comes to digital publishing, the author has an extremely high chance of the book being published, being their own work. With physical copies, the author must go through a publisher, which often contains an editor who cuts and rips out parts of the story to try to maximize profits. Which one would you prefer? I would rather my work be my own than for a man to mutilate my work in the name of greed. But hey, that's just me.

Digital copies also make it more convenient for travelers and people who are generally busy. If you decide to read a physical copy, you must carry the physical copy, sit down, and read. With a digital copy, you can carry hundreds of books, all at your finger tips. If you have the digital copies of say an Ipad, you can mix in reading with your entertainment device, which might attract people who don't read much.