Why do people read more on E-readers?

[Richard Sanders]

According to the Wall Street Journal story below, E-reader users might be reading more
than they ever did before. Why do you think that is? Portability? Less eye strain? Easier to turn pages? Book prices? Or do you dispute the whole theory?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703846604575448093175...

[M. Louisa Locke]

I do believe that it encourages more purchases of books, and the ease of purchasing encourages more reading.

Where I have started to see ereaders is in airports and on airplanes, and that is where I use mine the most. I travel about once a month (visiting father with Alzhiemer's and daughter and grandchildren). I can definitely say I have bought more books since I got my Kindle-and spend more time reading books on the road than watching tv or reading magazines.

First of all, I have been willing to take a chance on unknown books-will browse categories-check out a sample, and if the price is right (under $7) I will often buy a book that I would never buy in paper.

Second, when I read a review of a book, instead of saying to myself I will look for it the next time I am in a bookstore (and forgetting the title or name so when that time comes, I don't look for it), I will go and look for it immediately on Kindle, and again if price is right, will go ahead and buy it.

Third, as I posted above, I have even bought books I owned, particularly those cheap paperback that after 30-39 years are beginning to disintegrate in my hands.

Fourth, as I age, I really do find it easier to read for hours using Kindle-with larger font-and it is actually easier to hold, or prop on my lap than paper backs that I have to hold the two sides open, or larger hardbacks which begin to upset the arthritis in my fingers!

I posted a blog about this http://mlouisalocke.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/the-instant-accessibil...

[Linda]

I read much faster with the ereader, and the font adjustments are great for my old lady eyes. I also think that once you pay a lot of money for an ereader, you make a point of using it. We will see if the increased interest in ebooks is the same, more, or less in a few years.

[Richard Sanders]

Linda, M. Louisa--excellent points.
RYCJ--maybe not this Monday, but SOME Monday...

[parchmentgirl]

I really cannot understand why people prefer e-readers to real paper and glue books. I could never stare at a screen and get lost in what I'm reading. Furthermore, e-readers are an invasion of privacy. With the most popular e-readers (the Kindle included) the books are stored on the company's server and thus any employee with access to the servers can see exactly what you're reading, how long you spend on each page, etc. I'm going to be writing a post on why I think we should scrap e-readers in a week or two.

Kate
http://parchmentgirl.com

[Lisa Richards]

I don't believe it. Readers read even if it's the back of a cereal box, so I don't think having an ereader is going to make them read more. Me, I have an extra book in every vehicle I may use, just in case I finish the one that is ALWAYS in my purse. I'm never without a book. Certainly it's not the prices. Most of the new releases of books are as high as the print copy.I do intend to get one but will never spend the prices they are asking for an e book. - for example MockingJay came out the 24th. $8.45 for HB--HB people, this price is as cheap or cheaper than a PB. $8.03 for Kindle--- not no but no way in hell. I think Kindle probably gets more impulse buys cause it's immediate but for me it would be used for reviewing free reads by authors and publishing companies that I now read at my computer. If I'm paying almost full price than I want something I can trade or lend to other readers.

[Samantha M]

I have an e-reader (Sony) which I received as a Christmas present last year. The best thing about it is the Project Gutenburg website which allows you to download most classics/books without copyright for free. That's the attraction for me - it's not as good as reading a 'real book', but it's like having your own personal library.

Sam
http://tinylibrary.blogspot.com