I have done a lot of thinking lately about the future of publishing. This may seem a bit odd, but as I am working on a book, I have thoughts about how best to get in in the hands of those who are interested in experiencing a creative theology.
It boils down to this: traditional vs. ebook.
I certainly enjoy the benefits of publishing online, and presenting material in a downloadable, read-on-a-screen format. I have done exponentially more reading online this past year as I follow blogs and have had some access to epublications, and I really do enjoy it. I love reading on the go, even on the small screen of my iPhone. It is flat out convenient.
But then there is this feeling of having a book in your hands, letting the pages flick under your fingers. Sitting it on a bookshelf, scribbling in the margins on a second read through. There isn’t a feeling that can match cracking open the cover of a book you’ve been waiting to read.
It’s kind of like giving up CDs and buying albums on itunes. Sure it’s conveneint, but there is just something about holding the CD in your hands, having the jewel case that you I will lose and the insert that adds no value to the music.
Of course, there is always room for both; it doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario. I just wonder, could I be happy with a book published exclusively online? I am completely happy producing material like the Going Pro resource online, as I feel it is the best way to distribute free material. But a book…I am just not sure.
Do you have any thoughts on the issue?Do you read ebooks, or stick to traditionally printed books?