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3.29.2005

"Reading"


I've been spending a great deal of time "reading" online lately. I have access to all sorts of cool databases, so I've been spending time researching for book SHTUFF. I try to skim the document before I print it out---for some reason, I absolutely detest reading on the web when it comes to content originally made/created for print.

Here's the thing: I am a great fan of well-designed web pages, because they're easy to read: the content is spaced properly, the text simple and pared down, and I can "get in and get out" with the info. I need.

I drew the sketch above in response to viewing a rare and expensive book by U.K. artist Tom Phillips that has been placed online for the public...while it was beautiful, my eyes tired from viewing it and the navigation wasn't easy....

What do you think about "reading" online?
Posted by Hello

Deb at 8:56 AM  |  link to this     

6 Comments

Not a fan of the online reads as well, something about the soft glow of the screen just drives me nuts after a while. Plus there's something about a book, being able to ear-mark it, highlight, scribble, turn back the pages...it's a reading experience you have more control over.

Jason at 3/29/2005 10:02 AM   

I got a copy of A Humument* a few years ago for a friend, reading it before passing it along. I think that "..while it was beautiful, my eyes tired from viewing it and the navigation wasn't easy" could apply to the print version as well as the online version -- in this particular case.

Some things are fine, maybe even better to read online, and I'm with you that a good Web page can be truly useful. I think, over time, we're going to see more specialization, as content that is better suited to the Web (things that are instant reference or quick hits) proliferates there, but print retains a hold where it is more appropriate. At least I hope so; not only are certain subjects better for print, but good books just wind up being wonderful objects that engage the whole imagination. And too much computer time hurts my eyes.


* Anyone else out there miss the old Annual Goodwill Book Sale?

Bram at 3/30/2005 4:02 PM   

Awesome blog... really like it.

Do visit mine
http://yellowwonderwall.blogspot.com/

Paperslut at 3/30/2005 4:10 PM   

Yellowwonderwall, India?! I think you win our farthest-reader award! Deb, would your paper gods be able to reach India within hours of your post? Ha! Papyrus is dead!

I think it's only a matter of time for technology to make it much easier and enjoyable to read books on a computer. They still have to invent something that'll release a pulp scent when you turn a page online!

Dembicki at 3/31/2005 11:18 AM   

I like online stuff as a supplement or extra, but if I'm going to pay for something to read, I want to be able to carry a physical copy with me.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/chrispiers

Anonymous at 3/31/2005 3:30 PM   

While I'll always prefer holding a book I have gotten used to reading online.

I prefer my news online more than a newspaper or magazine, but longer reading material I prefer to read off of something that I can hold or carry around with me.

Screen reading is also worse on the eyes than traditional reading so you have to factor that in as well.

Shane Bailey at 4/07/2005 4:15 PM   

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