We're on a message board. I could post saying "I like ebooks, and you don't, and that's ok! The end." and we'd all go home happy, and have no need whatsoever for this website. I like one thing, you like the other, we extoll the virtues of our choices; that's how discussion works in a place like this. Have you LOOKED at the other posts on this board? Half the posts here are people telling other people how awesome author x is, how they're better than y, and how other people should read them. I'm not some fringe obsessee here.



Listen. It's not me who doesn't get it. A couple years ago I was in your shoes. I'd never tried ebooks, didn't like the sound of them, owned a large book collection including some leather bound, some signed, etc. I loved books. Still do. Then I tried an ebook reader, and liked it better. It was different; I lost things like the smell of a book, the feel of the paper, and the other stuff you mentioned. But I gained a lighter, easier to read book, faster page turning (less story interruption), better fonts, etc. Plus there's a tactile element to ereaders, too. Most have nice leather covers, cool, smooth metal, etc. I understand that there are things you just can't get from readers, but there are things you can't get from readers too, and, in my opinion, the reader is a nicer experience.

The thing is, I've tried both. Extensively. If there's anyone here who JUST DOESN'T GET IT (caps are awesome! ), I don't think it's me. I felt just like you do, and changed my mind. Until you give a reader a chance, you can't know whether you might too.



Could I convince them? Nope. Would a lot of them convince themselves if they'd make themselves try the new method? Yep.

I don't mind people who try both and decide they're just so attached to the nostalgia of the old way that they can't make the switch. If you really like it better, fine! Don't call me out and tell me I don't understand, though, when you're the one who hasn't tried it.



Most of the people responding to me in this thread said that they were willing to give ebooks a try, in spite of not liking the idea. Who knows what they'll decide, but it's not like I've gotten a bad reception.

As to your first argument. . .I mean, there's not much else I can say. I think if you asked most rational people, they'd agree that you can't be sure whether you like something better than something else until you've tried both. We're not talking a stick in the eye, here.

Me: "You won't know till you try it."
You: "Yes I will."
Me: "Why?"
You: "I just will."

If that's the way it is, I guess there's not much else to debate. /shrug