Sad reading statistics tells that the average person read less than 4 books last year. Almost 1/3 admitted they did not read a single book last year. Newspaper circulation decline picks up speed describes a similar plight for newspapers. The latest statistics show readership has declined 7.1% in the last six months. Craigslist has stolen classified advertising, but Survey: 22 per cent of internet users ditch newspaper tells that many rely upon the online version instead of print. Since they can obtain it for free, they no longer subscribe to print editions.
Creative minds must salvage journalism says, "Going to the internet for news is like going to the fast food outlet for nutrition. Fast food is satisfying, but it isn't a balanced diet."
Mmm. I think the fundamental problem is that reading has competition from splashier alternatives such as video games and television/video. Reading is more of an investment in time. The instant gratification obtained from video is addictive. Sadly, screenplays have to stereotype characters and personalities because everything must be completed in less than 120 minutes. Perhaps that explains some of the personal friction that we have in the world today - people expect the stereotypes and impressed personalities of the video screen and not the complex and inconsistent personalities in the real world. Sorry... I digress.
To compete in our brave new world, reading must embrace instant gratification. When I brief decision makers, they want information conveyed simply and quickly. Similarly I think authors must adopt a similar style in telling their story. Yes, we are impatient today - but we are not going to change it. Although I am occasionally stirred by word craftsmanship, more often it becomes a distraction.
Technology can also add 'eye-candy' and 'gee-whiz' to reading. Read all on it: wide-screen Kindle describes the new e-book reader introduced by Amazon today. The bigger screened Kindle should allow a better experience in reading newspapers than the smaller versions available up until now. (They also want to capture the collegiate textbook business, but that is a separate storyline.)
As an author on Kindle, I am unquestionably biased. Yet, even if I were not publishing on the Kindle, I would still embracing the new medium. The convenience is unprecedented - I have over a hundred books on my Kindle, and I continue to add to my inventory. Much like cable channel-surfing, I browse/skim through the books on my Kindle, or cruise wirelessly to purchase something new. It has 'gee-whiz' features. Last night, I could not remember the definition of 'ennui'. (Sigh.) With a push of a button, I asked Kindle to look up the definition.
I do not expect e-book readers to completely reverse declining readership. Authors must learn ways to capture their audiences, much like screenwriters. Technologists need to invent the equivalent of a 'pop-up' book. (I am only half-spoofing.) On second thought, perhaps that will be Apple's entry. With work from companies like Sony, Apple, and Amazon, and writers, perhaps reading will rebound.
To compete in our brave new world, reading must embrace instant gratification. When I brief decision makers, they want information conveyed simply and quickly. Similarly I think authors must adopt a similar style in telling their story. Yes, we are impatient today - but we are not going to change it. Although I am occasionally stirred by word craftsmanship, more often it becomes a distraction.
Technology can also add 'eye-candy' and 'gee-whiz' to reading. Read all on it: wide-screen Kindle describes the new e-book reader introduced by Amazon today. The bigger screened Kindle should allow a better experience in reading newspapers than the smaller versions available up until now. (They also want to capture the collegiate textbook business, but that is a separate storyline.)
As an author on Kindle, I am unquestionably biased. Yet, even if I were not publishing on the Kindle, I would still embracing the new medium. The convenience is unprecedented - I have over a hundred books on my Kindle, and I continue to add to my inventory. Much like cable channel-surfing, I browse/skim through the books on my Kindle, or cruise wirelessly to purchase something new. It has 'gee-whiz' features. Last night, I could not remember the definition of 'ennui'. (Sigh.) With a push of a button, I asked Kindle to look up the definition.
I do not expect e-book readers to completely reverse declining readership. Authors must learn ways to capture their audiences, much like screenwriters. Technologists need to invent the equivalent of a 'pop-up' book. (I am only half-spoofing.) On second thought, perhaps that will be Apple's entry. With work from companies like Sony, Apple, and Amazon, and writers, perhaps reading will rebound.
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