Sunday, January 29, 2012

Paper...


In a sense, biases make things more interesting. They allow different ideals, opinions, and create heated debates. Even with this being the case, I found it incredibly difficult to think of a topic to write about. The only thing I could think to write about, and feel comfortable writing about is my bias towards electronic books. I don't blame anyone who thinks this is a ridiculous bias because I agree. I have tried to look past my bias, and accept the fact that you can now read an entire book or newspaper on something like the Kindle or the Ipad. I can't help it if this sounds humorous, but I'm a huge believer in traditional paper books, and paper newspapers. 

I have always been an avid reader. However on top of that, I was the reader that saved all of the books I read on the bookshelf in my room. In my opinion my bias is based on tradition and sentimental tendencies. I like holding legitimate books, and going to legitimate libraries to buy those books. When I see someone like my father read the paper on his Ipad, I know my excuse for my bias can’t be a generational gap. All people of all ages have adapted to this technology. As I consider how and why people like my father have adapted to it and I haven't, I realize that one of the biggest factors playing a role is convenience. Convenience however, doesn’t affect me. The part of my bias that confuses me is why I can’t seem to let go of my past traditions. This thought could stem from my dislike in change, or growing up. Regardless, I can’t seem to let go of this bias, even as technology becomes more advanced.

I plan on continuing to read paper books and newspapers for as long as I can. I personally feel like I get more of a true reading experience out of paper products. I think the way I read books when I was younger, and the traditions I had with them have shaped my bias, and I don’t think I can do anything to change that. 

2 comments:

  1. Hi Ann.
    I know what you mean. I mean seriously my eyes start to hurt staring at any screen for too long. I can't imagine reading the hunger games nonstop without constantly rubbing my eyes due to the effect of a screen. Paper rocks.
    However, earlier this year I met a Lyric Opera singer, Matthew Polenzani. He flies around the world singing, but he loves reading. As much as he hates it, he bought a kindle. Reason being lighter load - or as you said it "convenience" - and he lost his books at hotels everywhere. So I get that. I probably would invest in an iPad or kindle myself.
    But there's something about picking up the SunTimes every morning when I go to starbucks that I can't just ditch because of convenience. I appreciate your post greatly. I agree.

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  2. Ann -

    I'm with you! There's something more tactile and tangible in handling a book, annotating it and placing it on your bookshelf and remembering the impact it had on you.

    Here's a suggestion: can you further develop why you have this bias? Is it as simple as your past experiences? Is there something about reading a text in a digital format that seems foreign to you?

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