But I also think print is here to stay. The physical object itself can’t really be improved in any terms other than storability and searchability. Also, I think a lot of predictions for a big switch to e-books misses some of the cultural imprinting that goes on in favor of the physical object, even among a generation of non-readers — such as the success of graphic novels, which are physical objects that are fetishized even beyond the degree of a normal book owner and a paperback. Then, too, there are the huge amounts of used books floating around in stores and online, that will probably remain a cheaper source of literature than even the cheapest e-file.

I’m certain people will continue to prefer books for some types of reading, but I think the e-book will replace many other types of reading, and also elevate the e-book to a more viable format for publishers. However, once e-books become mainstream, and literally everyone can publish an e-book and deliver it to a huge amount of users the problem of authenticity and choice comes into play — ie. what is worth my time to read? What is a real book, from a real writer? Publishers, bookstores, and hard copies can present that authenticity, and direct the reader’s attention, in ways that a store of a million e-books can’t. We are still a physical species, despite our increasing virtual addition.

Maybe this should have been another post, rather than a comment?