This week, the Associated Press ran a story about a bookstore owner who held a book-burning protest against "what he sees as society's diminishing support for the written word." Tom Wayne, owner of Prospero's Books in Kansas City, MO almost flamed his way to a heap of trouble given that he didn't have a permit to start a controlled fire within the city limits. However, the more important point to this burning issue is why are there fewer readers of books in the world today? Wayne points to a 2002 National Endowment for the Arts study which indicates "less than half of adults reported reading for pleasure, down from almost 57% in 1982". Is this a bad trend? Are we becoming a world of fewer and fewer thoughtful minds? I don't think so. Thoughtful minds just have more interesting options to choose from.
Since Gutenberg rolled the first pages off his legendary moveable type printing press, books have been their own worst enemy. It just took 550 years for thoughtful minds to break free from their monopolistic grip on information. The number and range of book authors has always been severely limited by publishing houses and the expense getting one's thoughts in print. The unpublished writing community has always expressed anger and frustration toward the industry for maintaining such an exclusive club. Meanwhile, readers didn't really notice until technology unleased a whole new array of information choices and new published names and faces. Now, the world finds it refreshing to read the thoughts of a wider range of authors. They've always been out there. There just was no mechanism for getting their thoughts in front of the general population of thoughtful minds. Article websites are an excellent example of how ordinary people are now able to publish their thoughts, passions and fictional creations without having to pass through a gauntlet of editors, literary critics and gatekeepers who favored the few and ignored the many. In the world of book publishing today, less than one percent (1%) of all completed fictional works ends up on bookstore shelves. That leaves more than 99% to give up on their dreams of getting published or to seek other alternatives.
The process of developing, writing and marketing books has also been one their greatest flaws. No matter how much or little an author has to say on an issue, publishers pushed for more and more pages of text. The more pages, the higher the price a book could fetch. Have you ever read a 500-page non-fiction book that could have been credibly boiled down into a 30-page essay? We all have! Thoughtful minds have better things to do with their time and the world of electronic publishing and niche television have given them some great alternatives. People are now investing in ebooks, spending more of their research time online and looking to niche cable channels to feed their hunger for information on hobbies, personal interests or just plain entertainment. Books are being replaced by well-written documentaries, specialized websites and television docu-dramas.
Most importantly, thoughtful minds have also become accustomed to an ocean of fresh, accurate and timely reports on what is happening around the world. Political and science junkies relish having the ability to jump from one commentary to another whenever something interesting happens. Every source of electronic media now makes professional or expert commentary a primary source of their programming. Even some blogs have become credible sources of expert commentary. Whether it is the war in Iraq, our own political arena, a new star exploding in a far-away galaxy or just getting a giggle out of Paris Hilton's latest display of arrogance and idiocy, thoughtful minds enjoy not having to wait a year to read about it. In addition to the Internet and specialized cable programming, one of the most important developments in the electronic distribution of information is podcasting. Feedburner estimates the world of podcasting will grow from a few million to a whopping 56 million by 2010. One of the most validating uses of the technology is the number of university professors who podcast their lectures for students who opt out of attending class or want the option to review the lecture.
Is it detrimental to our society to read fewer books? Many people will differ on this point but it does not mean people are reading or thinking less. Many of them are just taking in different media and in many cases, more of it. The point to reading is to assimilate knowledge. Thoughtful minds are choosing to use their senses in new and different ways in order to gather information. If the new avenues of gathering information continues to increase the process of complex thought and analysis, maybe we are the better for it. Books are not the holy grail of information. They have their place in the vast array of information sources but their monopoly has finally been broken. That is actually a good thing - unless you own a used book store in Kansas City, Missouri.
» left by Lorrie Davids(5,363) Lorrie Davids (1 year 190 days ago.)
Excellent article, Joseph. I am a reader of books, magazines and the internet. While the internet satifies my desire for immediate information, I love the smell of a book. I love turning the pages and wondering what I will learn next. It is a passion not many of my friends share. I am one who will always look forward to the next trip to the bookstore. Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! I have the same sentiments about newspapers. There is something unique about sitting down with a good cup of coffee and a fresh newspaper - one of the simple joys in life! However, SearchWarp and other venues have given me an avenue for writing that I would not have had otherwise. So if you get a sense of resentment from me, it is really directed toward the industry that produces books, not the books themselves. Have a great day! Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay (1 year 190 days ago.)
Funny Joe, I can’t remember anytime in my life I’ve read for pleasure. (unless you consider discovering something new as pleasure) Before the internet, I’d go to libraries to find books to read to gain knowledge on something that interested me. True today with the internet we don’t even have to leave our keyboard to gain knowledge on anything and everything out there. Is it a good thing? in my opinion yes, it's a miracle
Thanks for commenting! I agree - these new avenues of information are miracles! They have improved the lives of millions of people and have become the foundation for even more discoveries and breakthroughs that have made Planet Earth a better place to live (in most cases). Have a great day! Respond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(13,027) Avis Ward (1 year 190 days ago.)
Joseph, I agree with you wholeheartedly. "Books are not the holy grail of information" but I love books. I'm much like Lorrie, it's a sensual thing for me. I enjoy the feel, smell, and look of a book. I won't try tasting one but I am certain I did as an infant. And yes, I enjoy reading books.
Thanks for commenting! You know, I have never been a great book reader. I am a voracious consumer of news, commentary, documentaries, specialty channels like the History Channel but books have always seemed unnecessarily lengthy and too consuming. On the other hand, one of the things I enjoy collecting and researching are vintage books, only because of the the window to the past that they provide. They are a snapshot of what people thought at a given point in time. Vintage encyclopedias are an incredible window into the thoughts and technology of a particular period. Beyond that, I like briefer sources. Have a great day and blessings to you and yours! Respond to this comment
» left by Jean Horst(978) Jean Horst (1 year 189 days ago.)
Great article! I enjoy the explosion of ways to find information and the new voices that the internet has afforded us. I read once that before the internet, something like 30-50 people controlled all the main lines of media: movies, books, music. The internet has completely changed all of that. I'm sure it will eventually settle down from where it is now, but I'm also sure that readers don't stop reading. They may change what they read and how, but the don't stop. Respond to this comment
You are absolutely right! Prior to the Internet, mainstream media was controlled by a shockingly small number of people and that really skewed what we as readers were allowed to learn about. That is why several powerful tycoons that made money in other industries later turned to media - they realized the power and influence in being able to control the flow of information.
Within the Internet, fun sites like SearchWarp have made it possible for people like me to reach an audience and possibly even change a few hearts and minds. That is very fulfilling! I am still looking for columnist opportunities and pathways into traditional media, but for now - a big thanks for the medium you and Bruce provide! Have a great day! Respond to this comment
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,434) James P Krehbiel (1 year 188 days ago.)
Joseph,
Excellent article. I do not subscribe to a newspaper and get most of my news from credible internet sources. The advent of self-publishing has helped many authors get their books in print. This is a win-win situation. I have not lost hope. Many of my patients, particularly kids are avid readers. Thanks again! Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! There are alot of authors that have been given hope based on all of the new opportunities that technology has presented. Hopefully, you and I both will get the chance to see our best work in traditional and electronic print. Until then, keep reaching for those cyber-stars! Have a good day! Respond to this comment
» left by Cari Jones(136) (1 year 188 days ago.)
I thoroughly enjoyed your most excellent article with the title for your piece really capturing my attention.Personally, I don't put a lot of stock in polls or surveys. I have noticed however, at a time when I thought reading books was a thing of the past, the popularity of Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and others. and endorsements from heavy hitters like "the big O" I have 2 grandsons who are getting their home schooling through a public school program on the internet that is free and available to all in the state. Home schooling is controversial and on the internet even more so. My point is this, just because one may be waning in popularity, while another may not have achieved popularity, they still co-exist and are available for everyone.I still enjoy traditional media and will fight to the death for the Sunday crossword puzzle, but most of my book reading has been replaced with the hours of research and reading I do on the internet. Thanks for a great read, Joseph. Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! You are absolutely right! What polls, surveys and the loss of hundreds of bookstores really reveal is the number of readers and information consumers that migrated from traditional sources like books and magazines to the Internet, niche cable channels, etc. Lots of different sources will continue to co-exists, some will shrink while others will grow. Some things like the Sunday crossword puzzle will be around for a long time because of the comfort and joy that they bring. Have a great day! Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,631) Judi Lake (1 year 188 days ago.)
Great Article, Joseph! The Internet is a God-send for me since I live in an extremely rural area and work from home. Also, like James, I no longer subscribe to any newspapers since I read them all on-line as well as receive news alerts but... I just love books, having a library in my home, turning the pages and closing a book. I work with self-published authors designing and promoting their books and would rather a real, live book to an e-book but e-books sell and are popular. Thanks for your ariticle. Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! It seems many of us have an attachment to the feel of parchment in one form or another. Thankfully, paper reading materials will be with us for a very long time. However, electronic media is probably as significant a development as mass-produced books themselves. It has spawned jobs, industries, new ways of doing traditional tasks and has saved lives. For undiscovered writers, political voices on the margin and ordinary people with big ideas - the value is incalculable. As great as it is, there are many more developments to be uncovered. Can you believe that our grandkids will one day look back at PCs and today's Internet and say, "Oh my God, that's terrible! How did you live without ......?"
» left by Kay Elizabeth(1,673) Kay Elizabeth (1 year 187 days ago.)
Wonderful article, Joseph! I agree with you wholeheartedly and what many have said. While I like the Internet for its immediacy and have probably read only maybe five print newspapers in the last year, I also love going to a bookstore for an afternoon and settling in a comfy chair with a coffee. The one huge plus of the Net is that it's always up to date and you can find virtually anything if you're researching. It's probably more likely to make people think more than not since there's now so many varied opinions open to them online that they otherwise wouldn't have heard. In our house, computers go on at 5.30am till 1am - we couldn't be without them. It's a godsend for keeping in touch with family oceans away too, being able to send pics and such like. My 67 year old mum is doing a course on computing now so she can get online too! :)
Speaking of Gutenberg, I don't know if you're aware of Project Gutenberg - that's a great example of how books and the Net can come together harmoniously, especially if you enjoy vintage books. Thanks for another great piece of writing, Joseph! Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! Indeed I have heard of Project Gutenberg! A great resource for preserving books that have long gone out of print. It's a great resource!
Contrary to all I have said up to this point, I get the feeling that the Internet is growing a little stale in the sense that a new generation of web applications seems to be overdue. I just think there are some better and more exciting ways for people to communicate and share information. Social networking seems to be on the cusp of making some new breakthroughs but we (as a society) seem to keep regurgitating the same old tired models (MySpace, YouTube, etc.). I'm not sure what it is but I will be glad when it gets here. Have a good weekend! Respond to this comment
» left by Jennifer K Suits LLM(56) (1 year 184 days ago.)
Excellent article. I also agree with you. More information sources certainly has its downfall, but the benefits are huge. I think as a society, we are reading more. The criticism is justified though, that we don't take the time to relax and just read. I read online while watching television, doing work on the computer and having a conversation with my husband. Reading and driving a car are similar these days -- it is done while multitasking. We used to take our time to be with our own thoughts or drive and listen to music. Today, we listen to the radio, talk on the phone, eat junk food and fiddle with our GPSs.
More and more timley information is available to us and we are exposed to more sources of literature than ever before; however, I do think we are losing the joy of relaxing and focusing on a good book. Respond to this comment
Thanks for commenting! You are right on target - we are reading more for business or to fulfill our addictions for the latest news. However, we have allowed ourselves to be so influenced by this constant-on-the-go society that we feel guilty or unable to just slow down and read something unrelated to money, career or intellect.
So what is the answer? A book on how to relax? I don't know.... Somehow, we have to get back to the old values that worked while retaining the new stuff that makes our lives better. If you come up with the answer, let me know! Have a good week! Respond to this comment
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