Just participated in an online debate on Facebook about digital publishing with three fellow writers (who I know in real life) who claim to be my friends but completely shun eReaders and all forms of digital publishing. Well, gee, thanks guys....I guess that means I can count on you for ZERO support when my book is released as a digital book later this year.
If someone wants no part in digital media, fine, do what you want. I like paper books just as much as the next person, but I have accepted the fact that publishing is changing.
Technology is happening...you can't sit back and refuse to take part in it...if you refuse today's advances, you may as well reject yesterdays advances, like computers, the internet, telephones, microwaves, tv, refrigerators, even cars! It's hypocritical to say the advances of the 21st century are crap, but things we have come to know as life, advances of our grandfathers in the 19th and 20th century, those are okay.
Let's face it, digital media is here to stay. Look at music....do you think kids are going to one day shun the ipods they've known for years and years?? No, of course not. And it's all just getting bigger and better. I think that's exactly what will happen with eReaders.
I know I can't change people's minds...they'll think what they want to think, but why such negativity? Like I said....our world is built on technology...is all of it great, no, but why are digital books considered evil??
I kissed the feet of technology the day my ePublishing contract arrived...and in an email, no less. So a question to all these anti-ebook people....should I have never submitted to a digital publisher? Should I have turned down a contract for my book....a contract for the electronic publishing of my novel, my baby, the project I dedicated so much if my time to? Should I have rejected the chance to start my career???? Just curious as to what the eBook scoffers would say to those questions.
All I'm asking for is a little bit of open-mindedness. This "nope, nadda, NEVER gonna do it" attitude does not work for me....in regard to eReaders or anything else in life.
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*puts down Kindle to make a comment* I don't know why people have to knock the ebooks. If you don't want to read them, then don't. But don't put down the people who like them and the authors who get published that way. I've read some great books that were only released in digital format (reading one now in fact). And many authors (especially romance) start with epublishing now. It's a great way to get your work out there and start a career. So don't let the naysayers get to you. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you had to go through this negativity. I personally don't like e-readers and would never own one, I LOVE the smell, feel and soemtimes taste of books, but I don't discount them (e-books) in the publishing industry. It's the wave of the future. And believe me if I ever get a shot to be published and my agent says, we're going to e-publish it, well then, I will.
ReplyDeleteTry not to let others get you down, or make you crazy. Congratulations on your e-book. The others were probably just jealous you got a contract and they didn't.
I think people are afraid of change. It took me a year to finally buy an e-reader and I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! People are afraid of change and yes, soemtimes it is scary, but the world is constanly changing...you can't sit back and wish for it not to.
ReplyDeleteRoni, you are absolutely right- there are tons of FANTASTIC books that are only available in digital format.
**Hugs** We'll support you.
ReplyDeleteWinged Writer
I'm with you. I don't own any type of digital reader, but I love that I can read books on my iPhone -- and not just the classics that the Gutenburg Project first made available online, but new & debuting, or established, authors I might not otherwise discover!
ReplyDeletePeople always have a problem adapting to new technology. I think one issue is that some people confuse anything that isn't traditional publishing, with vanity publishing -- as if there are only those two options. I think that creates a kneejerk reaction against anything that isn't Traditional with a capital T.
Don't worry -- the dinosaurs will catch up someday. And in the meantime, don't let anyone dull your excitement. You get to share your story with the world.
I think people really are slow to embrace what's coming. It's just too bad they have to put others down in the process. Don't let it get to you - you can laugh all the way to the bank once those sales take off. :)
ReplyDeleteChange is so hard for people. The E-book stuff kind of scares me...but then again it's a whole new avenue, which is encouraging.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement and support!!! I so needed it! :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I'd just suggest that you think of yourself as part of the reason people will soon change their minds. I think as more people e-publish or self-publish---if the quality of what they produce is good--the audience will eventually give them credit, and over time readers will come to understand that these different methods of publication are equally valid.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aubrie. I don't own an e-reader yet, but I want one! Be proud of your book! :)
ReplyDeleteI have something for you at my blog...
Thank you Davin...that really means a lot!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Dawn..I will go check it out now!! :)
A lot of people thought the automobile was horrible and society should stick to riding horses. Some people don't like computers but most of us love them.
ReplyDeleteIgnore them. You have a lot of good company, too.
What a great conversation! Sorry it started from an FB argument though! I am a book lover, especially old dusty ones that I find in old shops or the back of the library....but I am totally all for the ebook stuff too! It is exciting to me & I want an ereader very much! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteIt does take time for people to let go of old mindsets, but i agree with the writer above who said that you & your book can help turn the image of ewriters into something good & worthwhile! Congrats!
Thanks for your thoughts Brenda!! And thanks for stopping by!! :)
ReplyDelete