Reinvent the Book

This is not about "The Book" it's about the book. How many centuries has hardened covers encased content pages. And, except for cheaper print they have remained the same.

When first invented the idea of distributing information to the public using the written word was a miracle and it was so interesting that the ergonomics of the book were never called into attention (well considering the word didn't exist it's safe to assume...). The reading audience was so involved with acquiring the information that they dismissed the aching shoulders and strained eyes. I love to read, yet I hate the physical penalty I pay for it. And to state the obvious, it's not necessary.

The idea of "curling up with a good book" is simply not possible for me. I haven't curled in years unless there is sex involved and to be honest that isn't for hours at a time.

Yet reading is essential. Just as people are able to think abstractly in open spaces (excluding prisoners who I guess get used to confined spaces) when I read it opens much more of my mind than any other form of media. It's just uncomfortable and I believe that it is uncomfortable for much of the population; I'm just the first to speak the obvious. This well accepted practice has a BIG flaw.

Why are drafting tables tilted to something other than parallel to the floor? Well, because it's more comfortable. Do you think it capricious or a stroke of luck that televisions and computer monitors allow you to keep your head up or even lean back?. No hunched shoulders and even foot rests to assure a perfect reading posture to keep a person reading instead of seeking aspirin.

So, I challenge the publishing companies. If you wish to remain in business, invent some affordable fixture that tilts the book, flips the pages, and provides light. Keep it under $25 and the world will be reading again in no time.

Now where did this motivation come from? Al Gores book, "Assault on Reason." I want to read this book, and I notice that I started on the deck outside, then sat at the dining room table, then propped myself up on the bed, and now I'm at the computer table and finally with the computer this close I'm writing this rant instead of reading the book.

Well that's my donation to the public sphere of ideas today. Don't flame me too badly.

Sometimes I think it is a generational thing. I read every day. I have loved books since I was a child. Books have allowed me to travel to distant lands, different times, and to converse with many people I will never have the chance to actually meet in the flesh.

a suggestion might be to wait until it comes out in paperback. They are a lot less cumbersome, though if it's a really good book, it doesn't matter to me. And there's always the audio option, though that's cheating.

And however did the publishing companies stay in business this long without a book robot to fulfill your every need?:crazy:

I love to read. Always have. I started reading before I went to school as did the majority of my siblings. Reading was part of our childhood and I've never found it uncomfortable. I was reading TAOR on the way home from the bookstore (my husband was driving). I'll read books curled up in bed or sitting on a bus. I can read anywhere. The only places that it ever seemed uncomfortable to read in were classrooms. Those chairs and harsh overhead lights weren't real conducive to reading for me. I can also read when things are upside and/or backwards. My husband says I should have been a spy. My biggest problem with reading is that I get so engrossed it in that I lose track of time and don't react to outside stimuli as quickly.

Otherwise, my biggest complaint is also about how books are constructed. I wish books were waterproof. I like nothing better than reading while I'm relaxing the tub. Unfortunately I tend to get whatever book I read more than a little wet. Heck, I'd like paper to be a little more waterproof period. I tend to spill coffee on important papers. If paper were a little more waterproof my life would be a lot simpler.

that makes holding the book hard? My mom was arthritis. She reads sitting at a table now. They do make small electronic screens for reading books, but to me looking at an electronic screen is something I want less of, not more.

Nothing more comfortable than curled up in bed, head propped up on a pillow, PDA conveniently there with you. Makes reading a breeze and all of the models for the past few years have come with color backlit screens.