A shift in books...

I feel it is a very sad thing that books are declining in popularity. Standards of literacy are falling and kids cannot string a simple sentence together (unless it's in txt spk). I would say to anyone who writes, don't stop, please don't stop. Books are essential, even in this modern technological age.

I don't think there's going to be a huge decline in book reading anytime soon-- until someone comes up with "eye friendly" electronic paper that's equally readable and "sturdy" compared to actual paper-- it's not going to happen. The way in which books are published HAS changed the landscape some. With self-publishing POD technology, far more books are being written in "extreme specialty" niches-- some interest where the writer creates a book, self-publishes it, and knows full well that they will only sell 300 copies of their book, ever. It brings subjects to market that would naver have been available during the "old" times when print runs under 2500 copies wasn't considered "viable." And since you can publish yourself, using companies like Cafe Press, Lulu, etc, writing has also become more immediate-- eliminating the lengthy process of submissions/rejections, and then waiting for a publishing house to bring your book to market. The latter is still the way to go if you have a "mass-market blockbuster" up your sleeve.

I write for my own enjoyment, so I have no aspirations as to making any sort of career out of it. I do, however find it rather sad that people aren't reading as much simply because reading is after all the foundation of learning, and this whole shift in instilling technology in lieu of reading may be partly the reason why we, as a nation, don't have as good of an education system as we could have. Back in my parents' day, there was no such thing as all these "honors" and "AP" courses - you just went into regular English/Math/Science/History, plus there were no TV sets in any of the classrooms and yet they still got a much better education than most of today's generation appears to be getting... so I think more emphasis needs to be put on reading simply because it helps to keep one well-educated but I am not at all discouraged in terms of writing because of the decline in people reading.

As a writer for most of my life, I do more of that than read, and admittedly spend far too much time on the comp. I used to inhale books in free or idle time, and miss it. I do have some, sent to me by my Angel, which have become icons in my life. Obviously with the advent of the WWW, E BOOKS have grown in popularity, as well as newsletters, blog sites, and sites like this one. We've become a society led by NEWS online, or Instant news, or tabloid excited "news",a nd most definitely a fast paced species. If we could get all we need from a 4 word headline, we'd very likely not buy a paper or a book. Thankfully some of us wanna know even just a bit more than HIPPO KILLS NANNY IN CENTRAL PARK. With regard to TONS of money. Unlike J.K. Rowling, a most recent example, most of us who write don't do it for money. The reward from it is in the passion we are at times addicted to, in wanting to "express" Not That she doesn't feel that... Apologies J.K. I think if you have the passion and want to share whatever it is you have in you, then by all means do so. You can find hundreds of markets still for the written word. Going back to monetary gain. One of my earliest books, a tongue in cheek, short book, was about writing; in essence. "101 ways to prepare and enjoy "Peanut Butter". I'll leave you to figure it out, smiles. There will always be a market for, and people who want to enjoy a book. One of my reasons for stating that is this medium. I can curl up on a sofa, in a place that may be my sanctuary, and write, or read a BOOK, and have a drink, a snack, and/or whatever fits into that comfort zone in that free or idle time I choose to be entertained by, or learn from what I read. I find that difficult to do in an online situation. One final note. Famous or recognized is relative. The reason anyone with passion writes is for themselves primarily, and to share it with even one other is a gift. Steven Wolf

first of all, i don't think i'll ever stop reading books. i don't want to snuggle up with a laptop in bed or on the sofa during a rainy day. there is something about the physical manifestation of a book, and turning a page (instead of scrolling down) that is comforting to me, and i assume other people as well. also, i read a lot of blogs as well -- some by very funny, insightful writers -- so i think that is another form of literary media that a lot of people don't consider. i am an aspiring writer as well, and i don't let technology hinder me. i believe that there will always be a demand for books -- or i should say, i hope.

I'm working on a novel and I've had the same thought cross my mind a few times. Book sales have decreased in the last few years because people would rather do a lot of other things (Why I can't imagine because I LOOOVE to read!) with their time. But since you're not writing to be famous, and I'm not really either - it's just a personal goal - we don't really have to worry. Interesting fact, though: Almost 80% of all book purchases made in North America are made by females....

I'm not discouraged or threatened by internet. I write books for the information of all people in the world. I have already published some books and they are found at http://www.lulu.com/donedwinjoaquin

I don't think book reading is declining, there will always be a demand for quality books by good authors. Children these days do spend a lot of time on computers & computer games which led to a decline in book reading but there has been an influx of readers since Harry Potter & Alex Rider, both children and adults are reading them, with millions of advanced orders for the new Harry Potter book. I do have outline ideas for a couple of books, but never had the time to sit down and get them written.

I write for my own enjoyment. If someone wants to buy my books, then that is great. I'm not writing to be famous, I just love to write. I will never stop writing. It is in my blood.

Yeah...I too think there is a great decline in people reading books.I don't have the etimates on paper, but feel that there is decrease in% of sell of books as compared to% of increase in population. But, it doesn't mean that it's discouraging writers from writing books. Still there r many readers.

I don't think that books will go out of style very soon. There are many people who will buy and read books --- you can see this for yourself during a visit to any chain bookstore such as Borders, especially on Saturday. I also enjoy visiting bookstores and buy anywhere from 60 to 100 dollars' worth of books in each visit. In addition, I find that visits to bookstores inspire book ideas.I continue to borrow books from the library as well.

I really don't think that book sales are declining. Maybe children and teenagers aren't reading as much and in the future book sales may decline, but right now I don't think they really are. There are more books than ever and it is hard to sort through all the mediocre and get to good books. But bestseller book sales are hitting all time highs for example Harry Potter. So book sales can't be declining. I wouldn't be discouraged if they were either, I love writing and I will write whether theres a market or not. I'll just have to find some other way of getting money.

I love reading books.. i dont think this can be replaced as of now. but soon may be. but people tend to shift back..

You know, I think there is more of a decline in reading books in the US than in Europe. When you ride the subway in NYC or DC or Boston you see a few people with books, but when in London or Paris almost everyone has there nose in a book on the subway/train. I think Americans would rather watch the movie than read the book. For instance, I know people that have loved all of the Harry Potter movies but won't read the books. Craziness!

i feel that there has been decline in the reading books. but it doesn't mean that they are reading less. they are actually reading more as they often visit websites of writers or random blogs.

I don't think that books will ever become a thing of the past. The convenience of a book will always prevail over heavy duty hardware. Its just infinitely more practical. Plus, not all writers are able to have big plushing houses, create the books thay create. Some self publish, and may even seek out locations such as Kinkos or the computer system they utilize at home. So in one form or another its highly unlikely that books will be abolished by techno stuff, into the forgotten abyss.

I truly hope the love of reading a book doesn't decline. I read for enjoyment all the time and can't stand it when I don't have something new to read. I logged off early last night so I could read.

I don't think that the habit of reading is in any danger of disappearing. After all, someone who is a book lover will continue to read books irrespective of technical growth.As a booklover I can personally vouch for that fact.