I email instead of writing

[Onyx]

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but I'm finding I don't go to the library anymore. I don't write real letters anymore. I have stopped buying books if I can't find them in ebook form. I don't like the feel of the paper in my hands anymore or the hassle of getting a stamp and actually mailing a letter. I've ordered an older used palm pilot (less than 30 bucks with no wireless or anything) just for reading ebooks. I remember when ebooks first came out I thought it was too awkward to read them that way, and now it's all I ever read.

It's sort of sad really.

There's something elegant about a handwritten letter, and nothing like the thrill of getting a letter in the mail, even moreso if it's from a lover or a close friend. You likely would not save an email in a box and look at it years later - so impersonal even if you print it out.

[Homicidalheathen]

I too, find myself going online instead of to the library now. I wonder if it is hurting the library buisness? I know you can go online there too, but I wonder if it is hurting the book rental part of the buisness.

There is something more personal and just......i dunno. The energy put into a book or letter........that makes it feel like more.

But I love the convenience of my puter and won't give it up!

[BrassFusion]

I too, find myself going online instead of to the library now.  I wonder if it is hurting the library buisness?  I know you can go online there too, but I wonder if it is hurting the book rental part of the buisness.

There is something more personal and just......i dunno.  The energy put into a book or letter........that makes it feel like more.

But I love the convenience of my puter and won't give it up!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think libraries were ever really a profit industry. They more or less survive on tax dollars.

[Daevion]

I still read real books......but I can't recall the last time I actually "handwrote" a letter...hmmm I don't think I ever wrote on an actual paper letter...lol

[Dubh Aingeal]

You likely would not save an email in a box and look at it years later - so impersonal even if you print it out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually I just finished rearchiving my old emails to dvd from their cd archives a couple weeks ago. I would have to say I still have about 90% of all personal emails sent to me going back as far as my original bbs'ing days at 300 baud (yeah I know I'm dating myself).

When 70+% of your contact with people has been in electronic form in some way, you would be surprised what reading thru a old email might bring back in memories.

[Scary Guy]

http://www.gutenberg.org/

[Brenda Starrr]

Actually I just finished rearchiving my old emails to dvd from their cd archives a couple weeks ago. I would have to say I still have about 90% of all personal emails sent to me going back as far as my original bbs'ing days at 300 baud (yeah I know I'm dating myself).

When 70+% of your contact with people has been in electronic form in some way, you would be surprised what reading thru a old email might bring back in memories.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow, Dubh.

I can't stand to see old emails in my box. I only archive them if I feel that they're important enough. And they have to be REALLY important.....

[Onyx]

http://www.gutenberg.org/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh wow. That's an awesome site. That'll keep me busy for quite awhile.

I love my old dusty PDA. Isn't fancy, bought a cheap used one but works great for ebooks.

[Dubh Aingeal]

Wow, Dubh.

I can't stand to see old emails in my box. I only archive them if I feel that they're important enough. And they have to be REALLY important.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I only do it cause there have been many times a email sent to me has caused someone to get bite in the arse for being stupid. Never put into writing something that can come back to bite ya. Specially to me. I probably have it somewhere. :fear