who reads books online?

[gilltots]

Hello all,
I was wondering what everyone's opinion is of reading books on the computer - does anybody here enjoy it? If not, why not? Is it just a question of getting used to it, or not wanting to curl up with the laptop, or eyestrain, etc?


-gilltots

[Mortis Anarchy]

Umm, well I've only down this when I was really, really desperate. Like when I didn't feel like driving to the Library, didn't have any money, and when I just didn't feel like reading books I already own. Its not bad, but its weird. I like the smell, and feel of books and it just seems more personal and real...yah know what I mean?

[symphony]

Is it just a question of getting used to it, or not wanting to curl up with the laptop, or eyestrain, etc?
all the above :(

Nothing, absolutely nothing, will be able to give me pleasure equivalent to the one i recieve while devouring a book curled up in my bed, and of course there are matters like eyestrain and all. I hate reading large texts on screen. I've recently downloaded The Divine Comedy from Project Gutenburg, but i think i wont be touching it untill i print it down on paper.

[B-Mental]

I travel a lot, and rapidly go through those books I bring with me. While I'm not especially a major fan of it, and still would rather have a book in my hands, I read quite a few books and/or stories on this site. I love this site.

[nps_marina]

First of all, Gilltotos, congratulations for your website, and it does seem quite nice, what you offer. The dictionary is a cool thing you added there... I don't care so much about bookmarks, though they certainly help when you're reading online texts, because of what you mentioned concerning the eternal downscroll (even if you seem to be past that).

I have actually gone to look around your place, and bookmarked it immediately...

But then, I have to tell you I am not a great fan of online books. As most of the people who have replied here comment, I rather the feel of books and all that.

Nevertheless, even if I don't usually do so, there are people who read online literature. Besides, it is a growing enterprise.

So, even if I'm not 'online-reading' crazy, I believe you are offering something 'better than ordinary'... that's all I can say!!

[Warm-Blooded]

Thank you for this site , it's neat ad tidy ,
it's even divided into sections in a modern way , its style even is amazing as well as I can browser any page just pressing one button which transfers to another page in a hurry .

thank you alot

[Virgil]

I can't. I find it impossible to read more than a scroll down page or two. Not only for the reasons already mentioned (can't curl up in bed, eyestrain, neck strain) but also because I just can't concentrate on a screen for more than a few lines. I call call it Attention Deficit Disorder for Computers. My mind just glosses over the words and jumps ahead and then jumps around and then looks elsewhere. I use the online books to find a passage or cite a quote.

[Behemoth]

I've read novels and plays online from this very site :D, though i've found it gives me far worse eyestrain than normally, even if i'm wearing my glasses. The beauty of the online book is its covenience, but I don't think that anything can beat the real thing, in a comfortable chair/bed!

[Annamariah]

I never read books online. Reading printed books is much more comfortable, and normal books are easy to take with you almost everywhere.

I read some fanfiction on the computer, but I must stop every once in a while and do something else or my eyes grow tired. Printed books I can read for several hours without pausing :D

I like lit.net searchable texts, though, 'cause that way it's easy to find the exact chapter or line you were looking for :)

[aldana]

i never really tried...because i think reading loses its magic in this way....I prefer printed books way better than e-books!!! :p

And besides...I wouldn't be able to read in bed...which I absolutely love!!! :)

[turtlemom]

I frequently read many things online - because they are not available in paper editions or because they are not at the library. More recently, however, because of my hands giving out due to rheumatoid arthritis, I can't hold a book for very long. I've tried propping them in my lap and using book holders, but they are unsatisfactory for many reasons I won't go into here. So I've started reading online much more.

It's an acquired skill. I started out having problems with eyestrain, but I am able to avert this in three ways: 1-enlarge the type; 2-either blink more often or use eye drops to maintain moisture in my eyes; and 3-look away from the computer screen more frequently. I also use a flat-screen laptop - I find I can "deal" better with LED than with cathode-ray monitors.

No, I don't "enjoy" reading this way, but it sure beats not reading!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*
~*~ Never try to outstubborn a cat. ~*~
~*~ Robert Heinlein ~*~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*

[grace86]

I read online a lot. I like to read the things available here on LitNet, but I also subscribe every so often to something on DailyLit.com.

I cannot say I really enjoy reading this way, but it is possible to enjoy what you are reading.

When reading something from LitNet, I reduce the screen size greatly so I do not get intimidated by the whole eternal scrolling thing.

What I like about DailyLit.com is that whatever you are reading is sent in emails that aren't very long, so it isn't particularly straining to sit and read something email size several times a day.

For awhile I was having trouble finishing a novel I started online, but it isn't so bad anymore. Actually, the reason I do read a lot online is because at my job I frequently find myself with small amounts of time where I have nothing to do! If I can fill those small spaces with reading, than I will gladly read online!

Nor do I sit in front of the computer reading online for an hour straight. Since I am working I have to get up from my desk frequently, so it just kind of works.

What I do a lot of the time is read online at work what I am reading as an actual paper copy! Of course nothing beats having the actual book in your hand, but if I can read, I don't care how.

Hmm...maybe that is where my headaches come from! :D

[Pensive]

I do. Of course, I read books online because I enjoy it (who would like to waste his eyes without any enjoyment :p), but I prefer the hard copy anyway.

[Dark Star]

I avoid reading long texts (with the exception of message board posts and a blog entry here and there) online whenever possible. Firstly, it simply doesn't have the same 'magic' as reading a book, and secondly, my computer chair is not high quality, nor does it have good back support so spending extended periods of time in it is murder on my back. That said, if it's a rare text or the only English translation of said text is available online, then I will read it on the computer.

[ejarg7]

Reading books online is just not the same as holding the book and turning the pages as you read it. Just like so many people here have pointed out, it's never comfortable reading long texts on your monitor. The only e-book I think I finished is Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. But then again, that book is short and I had to read it for a class.

[applepie]

I can't stand reading online. For me, reading is my escape from school, the kids, life in general. Curling up with a cup of tea and reading online isn't as relaxing as curling into a comfortable chair with a paperback and my cup of tea. It is just an entirely different sensation for me. If I try to read online it makes me feel stressed, so if I have to read something online I will often print it out.

[chaplin]

For me, the computer is not associated with an activity like reading, and, thus, I've never read a book online.

Just having all the pages in your hand and able to navigate them immediately without all the distractions that reading on a computer has, is why I only read from books made out of good ol' paper.