This video caters to the ongoing debate about the printed word vs. the digital word, paper vs. metal, past vs. present. I’ve seen and discussed this issue before so in terms of “appeal” this video is just another side of the argument however the one part that did get to me was when they were talking about writing a letter. I took an impromptu trip to Washington D.C. about 3 weeks ago and I told my sister I was going, in response she told me to send her a postcard telling her about my trip, I was immediately disoriented. The first thing that came to mind was, “Why can’t I just text it to you?” “Why can’t I just write you an email?” but she demanded a postcard so I obliged. I bought the postcards from the Zoo in D.C. and began writing that night and was overcome by a strange sensation of fulfillment, I immediately felt more connected to the world I was writing about and there was a more intimate connection I created between me and the person I was writing to. I began to grow more conscious of every word and began to shift my style of writing based on the moment I was writing about. After I mailed that postcard out, I texted everyone I knew and asked them to send me their address so that I can write to them. Reflecting on that moment and connecting it to the video, I don’t necessary think that the printed/written word is dying, I think people have just forgotten how it feels to pick up something that has a human element to it. Maybe they should take a moment to write a letter to someone so they can be hit with that sensation! Overall this was an okay but I give it credit for the nostalgia it created.

At first when I saw we were going to watch a video about books and that these two girls did a documentary, I got excited. Then….I watched it. I love books. I actually wish I could afford to buy more hardcover books, but I don’t which is why I have a Nook. Personally, I didn’t like the documentary. I thought it was all about the bookstore owners less about the books. Yes we need bookstores to have books. Yes I love smelling books too, but it just didn’t cut it for me. There’s so much more to having a book in your hand besides the bookstore. I love the classic feel of books in my hands. There are things on a hardcover you just can’t get in an ebook. I wondered why they didn’t go to Barnes & Noble. Maybe it isn’t an artsy small bookstore, but I like the room and the sitting on the floor. I wanted to like it. I just feel like they’re missing a lot by placing ereaders on the negative. I have one and I have a whole shelf of hardcover books. Maybe the older generation hates it, but I can’t afford to buy 5 books a week if that’s how fast I read. Regular people dont buy ereaders. Booklovers do because they want to read more. I think that’s the one thing everyone forgets.

This documentary highlights the special characteristics of books, compared to the ‘robotic, soullessness’ of digital reading devices like the Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc. To make the personality and significant presence of books stand out, books of different sizes and shapes and weights and colors are shown in collections and stacks and on shelves– with reference to their unique smells (from their physical and mental travels) and to historic feels (from the physical paper with creases and wrinkles and folds, to the cultural feeling of community). The creators attempt to really capture the importance of physical books, especially with their interview inserts with writers and bookstore owners and book readers.

Although books are incredible experiences for many older generations and/or true “book lovers”, because the digital age has only recently begun to transform the “normal” way of reading, I believe that in a few decades, electronic reading will become the “new normal”. For example, the documentary opened up with a typewriter being used, but in a way, this once “normal” machine, now gives way to faster printing presses and Microsoft Word. In other words, this “normal” thing is not considered so normal anymore and the majority of people probably do not think about the ‘horrific’ death of the typewriter. We can apply this same understanding to why society will continue to transform and grow into a truly electronic reading community–because it is becoming the new “normal”. Furthermore, in a few hundred years, another new way of reading may be introduced, and it will probably feel confusing and disappointing to today’s or tomorrow’s “e-reader lovers”. You never know.

After i look the video there was some questions i never thought before. For example, whats the smell of a book.?and is the paper book gonna exist in the future? From the video makes me think a little be deeply about the “BOOK“. First, in my mind book in general for me is something i use to rather for leaning or for entertainment.And if it’s for leaning i would like to make some marks or symbols on differnt sentences ,sections, or pages.it makes much easier for me to go back or do what ever i want to.I dont have a nook or kindle,what i use is the paper book. right now Students using pdf for class. of couse i know it is so much easier to carry ,but for me i just can not ,because first it is much easier to use a pen or pencil writing on the book rather click the buttons to type(by the way,sometimes if i click faster it mess up the whole thing) .

          Second is the book store gonna exits later or just “amzon”? Just like the video , book store is not the place only for reading. From the video i also see in the book store there are so many families ,friends,and couples, they are not only reading in there, they also share funs, taking pictures, laughing,and etc.Can not  admit right now tech is almost taking care everything of us.However as the human need’s happiness is still one of important part as our “daily mission”.so i am think the book store will be exist,and the paper books going to be exist also.

It does sadden me to see the decline in books being read as I look around during my morning commute each day. Technology is taking priority and the traditional methods of receiving information is becoming somewhat “uncool.” Holding a book in your hands, smelling the crisp book smell and supporting an industry  in need gives no greater feeling of satisfaction. I must admit, I do own an iPad and I do love all the great tech savvy-ness that comes with it. But nothing will ever compare to the timeless, classic book. It is all about the experience and some of that experience is lost when holding an electronic device instead of a real book.