There is an interesting *anti* ebook (as they are now-or more especially ebook readers) argument from Richard Stallman (open source guru) on the UNESCO Focus blog:
Personal Statement on “book tomorrow” by Richard Matthew Stallman May 31st, 2011
http://focus2011.org/2011/05/personal-statement-on-book-tomorrow-by-richard-matthew-stallman/
It’s short so I’ll repeat it in full:
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E-books as currently used attack the traditional freedoms of readers.
For example, the Amazon Kindle Swindle denies its users the freedom to acquire books anonymously; to give, lend, or sell them; to keep them for as long as they wish; indeed, even the freedom to own a book. It does this through digital handcuffs (malicious software features to restrict the users) as well as through legal instruments.
Encrypted e-books require the use of non-libre software, software that users do not have control over, because free software capable of reading them is censored in the US and the EU.
We readers must defeat this attack. We must not be satisfied with a partial change to respect part of our traditional freedoms.
For freedom’s sake, we readers must reject e-books, and campaign against them, until they respect our freedom. We must insist on e-books that can be bought (not just licensed); that can be bought anonymously; that do not demand acceptance of restrictive contractual conditions; and that are published in documented formats that are an open standard, so that people can freely write and use software to read them with.
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Ken
Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask] www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mick Fortune
Sent: 05 August 2011 16:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The printed book is doomed: here's why (From Telegraph)
Be careful what you wish for :-)
http://www.amazon.com/TrendyDigital-WaterGuard-Waterproof-Kindle-Purple/dp/B002DQ4VDQ
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Moger
Sent: 05 August 2011 16:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The printed book is doomed: here's why (From Telegraph)
I'll start getting worried about the demise of the book when the waterproof Kindle appears so you can read it in the bath!
David Moger
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2011 12:24:12 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fwd: The printed book is doomed: here's why (From Telegraph)
To: [log in to unmask]
You can curl up with a Kindle, I suppose, but I can't see anything more convenient for its use than a printed book.
I lost my sense of smell due to a head injury, but I still love secondhand bookstores and only really buy old books now.This is for aesthetic reasons (eg, Penguins for certain cover illustrators).
But new books don't have such a sensory attraction, and I'd be more likely to appreciate digital versions, say, of new novels - not owning but borrowing.
I wonder if other people feel this. I guess if so, that's why e-book lending should prove to be such a huge boost for libraries.
Debby
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