Before one begins to spout off about the ebook replacing the print book, let’s take a look at the evolution of media and entertainment:
In the latter part of the nineteenth century, when “moving picture shows” became available to the populous as merely a carnival attraction, it was said that this new medium would render “the theater” obsolete.
It didn’t.
Here we are in the twenty-first century, and people still flock to see live performances of musicals such as, “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.” (Just to name a few.)
Only two decades into the twentieth century, the invention of “Broadcast Television” was sure to put “The Movies” (not to mention Radio) to bed permanently.
It didn’t.
All three forms of entertainment, the theater, TV and motion pictures, have not only survived, but flourished. Together, these mediums have built a multi-billion dollar empire.
BTW – They said computers and personal game consoles (wii, PlayStation, etc.) would diminish other gaming mediums. Have these items completely conquered and changed the way humans spend their money on entertainment?
No.
The eReader, it was whispered about this new way of reading books, will replace the printed word.
It won’t.
Ebooks will become merely another medium by which we earthlings amuse ourselves.
Personally, I love having so many forms of entertainment at my fingertips.
G.