Why I Love My Kindle. Why I Hate My Kindle.
Mordy Golding
Helping humans leverage AI | Full Stack Product Leader | Ex-LinkedIn, Adobe | Founder | Advisor | Author
I own an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. In my opinion, it's one of the best digital devices I've ever owned. It's small and light enough to carry just about anywhere -- it even fits in my jacket pocket. The display is visible in ANY condition, be it in a dark room or in bright direct sunlight, with sunglasses on. I was never one to take notes before, but now with Kindle, I highlight any phrase that seems meaningful to me, and I'm able to access all my highlight from my desktop in an instant. It's awesome.
My tastes in reading shift over time, as I'm sure happens with everyone. As a teenager, it was science fiction. In my early 20s, it was novels of the likes of Stephen King, Tom Clancy, and Robert Ludlum. In my 30s I had a thirst for History and Biographies (including a solid WWII run). Most recently, I've been knee-deep in Non-Fiction, specifically around topics like Education, Psychology, and Branding/Marketing.
I read a lot. But to be honest, I trace that back to my younger years. My house was full of books. My parents both read a lot too, and they also had wide interests. So there was always something to read in the house. When I was looking for something to read, I'd never know what treasure I'd find. I distinctly remember reading O' Henry, Jules Verne, and Rod Serling. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that for a young person who enjoyed a good book, I had plenty what to choose from, in addition to what I found at the library.
And that's why I hate my Kindle. I have shelves of books that my own kids and future generations can pick up and read. They can be inspired as I was and explore topics, rich histories, and imaginations. But my shelves have been stagnant since I bought my Kindle. These days, all my books go with me. They are only for me to see and read. Only I know of them. No one else ever will. The knowledge and curiosity I glean from these books doesn't get passed on to the next generation. They are -- dare I say, selfishly -- only for me.
And that doesn't sit well with me. I love my Kindle, but I fear that love will have a terrible effect on future generations. Not just mine, but those of everyone else as well.
Dealing with your Technical Debt, even if you don't admit it's there....
10 年Our Amazon account is used by most of my immediate family, just like you would any library in your home. Just yesterday I told my son that I had bought a new book in a series we both like. He can download it to his own device and except for the "Synch to furthest read page" issue...we can both enjoy it. I think the issue is more around sharing accounts in the correct context. I'm sure most people have their Amazon (or itunes) account and if they are hit by a bus...that's where it stops. But you build up quite a bit of equity in an Amazon account...we have close to 600 books in ours at the moment. Not to mention the library of music we have that is used across numerous devices in and out of our home via iTunes. You want to make sure it is available to your family and friends. I think this is a great topic and I do not think that companies are addressing it yet. Maybe the idea of holding content in escrow somehow...
Happily retired
10 年I understand the sentiment, but in reality, for most people, what percentage of those great piles of books actually end up going to kids and grandkids who will actually read them, and how many end up being dumped or hauled off to Goodwill? I'm afraid, far too often, it's the latter. (Especially in my case, since I have no kids or grandkids, and the host of nieces and nephews I have by marriage don't read English!) My house is already full of shelves groaning with books that I haven't been able to bring myself to part with (despite numerous attempts at culling on my part). My Kindle has been a godsend in helping me not add to those groaning shelves. And like you, I appreciate all the positives of the Kindle re convenience, portability, etc. I sometimes think the Kindle may have actually saved me from starring in my own very special episode of Hoarders.
I'm a visual storyteller exploring the fusion of photography, video, and AI. I enjoy creating products that empower creative people. I'm also a husband & father.
10 年Concept of digital files in wills. We actual archive a lot of this stuff and show the kids how to access it. Theoretically these things can outlast the paper equivalents. But you have to have a plan for your digital legacy including photos and video. I have all my ePubs backed up in several places.
Graphic Artist / Fine Artist
10 年So goes music too.