Why physical books still outsell e-books | CNBC Reports 

Honestly with E-books it feels like you don’t even really own the book, you’re just purchasing access to a file I guess. Physical books feel so much more personal and tangible.

Let's be honest, people read physical books because of the page smell.

Books on a bookshelf are like trophies and treasures.

Two things you can't beat about real books: 1. The smell of a newly opened book from the bookshop. 2. The smell of a decade old book from a bookshelf.

Reading a physical book has a different feel and experience altogether. And you can decorate your bookshelves as well.

They out sell them because most people dont pay for ebooks, they just pirate them for free.

Personally, I read physical books to give my eyes a break from electronics.

E-readers are for books you know you're going to read once. And they are so practical and convenient. Paper is for book you want to keep, to rearead, to cherish. You don't want them just in the cloud.

To be honest I prefer physical mainly because I already spend an unhealthy amount of time staring at my phone and computer screen so reading digital would completely ruin my eyesight.

I'm able read much faster in a physical book than in an e book. Also my eyes get strained while reading en e book.

I can read for hours in a book but much less online because my eyes get tired

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Tablets can be a huge distraction when reading ebooks. Next thing you know you're on RU-vid for 3 hours.

1. Not everyone has access to technology. 2. Books are more available worldwide. 3. Books are more popular still as many still love the feel, smell & touch of an actual book.

I love both. My biggest issue is that they promised that ebooks would be a lot cheaper and they aren’t. There’s usually a $3 difference at most - and if it’s a book that I actually want on display or would like to lend to a friend when I’m done, I’ll just buy it physically.

I am 27 years old and one of my habits while starting a book is to write the date when I begin reading it. When I bump into my old books read 10-15 years ago during my school days, it feels nostalgic.

1:15 smoothest transition I have seen in a long time.

Well, I don't have to worry about battery life with my book.

Books has memory with them, they feel tangible. Every mark we made on book remind us of that moment.

There's just something magical about the dead tree version of a book.

If im online, i might as well go to RU-vid or Netflix than read ebooks. Still prefer physical books all the way! Also reading physical books gives me less eye strain.

Reading ebook feels like reading an article on the internet,

I got an ebook reader last year for Christmas and it was so useful when I traveled for 3 weeks last spring - image having to carry 9 physical books throughout Europe. But in general I prefer physical books. I like displaying them on my shelves, and it's much easier to lend them to friends. Also with fantasy novels it must be so annoying when there's a map that you want to look at frequently...

Be Honest, Having Physical Books In a Room Feels Wise.

I buy ebooks when I just want a quick read, but I always buy a physical book if it's one I want to keep/re-read.

Calling a "Book" as physical book feels strange to me... It should be just books vs ebooks

I just can't relish reading a book without feeling the paper!

Love the feel of a book in my hands. Ebooks are convenient for travel and commuting though.

Reading physical books is a way of digital detox. Also, a personal library at home gives a much better impression than electronic devices!!

For textbooks, download free ebooks. For leisure reading, physical books all the way!

I loved reading books long before e-books. My love of physical books continue and I occasionally enjoy an e-book. Reading a good book is the objective, the medium is secondary.

The real reason is you can't show off ebooks.

While reading on an ereader, I've attempted to peel back the corner of a page to turn it. And, while reading a physical book, I've tapped a page in an attempt to turn it. So, clearly, when I'm engrossed in a book, my brain doesn't know how I'm reading that book. The point is the love of reading. So, read how you like. And don't judge others for their choices.

I think I can understand why people prefer physical books, but after I got used to e-books, I just can't go back. I find then way more comfortable to read, and it's amazing to carry hundreds of books in your bag weighting less than a single physical book. The most important in the end is to have options. I think every book should be available in both forms.

To me, a small yet present part of a book is characterized by the classic paper book itself. We are so glued to technology these days and physical books are a rejuvenating contrast to that. I enjoy the exercise of going to the book shop and looking around at the vast number of books surrounding me, the smell of new books, turning the pages, physically hilighting lines, and keeping a tangible collection of the books I’ve read.

A physical book is an experience.

I like my kindle simply because I can get the word meanings quickly And as a non native english speaker thats a big plus point for me.

This makes me happy. Physical books are here to stay.

They can always wipe ebooks away, they would need to physically remove my paper books. Therefore I know which I’ll keep buying.

Hoarding physical books is a nightmare if once you decide to move them.

I like physical books because I actually own them after I buy them. If Apple discontinues iBook, i lose access to all the e-books I purchased so no thank you.

That cut at 1:15 is amazing! And fantastically unnecessary for a news report about books.

bookworms love collecting books, we love to feel the book itself while reading it. So physical book ftw.

"His father wanted to keep his works accessible and affordable." And sonny boy would like some of dad's ebook revenue, don't forget.

For physical book is somewhat emotional attachments are be there, for online be there only for entertainment and quick stories.

I prefer a Physical Book, When a person reads a physical copy of a book they retain more memory, which has something to do with turning the pages of the book.

A room without a book is a body without a soul. - Marcus Tullius Cicero

I think it's a personal choice. For me quite a frugal student I prefer reading on kindle as I never need to usually buy a book unless it's newly launched. You can always get a pdf or a free e book online.

I read both, getting whichever is cheaper and easier to find.

Love the smell of physical books

As someone who reads both physical books and ebooks. i appreciate both, there is a time and place for each one. physical books are nicer to look at and they are also a form of interior design. while ebooks are easier to handle and less heavy.

I used to be hardcore physical books, but over the last few years I've transitioned completely to e-books. I've come to really appreciate the ability to adjust font size/font (kindle fire even offers open dyslexic), looking up unknown words is simple, and best of all, text-to-speech allows me to keep reading even when working on chores. And despite the occasional mistakes with tts (the most hilarious being the name KJ becoming Killer Jewels, or Miss [name] becoming Mississippi [name]) and the potentially grating voice (good news! You can download different voices to find one that works for you!) I have also found that the ability to adjust tts speed allows more freedom than your standard audio book. Finally, I recently learned from my brother-in-law that in general authors receive more royalties from e-book sales per book because the publisher doesn't have to cover the cost of materials/printing.

I prefer physical, then e-books have the audacity to be the same price 🙄

Paperbook: $.50 used at library and resellers e-book: $10 forever

Everyone has a different lifestyle and life choices. Growing up I used to hoard books up until I Graduated in college. I agree with you all that nothing beats a freshly opened book and display them like trophies after a good read. During my college years I was a starving student because all my money goes to my books reading them with my tummy rumbling. I know its impractical, but I was sooo obsessed. Even though I arranged them properly they are source of clutter in my bedroom. I would have a huge freakout if it is missing and I would go petty with it. I like seeing them towering, but my mind is so looking at it. Last year in the early days of the pandemic I sold 3/4 of my books for people who are willing to take care of it and just yesterday I gave 1/4 of it to friends. I realized how I am too attached of it and I can still continue my love for reading in another way not to compromise my mental health. Some people are good and okay with hoarding books while others suffer. What's imporant no matter our reference is we cure ignorance one book / ebook at a time. Have a great day folks hope this nasty pandemic can spike up our imaginations 🌌

The best and most important differentiation here was observed by Ax, the main alien character in the Animorphs series. He observed that humans frequently progress backwards with their technology; he was impressed by books because they store phenomenal amounts of information in a very compact space, in a way where you can access any particular piece of that information with virtually zero delay. That really helped me maintain appreciation for books from my childhood on into my highly digitized adult life. Books definitely have logical, functional benefits all their own, not just aesthetic/preferential benefits.

I've largely gone to e-books. I've straight up run out of space. I had piles on the floor (still do) because I've run out of shelf and table-top space. When it comes to study books (lifetime learner and scholar), if the option is there, I like to get one physical book and one e-version of the book. Nothing beats a physical book for when you need to scan and flip through pages to find something specific. Physical books still beat e-books for you being able to put post-it notes, margin notes and other methods of marking things down.. yes, you can do that with an e-book but I have never found it as practical or useful as I do with these physical and readily visual ways of marking things up. I hope we continue to live in a world where there is ample room for both options.

Kindles have been around for about a decade and this project Gutenberg 50 years...whereas mass printed books have been around for about 600 years and written books for two to three times more than that. Give it a hundred or two more years and then ask the question.

A few years ago I remember when there were some books on the Kindle that the company took back from its users. The books just disappeared! They can't do that with a physical book. Also, the text in an E-book can be easily changed, It seems to me that this would make it very easy for history to be changed or modified. The only sure way to gain an accurate knowledge of history, etc., is to pick up an old historical book.

I just borrowed a book from a friend the other day, and I've lent (or borrowed) several books over the course of my lifetime. Can't really do that with an e-book. Also, I like scribbling in the margins, and there's a world of a difference between ruffling through an entire book and looking for highlights, and endlessly scrolling. Over and above that, there is serendipitous joy in discovering books at a store. Amazon will always give you either bestsellers, or what it thinks you're interested in. I'd much rather browse racks and discover books that I never even knew that I wanted to read.

I find that the easiness of having a book in my pocket is quite convenient. Also, about getting distracted. If it’s a good book, you simply don’t. You want to keep reading above all else.

e-books can be easily pirated many hardcore readers has pirated libraries with hundreds of thousands of books just in case

“I cannot live with out books” Thomas Jefferson. It was proven that printed books are actually better both for engaging younger children and makes it easier to learn reading for young elementary kids. I hope parents and those who work with kids continue to get dominantly hard copies to continue developing children’s love of books and not a dependence on technology

I own a Kindle and read my books with that. I really like physical books but the Kindle also has its privileges: It's more practical for when you're travelling, you can keep your books in one place... The only bad thing about physical books is that by using paper to print them, we don't help the environment at all. Although I believe the debate will go on for some more years.

as a bookworm till today i never like ebook and never read any ebook till finish. so long live physical book.

I do not like ebook , still love the old ways of reading because the experience is totally different. 😊😊😊

I own and use my Kindle, but I read printed books as well.

I prefer e-books bcz I do not have the patience to wait for a physical book when I can start reading what I want right away

eReading is practical. These devices can integrate dictionaries for quick lookups, as well as pronunciation assistance. This is worthwhile disruption.

Physical book is an odd way to describe a book....but I tried e-books with a Kindle, never like it, now am back to traditional books.

LOVE my physical books and getting them signed BUT … not having to carry 5 books in my bag anymore to keep me company is PRICELESS! The ease of being able to fall asleep without having to reach over and turn off the light. The ability to make the words bigger. Not having to worry about dog ears and losing my book markers. 😭 E books changed my life. Literally. It’s mostly the heavy bag situation that I will NEVER MISS

PHYSICAL BOOKS FOREVER! THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPYYYYYYYYYY

I prefer physical books on first but I also like audio books

Nothing beats the experience of reading a book front to cover from a physical copy. There's a sense of satisfaction I cannot explain when I finish a physical copy of a book that I don't quite get from e-books even though I'm not opposed to them at all.

I get alot of hidden gems in book outlets for nearly free, I couldn't do the same on a kindle which itself is expensive.

Random production flex at 1:15. Great little detail!

E-book prices are over-inflated and they're loaded with restrictive DRM.

The smell , the touch , the softness and roughness of the cover and pages , the 0 distraction and wildly flying imagination that a paperback has can never be compared with e books. Along with that they slowly lull you to sleep while still floating in ur imagination without stressing about adverse effects of blue light. 💙🙏

wow, i was always considered with that... thanks for this

Being able to access my notes, immediately see the definition of words, make Flashcards, less strain on my purse or back makes kindle my hero. Immediate access after purchase is fantastic. And looking at the covers of my purchases on my kindle is equally as rewarding for me!

Well, to be honest I rather prefer an old-school printed book.

Love to read physical books

One advantage with physical books is that once you've paid for it, that's it. I once tried to read buy an e-book and it worked well, until I discovered that they (Amazon) were tapping a monthly fee of my card. For maintenance, security updates and so on, but I dont want any part of that. So I canceled my Kindle-account and went back to physical books. Another advantage with physical books, is that once you're tired of them you can sell them to another individual, provided it's in a good condition of course.

I love my kindle because I can read wherever I go, but I also love physical books too. Currently trying to find a really nice kindle case to replicate the feel of holding a book lol

I would choose a physical book over an ebook everyday

So New Yorkers can show off what wierd titles they're reading on the subway.

Good reference, no disturbance, and healthy eyesight is what can we get with printed books

It's a unique satisfaction I get from physically turning the pages and smelling the paper.

Nothing can compete with physical book. They are heart and soul of every reader

I think a majority of non-frequent book readers have not taken to e-books because: 1) reading books on smartphones or tablets is unpleasant either due to tiny size of the screen or discomfort to the eyes due to blue light, 2) standalone e-readers are still quite expensive when compared to the falling price of smartphones (expecting a value-for-money option from Xiaomi in future). As these issues get sorted, a lot of people may opt for e-books given their affordability. Also they don't need any storage space and are easier to navigate.

I am 62. It is just a matter of time. Physical books will stay here forever, but, they are redundant. All books nowadays are originally written on digital media (computers). Do you really need to go analog, destroy trees, create pollution (chemicals, transport, storing) just for the "pleasure" of keeping a copy that nobody else will read? I keep my oversized personal library and now I am dealing with silverfish. I donated hundreds of my books to a school library. They are very seldom borrowed. Last time they did not even accepted another donation since many of my books are outdated or irrelevant. I love my iPad and my new collection of up-to-date non-fiction books and some fiction ones. If I don´t read one or many of them there is the peace of mind since I have spared Mother Earth of unnecessary waste and damage.

I love the printed page and if I read a amazing story, want to keep it forever to be able to reread.

I've tried myself so many times with electronic version of books but it only gives pain to my eyes and I didn't have as much interest as I get by reading the printed version

Always with physical books. Pleasure Tangible That sweet scent of reading a physical book always amuses me.

I find that people who read a lot love their kindles. Portability actually matters if your downing multiple books a month or more. Light readers prefer physical books because if this one of only a few books you will read that year you might as well get the max credit for it, use it for decoration, etc. Pirce convenience and features don't really matter there.

A few days ago, I was reading an article about the same context, where it generally pointed out all the convenience and ill-effects of reading a book on your cellphone. It goes without saying, that the book is the most important asset of our everyday life, which not only helps in moulding our personality, but is equally helpful in spreading out plethora of education & information on distinct subjects. To thing that an E-book will outsell a physical book, is indeed unthinkable and far fetched. Besides, reading a book does not cause any physical discomfort or eyestrain, while the same cannot be said while reading the contents on a cell phone. Moreover, a phone might be liable to breakdown or error, and you'd have charge it a certain point of time, while this factors are non existent in terms of reading a book.

A big thing holding E books back is the big publishers are holding the industry back by intentionally favoring traditional distribution including physical books. There is no reason a hard cover book on day one, with 2 day delivery, should cost less than the e book version. For the past several years you'll see headlines mentioning e book numbers are down year over year. But if you click the article, they almost always note that independent e book sales (those not aligned with the big publishers) are up year over year. I love physical books, don't get me wrong, but the conservative nature of traditional publishers is neutering the e book industry. Especially

My dissertation was on this and it turns out my predictions were right. I did interviews at the Waterstones UK and HMV. Many people thought Waterstones would go out of business but they are still in existence

I enjoy reading physical books, but as an expat living in China, I don't have much access to English books locally, so I do most of my reading on my Kindle app. Another advantage of ebooks is that I can literally carry an entire library in the palm of my hand, and it really helps when it comes to moving -- my family has quite a few ebooks, and they're really heavy to move!

Gutenberg seems to be popping up in my face every minute now that I discovered it a few days ago! Awesome , love it