Emergence

I love bookstores. They have always been my favorite place. However, last week when I was in a bookstore, I felt for the first time… like I stepped into the past. That’s right… the whole place felt archaic, dying, old. Kinda the way I felt when I was in a record store (remember those) during the MP3 revolution.

Although I do like classic literature, I generally purchase books for information… I like the latest news in religion, politics, economics, technology, etc…  But here’s the deal. Before a printed book ends up in the bookstore, there is the contract, the writing, editing, printing, manufacturing and delivery. To be honest, by the time that happens, it’s old news.

because I’m a web guy, my first stop was over in the web development section. Since I know a little about that subject I can tell you that most of the books (85% of them) are obsolete. How about the economics section — any book prior to last year’s bust is obsolete. Politics? health? science? need I say more.

Let’s face it, the world is moving in a rapid pace, but more importantly… the information now provided online comes in a variety of forms that is not only more interesting, but is ‘in the moment.’ BTW… I work in education publishing and I would be surprised if there are any printed textbooks in the U.S. five years from now. California is the first state this year to mandate e-book versions only… no print.

Okay that’s all informational content, but what about literture, do you really expect that anyone would read “Lord of the Rings” on a digital display? maybe not right away… but herein comes the age of the reader device. It’s here with the kindle but expect an explosion of devices shortly. I’m not saying that the ‘book’ is dead, I am saying that the printed book is on its way… dying. Although I do think that the traditional form of a book will change as well, but that’s another post.

The bookstore will become very much like the record store is now. A place to buy vintage collectors items… and coffee.