This Wednesday marks the end of Belgium’s 2009 Boekenbeurs – the annual book fair in Antwerp that this year will have attracted well over 100,000 visitors during its 12-day run. Traditionally, the show appeals to those who appreciate the all-round book experience. Those who not only enjoy reading the words, but who also enjoy the artwork, drinking in the smell of the print, and feeling the paper.
This year’s Boekenbeurs, however, went further and addressed a concept preying on the minds of most publishers at this time: the digital book. Currently described by many witnesses of the device as being impractical, there is however a hard core of believers in this unbound format. Although it may never completely replace its paper or hardback relatives, it is certainly busy forging its place in today’s digitized world; a world where reduction of paper use is also heavily encouraged for environmental reasons.
Many professional readers (those who need to scan read articles or literature on a daily basis for work purposes) are, when given the choice, already opting for digital versions of magazines and newspapers; especially those who spend much of their time on the move. Mach Media’s own publication, FlyCorporate Magazine, is a prime example where many new subscribers are wilfully opting for the online magazine rather than the print version (without price being an influencing factor).
A user-friendly device where one can store whole libraries would seem a logical next step. But is this a major road to be taken by the masses or a side street for specific audiences? I guess time will tell. Or will you?
