It’s way harder to read online. It’s much less enjoyable. To stick with a hard story and make that experience actually difficult requires actually experiencing hardship, which is why I read all of my books in the huge freezer at work — naked. It’s extremely uncomfortable but it definitely makes me feel like I’m getting back at the corporations. A big f- you to the man as I persevere in reading this book. I think what you’re really criticising is willpower; an e-book affords one the opportunity to deviate from the singular story offered by a paperback, which conversely constrains what you have access to. That’s why I’m the most noble reader. I read exclusively on a technological device — my options unconstrained by physical paper — and yet I still persevere in reading just one book. I think you should not be hasty to criticise the external medium for what occurs within. Sure, the comfort of curling up with a paperback book is reassuring, but have you considered why? Because it imposes a constraint on your choice. Freedom is dizzying, and no one said it was comfortable. Take to your ipads and kindles! Persevere against your inclination to look elsewhere! Dangle yourselves over the fires of hell! Then maybe we will deserve to again pick up the paperback. Tightrope.
"ReadIts" made me laugh, and so did the usage limits resetting next week. That's a little too close to home already. I also liked where you landed: literature as one of the last places that still asks for our full attention. That's a lovely way to put it.
This was a great article man, Its been too long!!
I’m glad you liked it Tyler!
I know some people will definitely disagree with the whole undivided attention thing but i definitely agree. Great article
Thank you for reading!
It’s way harder to read online. It’s much less enjoyable. To stick with a hard story and make that experience actually difficult requires actually experiencing hardship, which is why I read all of my books in the huge freezer at work — naked. It’s extremely uncomfortable but it definitely makes me feel like I’m getting back at the corporations. A big f- you to the man as I persevere in reading this book. I think what you’re really criticising is willpower; an e-book affords one the opportunity to deviate from the singular story offered by a paperback, which conversely constrains what you have access to. That’s why I’m the most noble reader. I read exclusively on a technological device — my options unconstrained by physical paper — and yet I still persevere in reading just one book. I think you should not be hasty to criticise the external medium for what occurs within. Sure, the comfort of curling up with a paperback book is reassuring, but have you considered why? Because it imposes a constraint on your choice. Freedom is dizzying, and no one said it was comfortable. Take to your ipads and kindles! Persevere against your inclination to look elsewhere! Dangle yourselves over the fires of hell! Then maybe we will deserve to again pick up the paperback. Tightrope.
Do you find a technological device easier for viewing illustrations? I understand that tightrope is institutionally opposed to books without such.
"ReadIts" made me laugh, and so did the usage limits resetting next week. That's a little too close to home already. I also liked where you landed: literature as one of the last places that still asks for our full attention. That's a lovely way to put it.
Thanks for reading, John!
Great essay! I loved the fictional opening too.
Much appreciated, Isaac. I tried to do something different with the beginning of the essay, so I'm glad that landed!