Book vs. E-Book
Writing technologies are always changing. Currently, we are in a shift from a print based text to electronic text on a screen. Major writing technologies have shifted over time from the printing press to the typewriter to the word processor. When these technologies are first introduced, resistance is always a typical reaction. It is usually due to the fact that people are comfortable with the current technology, so they give the cold shoulder to a new and more efficient one. For instance, my grandmother still writes and mails letters despite the widespread use of E-Mail. She claims that writing letters is more personal. As a digital native, I look at this idea as foolish because E-Mail is instantaneous and does not require the cost of a postal stamp. People tend to fear the unknown, which is likely why any new technology is not viewed in the best light when first introduced. Users of the current technology, such as books for instance, know that taking on a new writing technology will require them to also forego one in which they are content.
This current switchover from print to digital text is interesting, because we are currently living through this change. I now own both printed and electronic books, creating a bridge between the two writing technologies. I am not alone in this type of book collection. However, many people are resistant of the new electronic books, or e-books, that are read from a screen, claiming that it lessens the quality of the book itself. It is safe to say that “because the tension between print and digital forms, the idea of the book is changing” (Bolter 3). Curling up with a good story today means it could be a book or an electronic tablet. No longer does a book have to require physical paper pages, but also has the option of virtual ones as well.
In the fast paced digital age, immediacy is an essential tool to success. While printed text has permanence; virtual text has the ability to be altered and extended. For instance, anytime I am composing a paper and want to help my reader to further understand my topic, I usually add a hyperlink into my text. This allows for the reader to click on the link and be taken to a webpage that will help them gain even more insight. These hyperlinks are instantaneous, and have the ability to link to any web page in existence. (Try clicking on the Bolter link!) Because our society places a high value on speed, “claims of greater immediacy are constantly being made, as new and old media vie for our attention” (Bolter 26). Both digital and print are in a tug of war of popularity. However the winner will be the one that provides the greatest immediacy to its users. Based on my experience with both writing technologies, I think it is safe to say that the printed text will eventually lose this battle.
Identifying John Doe 
I can completely agree that whenever a new gadget comes out, some people are resistent to go out and buy it. Sometimes it is because of the price. People know that sooner or later, the price is going to drop, and usually it is a pretty drastic difference. Another reason why people are hesitant on new technology is because they want to feel it out before diving right in. People are going to have both good things and bad things to say about every piece of technology. Yes, it is up to you to eventually make your own opinion on these, but other peoples’ point of view can definitely sway you. I was one of the people on the fence about the iPad. I heard some great things about it, and some not so great things. The primary reason I wanted it was for my textbooks, so I guess that would be considered an e-reader. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my iPad, I just find it difficult to see the screen sometimes. That is where I think the Kindle and Nook have the iPad beat. I am sure some day soon enough, Apple will create something even better than the screen the iPad has now so the competition will be even harder.
I enjoyed when you stated that we are currently living through this technological change because I completely agree. We were raised and went through elementary school learning how to print and do cursive. We didn’t know what cellphones or texting was. Now my little cousins can text and use touch screens better then me and it baffles me because I am really starting to notice a change between the generations.