2009/12/01 Milan
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Gantenbein

Kindle

This evening I had dinner with my Italian publisher and some friends.
The publisher asked me what I thought about the “Kindle”.
I said that I doubt that the physical book will disappear.
Then for some reason or other we started talking about Max Frisch -- a name that hasn’t come up in conversations in ages.
Perhaps it’s time to reread “Stiller”, “Homo Faber”, and “Gantenbein”.


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12 comments Last_comment
The Kindle has one good feature: It might sedduce commuters to start using public transportation which might lead to a healthier environment.
said Dens Powells 02/12/2009 00:38 • x
Dens
How is Kindle different from a book in respect to commuters?
said Sasja Mirskikh 02/12/2009 09:56 • x
If you want to read, let's say, 2666 by Bolano, you have to carry around 4 pounds (2kg). If you want the same book, and the short stories of Hemingway, and the collected works of Dostojevski and How to Manage my People or the Poetry of Alan Ginsberg. You only have to carry -what- 10.2ounces (280gr)?
When I travel by train, I always read. But the choice of what book to take is very hard, since I 'd have to carry around this heavy book all day long.
said Dens Powells 02/12/2009 10:38 • x
@Arnon what circumstances ("randvoorwaarden" I suppose is a better word) would be necessary for you to even consider publishing a novel solely online?
said aliefka 02/12/2009 10:48 • x
The E-reader has better looks than the Kindle.

But I still prefer to carry a (heavy) book.
said Frida . 02/12/2009 11:06 • x
@Dens: That's only the good side of the story. With a Kindle you can worry about battery life time, broken buttons, dust on the screen, screens that reflect sunlight en don't forget software updates that can go terribly wrong (as with the I-Phone) or last but not least: give controle to a company like Amazon to delete your book with remote content removal (what already has happened!)
The Kindle is far from a proven technology or trustworthy product.

But it's a nice thing to show off to your friends. Nobody can't deny that.
said Z! _ 02/12/2009 13:22 • x
Would kindles also be available in signed bibliophilic editions?
said Ron Lander 02/12/2009 14:21 • x
arnon
max frisch is one of my favourite authors.
would you read his books in german or translated?
said beata b 02/12/2009 14:57 • x
Beata
It depends on my mood.
said Arnon Grunberg 02/12/2009 15:32 • x
A friend told me the following.
"There will be heavily overprized printed books for the nostalgically blinded and electronic books for those who seek information only."
said Juliane B. 02/12/2009 21:32 (Updated 21:33) • x
e-books
For the time being, e-books are almost as expensive as real books, so buying the real thing remains the better option.
Besides, for the price of an e-reader, you can buy some nice paper books.
And there's always http://www.gutenberg.org
Enough reading for a lifetime.
said bert hesper 03/12/2009 00:30 • x
Pity you didn't answer Arnon!! I just came from a brainstorm re plans for a new ebook publishing house. I would have valued your opinion considering how you're an established author and in light of your activities online. Your blog was mentioned, of course. As for the "ennui of diplomatic life", every life ends a tragedy:
http://www.aliefka2day.com
said aliefka 03/12/2009 16:25 (Updated 16:26) • x
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