Long before the first printed books, there were creative individuals who invented clever ways to keep records and tell stories so that future generations would remember and know what life was like during their lifetime. It all started around 3500 BCE with the Mesopotamians, who created clay tablets using a tool called the calamus to make cuneiform markings. These markings … [Read more...] about From Clay tablets to E-Readers: The Evolution of Book Innovation
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Why did Amazon discontinue the Kindle Matchbook Program?
To drive Kindle book sales, Amazon launched a program in 2013 called Kindle Matchbook. It allowed authors to offer a Kindle ebook version of their work at a significantly reduced price, or even free, for customers who purchased a hardcover or paperback. The Kindle version could be offered to those customers, giving them a digital copy that couldn't be lost or damaged. Major … [Read more...] about Why did Amazon discontinue the Kindle Matchbook Program?
BookTok’s Influence: Between Literary Culture and Performance
As I reflect on my recent writing projects, a common thread seems to be emerging around the transformative power of revelations. Whether on a personal or societal level, when new information comes to light, it has the ability to ripple outward, shaping not only our personal experiences and relationships, but also, if the revelation is profound, impacting the world around … [Read more...] about BookTok’s Influence: Between Literary Culture and Performance
What do you look for in an e-reader?
Over a hundred new e-readers and e-notebooks were released in 2024. Some are available worldwide, while others are only in domestic markets, such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, and France. There are some compelling reasons to buy specific brands due to the features they offer. Rakuten Kobo and Pocketbook are popular due to the inclusion of physical page turn buttons and colour … [Read more...] about What do you look for in an e-reader?
How Major Acquisitions Are Shaping Traditional Publishing
The publishing industry is experiencing significant changes as key players expand through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. These moves are reshaping the market, driving growth, and reinforcing the influence of major publishers. Penguin Random House Growth enguin Random House has reported impressive financial results for the first half of 2024. The company saw … [Read more...] about How Major Acquisitions Are Shaping Traditional Publishing
Short Stories are a Treasure Trove of Good Reads
Image by Pexels from Pixabay I've realized there are two types of readers: those who can't stop reading until they finish a book, and those who take breaks and feel satisfied with reading a few chapters. I used to be in the first category, but I found it to be extremely unhealthy. I sacrificed sleep just to finish long novels by authors like Dan Brown and Stephen King. Have … [Read more...] about Short Stories are a Treasure Trove of Good Reads
Florida Book Bans: Publishers, Authors Guild Fight Back
In a significant move, six major publishers and the Authors Guild have launched a lawsuit challenging Florida’s controversial book restriction law, H.B. 1069. Launched in July 2023, Bill 1069 requires schools to remove and review any challenged books which contain subject matter of a “sexual or pornographic content". The plaintiffs claim that vague content restrictions have … [Read more...] about Florida Book Bans: Publishers, Authors Guild Fight Back
Google wearable glasses, again? Qualcomm says it so.
When a new gadget is introduced into the tech world, it is usually sold out before it goes to market. Pre-sales and user test data are the best indicators of how successful the technology will be. When Google announced its cool eyewear known as "Google Glass" in 2012, it was touted as the next greatest wearable technology. Released to the public in 2014, it had lost its steam … [Read more...] about Google wearable glasses, again? Qualcomm says it so.
Cool Unique Gifts for Bibliophiles, Literally
According to Wikipedia, a bibliophile (bookworm) is an individual who reads and collects books. A book collection is a series of two or more books that revolve around specific authors, historical periods, or genres. Bibliophiles enjoy reading more than socializing and are known as highly empathetic, curious, and intelligent people. They are knowledgeable in STEM, and most … [Read more...] about Cool Unique Gifts for Bibliophiles, Literally
Pinocchio: Where Strings Snap and Nightmares Begin
Welcome to 2024, where no beloved childhood character is safe. In the ever-expanding world of horror, I present Pinocchio: Unstrung. Following the bizarre success of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, director Rhys Frake-Waterfield is back, this time turning the tale of the little wooden boy who wanted to be real into something straight out of your nightmares. With this new … [Read more...] about Pinocchio: Where Strings Snap and Nightmares Begin
Back to School: Embracing Elearning Technology
As the new school year approaches, parents search for the latest gear to prepare their kids for the first day. While school supplies and clothing strain family finances, adding tech gadgets can throw the household budget off track. With the current cost of living, many parents question whether investing in technology is worth it. Experts suggest that notebooks, e-readers, … [Read more...] about Back to School: Embracing Elearning Technology
From Paper to Pixels: The Rise of E-Readers and Digital Reading
The world of reading is changing in recent digital times. Reading used to be all about taking in the scent of books filled with ink and the rustle of crisp paper. This has drastically changed in the new world, where digital books have gained tremendous popularity. This transformation from paper to pixels has completely changed how we access and consume written material. The … [Read more...] about From Paper to Pixels: The Rise of E-Readers and Digital Reading
What e-reader company has the best customer service?
Every prominent newspaper and tech site provides recommendations on the top e-readers or e-notebooks. There is no shortage of brands that sell devices directly to the consumer or through third-party marketplaces, such as Amazon. One of the most critical aspects of e-reader ownership is the customer service experience. Inevitably, sometimes things go wrong with your device … [Read more...] about What e-reader company has the best customer service?
The Ripple Effect of Andrea Skinner’s Revelations
In the wake of Andrea Skinner's revelations about the abuse she endured at the hands of her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin, the literary world has been shaken. These revelations, which have significantly impacted the legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro, have sparked a wave of responses—both personal and societal. This story is not just about uncovering a painful past … [Read more...] about The Ripple Effect of Andrea Skinner’s Revelations