A Computer Ate My Book

This essay by Douglas Rushkoff really got me thinking about the difference between physical books and reading books on the internet. Personally, I have never read a book on the internet, and I probably never will. I don't even like reading articles or short stories on the internet. It isn't the same as holding the piece of paper with the text in my hand. More often than not, I always print what I want to read--meaning stories and articles and things like that (unless it's on a blog or just simple information). There is just something about holding a book in my hands that does something for me. Maybe its the way it smells or the physicality of it, I'm not sure. I just can't bring myself to read something on the computer like that. For one, it hurts my eyes, and two, its so much more convenient to hold the book in my hands, to crawl into bed with a book and shut it and put it on the table next to me when I'm done instead of having to get up and plug my lap top in.
The other day on the train, I saw someone with this thing the size of a book, but it was digital (I'd never seen this before) and it got me thinking. If it's the same size as the book, why would you not just carry the book? It really doesn't make any sense for me.
There's something about being able to say that you own the book and get to read it that means something to me. It shows effort and how much the reader cares. They went to the store to purchase it and display it proudly on their bookshelf. You can't do that with the internet.
I completely understand the concept of using the internet to promote your book. For example, like posting chapters and having a website or a blog. This makes sense to me. But for me, it is something completely different than reading the actual book. One of my favorite authors will post a decent chunk of her next novel on her website long before it comes out and I always read it, but for whatever reason, when I finally get the book and reread the same thing, I feels so different. I absorb it more. It means more. Its means the author has made it and you can hold the book in your hand. Anyone can publish anything on the internet and I think it takes away from the excitement of actually being published.
I will step off my soapbox now.
But I really did enjoy this essay and if it's like any of the other essay in the book, then I am glad to own it. (and yes i bought it for a penny on amazon.)