Thursday, February 7, 2013

eBooks or real books?


In today’s society there is the moral debate over rather books will eventually become superfluous due to innovations such as the internet and more specifically creations like eBooks.  In the two blog posts, “Why is it better to read eBooks? Environmental friendly books” by Henry Conrad and “Why I Read [actual] Books” by Dave Rohde, two opposite sides of the argument are represented in unique manners. 
                In the first blog, “Why is it better to read eBooks? Environmental friendly books” by Henry Conrad, introduces the topic of eBooks by first informing the reader of the importance of reading in today’s society and how reading will continue to impact daily life.   He then transitions into what an eBook is and the benefits to eBooks as opposed to books.  There are three bullet points are short concise reasons eBooks are better followed by a paragraph long explanation.  Conrad’s writing is informative and to the point but only explores the benefits and does not mention any disadvantages.  One advantage is of course, the accessibility, “On the other hand, you can easily search for an eBook or eBooks without having to go somewhere.”  In the end there is an easily found conclusion that clarifies eBooks are the way to go, “EBooks are more eco-friendly...”  The writing, as customary to blogs, is very personal with the repeated use of “you” which speaks directly to the reader and how eBooks can further impact the individual’s life in a positive manner.  In addition to his praise for the eBooks and their benefits, there is a picture of what can safely presumed to be an eBook on an iPad.  Conrad appeals to the pathos and the manner eBooks directly impact the individual.  His tone is somewhat assertive as if he knows what is the right choice and the reader should agree.  This post was a very strong claim for the continued, and possibly expanded, use of eBooks because of the importance of reading and access to the written word in our modern day society.
                In the second blog, and “Why I Read [actual] Books” by Dave Rohde, the tone is softer and affects the reader’s emotions more gently.  Rohde also presents his claim with a semi-comical and more enjoyable approach.  As stated in the title, he is a fan of books that are tangible.  “No one ever walks into an Apple Store, picks up an iPad and says, ‘I love the way this thing smells.’”  He speaks of his personal experience, which increases his ethos, and mentions how he has grown to appreciate books and reading.  Also in terms of ethos, Rohde quotes two outside gentlemen.    Rohde’s claim supports reading adamantly and expresses how important the “medium” is, in this case, books.  He uses the word “I” often throughout the piece which increases his appeal to readers because this claim is obviously important to him and impacts him directly.  According to Rohde “We need to allow books to inspire us and alter our worldview.”  He uses powerful language and diction that provokes thought and inspires passion for those readers who are struggling with the technology that is taking over the literary world.  Rohde has written a piece that defends the continued use of books even as the world changes.
            Conrad and Rohde, although arguing different sides of an interesting question over rather or not books will become obsolete, both men have used blogging as the means for communication his opinion.  However, Conrad and Rohde have different manners of presenting their claims and informing the reader of the benefits of eBooks/books, through the use of diction, ethos, pathos, and more.  Moreover, both ways of presentation were effective, informative, and persuasive. 




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