David Meerman Scott raises a most interesting concept, asking whether the format of books in the future will be changed as a result of the online literacy. David brings in Zak Nelson, a marketing and PR professional with five years of publishing experience.
” ‘Why aren’t books more like websites? Or even magazines, for that matter? Or hell, like comic books?’ Zak sent me a diagram of what he’s thinking (click the image for an enlarged version).”
Is Zack onto something, David asks? Yes he is. Look at how Tom Peters has used design in his books. Check out Re-imagine. Look at the social media news release.
But should Web-like, social-media like books be on paper? Today I received an invitation from The Wall Street Journal Online for free PDA software so I can read the paper on my screen on the go. Just recently in a blog post about the future of newspapers I observed that every subscriber to The New York Times could be sent a free Kindle for half what it costs to print and distribute the paper.
I think David and Zak have raised a great question. But I don’t think their question will be answered satisfactorily in on-paper printed word. Problem is the on-screen printed word is like the elusive search for a better battery for electric cars — something we all want that hasn’t arrived.
Tags: book publishing, Social Media
Touche! And I’m sorry, I’m still old school about some things, like the printed word. Cheers, David