Reading Preference Survey

From a study released by the  Pew Internet & American Life Project, on April 4, 2012:

The prevalence of e-book reading is markedly growing, but printed books still dominate the world of book readers. In our December 2011 survey, we found that 72% of American adults had read a printed book and 11% listened to an audiobook in the previous year, compared with the 17% of adults who had read an e-book.

• There are four times more people reading e-books on a typical day now than was the case less than two years ago. On any given day, 45% of book readers are reading a book in one format or another. And there has been a shift in the format being used by those who are reading on a typical day. In June 2010, 95% of those reading books “yesterday” were reading print books and 4% were reading e-books. In December 2011, 84% of the “yesterday” readers were reading print books and 15% were reading e-books.
• Those who own e-book readers and tablets are avid readers of books in all formats. On any given day, 49% of those who own e-book readers like the original Kindles and Nooks are reading an e-book. And 59% of those e-reader owners said they were reading a printed book. On any given day, 39% of tablet owners are reading an e-book and 64% were reading a printed book.

Device owners read more often. On any given day 56% of those who own e-book reading devices are reading a book, compared with 45% of the general book-reading public who are reading a book on a typical day. Some 63% of the e-book device owners who are reading on any given day are reading a printed book; 42% are reading an e-book; and 4% are listening to an audio book.

Excerpted from: The Rise of e-Reading

I found the results of this study surprising, because all I hear about these days is how print books are a thing of the past--everyone has gone digital.

I own an e-reader, but seldom use it. In fact, many of the books I download never actually get read (these books end up on my "Someday" list). Out of the fifty or so books I read a year, maybe two or three of them are e-books.

I do know a few people who are dedicated e-book readers. But, here's the thing: they love e-books because they're free. My friends who primarily e-read, check the Amazon free list for titles every week. A few of them even pirate e-books.

Many of the "bestselling" e-books on Amazon are really free downloads--should giveaways count toward sales? As a writer, I'm not sure what to think.

My head is swirling with questions about e-books vs. print books and reader preferences. I wonder if you would be willing to share your thoughts with me on this topic. Here are my questions:

1) Do you have an e-reader?

2) Do you read more print books or e-books?

3) Do you buy or borrow the majority of the books you read?

4) How do you typically select a book?  Do you browse the library or bookstore shelves?  Read reviews/recommendations online or in the newspaper? Base your choice on a friend's recommendation?

5) How important are the following in influencing you to read a particular book (please rank high, medium, or low):  a) Format (print or e-book)?  b) Cover art / cover summary? c) Online reviews?  d) Friend's recommendation?  e) Media buzz?  f) Price?  g) Other (please describe)?

Please leave your answers as a comment. I will compile them and post a report next week. Many thanks for taking the time to participate!

Have a great day. : )

Susan <3