Neiman Journalism Lab don't really like Kindle owners

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Permalink Reply by Kristina Simms on April 30, 2009 at 12:19pm

Actually I can't see how that particular statement could be construed as offensive. There is definitely truth in it!
I have arthritis in my hands and also have had cataract surgery both eyes and wear bifocals. Using a kindle is very easy on my hands and on my eyes. It's also great for people with certain more serious disabilities.
Of course this is not the only reason I like owning a Kindle. The portability of a Kindle and the easy of purchasing books are two of Kindle's virtues. Also I have younger friends who have great eyes and no arthritis who nevertheless love their Kindles.

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Permalink Reply by abhi on April 30, 2009 at 12:52pm

Its offensive in the larger context of NJL claiming the the Kindle will fail, and attacking Kindle in general.

Kindle is great for a lot of people. Its great for people like me who travel a lot and can take a kindle instead of 20 books.
So NJL trying to dismiss the kindle as a device with limited applicability is rather unjournalistic of them.

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Permalink Reply by Ray Turner on April 30, 2009 at 12:59pm

Arthritis...compromised vision...carpal tunnelsyndrome...I've got 'em all. Why did I buy my Kindle? It's the vision thing. I do resent, however, being characterized as a member of "a particular segment of older folks." People of my advanced age have a name for people who patronize us like this. We call them assholes.

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Permalink Reply by Karen on May 1, 2009 at 9:19am

I totally agree. I may not have arthritis in my hands yet, I do have bad wrist and shoulders, I have glasses, but hate wearing them. Why did I get the kindle?? Because I am running out of room for all the books I have and it is great for travel, I don't lose my page. Its a great gadget. I don't see it falling. The Kindle is wonderful people with aliments or not. An as Ray said we call them assholes.

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Permalink Reply by Andrys on May 2, 2009 at 10:36pm

"Findings" of this sort are so funny - one wonders about the future of journalism with articles that make such sweeping generalizations based on nothing but a self-selected grouping of Kindle owners on a forum, spending much of the time talking about their Kindles etc.

All it indicates is that the poll is taken by those who have the time and inclination to do this. It's likely the most unscientific 'poll' I've read about; yet it's given serious credence by some writers.

That people did not carry Kindles to the conference and put them out for display ostentatiously is no surprise. I plan to get a netbook soon, as my laptop which I carried around Italy on my back is itself 'aging' at 4 years, but yes I'd carry a netbook into a conference to take notes maybe (but it wouldn't have 24/7 wireless for me to access the net unless I take that special offer to buy a note book for $100 or so and pay $50+ per month to get wireless on it). I'd not be taking my Kindle out at such a conference. One doesn't go to a conference to read, normally.

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