Would you like fries with that book?

One of the comments I hear due to the ever increasing influence of technology such as the Internet, is that I should read a book instead. Now I don't want to point a finger at a particular demographic, or be generalistic, but it really bothers me when some old person is telling me to pull myself away from a computer screen and do something "productive" - such as - reading a book. I don't necessarily see the difference if I read todays news online at The Age, or if I actually wait for the morning delivery boy to put the front page headlines through my window. Either way I am attempting to be an informed citizen. And in fact I do read books, quite a lot. There are often times when I prefer the old paperback to the computer screen, as it's easier on my eyes. And so the ever increasing argument between myself and a certain individual shall continue - or shall it??

The world of the Internet and printed information are about to collide with an invention titled - "An ATM for books". This little baby will create a book on the spot for you from the Internet. It's quite a remarkable little creation, but instead of repeating the main points here, just read the link. So what does this mean for the digital world versus the traditional printed medium. Probably not much. I doubt I will ever stop being told to "read a book". But with this new device at least I'll be able to find, print and bind a book when I want to read it. There is something about that sort of convience that appeals to me.

:)