3 ms·

I read less books than when I was school age. I have a couple that are sitting in Books app that I read a few pages at a time. I think the “problem” is twofold

by bobiny 5y ago

I read less books than when I was school age. I have a couple that are sitting in Books app that I read a few pages at a time. I think the “problem” is twofold: 1) phones are too much 2) too many books 1: using a book used to be easier than computer. You had to turn it on, wait, sit in a chair. With book it’s just grab and start reading in any position. People were/are reading standing up in Moscow metro. Computer was also limited in what you can do with it: I had a few games, a few programms and if I wanted more, it’s either going to a store for CD or using a slow Dial-up (check if no one is talking on the phone or expecting a call). With smartphone now there is Youtube, games and a ton of text that talks back to you (like HN or Twitter). 2: I find that many books and movies just say too much. I went out of the movie theater from Hellboy reboot when they started explaining the lore right away. I don’t mind a bit of exposition, but a film is not the right medium imo. Similarly with books: I feel like at least some of them could be a series of Substack posts if not Twitter threads. So I agree that books are dying out a bit, but I’m optimistic that they are being replaced with mediums more suitable for the message. Also I hope there will be more specialized gadgets like ReMarkable tabled that you can’t do everything with.

estaseuropano 5y ago
I find your point 2 very odd on both counts. First, I would find it pretty surreal to walk out of a movie theater because of 1-2 minutes of exposition. You literally spend more time walking from the booth to your seat or watch advertisements before the movie starts then the few noments of on boarding for those that don't know the universe. Second, there are literally millions of books published each year. Yes many are bad fiction or bad nonfiction but there is an incredible wealth of books that use each page well. E.g. I read 'Sex, Power, Suicide' by Nick Lane a few weeks ago and there was not a single page that felt wasted - every page i learned something new. Similar with e.g. Hans Rosling's book. And there is much fiction where each page matters in driving the plot. Tl;dr: choose good books.
- bobiny 5y ago
  I thought Hellboy was a bad movie, because it’s more tell than show. I think voiceover is appropriate in special cases like Dexter’s inner monologue, because it shows separation of his public and private persona. I wouldn’t mind exposition scene at some point if it fits in the story, like for example someone telling a bedtime tale.

by bobiny 5y ago

estaseuropano 5y ago

I find your point 2 very odd on both counts. First, I would find it pretty surreal to walk out of a movie theater because of 1-2 minutes of exposition. You literally spend more time walking from the booth to your seat or watch advertisements before the movie starts then the few noments of on boarding for those that don't know the universe. Second, there are literally millions of books published each year. Yes many are bad fiction or bad nonfiction but there is an incredible wealth of books that use each page well. E.g. I read 'Sex, Power, Suicide' by Nick Lane a few weeks ago and there was not a single page that felt wasted - every page i learned something new. Similar with e.g. Hans Rosling's book. And there is much fiction where each page matters in driving the plot. Tl;dr: choose good books.

bobiny 5y ago
I thought Hellboy was a bad movie, because it’s more tell than show. I think voiceover is appropriate in special cases like Dexter’s inner monologue, because it shows separation of his public and private persona. I wouldn’t mind exposition scene at some point if it fits in the story, like for example someone telling a bedtime tale.