The Sameness of Ebooks

Note: I am using ebook to refer to the .mobi/.epub variety and other '[[!Reflowable documents]]' which make use of flexible typesetting options, have no fixed layout, and are widely available on black and white e-readers such as my ancient kindle. Not PDFs and fixed layout digital documents.

I have specific criteria for When I buy an ebook that means my digital library is mostly fiction and readable nonfiction with no images... unless it's free or 0.99p, then you can tempt me into just about anything.

After starting to read a lot more on my kindle, I began to notice how the books began to flow into each other. Reading about atrocities in the Congo looked no different than a random bit of young adult fantasy action. The typesetting, margins, and heft were identical, even though the content was worlds apart.

Little details make a difference

Questions

  • Does this contribute to the lack of satisfaction when finishing an ebook (see [[Are ebooks less satisfying than physical books?]])