Kindle is not for everyone..

Submitted: The Two Sides Team February 27, 2013

by Nicole Schappert, via Digital Nirvana

We all know that e-readers are everywhere these days and, in only a
few years, have become a commonplace way to consumer your favorite
literature. But as the title of this blog suggests, an e-reader is not
for everyone. Not everyone has the tech-savvy desire or budget for an
e-reader and some people just flat out do not want to read books
electronically. For some, there is still the allure of being able to
physically turn the page of the book he or she is reading. I am one of
those people. Even though Im addicted to my iPhone, iPad, iShuffle and
laptop, I still prefer to read my books in print. Perhaps its because I
am employed by the printing industry, but I like to think its the
experience of an actual book versus another one of the many tech
products we all seem to own now. Maybe Im just a hipster and like books
because they are not the in item.

Regardless, books have been around for a long time and they will
likely not disappear for good. Therefore, print will continue to play an
important role in the book publishing industry, albeit in a somewhat
different manner. Most publishers are looking for the ability to print
shorter runs and print-on-demand. To do this, offset is not answer;
digital printing is. Offset certainly still has its place. But for those
of us who did not come up with The Hunger Games or 50 Shade of Grey, it
can be hard to justify the high quantities of offset printing. Digital
printing offers a flexible solution for printers to be able to print
what they want, where they want, when they want, and in whatever
quantity they want.

Ultimately, digital printing technology offers numerous benefits for
printers. For one, it reduces the risk of having to forecast demand.
Printers can now print only what is ordered, thereby eliminating
warehousing needs and waste. Digital print also offers blazing fast
turnaround times with some book printers being able to fulfill an order
within 24 hours of receiving it. Finally, digital print allows for
anyone to be a publisher. With no minimums to meet, books can be
published in small quantities. Digital also allows for increased
creativity through customization and personalization. All while creating
a real life book that someone can hold!

The bottom line is that books are not a thing of the past, and by
implementing digital printing technology, printers are able to stay in
the game and are better equipped to deal with whatever trends may come
their way. They can have greater turnover, new revenue opportunities,
and improved profitability. And these business benefits are not just
limited to book printers! Photo book sellers, self-publishers,
non-profits, and corporations can all benefit from the publishing
revolution through digital printing technology. The question is how can
you benefit from it?