Hybrid Books

I read an interesting article today, talking about Hybrid Books.  The concept of authors incorporating other forms of media into a “book” and in my opinion it’s impact on the very definition of reading.  I thought that it was an interesting concept of adding video clips and sound to say an e-book.  I’m all for exploring new media, creativity is creativity but I also feel that the more that is given in the form of visual and even audio, means less for the reader’s own imagination.

One area of the article that struck me as interesting was Harper Collin’s “The Amanda Project” as having an online community that may very well end up adding to the plot of future books. That is very interesting.  I think it might bring fans and authors together, hopefully in a positive way. That kind of interaction is needed and I think will keep readers attention between book releases.

It will be interesting to see how this concept of a hybrid book develops and what it means for new authors trying to enter the market.

The whole article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/books/01book.html?_r=2