I have a good collection of Victorian books and if I wanted, I could go out and buy several dozen more. I have a definite weakness for the hardback 'improving' novels with illustrated sleeveless covers beloved of Sunday Schools. Books last a long, long time with minimal care as long as you don't let them actually get damp.
I got the e-reader in the full expectation of lots of free books - there are manylots of out-of-copyright converted texts. I am also aware that there are many thousands of people who will write for nothing, and post their work online (and which I can then snag to the reader) hoping only for occasional kudos if the work is good enough. I read them eagerly. And, every month, I put down £15 or so on books I already know I like and new authors. However, I am stuffed if I am ever putting down £15 on *one* book. I am much more inclined to try a new author for £1 than for £5 and not really at all inclined to try for £8 unless there's a free sample and it turns out to be absolutely gripping.
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I got the e-reader in the full expectation of lots of free books - there are manylots of out-of-copyright converted texts. I am also aware that there are many thousands of people who will write for nothing, and post their work online (and which I can then snag to the reader) hoping only for occasional kudos if the work is good enough. I read them eagerly. And, every month, I put down £15 or so on books I already know I like and new authors. However, I am stuffed if I am ever putting down £15 on *one* book. I am much more inclined to try a new author for £1 than for £5 and not really at all inclined to try for £8 unless there's a free sample and it turns out to be absolutely gripping.