Final Project - Electronic Books & The Amazon Kindle

OU professional writing senior Matt Madeiro accesses a menu on his Amazon Kindle. The e-reader plays a major role in the movement to convert print books to electronic format.

For those who have ever curled up under the covers with a book and a flashlight, that familiar (and often illustrated) scenario brings a specific picture to mind.

However, for the next generation, that picture may morph to one with neither a book nor a flashlight, thanks to the growing technology of electronic books. E-readers – portable devices that allow users to read books in an electronic format – have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few months.

A major player in this electronic conversion is the Amazon Kindle, the most popular of the e-readers available on the market today. The first Kindle model was released in Nov. 2007, according to Amazon's official Web site.

"It's portable, I can take it wherever I need to, and I can easily pick up (reading) right where I left off," said Mandy Wendel, speech therapist and Kindle owner.

Many technology enthusiasts, and those with on-the-go lifestyles, appreciate the portability of the Kindle. Others, including tactile types or traditionalists, claim nothing can replace the experience of sitting down and flipping through the pages of a "real" book. Wendel said she fits into both categories, depending on the book in question.

No matter which side of the fence one chooses, one realization emerges: The Kindle (along with similar technology) is transforming the way people read. And, as is the case with any innovation, this comes with the potential to transform the industry in which it concerns.

The appeal of electronic books relies on several factors, but two major pushes toward the format include convenience and variety.

Ross Rozell, a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan, appreciates the portability of electronic books. Rozell does not own a Kindle itself, but has used the Kindle program for iPhone in the past.

“I was already carrying my iPhone around with me, and it was convenient to be able to pull out a book and do some reading when I had some spare time,” he said.

For someone stationed on a military base, Rozell said the Kindle offered the largest selection of books available to him anywhere. As of press time, the online Kindle store offered more than 300,000 books for download.

“Given that’s probably just a little dent in the big picture of how many books have ever been written, but that’s more than you’d find in your local library most likely…Plus, the selection of books on base was disappointing, to say the least,” he said.

What this means for the book market

The phenomenon of a digital book market also has the potential to affect those on the business side of things. Authors, printers and publishers all have a stake in the rapid changes occurring concerning book production. However, the incentive for authors to create works rests on their success in this new market -- as does their overall motivation.

Several Kindle users feel that adapting books electronically would help up-and-coming authors, rather than hurt them. Wendel said Amazon currently offers five free book downloads per week, often in an effort to showcase a new or lesser-known author and encourage people to pay for other books by that same author.

Wendel said she became interested in a new author after one of her books was offered as a free download. Since then, Wendel has purchased some of that author's other books.

"I'm sure that she could have been an unknown author had it not been for the Kindle putting her work up as a free book, (because) I realized, 'Oh, she's written 8 books.' So, I've got three of her books now," Wendel said.

Rozell agreed lesser-known authors can benefit from the new technology by skipping some of the usual hurdles to publishing.

"Right now (for print books), you have to go find a publisher to get going, and have it printed, whereas I can write an e-book right now and distribute it digitally for nearly nothing. It seems to me that once you've removed the need to print, you take out a huge section of the infrastructure," he said.

Rozell said success for new authors could come partially as a result of reduced prices. E-books cost about the same as -- or less than -- the paperback version of a book, and much cheaper than the hardcover version, Wendel said.

"I'm more willing to pay $5 to try out a new author than $15," Rozell said.

Matt Madeiro, professional writing senior and Kindle owner, pointed out another feature Amazon offers to encourage book sales: free book sampling. If a user is interested in buying a book, he or she can download the first chapter or two of a book for free, he said. This service allows money-conscious consumers to avert some of the financial risk in purchasing a book.

“It helps save me money, which is important for college students,” Madeiro said.

What’s next, e-reader textbooks? Not so fast…

However, not all books lend themselves to the Kindle’s technology. For example, the idea of adapting college textbooks may sound feasible in theory, but presents its own set of problems in practice.

For one, the Kindle’s black-and-white screen means that students cannot view artistic works in color.

“If you’re reading about the Louvre and its collections, then the black-and-white (screen) would not and cannot give the artwork justice,” said Katherine Fream, employee at River Spirit Casino.

In addition, the very nature of the Kindle’s technology may prevent students from effectively using electronic textbooks, Fream said.

“The index, glossary, chapters, and color pictures are necessary for a student. I remember too often going through a textbook and holding one place of information, and turning to another page for information at the same time. You cannot do that with a Kindle,” she said.

Wendel suggested that text-only college textbooks may one day make their way to the Kindle, but for now, the traditional printed textbook provides a more student-friendly experience.

Madeiro, while acknowledging the Kindle’s shortcomings as an academic medium, said he hoped the technology advances to that stage someday -- which would save him from having to carry a heavy load of books to class every day.

Readers of the future

All things considered, the Kindle is just the latest craze in a slew of technology devices that are revolutionizing the way people interact with the world around them. As mp3 players, smartphones, PDAs and netbooks compete with e-readers – and people undoubtedly become more global – will future generations read less?

Not necessarily, according to Wendel. Her 10-year-old nephew, a voracious reader who started reading printed books, later began using his mother’s Kindle to find books to read. He expresses just as much desire to read digital books as their printed counterparts.

“I think the next generation coming up, they’re so into technology that it’ll lead them to be more avid readers than they might have been otherwise,” Wendel said.

Madeiro said the e-reader technology even caters to those who fear they might not find books they like. On Amazon, users can request for a certain book to be converted into digital format if it does not exist electronically.

Already, e-readers and electronic books have instigated multifaceted changes in book reading, purchasing and marketing. However, such technology is young, and – while innovative – is certainly still a work in progress. Time will tell to what extent e-reader technology replaces traditional printed books.

Phi Beta Kappa Health Forum

In the midst of seemingly endless talk show discussions, presidential addresses and constantly evolving legislation, it's no wonder many feel lost in the health care debate. However, on Thurs., Dec. 3, Phi Beta Kappa teamed up with health experts to make sense of the current crisis dominating America's airwaves.

The scholastic honor society held a free, public forum on health care reform at 4 p.m. in the Scholars Room of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Four panelists -- all with experience in some area of health -- answered questions and gave their perspectives on various health care issues. Phi Beta Kappa President Kyle Harper hosted the forum and fielded questions to the panelists. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions as well, but only one did, out of about 50 in attendance.

The panel consisted of: Jason Sanders, OU alumnus and health care consultant for McKinsey and Co.; Brian Karnes, executive director of Health for Friends; David Kendrick, chair of community medicine for OU-Tulsa; and Sarah Tracy, director of the medical humanities program at OU, according to a press release.

Recent discussion on health care reform has centered on drafting a bill that will garner approval from both political parties and the American public. Kendrick said it could take between one and two years to hash out the technicalities of such a bill, and even more time to pass it.

"The problem is, there is no black and white (when it comes to health care). There are only shades of gray in this debate," he said.

Karnes said he currently serves approximately 2,500 patients in Norman through his Health for Friends charity program, which requires an income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify. Since the economic downturn, he said, many people have lost health insurance -- driving his patient enrollment up 30 percent in the past year.

While the public waits on legislation to remedy the problem, Karnes encouraged people to take an active role in improving health care close to home.

"We don't need to wait on the federal government to fix things. We can do it today, you can do it today. Volunteer, do what you can," he said. "We have so many just here in Norman being affected by this (crisis)."

Simple Video Sequence

Karlie Tipton checking out a camera in Gaylord Hall's new computer lab:

Crisis PR Video

Zumbathon for Breast Cancer Awareness

Elizabeth Hart, Women's Outreach Center coordinator, demonstrates how to properly give a breast self-exam using a model.
Photo by Stephanie Brooks


On Oct. 22, more than 25 women danced their way toward a healthier lifestyle -- and a cure for breast cancer.

OU's first-ever Zumbathon was held at the Huston Huffman Center, a culmination of a joint effort between Recreational Services and the Women's Outreach Center to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Activities at the Zumbathon also helped to raise awareness and address concerns about breast cancer among young women.

"So many women are affected by this disease, and not just the ones who have it, but also the ones close to them," said Kathy Moxley, Women's Outreach Center coordinator.

Each participant paid a $10 entry fee, all of which was donated to the Komen foundation. Upon payment, participants gained entry to a 2-hour long Zumba class, taught by instructors at the Huston Huffman Center. Some attendees stayed for the entire class, but all were free to come and leave as they pleased, or take breaks when needed. A food table, with fruit and water, was on hand for those prepared to dance the night away.

Zumba is a high-energy, cardiovascular exercise to music and resembles hip-hop dancing. Moxley said the idea of using Zumba to raise money for breast cancer research came from Amy Davenport, director of recreational services. Davenport decided to stage the event in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Once the date was set, Davenport enlisted the help of the Women's Outreach Center to teach participants about the disease.

"There are so many myths and misnomers (about breast cancer) out there, and we wanted to put some of those to rest," said Elizabeth Hart, Women's Outreach Center coordinator. Hart also serves as the Susan G. Komen graduate assistant for the Women's Outreach Center.

One of the activities during the Zumbathon included an educational segment on the four keys to breast health. Every half-hour or so, the Zumba music stopped, and Hart and Moxley spoke to the group about a particular way to help guard against breast cancer.

"Exercise is one of the keys to breast health. By being here, all of you are already taking that very important step," Hart said.

Zumba itself has been catching on quickly at the Huston Huffman Center, usually with full or nearly-full classes, Davenport said. While Zumba just made its debut this semester at OU, the fitness craze -- marked by bass-thumping music and on-the-spot choreography -- did not start here. Hart said Zumba's influence extends to both coasts of the country as well as overseas.

"It's been around for a lot longer than people think," she said.

Emma Newberry-Davis, University College freshman, was one of the approximately 25 women who participated in the Zumbathon. She said she does not attend regular Zumba classes, but usually attends special Zumba events -- especially if a cause is involved.

"I think what's so great about Zumba is that, besides encouraging people to exercise and get fit, with this (event), it also encourages the idea of girl power," Newberry-Davis said.

In between Zumba sessions and educational segments, Hart and Moxley drew participants' names for various prizes, such as massages, personal training sessions and cookbooks.

Outside the Zumba room was a quieter side of the Zumbathon. In the Huston Huffman Center lobby, registration and information tables offered literature on breast health, as well as shower cards to remind women to give themselves monthly breast self-exams. One of the tables even featured breast models, so that passersby could practice examining them.

"Each of these (models) has eight lumps in it, though it's hard to tell," Hart said. "That's why you have to be so thorough (when giving a self-exam)."

At another table, the Alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority sold T-shirts and raffle tickets, with all proceeds benefiting the Komen foundation. The sorority partnered with the Women's Outreach Center to create and sell the T-shirts. Luanne Vo, pre-medicine senior, said the sorority hosts several events throughout the year to raise breast cancer awareness, including Mr. Pink and Pie-a-Prof.

"This is a cause we really stand behind. We raised $2,600 last year, and this year, we're going for $3,000. We want to get better every year," Vo said.

Overall, Zumbathon coordinators they were impressed by the turnout and hoped to make the Zumbathon a recurring event. Newberry-Davis expressed a similar sentiment.

"I loved the Zumba, the prizes were fun, and I think it was a really great night of unity," she said.




Emma Newberry-Davis discusses her experiences with breast cancer and how she stands behind the cause.



The 4 keys to breast health:

Art on Main

The sixth annual "Art on Main - A Celebration of Oklahoma Art and Music" took place on Saturday, Oct. 10 in Jenks, Okla. More than 100 Oklahoman artists of all trades showcased their art and talent. Festival attendees enjoyed live bands, wine-tasting, fried food, local art and warm weather. Some even dressed up their dogs for the occasion.

Possible Midterm Topics

#1: On Oct. 23, the Intramurals division of the Huston Huffman Center is hosting a 4-on-4 volleyball tournament. This is one of the big intramural events of the season and has been widely publicized. Since entry dates are next week (starting Oct. 13), I imagine some students will be practicing and forming teams in preparation, so that would be another photo op in addition to the tournament itself. I could gather an audio clip from one of the students who won, participated or just watched. I am still brainstorming ideas for other multimedia elements I could add.

#2: Breion Rollins was hired by OU in the spring of 2009 to develop health and wellness initiatives for OU faculty and staff. This is apparently a new approach OU has taken on in order to improve the health of those working for our university. I plan to speak with Breion this week to find out if he has anything scheduled in the coming weeks to do just that. If he does, and timing allows, that is another possibility for my midterm project.