Over the past few years, the cultural phenomenon of digital publishing has emerged.  Newspapers have evolved into online publications; e-mails have taken over as a way of communication rather than handwritten letters and now the eBook has made its début.

The primary perk of an eBook is its convenience. An eBook takes up less space and allows readers to browse stores, newsstands and the internet in order to purchase books. Weighing in at about 8.5 ounces, the average eBook’s production cost is 50 cents, with the reader paying approximately $9.99 for a book. Additionally the average author’s royalty payout is about $2.12 per download, according to Newsweek.com.

A possible negative aspect of the eBook is its toll on the environment. Yes, fewer trees will be cut down because of the replacement of paper, but the carbon emissions it takes to produce just one eBook can produce about 50 paper books.

Readers may not even be able to find their favorite books in a digital version. Some authors such as JK Rowling refuse to allow digitalization of their books due to lack of authenticity and fear of plagiarism.

An aspect to consider with the popularity of the digital age is the effect it has on the teenage generation. According to the U.S. Department of  Labor, “On average Americans ages 15-24 spend almost two hours a day watching TV, and only seven minutes of their daily leisure time on reading.’

Some experts predict teen reading statistics will improve with the use of the eBook because teens are comfortable with and more likely to read on digital devices.

However, teachers still stress the importance of the written word when it comes to youth. English teacher Ms. Stefanie Jochman, who attended the recent National Book Festival in Washington D.C. , said there was a real emphasis on books for young people at the festival.

EBook prices such as the Kindle and the Nook range from $139-$199.

By comparison, the average weight of a paper book is about 2.2 lbs, with a production cost of $4.05 per $26 hardcover book. The average author royalty per book is $3.90.

“There’s something about holding a book in your hand, feeling the weight and the pages that I can’t let go of,” said Ms.Jochman.

Also, paper books are still best for peoples’ eyes, according to Newsweek.com.

While eBook sales are increasing, people still seem to have an appreciation for the written word.  Interestingly, the current number one book on the New York Times Bestseller List, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, has sold 30 million paper book copies but only one million in eBook sales.

Also, only 15 percent of eBook owners say that they would stop buying paper books all together.

 A U.S. Department of Education study conducted in 2000 predicted that by 2008 eBook sales would be outperforming paperback sales.  This is not the case now in 2010 as paperback sales still exceed eBook sales by about 220.2 million dollars.

Perhaps Ray Bradbury was right in Fahrenheit 451: “Do you know why books such as this are so important? Because they have quality.  And what does the word quality mean? To me it means texture. This book has pores.”