Lee's Funnies

    Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge 
device, trade named BOOK.

     BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no 
wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be 
connected or switched on. It's so easy to use even a child 
can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used 
anywhere -- even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet 
it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a 
CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:

     BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of 
paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of 
bits of information. The pages are locked together with a 
custom-fit device called a binding that keeps the sheets in 
their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows 
manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the 
information density and cutting costs.  Experts are divided 
on the prospects for further increases in information 
density; for now, BOOKs with more information simply use 
more pages. Each sheet is scanned optically, registering 
information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger 
takes you to the next sheet.

     BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by 
opening it. BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though 
like other display devices it can become unusable if dropped 
overboard. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly 
to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many 
come with an "index" feature that pinpoints the exact 
location of any selected information for instant retrieval. 
An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to 
the exact place you left it in a previous session, even if 
the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design 
standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used by various 
manufactures. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarks can be used in 
a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at 
once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in 
the BOOK. You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text 
entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable 
Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus 
(PENCILS).

     Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed 
as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's 
appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators 
have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly 
flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.

12/5/2007

Clifford L Pelletier wrote:

A few days ago, I sent you an announcement of the new Built-in Orderly
Organized Knowledge device, otherwise known as the BOOK.  A friend and
former colleague, an obvious Luddite and skeptic, was quick to repond.
Below is his rejoinder.

CLP

Yeah ... I've heard things like this before.  Hydrogen fuel, Robot
maids, vacations on the Moon ...  Sounds fine in the lab or in
theory, but the practical reality will kill it.

1. Think about production.  Where are these "BOOKs" going to be
   made?  Maybe a start-up company might make a few demo models
   and a few rich people might buy them as trophies, but I don't
   see how many companies can profit or why an author would send
   them material.

2. Think about distribution.  Where do people get these things?
   In specialized "BOOK stores" spread over the country?  Get
   real.

3. Where do you put these things when not in use.  Pile them up on
   the floor?  Stack them on your desk?  Create specialized
   furniture to shelve them?  Again .. just not going to happen.

4. People are happy with the way things are, and are not going to
   change. People read while sitting at a desk viewing a screen
   and are not going to like anything else.  Imagine trying to
   read a "BOOK" while in the tub!  Ridiculous!

5. If there is any level of success, Microsoft will bully into the
   market and create their own Microsoft BOOK (tm), which in order
   to work will require the full suite of Microsoft Windows (tm),
   Microsoft Word (tm) and Microsoft Office (tm). And soon,
   things will be back to normal.


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