There is another element as well. I am no expert on the business side of King's literary career, but while 120,000 hits would gladden the hearts of many web entrepreneurs, it seems puny by comparison with King's customary sales. This may change, in time, but I have my doubts. There is no question that the effect of the Internet on modern life has been substantial. But how revolutionary it is, and to what extent it transforms the way we live, remains to be seen.
People read for various reasons.
There is something about the tactile pleasure of opening a volume, turning the pages, filling up space on bookshelves, and returning to books without having to log on and fire up the modem, that seems to be imprinted in our cerebral program. Maybe it's me, and perhaps it's wishful thinking. JWR contributor Philip Terzian is associate editor of The Providence Journal. Comment by clicking here. Today, Dr. Laura.