Ebooks vs Paperbacks

I think this is a timeless battle between our love for ebooks and paperbacks. The questions surrounding them have been plaguing my mind for quite some time now. Will paperbacks become extinct? Will ebooks eventually fail? With the rise of indie authors, will it become harder to find a decently written book?

Time to ramble:
 I think the hardest question to answer would be 'will ebooks replace paperbacks on day?'. Ereaders are incredibly handy; take a hundred books on the go without having to lug around three stuffed suitcases. You have a vast selection of books to purchase at decently reasonable prices- and you can do so with one click! I am addicted to my Kindle, I admit it. Infact, I have been neglecting the paperbacks yet to be touched on my bookshelf to read off of it's screen. I can't stop myself, I have a shopping addiction. And shall we even start talking about the daily freebies?
It's handy, but let's compare the Kindle to a paperback...

 A paperback book can be bought online, but it takes a few weeks to ship. I find it easier to simply drop by a store and pick one up. A bookstore is like a playground for bookworms. I get all giddy when I enter one, and of course, I spend hours browsing through their selection. All the big names are there! Usually if you stop by a small mom and pop book shop you can find some great deals, and you're helping to keep them in business.
I feel like bookstores are beginning to drop off the planet. When Borders went down, I just about cried. So seeing some smaller place fills me with joy. There is hope!
And you want to know why? Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, can beat the weight of a new paperback in your hands. Flipping the pages isn't a hassle, but an honor. Even the smell of a book is enticing! Sure, ebooks are more convenient to purchase when it's a dark and stormy night, but reading a paperback is an important experience that will never be forgotten. They're comforting, don't require a battery, and give bookmarks a use other than wall decorations. I know I love getting a new bookmark. It's all part of what makes reading fun and special- to me, at least.

 So, no. I don't think paperbacks will die out, even with the new advances in ereaders. We love them too much to let that happen, and honestly, they are a huge part of our society. Textbooks, manuals... I fear a future where we solely rely on technology. (I read a book about the outcome, it didn't look good. ;) )

Will ebooks eventually fail? This is a tough one. Looking at things right now, the ebook is a booming business. It's beyond easy to publish your own work without having to fight through a large company. It's just as easy to buy and read on the go. But will this happy new fad ever die out? ... I seriously doubt it, society right now thrives on convenience and that's what ereaders do for us. Which I think I've said like four times by this point; several, at least.

Of course that question leads into the next one: With the rise of indie authors, will it become harder to find a decently written book? Ouch, it's sounds harsh that way. First off, let's give them a little slack. They DO work really hard to produce a book and put it out in the world. It takes a lot of courage to put your writing out there for people to either love or hate. If you think nobody has any haters, well, I don't know what to say. Even Stephen King has people who bash him.
On the subject of Stephen King, I'd like to point out that a few of his books have typos in them. Only like one or two, but still. When I see an indie author with one or two mistakes in their books, I keep that bit in mind. We're all human, which means we're all imperfect. As long as most of the book is correct, I won't complain.
The plotlines and character development in most of the indie books I bought were pretty good. I have come across a few that were a waste of money, but you can do that with a big publishing company as well. (The Evermore series by Alyson Noel? I hated it, and felt like I wasted ten bucks buying the paperback.)

Facebook is a great place to find teasers to indie author's books. Take a look before you purchase their work. You might find that you love or hate them without needing to spend the money. But in all honesty, I have rarely come across a book I didn't enjoy; indie or not. Maybe it's just good luck. Who knows? At this point in time I really couldn't tell you. But the prices are cheap and I say it's worth the risk. If you don't like it, post up a review so others know.

I think I've rambled enough here, just wanted to just some thoughts down so hopefully they leave me alone to focus on other things; like finding my next book. But hey, feel free to give your own opinions here as well. I'd hate to be the only rambler around. :P