What do you think the problem is with getting people to read?

[Shaun]

This isn't really a debate, but more a way to figure out some ideas as to why people aren't reading. I preface this, however, by saying that readership isn't actually declining as the papers and Internet are saying. I wrote a post recently on my blog that dealt with the misrepresentation of data by The New Yorker which tried to show that readership is drastically declining, when really it's more at a stalemate or a standstill with expected fluctuations--like in the economy.
However, there obviously is a problem with getting more people to read, especially people who don't normally read. So what do you think are key reasons why people don't read?

[Rafael Domination]

I think some of them think books are for geeks. At least most of the kids in my school think so. I also think literary deficiency, and impatience contribute to people not wanting to read books...

I hate that.

[Shaun]

Andy will probably chime in that schools don't help make reading fun for kids either. A lot of books that are forced down on kids are books that most people hate. That's not to say that the classics should be ignored, but there should be an even mix of classics and more modern titles that would be interesting to everyone. If kids realize that there are books they had and love, then they're more likely to look for books they'll love.

[Nyx]

Andy will probably chime in that schools don't help make reading fun for kids either. A lot of books that are forced down on kids are books that most people hate. That's not to say that the classics should be ignored, but there should be an even mix of classics and more modern titles that would be interesting to everyone. If kids realize that there are books they had and love, then they're more likely to look for books they'll love.

Some teachers do that which is great I think:D

Yea, some people do think readings for geeks but I see no way of convincing them that it's not.

[Shaun]

The whole 'reading is for geeks' thing never made sense to me. What about reading a newspaper or reading a book about football or baseball is geekish? It's stupid. You don't have to read fantasy and science fiction to be considered a reader...

[Crocolyle]

It's possible that some people normally don't read because they just simply don't like it. I mean, not everyone enjoys doing the same kinds of things. I'm sure some people here don't enjoy playing sports or don't enjoy playing video games. I think it really is a matter of taste.

For example, in my family, both my parents love to read, my brother loves to read and I love to read. Yet, my sister does not like reading, particularly fiction. She has no learning disability, and she sometimes is willing to read nonfiction (like she sort of liked a book on the tombs in Egypt), but she has no particular fondness for that either. Her hatred of reading goes so far that she can't even get through books like Harry Potter, Holes, or a Series of Unfortunate Events without a struggle, which children who dislike reading usually actually enjoy.

I can't attribute this to her thinking reading is uncool, because she has many close friends who enjoy reading (that isn't to say that all her friends enjoy reading, but a lot of them do) and she does do some things that are generally considered uncool (like she has a great love of video games and enjoys acting in plays).

You're probably right in that readership is not declining and probably has maintained about the same. A certain percentage of the population doesn't read because they simply don't like reading. I guess it's a bit of a shame (at least in our minds), but everyone is entitled to have their own interests. There's no point in forcing someone to read (particularly for entertainment), when they don't clearly don't want to (except in school, because they need to be literate to function in a consumerist society where most good jobs involve good reading skills).

Not everyone enjoys the same sources of entertainment. I don't think there really is any logical reason or environmental cause behind people not wanting to read. People just have different tastes. I actually asked me sister once, "Why do you don't like reading." She said, "Because I like pictures, not words." I personally think she's finding an explanation for something that has none, but maybe she's right or maybe there just simply isn't an adequate justification.

[Eve]

Reading involves concentration, imagining things and more. (Sorry, Shaun, Nyx. I'm contradicting myself in that debate.) People, having to spend most their time in front of the television watching movies don't seem to have the interest in reading than others. As Roald Dahl tells his readers, the television is the hindrance to the world of books. It spoils the chance to let your imagination run wild and when approached with a fiction book, you may think that it is talking nonsense, even up to the point of boring.

Croc, you said that your sister did not like reading fiction but prefers non-fiction. There could be a possibility that she prefers things straightforward and not going around the bush. That is not wrong, though. It is just that she enjoys things different from others.

Coming to concentration, people do not like to concentrate as it is very tiring for the mind and very tedious. In books, especially fiction, you need to follow closely to the plot so that the story would make more sense. It is also the blocking of the mind from distractions, loud music, television etc. etc. All these are far more tempting to being what everyone would call a 'bookworm'.

In my school, it is a common sight to see the students reading as they walk out from the auditorium after morning assembly. (Hehe, I'm an expert but once I accidentally knocked someone over) Can they really concentrate on what they are reading? Are they actually enjoying the book? *Guilty* I think that's probably why it's a problem getting people to read. Forcing someone to read will probably never work too.

[Shaun]

It's possible that some people normally don't read because they just simply don't like it. I mean, not everyone enjoys doing the same kinds of things. I'm sure some people here don't enjoy playing sports or don't enjoy playing video games. I think it really is a matter of taste.

Well, I can agree there, but do you think that the majority of people that don't read do so because of this reason? Or can we say that may some of those non-readers don't read because of some other reason?


You're probably right in that readership is not declining and probably has maintained about the same. A certain percentage of the population doesn't read because they simply don't like reading. I guess it's a bit of a shame (at least in our minds), but everyone is entitled to have their own interests. There's no point in forcing someone to read (particularly for entertainment), when they don't clearly don't want to (except in school, because they need to be literate to function in a consumerist society where most good jobs involve good reading skills).

Actually, I am right on that fact. I did the math based on the percentages people are quoting here: http://wisb.blogspot.com/2007/12/readership-isnt-as-bad-as-you-think.html
Readership has dropped a little, but when you look at where it used to be, it's not really a big deal. If anything, we're seeing a cycle that follows the same cycle as the economy...up and down...up and down.

[Andy]

Andy will probably chime in that schools don't help make reading fun for kids either. A lot of books that are forced down on kids are books that most people hate. That's not to say that the classics should be ignored, but there should be an even mix of classics and more modern titles that would be interesting to everyone. If kids realize that there are books they had and love, then they're more likely to look for books they'll love.
You pretty much stole my two cents, and knowingly. :)

Other parts to the issue could be that books aren't really a social activity. Video games can be played with friends, and sports, but I've never sat down with my friends and read harry potter, for example. :D So, that might be part of it. A desire to be more in touch with friends and spend time with them. A lot of people might see reading as a lonely, thus less desirable, activity.

[Nyx]

Reading involves concentration, imagining things and more. (Sorry, Shaun, Nyx. I'm contradicting myself in that debate.) People, having to spend most their time in front of the television watching movies don't seem to have the interest in reading than others. As Roald Dahl tells his readers, the television is the hindrance to the world of books. It spoils the chance to let your imagination run wild and when approached with a fiction book, you may think that it is talking nonsense, even up to the point of boring.

That's not actually true, my sister hates reading but she also hates television, same goes for some of my friends.


Croc, you said that your sister did not like reading fiction but prefers non-fiction. There could be a possibility that she prefers things straightforward and not going around the bush. That is not wrong, though. It is just that she enjoys things different from others.

Actually, Lyle said that his sister doesn't particulary enjoy non-fiction either.

Coming to concentration, people do not like to concentrate as it is very tiring for the mind and very tedious. In books, especially fiction, you need to follow closely to the plot so that the story would make more sense. It is also the blocking of the mind from distractions, loud music, television etc. etc. All these are far more tempting to being what everyone would call a 'bookworm'.
You don't need to be a 'bookworm' to like reading, you could just enjoy it occasionally. Also it's not hard to read with loud music or while the TV is on.

[Crocolyle]

Well, I can agree there, but do you think that the majority of people that don't read do so because of this reason? Or can we say that may some of those non-readers don't read because of some other reason?
I haven't done any real research or really have any facts to support my stance, but I would assume that the majority is caused by people not reading because they simply dislike it. I suppose some non-readers don't read for some other reason, but I would think the majority don't read because it just isn't one of their interests.

[Shaun]

I haven't done any real research or really have any facts to support my stance, but I would assume that the majority is caused by people not reading because they simply dislike it. I suppose some non-readers don't read for some other reason, but I would think the majority don't read because it just isn't one of their interests.

I wonder, though, how many of those people who don't like reading hated it because of what they had to read in school. I mean, if reading is made out to be a boring, horrible, required activity, you're really not likely to do it for recreation.

[Nyx]

I wonder, though, how many of those people who don't like reading hated it because of what they had to read in school. I mean, if reading is made out to be a boring, horrible, required activity, you're really not likely to do it for recreation.

I don't think a big part of it is school, afterall in school even though there's forced reading, you also see your friends reading cool books in free reading.

[Shaun]

I don't think a big part of it is school, afterall in school even though there's forced reading, you also see your friends reading cool books in free reading.

? There were people reading books for fun in school? Where? (I'm not being rude, I'm being silly). But in all seriousness, I don't remember many of my friends reading for the heck of it. Mostly we were babbling about how much we hated what we had to read...and then we'd spend our lunches making jokes about stuff that happened. My friend Andrew used to have us rolling.

[Eve]

? There were people reading books for fun in school? Where? (I'm not being rude, I'm being silly). But in all seriousness, I don't remember many of my friends reading for the heck of it. Mostly we were babbling about how much we hated what we had to read...and then we'd spend our lunches making jokes about stuff that happened. My friend Andrew used to have us rolling.

Actually, schools force students to read books, don't they? Monday-Thursday, English, Friday, mother tongue

[Nyx]

? There were people reading books for fun in school? Where? (I'm not being rude, I'm being silly). But in all seriousness, I don't remember many of my friends reading for the heck of it. Mostly we were babbling about how much we hated what we had to read...and then we'd spend our lunches making jokes about stuff that happened. My friend Andrew used to have us rolling.
Well of course we make fun of the books we are forced to read, but the books we read in the reading period (which means we get to choose what to read) are books we like so...:P

Actually, schools force students to read books, don't they? Monday-Thursday, English, Friday, mother tongue

Yep, they do. In our class it's Francais from Mon-Wed and English on Thursdays.

[Eve]

Yep, they do. In our class it's Francais from Mon-Wed and English on Thursdays.

I see...

[Shaun]

Well of course we make fun of the books we are forced to read, but the books we read in the reading period (which means we get to choose what to read) are books we like so...:P



Yep, they do. In our class it's Francais from Mon-Wed and English on Thursdays.

We don't have 'reading period' in the States. Kids don't get much of an option to read something they want to, and when they do it usually has a deadline on it and it's still a requirement. Reading needs to be developed in kids early on. Get them to read books they like when they're younger and they'll more than likely keep reading. That also assumes they like to read of course. I agree with Croc that some people simply don't like to read. Sometimes I don't like reading, but then other times I'm totally engrossed.

[Nyx]

We don't have 'reading period' in the States. Kids don't get much of an option to read something they want to, and when they do it usually has a deadline on it and it's still a requirement. Reading needs to be developed in kids early on. Get them to read books they like when they're younger and they'll more than likely keep reading. That also assumes they like to read of course. I agree with Croc that some people simply don't like to read. Sometimes I don't like reading, but then other times I'm totally engrossed.

You don't have a reading period?! I think that's basically the best way to get kids reading, it's a free period to read whatever we like, no magazines though:rolleyes:

[Shaun]

You don't have a reading period?! I think that's basically the best way to get kids reading, it's a free period to read whatever we like, no magazines though:rolleyes:

I don't remember having one when I was younger. The only thing I remember was in High School having to read a certain number of books on my own every year. It was easy for me because I could read things I liked, but there were a lot of people that were just not into it because they either couldn't read very well, weren't as into it, or were just sick and tired of being forced to read crap they didn't want to.

You know, someone should talk to your school about the magazines thing. You should be able to read fiction magazines and journals! That's still reading, it's just short fiction.

[Nyx]

I don't remember having one when I was younger. The only thing I remember was in High School having to read a certain number of books on my own every year. It was easy for me because I could read things I liked, but there were a lot of people that were just not into it because they either couldn't read very well, weren't as into it, or were just sick and tired of being forced to read crap they didn't want to.

You know, someone should talk to your school about the magazines thing. You should be able to read fiction magazines and journals! That's still reading, it's just short fiction.

I don't think anyone would mind that, the teachers wouldn't complain to that. I just mean the girls can't come to class and read about Zac Efron's new crush:rolleyes:

[Shaun]

I don't think anyone would mind that, the teachers wouldn't complain to that. I just mean the girls can't come to class and read about Zac Efron's new crush:rolleyes:

Well then go grab yourself a copy of Neo-Opsis (which is a canadian SF/F magazine) and read that :D. I'm a fan of that mag now. I just sent a submission there.

[Nyx]

Well then go grab yourself a copy of Neo-Opsis (which is a canadian SF/F magazine) and read that :D. I'm a fan of that mag now. I just sent a submission there.

Yea I think I will actually:D I need to do some serious book and magazine shopping this winter break. Write now the only magazines I'm reading are some Automative ones and that's basically it.

[Shaun]

Well get Neo-Opsis and Analog for certain. The others are sort of up to you if you can find them. There are a lot of magazines, but I've not read them all so I can't give any advice on what to pick.
I'm still waiting on my damned first issue of Analog...

[Nyx]

I'll buy them soon I suppose, I have to buy something before this saturday so I have stuff to read in the ski resort:D