The New Intimacy

Hardcover or Softcover Books?

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Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
I was reading a review and it listed not available in hardcover as a con that made me wonder:

Do you prefer books in hardcover or softcover (aka paperback)? Do you even have a preference?

P.S. I almost made the Freudian slip of writing “hardcore” instead of “hardcover”.
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Hardcover
Red Vinyl Kitty , Sammi , Stephanie Marie , Lummox , ichwillwaffels , Bunnycups , Jobthingy , Envy , Angel deSanguine , Mistress M. , zeebot , smirthy , bunny love , Destri , skunked , Miss Morphine , pinkzombie , dv8 , Shellz31 , wetone123 , froggiemoma , The Curious Couple , Scott Ghost , Hanna , That Man from Mars , hjtee , RonLee , Inwitari , mandiegk , CSEA , Trillian , Devz , Seth912 , Breas , EvilHomer , emilia , Miss Anonymous , Pink Jewel , apple4me , I Am Sherlocked , Aubrey M , ZZ , mdnght , Rhazya , Virgingasms
45  (26%)
Softcover
Kayla , Taylor , namelesschaos , pinkcupcakes , leatherlover , Waterfall , ToyTimeTim , NaturalWoman , Maiden , phunkyphreak , Ansley , Linga , KnK , Miss Madeline , Kaltir , Gary , SaucyMan , Latsyrc728 , Ashley:) , Maeby , Adriana Ravenlust , Lio , Stagger13 , Reyes , Pururin , Errant Venture , guard083 , PussyPurr , kadytheredpanda , AmberLeigh , GONE! , jennifur77 , jr2012 , ththpup , KinkyKatieJames
35  (21%)
It depends
C4ss , Dusk , REDRUM , Kindred , Adam02viper , harleydhm , *HisMrs* , Annemarie , DeliciousSurprise , TheSinDoll , slynch , darthkitt3n , sixfootsex , Rainbow Boy , El-Jaro , VenusianThunder , removedacnt , mmike , moonch1ld , Pixel , Pleasure Piratess , mystepmotherisafish , ellejay , Naughty Student , tigerkate , Armsjlove , bobowaxer , Rossie , Daniel & Brittany , yw2 , MaryExy , lunapixie , liilii080 , IrishLassie , sydney106 , ♥ Amanda ♥ , Upskirt , callsignhusker , missdizzy , Petite Valentine , pixieluv , sasweetheart89 , onehotmama , ThoughtsAblaze , gehuwd , Kdlips , Bignuf , Retro , CAKES , K101 , M121212 , lovemuscle n cookie , angel142stx , Eucaly , systematicweasel , boobookittyfuk , tickle me pink , Beck , jeangel246 , VampKitty , Princess-Kayla ♥ , jakhammer , mistressg , XxFallenAngelxX , captainsgirl , Gone (LD29) , gsfanatic , Noelle , Lovesickalien , woodsdragon , kristinkat
71  (42%)
Neither, I use E-books
Alys , kinky girlfriend , potstickers , Cedarlooman , Solar Ray , Anjulie , sarki , Howells , Starkiller87 , cheetahpita , Silverdrop , peachmarie
12  (7%)
Other (please explain)
newlady , purplekidney , Wondermom , null , Ryuson , LexiKitten , 1001 Pleasures
7  (4%)
Total votes: 170
Poll is closed
02/15/2011
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Contributor: Dusk Dusk
I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).
02/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Dusk
I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).
Ditto. I prefer softcover for reading, but if it's a book I want to keep then I prefer hardcover.
02/15/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
I prefer hardcover if it's a physical book (it just feels much more substantial and booklike ), but I do a lot of reading in ebook format.
02/15/2011
Contributor: Alys Alys
I had to get an eBook reader when my library became too large to store conveniently. But in physical books, I'd agree with Dusk and Kindred.
02/15/2011
Contributor: Red Vinyl Kitty Red Vinyl Kitty
I prefer hardcover, because they won't fall apart as quick as the softcover ones.
02/15/2011
Contributor: Adam02viper Adam02viper
i prefer paperbacks usually so that way i can bend the book around so i can hold it with one hand unlike a hardcover book where you can hold it with one hand but its a little harder on the wrist
02/15/2011
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
If it's a book I want to keep, I much prefer the hardcover.
02/15/2011
Contributor: Stephanie Marie Stephanie Marie
I prefer hardcover books. They tend to stay better longer.
02/15/2011
Contributor: Annemarie Annemarie
I like mass market paperbacks for smaller/shorter (in length). They're small, light, and easy to port around.

However, for larger/longer books, I prefer hardcover. Larger/longer books put a lot of strain on the spine (due to the weight), and softcover spines just can't handle it.
02/16/2011
Contributor: TheSinDoll TheSinDoll
Hardcover for books that I want to keep and reference.
02/16/2011
Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
I love hardcover. They are beautiful and I love the loud crack of the spine when i first open it up
02/16/2011
Contributor: sixfootsex sixfootsex
I like both... that way I can buy more than one....... uh.
02/16/2011
Contributor: Envy Envy
I prefer hardcover, but sometimes you just don't have a choice. If I find a book that offers both, though, usually I get hardcvover if the price isn't outrageous since hardcover books can sometimes be double the price of softcovers, in which case I'll just get the soft cover.

Reason being is I stuff books into my backpack and too many times my softcovers have gotten ruined.

They really should also laminate all softcovers since I had one that wasn't and half the cover rubbed away. I had to laminate it myself but the damage has already been done.
02/16/2011
Contributor: kinky girlfriend kinky girlfriend
Quote:
Originally posted by namelesschaos
I was reading a review and it listed not available in hardcover as a con that made me wonder:

Do you prefer books in hardcover or softcover (aka paperback)? Do you even have a preference?

P.S. I almost made the Freudian slip of writing ... more
I needed to reduc clutter I have a kindle now. unless I want a book REALLy bad and its not available on the kindle i would get it (like the harry potter series or nintendo guide books for pokemon) so I would only have a small collection of books. I'm actually thinking about selling all my dvds...there is no point buying them anymore is there with netflix or finding it free online to watch? unless you travel and want a few dvds to take with you or you couldn't find something specific on netflixs or free to wach online?
02/16/2011
Contributor: leatherlover leatherlover
Softcover, I find it easier to hold and read.
02/16/2011
Contributor: Waterfall Waterfall
I prefer softcover and ebooks because the softcovers are easier to hold and read and my e-reader is also easy to hold.
02/16/2011
Contributor: Mistress M. Mistress M.
I prefer hardcover books. Because I don't have to worry about the binding in them going out as easily as I would a softbound book. I am not a huge fan of ebooks because they make my eyes hurt reading them too long.
02/17/2011
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Depends really.

When it comes to non-porn books, paperbacks are smaller and easier to carry around. Hardcover books are sturdier but a lot heavier.
02/17/2011
Contributor: zeebot zeebot
Hardcover, especially if it's a larger book, otherwise it's difficult to read in bed.
02/23/2011
Contributor: VenusianThunder VenusianThunder
If it is a larger book, I prefer hardcover, because larger books fall apart too easily in paperback. In general, however I prefer paperbacks.
I collect the works of a handful of authors and those authors I prefer to have in hardcover as well, simply because I know I will read them over and over again.
02/23/2011
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
I agree with most of the others, if it's a book I want to keep, or a reference book, I want hardcover. Otherwise, softcover is fine.
02/23/2011
Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
I voted softcover, since in the majority of cases I prefer it and it cheaper. I've never had a problem with softcovers not being durable enough. Although very large book like text books are better ,and usually only available, in hardcover.
02/23/2011
Contributor: mmike mmike
It depends. Most of my books are soft. I certainly enjoy reading novels, memoirs and short plays in trade paperback. However, when I'm reading my favorite comic book series, I prefer the book to be hardcover with large, high quality paper because of the artwork. Same thing goes for coffee table books. Basically, if the book has many illustrations or photos, I want them to be hardcover.
02/24/2011
Contributor: Maiden Maiden
Quote:
Originally posted by Adam02viper
i prefer paperbacks usually so that way i can bend the book around so i can hold it with one hand unlike a hardcover book where you can hold it with one hand but its a little harder on the wrist
This is my issue. Paper backs are just more comfortable to me. I read a lot and reading hard covers tire my wrist not to mention my fingers getting rubbed raw from holding them in a awkward way. I read A LOT. I have considered getting one of those new Kindels or something but it's just too expensive. I go to used book stores and get books for $1, so it's not practical for me.
03/01/2011
Contributor: Pixel Pixel
I love hardcover books, and have those as my 'good' (read as: DO NOT get loaned out EVER) copies of certain books. But they are expensive, especially when bought new, so most of my books are paperbacks. Paperbacks are also more comfortable for reading in long stretches or on the go.
03/01/2011
Contributor: Pleasure Piratess Pleasure Piratess
Quote:
Originally posted by Dusk
I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).
Ha! I was just scrolling to write this exact sentiment, but you beat me to it.
03/01/2011
Contributor: phunkyphreak phunkyphreak
I prefer soft cover because they are a little cheaper but if I really want to re-read it I will buy it in hardcover and never loan them out to anyone.
03/07/2011
Contributor: bunny love bunny love
I love a well bound book! I bind books as a hobby, so I'm kind of nerd about them.

I typically prefer hard cover books, but lately I'm just happy to read anything that isn't a textbook! I need a break!
03/08/2011
Contributor: Destri Destri
I love a hardcover book. They last a lot longer than a paperback does if it is a favorite and you read it over and over. Plus I just love the look and feel of them.
03/08/2011