One in four Americans read no books last year.

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by tesla, Aug 21, 2007.

  1. Nintendo

    Nintendo ♬ King of da Wackos ♬

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    #21
    That's sad when you're asked to name a country that starts with a you and ewe can't even think of your own country!!!! Then again, she's probably from Panet Zeekois!!! :D:D:D:D

    I'm a reader freak. Fiction is one of da last kinds of books I would read. I like science, medical, astronomy...politics types of books and magazeens. Not to mention Readers Digest. When I eat lunch and dinner, I read at da same time.
     
    Nintendo, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  2. tesla

    tesla Notable Member

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    #22
    Nintendo, you and I are on the same page(no pun intended). I cannot begin to understand how people don't like reading. I can't wait to get the book I just ordered in the mail last week. I'm very excited about the statistical information it will contain. :) Reading truly makes you smart and well informed.

    I also see why you don't care much for fiction books. Why read something about fantasy, when there is so much to learn about in the real world?
     
    tesla, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  3. drmike

    drmike Well-Known Member

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    #23
    WOW... you literally blew my mind by saying that. I can only hope it was some form of a sick teisted joke. Books are the place to get knowledge, and probably always will. You mentioned in another post that books are merely peoples opinions, what do you think the internet is? You are going to put your faithful trust into some joe who has a blog? Or a news site? That statement alone proves beyond any doubt that you haven't the slightest clue as to the world we live in and are probably very narrow minded and focus on one or two things. It is a sin because you haven't even the slightest idea as to what you are missing out on, then again, it has been said that ignorance is bliss:D
     
    drmike, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  4. drmike

    drmike Well-Known Member

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    #24
    Anyone read philosophy? I am going to start Walden tomorrow, hailed as the greastest American work by some. I am pumped!
     
    drmike, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  5. buffalo

    buffalo Illustrious Member

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    #25
    Love the double post...

    tesla said that the internet is just people's opinions. I was pointing out that the same was true for books. I'm not putting my faithful trust in anybody's blog. I never said that you go around believing everything that you read on the internet. But you also can't believe everything that you read in a book. It is our own responsibility to gather what information that we can and form our own opinions from that. Anyone who believes that books are the only reliable form of information is wrong, just as anyone who believes that the internet is the only reliable source is also wrong.

    One single statement does not prove anything about my level of ignorance. I hold multiple college degrees and I am a successful business owner. Please do not make insulting assumptions about me, when you know nothing about who I am.
     
    buffalo, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  6. tesla

    tesla Notable Member

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    #26
    I'm interested in philosophy, but I haven't got any books on it currently. I'm really interested in financial philosophies.
     
    tesla, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  7. Mong

    Mong ↓↘→ horsePower

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    #27
    Well, it was bound to happen with the advancement of digital era. :)
     
    Mong, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  8. BoutiqueMusic

    BoutiqueMusic Peon

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    #28
    I average 3-5 books a month depending on how good they are. If it is real good, I will read it in 2 or 3 sittings.

    The last book I read was John Nance's "Orbit". I finshed it less than 48 hours after I started it.

    My favorite author is Mack Maloney.
     
    BoutiqueMusic, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  9. Libertate

    Libertate Guest

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    #29
    I just have to point out some facts that seem to be missing and/or incorrect in this thread, and from most of the articles referencing this "poll".

    http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/client/act_dsp_pdf.cfm?name=mr070821-4topline.pdf&id=3613

    1. This "poll" was conducted on 1,003 people. (US population 301,139,947)

    2. The margin of error is +-3.1 to 3.5%

    3. The number is not 1 in 4, but 27%. With +3.5% that could be 30.5%, or "almost third of US residents read at least 1 book last year".

    4. 23% of the polled individuals read 6 to 15 books last year!

    5. The survey does NOT say they only read fiction. It says they ALSO read fiction.
    6. 31% of the 1,003 polled were under the age of 35.

    7. Even better number from this "scientific poll" only 63% of the polled were employed.

    8. 48% stated they had completed schooling above High School (12th grade). That is, 5% was in High School or were drop outs.

    9. 43% of the polled individuals lived in a household with less than $50,000 total annual household income.

    10. 59% of the polled were from the South and Midwest (mostly rural regions).

    I don't care what the result of the "poll" is.

    Considering that the US population is about 301139947, taking 1,003 people and projecting it on the remaining 99.9996% is unrealistic at best.

    • In 2001 42,900 people died in car accidents.
    • Of the 42,900 people, 94% ate carrots in the previous 12 months.
    • Eating carrots kills.

    Get my point?
     
    Libertate, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  10. aletheides

    aletheides Banned

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    #30
    Tesla I read 48 Laws of Power and I thought it kicked ass... That book is a doozy.

    I read mostly business and real estate books when I can.

    I used to read fiction when I was a kid but got a little older and figured I could just get my entertainment from the teevee if I wanted entertainment... Now I too stick to non-fiction.
     
    aletheides, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  11. scriptillusion

    scriptillusion Peon

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    #31
    Do e-books count? Hahaha just kidding. Look I understand reading is a very important part of gaining intelligence, but I don't think that everyone who reads is always very intelligent. I have seen too many idiots in my day to believe that.

    I think it has a lot to do with your own ability to decipher bull***t no matter what it's form - written or spoken, and using the good information to form your own conclusions, experiences, and truths.
     
    scriptillusion, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  12. mrpointdigital

    mrpointdigital Active Member

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    #32

    I agree 100% with you...
    I hate books and I love reading information on the internet..
     
    mrpointdigital, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  13. Gatorade

    Gatorade Peon

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    #33
    There's not much time in today's society for reading books. Everyone has to earn money just to afford a living and when you get home from work you have chores to do there. It's very hard finding the time.

    There's also the internet.
     
    Gatorade, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  14. sundaybrew

    sundaybrew Numerati

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    #34
    Guess , I am not one of them since I read posts all day long :)

    So thats cool at least I think,

    Great thread btw - You Rock Tesla :)
     
    sundaybrew, Aug 21, 2007 IP
  15. designerz

    designerz Banned

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    #35
    How sad. Books are awesome. when i can tear myself away from the computer! lol
     
    designerz, Aug 22, 2007 IP
  16. shaun12345

    shaun12345 Banned

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    #36
    tesla i respect how you said that people come here wanting free hand outs and want you to make them rich well come on people think of it life is supose to be a challenge which it is so WHY NOT do as much reserch into one thing and then own it for yourself!
     
    shaun12345, Aug 22, 2007 IP
  17. abstroose

    abstroose Notable Member

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    #37
    Nevermind =/
     
    abstroose, Aug 22, 2007 IP
  18. Yankee0306

    Yankee0306 Peon

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    #38
    I love to read. Reading for me is very relaxing and enjoyable. Yeah I love the internet and read a lot of blogs and other material but nothing beats a good book. I am shocked so few people read books. I read 4 or 5 a month and would read more if I had the time.

    Last few read:

    Lean Mean Thirteen
    Freakonomics
    E-Myth Revisited
    Small Vices
     
    Yankee0306, Aug 22, 2007 IP
  19. goy

    goy Well-Known Member

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    #39
    Not much scary as Thai people. According to the statistic, Each Thai people read book or any other published documentaries only 4 lines a year. That's so scary.
     
    goy, Aug 22, 2007 IP
  20. Night Owl

    Night Owl Peon

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    #40
    I read lots of books- always have a murder mystery on the go, and I read a lot of self improvement and wealth creation type books.

    Plus I review books for our website.

    I see Selltrib, also from Adelaide, is also a book lover- maybe Adelaide is the bookworm capital of the world! :)
     
    Night Owl, Aug 22, 2007 IP