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Hybrid 'Vooks' Brings Video to Books

by Terrence O'Brien on October 2, 2009 at 08:28 AM

Hybrid 'Vooks' Ask You To Read Video?book  /bʊk/
–noun
1. a written or printed work of fiction or nonfiction, usually on sheets of paper fastened or bound together within covers. -- Dictionary.com

Do you see anything in there about video? No. You know why? Because it's a book!

We're just getting used to the idea of e-books and the Kindle, and now publishers are trying to redefine what a "book" is again. Simon & Schuster is just one of many companies working on releasing "vooks" -- books with video elements. The "vooks" will be electronic publications, meant to be read online, or on an iPod touch or iPhone.

Some examples have already popped up that supplement or replace text with short video segments. 'Level 26: Dark Origins' (a classic, we're sure), by 'CSI' creator Anthony E. Zuiker, pointed readers to a Web site where they would watch short video segments that expanded on the plot. 'Embassy' (a thriller) reveals important plot points through mock news segments. "Vooks" aren't limited to fiction -- 'The 90-Second Fitness Solution' and 'Return to Beauty,' include short video demonstrations and an upcoming book on 18th-century French street music will include links to recordings of songs referenced in the book.

According to the New York Times, some publishers think this hybridization of the book format is essential to attracting "readers" in a new media society. Others however, like ourselves, think that adding multi-media features detracts from the experience of reading. Or if you want to get technical about it -- if you're watching video you're not reading. Professor Maryanne Wolf, author of 'Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain,' told the New York Times, There is no question that these new media are going to be superb at engaging and interesting the reader. Can you any longer read Henry James or George Eliot? Do you have the patience?"

Perhaps video and audio have a place in non-fiction works where they may add valuable information and depth to a book whose purpose is primarily educational. But when it comes to novels, all it will take is one poorly acted sequence with the production values of a cut scene from 'Resident Evil' to completely ruin the experience. [From: New York Times]

Tags: book, books, top, video, vook, vooks

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