How digitization has changed how we read : Tikuli

Tikuli

Tikuli is an internationally published poet, author and blogger from Delhi whose work has appeared in print and online literary magazines includingLe Zaporogue, MiCROW 8, The Smoking Book (Poets Wear Prada Press, US), Life And legends, Levure Littéraire 10, The Enchanting Verses Literary Review, Open Road Review, Cafe Dissensus, Mnemosyne Literary Journal, Dissident Voice, Women's Web, Tuck Magazine, The Criterion, Peregrine Muse, Knot Magazine, Asian Signature Magazine, The Bombay Review, The Thumb Print – A Magazine From The East, The Peacock Journal and The Peacock Journal Anthology, TEKSTO- The People's Magazine, Guntur National Poetry Festival Anthology, Melange – a Potpourri of thoughts, Le Zaporogue Print editions and the much acclaimed Chicken Soup For The Indian Romantic Soul(Westland). Her debut poetry book, Collection of Chaos, was published in 2014 by Leaky Boot Press. Her second book of poems Wayfaring was published in 2017 by Leaky Boot Press. Her third book of poems Duets, written in collaboration with James Goddard, was released in November 2018. She blogs at tikulicious.wordpress.com.

In the past few decades digital revolution has had a powerful effect on reading. In fact it has revolutionized the way we read. There is a definite shift towards digital forms of reading and computer-based forms of literary reading.  The arguments in favour of digital reading are convenience, ease of reading anywhere, anytime, and the ready availability and ‘searchability’ of a large number of reading materials including books though there are still a very large section of readers who reject e reading of any sort. I personally read a lot of material including, poetry, fiction, essays, book reviews, excerpts etc. online but I have not yet graduated to reading books in digital format. Somehow I don’t get convinced about doing literary reading on screen.

Many believed that the whole digitalization and internet access would kill the traditional book publishing and retailing but on the contrary in many cases the internet has pushed the sales of the printed books.  Many people, including me, found a route to publish my print book via internet - through blogging, submission to online journals, connecting with writers on social media channels like Facebook and Twiter. Social media has made it easier for people to discuss and get or give recommendations, showcase their own work, connect with the authors at a one to one level which was not possible earlier.

The rise in literary journals and magazines (some have a print version too) has opened doors to many upcoming writers as well as new readers who are exploring certain genres.  At the same time there are so many stories, poems available to read that it becomes overwhelming to sort good writing from the content.

I have been blogging for more than ten years now though mine is not a literary blog. I feel that although the number of bloggers continues to increase and there are some great book blogs yet literary renaissance that one expected hasn’t happened despite some sterling work by a few.

In the last decade social media and online marketing have evolved and I don’t think having a blog is very beneficial as an author unless you have something interesting and important to say or your career benefits from it. Many of us now just use the blog for promotions etc.  On the other hand Facebook Author or Book Pages and an active presence on other social media channels do help a lot in showcasing and discussing your work. There are numerous alternatives for online networking and promotion that are much more effective.

There has also been a significant rise in self-publishing and digital distribution which again can be a boon or a bane.  The costs are small and one can successfully write and sell to a niche readership.  On the other hand there is no ‘gatekeeping’ so a lot of bad writing comes through making it difficult to find something that resonates with you. 

I have also noticed a rise in publication of regional and minority literature too since the advent of digitalization which in my opinion is very good and needs to be supported.

The transition from paper-based to screen based writing has tremendous negative impact too which cannot be trivialized and it is something everyone needs to be mindful about. We always said, ‘we are what we read’ but one should also add to it ‘we are how we read’. The future of reading, including literature, in times of digitalization is a multifaceted, multilayered discussion that  needs a lot of questioning and research but one can not dismiss completely the fact that with the advancement of technology  one will eventually have to tune ourselves to read and write on screen based devices in balance with paper based interaction.