vision thing

A couple of months ago, I asked my friends on Facebook if I would be a traitor to fellow writers if I bought an ebook reader, such as a Kindle or Nook. Fact is, my eyes had been killing me and I was very attracted to the idea of making type larger. I was hoping for some heated opinions on the question — I was willing to follow the crowd if the trend said to go for it, or lay off if it went the other way. 

Only one person bothered to respond (thanks, Antoine!). 

So I either have a bunch of unopinionated friends, or friends who don’t read my posts. Without someone telling me what to do, and being a cheapass by nature, I decided not to get a reader.

I’m glad I didn’t. 

I lost my job about a month ago. In my last year at the agency that foolishly let me go, I did a tremendous amount of writing in Photoshop (for emails), which if you know anything about page layout, it’s the equivalent of writing in handcuffs on a window facing the morning sun. The program isn’t made for intensive copy, which didn’t seem to concern anyone except the people who actually create the documents. 

I do not like programmers, no I don’t. 

Since being let go, my vision has improved noticeably. This, at a time when I’m reading considerably more. I’m never going to write like that for a living again. Unless I’m overpaid. Then, of course, any way you want it, sir or madam. 

RELATED: The New York Times has an article on book covers and free advertising in the digital age.