Ebooks, Book Burning, & Darnton’s Book Cycle
In 1982, Robert Darnton introduced a general model, known as “The Communications Circuit.” This model was a representation for the life of a book and its journey through society. Darnton proposed that printed books passed through each of the stages and the life cycle as a whole. The cyclical model includes several phases: Authors—Publishers—Printers—Shippers—Booksellers—Readers (Darnton, 1982, p. 68). Therefore, the rise in digital eBooks begs the question: Where do eBooks fit into the model? Ebooks and digital materials have authors and publishers. In fact, some eBooks are born digital from digital-only publishing companies; this is an excellent example of how the book industry has evolved and adapted in the Digital Age. In comparison with printed books, eBooks lack the need for printers and shippers since digital materials are typically delivered wirelessly. Booksellers, however, are now a strong phase of the cycle for eBooks; eBooks can be read on several different media devices (from phones to computers to eReaders) and can be instantaneously purchased from large retailers such as Amazon and Apple. Readers, and their characteristics and preferences (a phase that is sometimes difficult to study), may differ from format to format. However, this phase exists in the digital world nonetheless. Although Darnton published his article in 1982, his book cycle model has arguably proved flexible enough to include the rise of electronic books over thirty years later.
Ebooks, without much effort or adjustment, can be situated within the model created by Darnton. Once included in the cycle, how does censorship such as book burning occur in a digital environment? Are these practices more or less effective when compared to physical burning?
Ebooks, without much effort or adjustment, can be situated within the model created by Darnton. Once included in the cycle, how does censorship such as book burning occur in a digital environment? Are these practices more or less effective when compared to physical burning?