Books and Reading - A Survey
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
3. "Books and the Internet"
Definitely
Schmuli wrote:
1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released?
Hopefully, otherwise noone interested in google technology would read books about them. ;P
I'm waiting for Windows Feng Shui, where you have to re-arrange your icons in a manner which best enables your application to run. Richard Jones
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
3. "Books and the Internet"
A book usually has some form of buildup, and that can be an advantage when studying a new tech. The first chapters are usually some introduction, and the chapters following build on the stuff that you read in earlier chapters. Weblogs usually don't have this build-up. There's a (short) article, explaining a specific point or question. Both have their merits :)
Schmuli wrote:
1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology?
No, since most applications change their specs faster then a book gets reprinted. That goes especially for the beta's!
Schmuli wrote:
2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released?
No, I'm going to wait until they have a stable version. I'm not going to invest a day reading about something that's outdated tomorrow.
Schmuli wrote:
3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology?
Not if there's an updated version.
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
1. "Books are my first choice" I print most PDFs I want to read; I even three hole punch them and put them in binders. I can then take it out on the patio and read. If it's worth reading, it's worth printing and reading later in a more relaxed setting. 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? Not since the first C# spec came out (in 1999?).
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
3. "Books and the Internet"
Schmuli wrote:
Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology?
I did, but won't do it again :)
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
A book beats online anytime. Online help, online documents - it doen't matter. Give me dead trees, lots of them!
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
Give a rating between 1 to 5, where:
3. "Books and the Internet
Schmuli wrote:
If you read books:
2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? Not unless the book was free.
John
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Didn't vote, because I actually prefer books over many things, it just takes to long to decide which one to make them a first.
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
1. "Books are my first choice"
Schmuli wrote:
6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which?
Addison-Wesley /Jonas
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
5. "Books? Never!" They are so dated as is the content. Encyclopaedia Britannica or Wiki?
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Hi, Please find my answers inline. When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? My rating is 4 If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? No 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? No 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? Yes 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? No 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? No 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? No Regards, Kiran
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Schmuli wrote:
3. "Books and the Internet"
Book to understand/learn a subject, internet for reference
Schmuli wrote:
1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology?
Haven't got the time, use blogs to keep up to date on forth coming technologies
Schmuli wrote:
2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released?
Possibly, depends on if there is a book on the released version or not
Schmuli wrote:
3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology?
No
Schmuli wrote:
4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which?
No
Schmuli wrote:
5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which?
No
Schmuli wrote:
6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which?
No I tend to find books that have good content and are rated well (use Amazon et al for readers reviews) to help me decide if a book is worth looking at.
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
Q1. Tend to use books to reinforce a tech, and the internet for tips and tricks (rarely for anything more substantial than that) so I'd say
Schmuli wrote:
2. "Books, if they are more convenient"
Q1: No Q2: No Q3: Yes, if I needed it for my current employment Q4: Fowler, Wagner, Flanaghan, Cederholm, Henderson and Sun Tzu are on my desk permanently Q5: Addison Wesley, Effective ..., Bulletproof ... Q6: Used to like Wrox, now like Addison Wesley. Also tend to use Amazon ratings to pick between several on the same subject.
"If you reward everyone, there will not be enough to go around, so you offer a reward to one in order to encourage everyone." Mei Yaochen in the 'Doing Battle' section of Sun Tzu's: Art of War. .
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
3 Books and the Internet 1 possibly 2 possibly 3 yes (it's always good to see where something has come from and why) 4 no 5 no 6 no
Remember, nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humour!
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
1. "Books are my first choice" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? No 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? No 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? No 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? No 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? O'Reilly In A Nutshell 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? O'Reilly
Pierre Boucher 'Bien souvent on se rend coupable en négligeant d'agir, et non pas seulement en agissant.' - Marc Aurèle, empereur et philosophe romain.
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
I prefer books for learning something new. Online is ok for looking up (reference). Example would be needing a system call to do something. A book is easier for figuring out what the call is, look up subject. Online reference then gives me the details once I know the name. Or in existing code, hit F1 and get help on that call. I can flip pages and figure out a book; assuming I can find a good one on the subject. Online can be rather difficult to navigate.
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
3. "Books and the Internet" I'd probably settle for an ebook reader as a compromise - too expensive at the moment though. The internet definitely wins on price and availability i.e. free (mostly) and available now, but it's not the most convenient. Unless you have multiple monitors you can't have the book and the code you're working on open at the same time, yes you can keep flipping between 2 windows but it's a pain. Also I tend to read either on the train to work (long trip) and a book is just more practical (especially if you don't get a seat)
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Just a short survey on some technical reading habits. I'm interested in what and when you read, not what you read (printed or digital) or how you obtain the book (bought, borrowed, etc.). When reading up on a new technology, how much do you rely on books for information (note that new here means new for you; the technology can be at any stage, from alpha to released)? Give a rating between 1 to 5, where: 1. "Books are my first choice" 2. "Books, if they are more convenient" 3. "Books and the Internet" 4. "Books always come after the Internet" 5. "Books? Never!" If you read books: 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? If yes, which? 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? If yes, which? 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? If yes, which? Thank you in advance for any replies. Schmuli.
1. "Books are my first choice" I'm from an older generation and I prefer reading hardcopy. I like being able to roam & read without computer at my side. 1. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology? only if I received it free and technology was still beta 2. Would you read a book based on a Beta of the technology, if the technology has been released? no 3. Would you read a book based on a previous version of the technology? possibly 4. Do you prefer any particular Author? no 5. Do you prefer any particular Series? no 6. Do you prefer any particular Publisher? O'Reilly, Wrox, Microsoft Press
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Schmuli wrote:
3. "Books and the Internet"
Primarily, books to learn, internet (or online, at least - I count PDF/HTML on a PC as closer to internet than book) for reference.