I have to admit that I’m a bit of a blog addict. My Google Reader regularly sports 300-500 unread posts from various blogs if I happen to go 12-24 hours without checking it. Recently I’ve found myself coming across many articles from big-time tech blogs like Engadget, Gizmodo and Ars Technica that seemingly share the same sentiments about the newest tech gadget out there today … the e-reader.

I’ll start off by saying that I do not own one of these gadgets but that’s not to say that I wouldn’t or don’t want one. In fact, I do want one (BAD!) but have put off buying one until I’m sure of which one to get, which has turned out more difficult than I thought. I could go on to compare the specs of the Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and other versions but that’s not really my reason for posting today. My reason is this:

Why does everyone seem to want to bash on e-readers?

I understand that books in their standard paper and binding form aren’t exactly a “broken” system. With that said I don’t think that e-readers will ever put hard copies of books and magazines completely out of business. What I do find entirely ridiculous is the fact that some supposed “tech writers” are sure that the e-reader is just a fad and even more that they’ll refer to them as down right unnecessary. One Gizmodo writer even went as far to say that he didn’t have an issue with reading digital books, via tablets or mobile phones, but it was the e-reader he hated. Huh?

The opinion is of course allowed but coming from a writer in the technology blogosphere, and specifically Gizmodo which calls itself “the gadget guide” I expect a little more than just opinions. Here’s why …

Of the two major book sellers who have developed e-readers, Amazon and Barnes & Noble, both have seen incredible sales. Barnes & Noble underestimated their pre-orders so poorly this fall that it seems they’re scrambling to deliver orders by promised dates and have even had to delay delivers and/or cut stock in actual stores to help fulfill those online pre-orders. I understand that pre-order sales could support the “fad-only” opinion but Amazon, who is on it’s 3rd iteration of the Kindle, has seen consistent sales and increases each holiday season as well. Does that smell like a fad product?

The facts are clear. People love books. People love gadgets. Logically then, people will buy a gadget that allows them to read books more easily, especially if the can carry a dozen or more (actually a lot more!) without the need for a backpack, suitcase or forklift.

It’s easy to be cynical. And I realize that a large portion of blog writers enjoy being just that. It’s also much easier to call e-readers a fad because if you’re right then you keep your status as “gadget snob” or “gadget guru” and if you’re wrong then you right it off as an anomaly and not talk about it. It’s much harder to support a product that seems to be filling a niche of consumers who love to read and love technology at the same time.

Let’s be honest. With the sales and reviews that we’ve seen, I’d venture a guess that Amazon, B&N and Sony, just to name a few, feel okay with their investment in this latest technology product. I’d also say that e-readers are not going anywhere anytime soon and would even put myself out there to say the war is just beginning between the big players.

Then again, I could be wrong … but I’m actually okay with that.