What factors turns you off from reading/purchasing a chess book?

When I first become introduced to a chess book, despite the fact most have dazzling and very attractive color, I glance at the table of contents and find a topic I like. I turn to those pages and I’m often disappointed by the language of the author. If the language is user friendly then I proceed to read. Not every chess book is for me or you. Many chess books although receiving rave reviews and recommendations from websites and even here, often are written on GM level. On the other hand, some books are just so so elementary that it’s a waste of time. Like choosing a chess move, how do you choose a good chess book? I’m also discouraged by chess books that will probably take 10 years to get through all the chapters. LOL...just give me the pure meat and bones in a few pages or chapters. I could go on about philosophical prefaces and introduction that sound more like one’s reading a sociology or psychology book, but that’s all for now!

A bad review from a reviewer I trust is a big negative. For example, this:

http://www.chessedinburgh.co.uk/chandlerarticle.php?ChandID=16

 

Also, the book has to be appropriate for my skill level.

I still buy books. Call me a dinosaur...

#3

Books are much more practical, fashionable, secure etc...

1. Computer might get broken or out of electricity

2. It's heavy and almost impossible to carry around to go a long distance

3. Book is something you can feel it, touch it and have pleasure out of it.

4. Book you can sell it easily in comparison.

#6

1. Tomorrow virus , and everything is gone or maybe half is gone and your usb devices are all infected.

2.Normal people carry just one book at the time

3. Once you will get married, that's all you will be touching.

4. Can you sell 1000 ebooks to someone now?

Ha ha ha...

ESP, I use hand held devices....ipad and iPhone.....even if they go...still can get pdf copies online or the cloud storage. You can tout an entire library of textbooks..

If it isn’t in AN notation I won’t it. Another major turn of is if it’s just lines with very few explanations. My favorite Chess books give a brief sense of history behind whatever line or position it’s talking about.

As far as the torrent / ebooks thing goes. Ebooks are fine but unless it’s interactive I’d much prefer to flip pages than scroll, and I find computer screens hard on my eyes while I’m reading.
As for torrents and getting it for free, if you love something support it! If everyone was taking the free option there will be no new content. So bragging that you’re getting free things is basically openly admitting to hurting the Chess community.