Thursday, January 06, 2005

Author, futurist, inventor

Margaret Atwood in consultation with computer experts has invented a remote autographing device after having endured one too many strenous book-signing tours.

"I thought, there has to be a better way of doing this," Atwood says. ". . . I am now an old-age pensioner, I cannot keep doing this. I can't keep eating Pringles [from the hotel minibar] and keep getting on the plane at 4 in the morning."


Pringles!

Now she can sign your book from anywhere! You, however, will likely still have to trek out to the bookstore — a valuable tool for the marketing arms of publishers and bookstores, I don't foresee individuals shelling out big bucks to have one their very own.

The "in-bookstore enhancement device" comprises two units, send and receive, used to transfer an inscription. It allows for editing and spelling checks. The on-screen interaction will be preserved for posterity.

Remarkably, you will still hold in your hands on old-fashioned book, tracing the pen indentations scratched by your favourite author.

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