Internet kills off Backpackers Guidebook 2008-04-20 19:00 Anonymous Coward
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by
Anonymous Coward
on Sunday April 20, @07:00PM
An anonymous reader writes "Have you ever been traveling and found yourself wondering if the author of your backpacking guide had ever actually been there? You're not alone, and the Internet is being blamed. In the Brisbane Times Veteran Travel Writer Chris Taylor tells how Worldwide Internet connectivity, travellers blogs and destination web sites lets backpackers plan their own trips and are never far from advice.
That means fewer guidebook sales and less money for guidebook authors. Guidebook authors have responded by cutting corners in hilarious ways. Hilarious, unless you happen to be the traveler. Taylor gives an example where one writer for a popular guidebook recommended readers take a stroll around a lake in China that he'd never himself visited. A backpacker who took his advice found him in North Korea, and prison.
What are your experiences on the road with Guidebook vs The Internet? Which one has and hasn't let you down? Has the backpackers guide gasped its last breath? Is it too late for publishers to reclaim their lost credibility? Is there are guidebook (or traveler's website) you trust?"
That means fewer guidebook sales and less money for guidebook authors. Guidebook authors have responded by cutting corners in hilarious ways. Hilarious, unless you happen to be the traveler. Taylor gives an example where one writer for a popular guidebook recommended readers take a stroll around a lake in China that he'd never himself visited. A backpacker who took his advice found him in North Korea, and prison.
What are your experiences on the road with Guidebook vs The Internet? Which one has and hasn't let you down? Has the backpackers guide gasped its last breath? Is it too late for publishers to reclaim their lost credibility? Is there are guidebook (or traveler's website) you trust?"
