As we know, reading is a basic freedom that is enjoyed by every citizen to eliminate ignorance. If half the nation gives up the freedom to read, the consequences must be costly. Expensive books and a lack of good books of course are reasons for the downtrend, but I think the most important thing is that the heavy pressure of life squeezes out the time and energy for spiritual satisfaction. So, letting the populace live an easier life is the premise for a national enthusiasm for reading.

Hao Zhengsheng (Director of the China Institute of Publishing Science): We can't overlook traditional reading despite the upsurge in online media; after all there's a difference between the two. In my opinion, traditional reading is good for practicing abstract thinking, which is important to uplifting the quality of the people. Though nowadays many books tend to be more entertaining, this is not the nature of a book. A good book after all should be profound and inspiring.

Regarding the advantages of online media, relevant departments and industry associations should set up concrete guidelines, which are still not clear in the various reading activities.

Zhi An (writer): Traditional reading differs from online reading both in the manner and in the content. We can't be sure that all paper books are diamonds, but a good part of online reading is certainly of lower quality than traditional reading. Online reading so far cannot generate the same satisfaction that paper books do.

But the Internet can play a part in the present national reading campaign. Some classic works can be put online for the convenience of readers and to encourage them to read profoundly online.

Cao Guangzhe (Associate Editor in Chief of Guangxi Normal University Press): Online reading requires basic equipment such as computers or cell phones. It also requires a special place to read online. Besides, the biggest bottleneck for ebooks is the cost. The online payment system still needs to be improved and the related methods are unacceptable to most citizens. Therefore, online reading is unable to replace the traditional way of reading in the foreseeable future.