Here's some answers from a die-hard book and pattern buyer. I like COLOR! Colored pictures, colored directions, colored illustrations. Anything less (ie black and white ore hand drawn illustrations) strikes me as lower quality, and unless I had no other books or patterns, I would probably pass it by. And I don't like to download books. I like the feel of glossy paper and (did I say this?) colored pictures for inspiration! Once in a while I'll download A pattern, but not much. But I DO buy books, books, books and patterns, patterns, patterns! Just something to think about.