I work for the USEF and I LOVE not having to carry around my 3.6 pound USEF rule book! However, I also like having a hard copy for backup, to study and notate in as the rules are frequently addended and I am not always in a location/situation where electronic devices are suitable or signal strong (many equine event facilities are fairly remote, offering a poor to non-existent signal). I like, too, when a discrepancy arises, I can haul out the ol' hard copy, present the rule in live, touchable print and know that the discrepancy/discussion is pretty much clarified, accepted and over. My primary reason for  maintaining use of my hardcopy is the no-battery requirement : )

No pun intended, really! but the hard copy seems to carry more weight in the moment in the event of a protest/greivance/question

-- Edited by justice on Thursday 24th of March 2011 12:35:40 PM

You both make excellent points! I would think battery/signal requirements would be a large problem as far as digital rulebooks go. I do like that the hard copy does in fact seem to say, "look, this is copyrighted, in print, on this date, so I have truthful evidence of what is right!" or something like that. Also helpful for studying at home, as digital screens are the reason I have glasses (grrr!), so they're probably a bit easier on the eyes and physically able to be highlighted. I like db's idea of the "search" function, though! ;)

Anyone else have any thoughts? :)

That's a great point, as well ;) Also not a big deal if you leave it in the truck (don't have to worry if it gets stolen, as it's a lot cheaper to replace as you said).