As a child (and onward as an adult), used bookstores and libraries have given me the opportunity to try new authors for a low price. I am highly unlikely to spend $24.95 on a hardback for an author I have never read. On the other hand, I will spend a couple of bucks for a used paperback, read a free download, or play my favorite game "pick a book at random from the library shelves"
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I DO buy books from my favorite authors, and I will purchase a book I have found to be outstanding. But I cannot afford to buy books at full price on a whim.