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I wonder, if I had the misfortune of owning a bookstore right now, what my thoughts would be about saving my business. I might try to turn the place into a salon, a kind of book club where you pay for membership. Rather than selling books — because who can compete with online prices and inventory anyway? — I would hope that people might pay for a place to discuss books in a somewhat organized manner, or to meet touring Big Foot authors, or to hear lectures on specific literary subjects. Of course I'd try to sell everybody some tea and crumpets along the way, or better yet get a wine/beer license. Maybe also offer some writer's workshops, and some e-publishing services that would help members get their books on line. But a straight-up, old-school bookstore? I think I actually would rather be in the buggy whip business.
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