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teejer · 08-02-2008, 11:19 AM

I have little or no sympathy for people who feel as this publisher does. While Amazon and the chains have not been great for the independent bookstores and publishers, they have made books far more affordable and *far more accessible* to everyone.

I am personally not a fan of small bookstores. First, I want selection. If I am going to go wander around a bookstore, I want a place to sit and read, a lot of books to choose from, and no one breathing down my neck. Most mom-and-pop booksellers can't give me that. Secondly, I have found many to be elitist. I think of one well-known bookstore in Berkeley (now deceased) who used to triumph the cause of the small bookseller. That same store went to great lengths to keep out anyone who wasn't well dressed or looked strange, and while they had a fairly large childrens' section, went bananas when little hands dared to open books.

I think I will go spend another $100 on Amazon today. Hopefully it will put the knife a little closer to the heart of people like this publisher.

T. J.

08-02-2008, 11:19 AM	#7
teejer Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 96 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fremont, CA Device: Kindle	I have little or no sympathy for people who feel as this publisher does. While Amazon and the chains have not been great for the independent bookstores and publishers, they have made books far more affordable and far more accessible to everyone. I am personally not a fan of small bookstores. First, I want selection. If I am going to go wander around a bookstore, I want a place to sit and read, a lot of books to choose from, and no one breathing down my neck. Most mom-and-pop booksellers can't give me that. Secondly, I have found many to be elitist. I think of one well-known bookstore in Berkeley (now deceased) who used to triumph the cause of the small bookseller. That same store went to great lengths to keep out anyone who wasn't well dressed or looked strange, and while they had a fairly large childrens' section, went bananas when little hands dared to open books. I think I will go spend another $100 on Amazon today. Hopefully it will put the knife a little closer to the heart of people like this publisher. T. J.