Browsing in online bookstores

[Kate]

A lot of people say the thing they like about going to bookshops is that they can browse. Although, in theory, there are plenty of ways to do this in online bookstores, people don't seem to find it as satisfying.

How do you browse at Amazon etc? By category, recommendation, also boughts, price promotion or something else?

Do you enjoy browsing online or do you still prefer the real thing?

[Simon (Highwayman)]

I have tried browsing amazon. It isn't the same as wandering around a book shop for some reason.

[Patti (baconater)]

I used to look at the top 100 free and paid charts but now I just get new books through reccies in the group. By used to, I mean I haven't looked at the charts in a least a year.

The only time I open amazon these days is to one-click through a link someone has posted in here.

[Kate]

Patti (Fluffy) wrote: "I used to look at the top 100 free and paid charts but now I just get new books through reccies in the group. By used to, I mean I haven't looked at the charts in a least a year.

The only time I o..."

Interesting - the self publishing guides set a lot of store by getting into the top 100 in your category but I've often wondered how many people actually browse categories.

Getting into the top 100 overall might be a different matter but even then...A lot of people say they only go to Amazon etc when they already know what they want.

[Patti (baconater)]

I've never, ever browsed smash words or any other site.

All my new purchases are reccies here or in life.

[Jay-me (Janet)]

I don't look at the top 100 charts, or browse through Amazon either.

My way of adding new books are
1. Recommendations from people with similar tastes to me

2. I have a list of "favourite" authors set up & get emails when books of theirs appear on kindle

3. I have a wishlist on Amazon that I stick the books onto until I get around to buying them (limiting my spending) I get reminders if any drop in price whilst I'm waiting.

I used to love wandering around real bookshops - unfortunately there aren't any within easy reach of here any more, apart from one very small one.

[Karen]

I browse Amazon for arty crafty books, and usually end up spending money. I like the 'other people who bought this also bought..' - the range of books is awesome, and no way wd a B&M store stock such a variety, especially out here in border country.

For fiction, I do go thru the top 100 in genre from time to time, but again I find the reccies on here more helpful - so keep 'em coming!

[David]

For me, in order:

1) Authors I already enjoy reading

2) Recommendations

3) Books that strike me as interesting while shelving/sortng new books in the library.

[[deleted user]]

I often browse amazon and check it daily (one reason why I have an unmanageable to-read list!)

I check the overall top 100 regularly (but not the categories) and often look at the movers and shakers list too. Then I have fav authors that I often check to see if they have anything new or on offer. I will often do key word searches for interest subjects too, like craft or cooking. I also use this group as a filter for amazon searches, following recommendations from here.

[Andrew]

David wrote: "For me, in order:

1) Authors I already enjoy reading

2) Recommendations

3) Books that strike me as interesting while shelving/sortng new books in the library."

Pretty much the same here, except I sadly don't work in a library, so substitute 'wandering around Waterstone's during my lunch hour'.

[Kate]

My best finds from browsing are usually in charity shops or our small local library. I think, paradoxically, it's because there's not much choice. It forces you to look at things you wouldn't normally consider.

Maybe Amazon should have a wildcard option!

[Kath]

I don't browse Amazon any more. I get recommendations from here and I check out author promos - from here, from KuF and from Amazon's MOA forum. With the author promos, I am always aware that 'they would say that, wouldn't they' so I check reviews (and the reviewer's history) and occasionally the Look Inside. Consequently, I usually find books I really enjoy. When I first got my kindle I'd trawl the top 100 but I don't now.

[Jud]

I don't really browse Amazon either, only when I am extremely bored in work.

[Tim]

I must admit I rarely browse Amazon, although I do scan the 'also recommended' and 'Other people bought' lists, and might look at something that catches my eye.

In the light of this thread though, I did go and scan the top 100 paid & free lists for a few categories (the general lists almost never have anything I'd be interested in), and one thing that struck me was how often the same images cropped up on different covers (which immediately turned me off that book!)

[Elle]

I browse Amazon for non-book related things but for books I have a pretty good idea what I want before I go there - I mostly click through from Goodreads actually.

[Jim]

Patti (Fluffy) wrote: "I've never, ever browsed smash words or any other site.

All my new purchases are reccies here or in life."

Because you've insisted Portraits of Chengdu People in the 1920s

It's available from Amazon for 1p http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragons-Backb...

It consists of a lot of sketches of Chinese trades and professions from the 1920s, with an description of them on the facing page
I picked mine up from a second hand book stall in Lancaster market for £2.50, saw it and had to buy it.It is one of those fascinating little books that just grab you.Who wouldn't want to see the fried biscuit maker, the wheelbarrow ride or the Mo-den miss.
But that's why I don't browse Amazon, you cannot browse Amazon, it's just too huge.
For Amazon I rely on personal recommendations or trusted reviews I see elsewhere (not Amazon reviews because Amazon reviews you only see when you actually find the book on Amazon.An Amazon review doesn't lead me to a book but might convince me to buy it)

I never look at the top 100 lists I'm afraid

[Katy]

I browse Amazon, both for uni-related books and normal books. I very rarely do the 'top 100' though, usually I can tell what type of book I'm in the mood to read. I also go on recommendations a lot though (:

I also judge a book by its cover and title - I know, I'm a horrible person!! I don't read reviews, as most are just telling you what is in the book anyway, and I barely read the blurb! I skim through and pick a few key words, and can usually tell if I will read it or not!

It just isn't the same as a book shop though. If I'm completely honest with myself though, I think that's a personal reason though, not a preference

[R.M.F.]

Adam wrote: "I browse categories. Usually either Classics, Literary or Fantasy.

A bookstore is a very different experience. While Amazon is trying to target your niche, a bookstore allows for the random factor..."

True words, but I think the problem is that people still love browsing book stores for what they like...and then they go home and order it from Amazon! I fear bookstores will go the same way like Comet i.e you see the cooker you want up close and then get it cheaper elsewhere.

[Patti (baconater)]

Ive been know to download books onto my kindle while standing in a bookshop.

I'm afraid you're probably correct about the demises of the bookshop, RMF.

Soon, we'll probably only see them in airports.

[R.M.F.]

Patti (Fluffy) wrote: "Ive been know to download books onto my kindle while standing in a bookshop.

I'm afraid you're probably correct about the demises of the bookshop, RMF.

Soon, we'll probably only see them in airpo..."

Bookshops! In airports?? I've never heard the like :)

[R.M.F.]

Adam wrote: "R.M.F wrote: "True words, but I think the problem is that people still love browsing book stores for what they like...and then they go home and order it from Amazon! I fear bookstores will go the s..."

But Amazon are one step ahead with super saver free postage - they think of everything! Agree with your views on indy books.

[Lorraine]

I buy all my paperbacks on the super saver,the pb i'm reading at the moment was second hand and cost me £1.50 delivered.I browse quite alot on amazon,i tend to start off with 1 authour and then go off on a tangent,the down side is my wish list is ever expanding.

[Tim]

Occasionally I'll buy something from a merchant that doesn't get free SuperSaver delivery, but most things on Amazon UK come with it. And there's definitely no minimum spend to get free delivery in the UK. It just takes a little longer to arrive is all (equivalent to 2nd class post)

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

I am in Ireland and if I buy from the UK site I get SuperSaver with over £25 on a lot of things. However, I can get stuff delivered to an address in Northern Ireland at UK rates. It is then delivered to Dublin for a cost of €3.50 euros. Sometimes it is definitely worth doing, as postage to Ireland can be very high.

[Kate]

I browse non fiction by keyword or category - fiction is more difficult. I don't usually find the recommendations on Amazon helpful for some reason, although I do sometimes flick through the other promotions and the also boughts.

Maybe the also boughts have a less direct influence - you get familiar with the title then the next time someone mentions it you get the feeling everyone's talking about it...and then you feel more inclined to buy.

[Andrew]

When I'm buying non-fiction, I search for a keyword and browse the results, but then I usually know pretty much exactly what I'm looking for.

In fact, that's how I do most of my online shopping, searching for stuff I already know I want. I don't find online browsing much fun.

[Elle]

I am so guilty of buying more non-book items to get free delivery on other sites but when it comes to book i always bought second hand books that cost tuppins including postages.