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message 151:
by
Werner
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Jun 19, 2011 11:02AM
Happy Father's Day to you too, Charly!
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Happy belated Father's Day to the fathers among us! :)And happy vacation and stay cool to everyone.
Seeing the Grand Canyon brought tears to my eyes and took my breath away. Everyone should go there.
Now for another topic...
Are you okay with the disappearance of actual, physical bookstores, or does it bother you like it bothers me? I enjoy going to a bookstore, wandering around, picking up a book and flipping through it. And it's nice when an employee chats with me and tells me s/he liked the book I'm buying or recommends something else. And it's nice, if you feel like it, to get a drink or snack and sit at a table for a while among the books and book lovers. You just can't get that experience from ordering online.
Callista, I for one am definitely NOT okay with the idea of physical bookstores disappearing! Like you, I enjoy browsing the physical shelves; a bookstore is a glorious place to shop. I personally don't like to give out a credit card number online; so even though I don't often buy brand new books, when I do, it's from a real bookstore. If they disappeared, I couldn't do that. But more importantly, I want to live in an economy that affords the maximum freedom and opportunity for small tradesmen. A book trade that's reduced to an oligopoly of giant online firms is the antithesis of that. And I think physical bookstores provide a tangible presence for the book trade in a community, something that acts like a mission outpost for literacy and reading. So I consider such stores a valuable part of a healthy book trade, and of a healthy society. (The small home-owned stores, IMO, play these roles more effectively than the big chain megastores; the latter can be no less an oligopoly than the online giants, and their dysfunctional marketing practices often do more harm than good to the trade and to literature.)I'm not among those who believe that any social trend is "inevitable;" because I believe that every trend is no more than the massed individual decisions of all of us, and each of us has a free will to make our decisions constructive instead of destructive. Any trend in business, in particular, is very affected by consumer decisions. In that light, a lady in another Goodreads group I belong to made the challenge to everyone, earlier this year, to buy at least two brand-new books from a bookstore this year. I agreed to do that (I've got one to go); and I'll pass that challenge on to this group! If you can afford it (and books make great gifts, if you don't want to spend money on yourself!) that's one way of casting a vote, as it were, for the kind of economic conditions and trends that YOU want.
No, by itself, a handful of people buying two books this year won't save physical bookstores (even if we continue to meet the challenge in each future year --which I intend to). But each personal decision has a ripple effect for others. And one way of spreading the ripples might be to pass this challenge on to other Goodreads groups. This site has a LOT of members. If the idea goes viral, the number of people buying from physical stores this year might not be just a handful!
I've never actually tried reading on an e-reading device; but I know I definitely don't like trying to read long blocs of text (like a whole book, or even a very long story) on a PC screen. Also, I know that every student I've ever discussed the issue with (I'm a college librarian) agrees with me that the NetLibrary e-book database is a chore to read in, and anything but user friendly! (And that's the judgment of the "wired generation." :-) )
Hear, hear, Werner! :), Charly.
I have already far surpassed your 2 new books request. :)
I don't enjoy reading off computer screens, either (aside from the unavoidable work on my own ms.). Though they tell me Kindles are different. I'm fighting the transition.
LOL, I almost hate to say it but the visual of an object lesson can definitely make a point more sobering.Happy Independence Day!
Happy Canada Day and Happy 4th of July, and Happy Home Coming to all the US Soldiers!I have been living in my own little bubble lately, with car issues and I think a touch of the flu, I've been a little ego-centric.
I hope everyone has been well.
Charly wrote: "I have already done that this year and may very well do two more before the year is out. I don't think I could read on an Ipad or nook or whatever."
I could never read on an ipad, too much like a computer screen, but I do love the way my Kobo looks, and my back loves the kobo in my purse rather than three full sized books, and my wrist thanks me for how light the Kobo is to hold.
Thank being said I will never entirely give up books: 1) what would my Grandmother buy me for Christmas each year? It is a tradition to get a new book and new jammies from her each year to open on Christmas Eve, 2) Children's books are just not the same on a backlit screen and look horrible on the eInk screen of my Kobo... and so on and so forth.
Thus, despite the health benifits of my Kobo, it still cannot be read in the bath and I do not forsee anyone designing a waterproof case for it so that I can read it in the bath. Not that any book should be read in a bubble bath, but the Kobo is a "$150 oops!" If it is dropped in the bath, a book is only a "$15 oops!" at most.
Werner wrote: "Callista, I for one am definitely NOT okay with the idea of physical bookstores disappearing! Like you, I enjoy browsing the physical shelves; a bookstore is a glorious place to shop. I personall..."You said it! The smaller stores know where it is at when reaching the community, and continuing literacy.
Everytime I see people worried about the fate of bookstores, I am reminded of "Tanner's Books" in Sidney BC and a few other "privately owed" bookstores that know what it takes to keep the customers coming back.
Argument 1 for Tanner's survival :
For The Harry Porter Releases (and all releases of other popular books) Tanner's has had a pre-release party for these books, in which local businesses were invited Janet's Special Teas and The Brick Cafe to provide treats for customers. Janet's Special Teas and The Brick are known to give coupons for 1 free tea/hot chocolate/coffee that goes with each book that is purchased AND! for pre-purchasing the book Tanner's provides each customer with a coupon for 50% off the customers next purchase. These pre-release parties keeps the store open until 1am the day the book can be released and during this party people buy a LOT! I know that pre-purchased a Harry Potter book for my hubby and we went to the party and when we had left we left with over $80 in books.
Places like Tanner's have also been smart and they remain open on days like the Canada Day Parade, or Sanata Claus Parade. Brilliant because I always buy more after the Santa Claus Parade than if I were going in on my own.
Place's like Chapter's are missing the mark. Though Chapters did have a Spring Break Program that brought OSC programs and families into their store and increased income (I took my OSC site and while they were busy with programing, I purchased over $100 in books for my site) there was still something lacking, most likely a personability. And they make extra money because they have a starbucks kiosk upstairs... The kids got a treat of starbucks while I read a book or two that I had bought, they made money off of me that day because parents went racing back down stairs to buy more books as I bragged about this children's author or that... Imagine the money they would make having a mommy and tot reading session once a week each summer... Hmmmmm...
Bookstores are not going the way of the past, the ones that are disappearing are not thinking creatively about how to bring in the clients. Consumers are compulsive, give them a reason to go to your store and they will leave with something, whether it is a coffee, a magazine or 20 new books; the younger consumer just has to be drawn in.
A form of bribery...or bait-and-switch, I suppose. "Hey, come for the coffee/giveaway/etc... and then buy a book!"It's really not quite the same thing to get an e-gift card for credit for your Kobo from your grandmother for Christmas. It starts with the lack of unwrapping and goes from there...
Callista wrote: "A form of bribery...or bait-and-switch, I suppose. "Hey, come for the coffee/giveaway/etc... and then buy a book!"It's really not quite the same thing to get an e-gift card for credit for your K..."
Not only that, but the tacky plaid P.j's are a MUST at Christmas! And even better when she buys them too big, lol, goes great with the scrunchies and slouch socks! ;o)
The plaid PJs *must* be flannel, of course. Cozy! :)
Charly: I love my Kindle. So easy to hold and carry around and reading in bed and swapping books. I still read regular books as I have 5 bookcases and 7 boxes to get through!
Because I dislike reading online so much, I didn't think I could appreciate an e-book. However, I have really taken a liking to Barnes & Noble's Nook reader. The short time I looked at it, the screen did not appear to irritate my eyes. Also, the thought of being able to take several books with me in one flat tablet is somewhat irresistible and I like the idea of being able to easily hold it in one hand (as it's kinda tricky to eat & read at the same time w/conventional books). If there was a Santa, I'd ask!
Oops! I said too much. ;)Of course, I will always have books with pages and nothing can replace the appeal that bookshelves hold for me. Also, I love looking at books at the store and the library -- picking them up, the synopses and artwork on covers, flipping through the pages for a preview, none of that can be replaced. Still, a Nook would be a handy little thing to own.
Oh Charly, I'm so sorry you had to find out this way... ;o)You should ask anyways Reggia, you never know... I've been begging for the kobo touch, because "that damned click-click-click is just as irritating as a turning page while I am trying to sleep!" Oops! "But honey this is the good part, I can't stop now!" - "Go to sleep, you work in 6 hours!!" - "sigh, I'll just finish this chapter" - "HONEY! the clicking is keeping ME up!"
Reggia, think of how easy travel would be with a Nook, Kindle or Kobo?! All those books with you and no more trying to decide which books to take and which books to leave?! Devine!!
When you turn it on, the Kindle goes back to where you left off. I have a cover but also read without it. Have dropped it several times with no damage. My husband has all his Good Eats recipes on his so he keeps it in a ziplock bag!
I'm a hold-out on the e-book front, too, Charly.
That might be it, Charly, I know the ladies at the office are really not keen on the idea of a kobo or ipad or what have you and if I were stuck in the office I might feel the same.
I don't like reading on the computer either, and that's what was so surprising about The Nook (probably other e-readers, too): they are not at all like reading on a computer. The only real drawback for me is the price, that is, in comparison to borrowing freely from the library.
Oh. Oh my, Charly just knocked the wind out of me. I must confess, I am a page ruffler. I've even had my kids reach over to stop me from doing that habit. Hmm. However, if I ever get an e-reader, I can assure you it won't be white. In the meantime, it's time for bed and, er, some page-ruffling. ;)
Kindle's arent white screen. And reading a computer keeps you at your desk or with a heavy or bulky laptop on your lap. you get books instantly from anywhere in 60 secs.
To each his own. I'm just mentioning some of the benefits I enjoy or that exist. But I still read books but they are hard to hold with tears in both shoulder rotator cuffs and neck pain.
To each his own. I'm just mentioning some of the benefits I enjoy or that exist. But I still read books but they are hard to hold with tears in both shoulder rotator cuffs and neck pain.
I hear you, Charly, about use of computers at work ruining reading on a computer screen.I don't understand reading at the beach, either, although I love to read. Sand on the book, sunscreen fingerprints on the book, maybe spilled drink on the book... Plus, reading in sunlight outdoors, even with sunglasses on, gives me eye strain.
Agreed Reggia, mine is not white, lol, when my mother asked me if I had a colour preference my words were: "Please God, anything but white!" I work with kids and am klutzy enough that I can never keep white clothes white, how would I ever keep white plastic... white?And I have cheated for the beach, I am that geeky person with my Kobo in a clear plastic gadget bag, those ones that are waterproof? My husband is forever laughing at me, and shaking his head while saying: "At least it is no longer a ziplock freezer bag, dear lord woman, I'll buy you the paper back version of whatever you're reading... people are staring"
Charly I need to remember that for my vacation at the end of August, though I was considering: Kayak to secluded beach, read, sip passion lemon tea, nap until the tide coming in wakes me up, kayak back to scuba diving resort to meet the boat my husband will be on and be teased mercilessly for my burn have dinner and repeat...
I haven't had a real vacation (other than 2 trips once a year to see my family in VA) for over 8 years mostly due to falling issues. So I have no problem with my Kindle. But I am reading a paperback book by Jeffrey Deaver while reading Jane Eyre on my Kindle. Also got complete paperback set of Harry Potter to read. Never got through them all. So since I may be laid up from surgical procedures and stuff I'm stocking up. Not that I don't gave 4 bookcases and 8 boxes of books around anyway. HAPPY SUMMER TO ALL! Enjoy.
I'm panicked because I don't do vacations well - I hate coming back and feeling as though I am starting the job new... I'm a bit of a control freak with my job and workaholic...
Good point about work and vacations, Charly. I need to remember that. I love that you carry your Kobo in a plastic bag, Erin! :)
Callista, I am horribly klutzy, if I didn't it would be soaked by an improperly sealed water bottle tossed into my bag. -sigh- that is me...Charly, I am working on this letting go thing, we get one day off each week, in lieu of ten hour days, and that was hard, but now... not so much. 5 (10 if you count one long weekend and a regular weekend) might be another story all together...
Water bottles--very dangerous. I totally understand. :)
Charly, I'm not involved with Paper Back Swap myself, though I have a Goodreads friend who is, and who speaks well of it. But I do belong to a similar online network called BookMooch (www.bookmooch.com ). So far, I've been pleased with it; I've gotten a number of good books for free, and given away quite a few of my unwanted ones to good homes. One caveat, though: don't list hardcover books in your inventory on this site, since you have to pay the postage on books you send to people, and it's charged by weight; unless your last name is Rockefeller or something similar, paying postage on hardcovers will eat you up quickly. :-)
The swaps seem like a great idea, however, when I buy a book, it's usually for keeps. I do frequent the local library quite often.
I'm back! My boss scheduled me for 7 days straight immediately after my return. Mercy! Hope to post more soon.LOL, just reread and saw "right" coast, teehee...
I did enjoy it...Just finished another 7 days straight -- have mercy!
A little challenge for you all:
I won an awesome action figure (Charles Dickens) at my book club meeting tonight. But I'll bet you all can easily top my answers so, go ahead, give it a try and prove me right. :)
How many Dickens's book titles can you list? right now, with no peeking!
Honorable mention if you can name the specific book we discussed, lol, should be easy enough.
Barnaby Rudge and Our Mutual Friend should also be added to the list. But I can't think of any more right off the bat!
Thank goodness you two weren't in competition with me; you would've blown me out of the water! LOL, great job! I won listing 7 of the first 8 Charly listed (but I've only read 4 of them).
Yes, Charly, that was the one I'd forgotten --Martin Chuzzlewit! I had a niggling feeling I was omitting one that I knew about, but the title just didn't come to me until you jogged my memory. :-)
I second that.
Will be busy with dr. appts. and PT so I will wish everyone Happy Holidays now before I forget.
Will be busy with dr. appts. and PT so I will wish everyone Happy Holidays now before I forget.
Oh, I've been here the whole time; but right now, I only have computer access for Goodreads at work (during my mealbreaks or off-the-clock time) and on Fridays, so I've mostly been lurking and keeping my comments to a minimum in order to conserve time. :-( It's nice to be missed, though!I join with Syra in wishing everyone happy holidays!
As promised, for Charly: 
It is good to be able to spend more time, and always enjoy others being active here! :)
Thanks for greetings, Syra and Werner! Wishing the same to all our Litwit Lounge members!
Good Job Reggia. Decorated the tree yesterday with my husband's cousin's son, wife and 2 boys 5 & 3. What fun. Brought back so many wonderful memories.
Just now, I tried the "my groups" link, and didn't encounter any problem. Maybe (hopefully) what you ran into was just a temporary glitch!
Not problems with accessing the group but oddly, I do get the "bad gateway" message when trying to access my inbox here. :-(
I never think of it until someone else writes in it.
Happy Valentine's Day from NM too.
Happy Valentine's Day from NM too.
Everyone's okay in this neck of Virginia. :-) I just haven't been online a lot lately; we had a winter storm here that kept me stranded at my daughter's house with no e-mail access for much of the weekend. But that's behind us now.Happy Valentine's Day to all from me as well!
Hey everyone! I have been a little quiet lately. Just worn out; guess I'm still adjusting to new position at work. Happy to say I am getting a little more reading in! :)
No internet???? The end of the world! Mine anyway. How could I shop or talk or chat or keep in touch or or or or
My mother who broke her hip in early Jan., had it pinned and has been in Assisted Living is coming home today. I worry about her trying to do anything on her own when it is so easy to slip without a wheelchair, walker, oxygen tubes and a husband who has to have his way and refuses to be alone and can't get around himself. When he fell in the driveway, he had to crawl on his back into the garage and then have the fire company get him up and in the house. I guess I worry about this a lot because I see myself in that situation and I'm alone so much now. But I guess that is what Life Alert is for unles you are unconscious. What an optimist errrr pessimist.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (other topics)Great Expectations (other topics)
Travels With Myself and Another (other topics)
