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Bricks and mortar become bits and bytes?
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
bookmaven2005 at 7:25:00 AM EDT Blog about this entry |
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Bricks and mortar become bits and bytes?
Bibliophiles have long and loudly lamented the demise of independent bookstores. I don't think there is a reader over the age of 30 who doesn't have at least one fond memory of time spent in comfortable shop filled with an intriguing selection of titles. These stores are fewer than ever in this age of large chain bookstores.
But what if you could visit a cozy store, talk to fellow book lovers in front of a fireplace, and browse, select and purchase titles -- all without leaving your sofa? Read this Guardian article and consider whether or not a virtual Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore might offer a respectable substitute for real-life, real-time book shopping experiences.
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This entry has 4 comments: (Add your own)
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There is absolutely nothing like venturing into a brick and mortar bookstore and wandering through the stacks... my personal favorite is RJ Julia in Madison CT.
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It seems to me that this further evidence of corporatization--of EVERYTHING--will swing the pendulum as far to the right as possible, and then swing back again. I'm still grieving over the news that the marvelous Jackson's Books in Salem, OR, is closing its doors, but I'm also celebrating a nascent movement toward consuming locally, from local producers of goods--food is leading the way, but I hope other products will follow. Publishing, the great Ursula K. LeGuin reminds us, has always been in trouble, and this is just the latest iteration of its woes.
We need to educate book buyers as much as we can, to stress the importance of supporting independent booksellers whenever possible. Of course, as an author, I want my books availalbe everywhere, but I also want the right reader matched with the right book, and that takes a knowledgeable bookseller. Let's face it, one or two of those big box stores hire clerks, not booksellers. Have you done a posting on BookSense, the association of indpendent booksellers? That would be a great service to us all.
Louise Marley
www.louisemarley.com -
We live in exciting times... and I spent a lot of time on-line, so... I buy and purchase books, music and all kinds of things on-line.
Sadly... one of my good friend's store is closing it's doors after 20 plus years of serving our community.
I feel guilty... but I know these are changing times. It's hard to find the right balance...
http://journals.aol.com/heartcall/Thegiftoflife/
10/26/06 8:48 AM