tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post4635428327041014031..comments2024-02-09T12:12:37.636-08:00Comments on best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever had: Book -- books.Duncan McGearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-11204521602955213492011-04-05T20:14:51.339-07:002011-04-05T20:14:51.339-07:00@HBM: Libraries do offer other services but books ...@HBM: Libraries do offer other services but books take up most of the space, time, and budget. If ebooks displace those books, what fills the void? Will libraries figure out the answer in time to convince taxpayers to keep funding them? I don't think answers like "computers, reference material, and microfiche" are going to cut it. Those things will all only diminish in value as technology evolves.<br /><br />The library needs a strategy that lets them add more value as technology progresses, not less. And that means investing in a strategy that doesn't continue to pit them against the march of progress.Broofahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13893769981365373577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-71710317503628014992011-04-05T16:31:02.887-07:002011-04-05T16:31:02.887-07:00Just for the record, I do NOT go into Duncan's...Just for the record, I do NOT go into Duncan's shop or any other local shop, find a book that I like and then go out and order it from Amazon. That's cheesy. I would rather support the local merchant (provided he has what I want) than save a dollar or two ordering from some on-line outfit. That goes for all products, not just books.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-80597566130718071182011-04-05T16:28:37.667-07:002011-04-05T16:28:37.667-07:00Broofa: I read your post about libraries and e-boo...Broofa: I read your post about libraries and e-books. I'm not sure I agree with your premise that the No. 1 reason people go to the library is to borrow a (paper) book. From what I've seen when I go to the library, most of the people are there to use the computers. And there are many reasons besides that for people to go to a library -- for instance, to use its extensive collection of reference books and other materials, including microfiche newspapers.<br /><br />Also, if substantial numbers of readers switch to e-books -- which certainly seems to be happening -- and libraries fail to meet their needs, libraries will seem less and less like a good value to the public. And since the public votes for the money to keep the libraries in business, that could be fatal.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-26195202205220587522011-04-05T04:29:35.063-07:002011-04-05T04:29:35.063-07:00A Dialog Between Authors Barry Eisler and Joe Konr...<a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/03/ebooks-and-self-publishing-dialog.html" rel="nofollow">A Dialog Between Authors Barry Eisler and Joe Konrath</a> is required reading for anyone who wants to debate the impact of e-books. It explains why <em>authors</em> are abandoning the big-6 publishers in favor of self-publishing. This is a phenomenon that I think a lot of people are ignoring. Anyhow, that article has a done of great data and observations. (It also makes reference to a hysterical video of a monkey molesting a bullfrog, which is probably right up this audience's alley ;) )<br /><br />Duncan, I worry that you're showing a bit of nostalgic tunnel vision here... a dangerous thing in business. You're right not to be worried about the people that browse your store but buy on Amazon - you lost those customers long ago, if in fact you ever had them.<br /><br />You're real concern should be the customers you're going to lose because they find they prefer reading e-books over traditional books. Make no mistake, this *will* happen, because e-books offer many unique features, such as the ability to fit dozens or hundreds on a device the size of a small notepad, or do instant dictionary lookups, or text search. Even something as simple as the fact they remember your place when you fall asleep can be a compelling advantage to someone who cares about that sort of thing. And once people have tasted one of these forbidden little fruits, it's really hard to go back to the old way of doing things.<br /><br />Don't think that will happen? Go ask the folks over at Tower Records or Boomtown what happened when music went digital. So what happens when 50% of your customers simply stop reading paper books because they just no longer like the form-factor any more?<br /><br />Sorry to be so gloomy, but this is a reality I think you'd be foolish to ignore. I'm as nostalgic about books as the next guy - I really do love them - but I don't read them any more, not since my wife got me a Kindle for our Anniversary. I was astonished the other day when I realized I hadn't picked up a paper book in at least 6 months. If you'd told me a year ago that would happen, I wouldn't have believed you.<br /><br />On a slightly different note, I've come to feel the biggest issue with e-books is not the impact they'll have on bookstores, but rather the impact they'll have on public libraries. I recently blogged about <a href="http://blog.bendtech.com/2011/04/redefining-libraries-in-the-digital-era/" rel="nofollow">some concerns I have on that front</a> and I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'll invite other commenters here to offer up their opinions as well.Broofahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13893769981365373577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-47049749490523219612011-04-04T12:26:50.899-07:002011-04-04T12:26:50.899-07:00"Music is music -- and it seems to me the del..."Music is music -- and it seems to me the delivery system isn't as important as the music."<br /><br />A real audiophile like Jack Elliott will give you an argument on that. Vinyl sounds better than CDs and CDs sound better than MP3s. CDs replaced vinyl and MP3s are replacing CDs for reasons of convenience and cost. Audiophiles lament the change, but they're a small minority.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-49279246628099463302011-04-04T12:19:06.149-07:002011-04-04T12:19:06.149-07:00"We have two in Bend, (Between the Covers and..."We have two in Bend, (Between the Covers and Camalli), and one in Sunriver, (Sunriver Books) and one in Sister and one in Redmond (both Paulina Springs.)"<br /><br />I'm not going to drive to Redmond or Sisters and back just to browse in a bookstore, although I must admit the one in Sisters is nice. Haven't been to the one in Redmond yet. I used to buy books at Book Barn because it was downtown and I often go downtown. I go to Sisters infrequently, Redmond hardly ever.<br /><br />"Nonsense -- there are more than enough good books."<br /><br />I think the customer is the only legitimate judge of that, eh? They might have "more than enough good books," but they might not have the particular book(s) that I want to read. I like to support the local merchants, but I'm not going to go into a bookstore and buy a book I don't want just for the sake of buying a book.<br /><br />"Face it, Bruce. You're like 94% of the population -- you buy from the "big" guys or Amazon."<br /><br />I don't deny it. If the locals could offer me the same array of choices I'd buy from them. I really believe that factor, just as much as price, is the reason Amazon and (to a lesser extent) B&N are hammering the small indie bookstores.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-3018842644820050242011-04-03T20:07:18.549-07:002011-04-03T20:07:18.549-07:00"...On second thought the last two physical b..."...On second thought the last two physical books I purchased was in your store." <br /><br />Doh!! You're just trying to confuse the issue, RDC.<br /><br />"It would have been Borders, Barnes and Nobles or possible an airport book store."<br /><br />That's more like it. See? I rest my case...Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-71269416764591368262011-04-03T20:03:00.341-07:002011-04-03T20:03:00.341-07:00Iris,
I understand the hesitation at the price of...Iris,<br /><br />I understand the hesitation at the price of new hardcovers. But my wife and I sell used books at our two bookstores for 1/3 cover price -- with credit, that works out to 1/6 cover price. <br /><br />Most used bookstores are in that range.<br /><br />Not a whole lot more than a cup of joe.<br /><br />Again, like Bruce -- you found it convenient to get your material from somewhere else....Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-80759325583399693162011-04-03T19:59:47.372-07:002011-04-03T19:59:47.372-07:00"...We don't have many independent bookst..."...We don't have many independent bookstores in this town..." <br /><br />We are WAY above normal. <br /><br />The estimates I've read say there are probably less than 3000 indie bookstores in the U.S. With a population of 380 million, Deschutes should have 1.25 bookstores.<br /><br />We have 5.5 new bookstores, not counting B & N.<br /><br />We have two in Bend, (Between the Covers and Camalli), and one in Sunriver, (Sunriver Books) and one in Sister and one in Redmond (both Paulina Springs.) And me -- working toward half a bookstore.<br /><br />All are at least equal to the Book Barn. Paulina Springs are excellent bookstores, and so is Sunriver Books, and Camalli and Between the Covers are pretty good too.<br /><br />"....and the few that are here have a rather limited selection..."<br />Nonsense -- there are more than enough good books. Fuck. Powell's isn't even common in the U.S.A. much less Oregon or to compare with Bend.<br /><br />There are also plenty of good used bookstores; I've been all over, and The Open Book is better than 90% of the used bookstores I've seen, and my wife's store is pretty good too.<br /><br />"(sorry, Dunc)" You should be.<br /><br />Face it, Bruce. You're like 94% of the population -- you buy from the "big" guys or Amazon. <br /><br />This is a fact. <br /><br />So a whole lot of these 94% could buy Kindles and Nooks -- and it wouldn't make any difference to me.<br /><br />I think people think they support local bookstores more than they actually do...Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-11519086209520360352011-04-03T19:30:17.848-07:002011-04-03T19:30:17.848-07:00It would have been Borders, Barnes and Nobles or p...It would have been Borders, Barnes and Nobles or possible an airport book store.<br /><br />On second thought the last two physical books I purchased was in your store.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-60362252835683424312011-04-03T18:03:44.120-07:002011-04-03T18:03:44.120-07:00My last ten books I read came from my public libra...My last ten books I read came from my public library here in Edmond, Oklahoma. Last book I bought was used, and I prefer hardcovers. I do share your love for paper books, even though I can't even remember the last time I bought a new hardcover, because it's just not in me to pay $20 or more for one. Maybe it's my inability to support that kind of pricing even for a book I really want has added to the problem of new book sellers. I will pay for attractive packaging, though, if they make it worth my while, just like I used to do for record albums. But what I tend to do nowadays is use the public library to audition a book, then if I really want it in my personal library I'll buy it - as cheaply as I can get away with doing so!Irishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09792619689353414178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-17025389210188077942011-04-03T17:39:26.690-07:002011-04-03T17:39:26.690-07:00I'm pretty sure my last 10 paper books were bo...I'm pretty sure my last 10 paper books were bought from B&N or Amazon. We don't have many independent bookstores in this town, and the few that are here have a rather limited selection (sorry, Dunc). I used to patronize The Book Barn when it was still open, and if we had something like Powell's (or even close to it) I'm sure I would shop there. I love to browse.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-68375623840420672152011-04-03T16:05:27.422-07:002011-04-03T16:05:27.422-07:00RDC.
Hopefully, I'm not underestimating the l...RDC.<br /><br />Hopefully, I'm not underestimating the loss. I'm usually pretty good at scoping out the dangers...and I'm just not feeling it.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-45156532745649401292011-04-03T16:03:23.147-07:002011-04-03T16:03:23.147-07:00It's hard for me to get worked up over custome...It's hard for me to get worked up over customers I never had or never could have.<br /><br />I don't really care if Amazon customers buy Kindles, or Barnes and Noble customers buy Nooks.<br /><br />I have customers who feel that local independent stores are worthy of their business -- and if they could be enticed by Amazon, or bit torrenting, or Costco, or the Library, or Barnes and Noble, or the thrift stores, or everything else out there, well, they'll be enticed by the e-reader too.<br /><br />We are already dealing with a fraction of a fraction of a fraction.<br /><br />My own store is more of an "incidental" sale type store -- browsers, tourists off the street.<br /><br />My job is to have enough good books displayed that they'll buy one or two -- despite the fact they could go out to B & N or get online and buy from Amazon -- and I'll just ad e-readers to that list.<br /><br />If I lose 5% of my biz to e-readers, I just have to get 5% better at what I do, or get 5% better books. If I lose 10% of my biz, then I start to assume I can pick up market share from those stores who can't handle 10% loss.<br /><br />And so on. You adapt and endure.<br /><br />Or don't go into small business.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-52126096353799296762011-04-03T15:51:12.708-07:002011-04-03T15:51:12.708-07:00Actually, lets extend that -- the last ten books y...Actually, lets extend that -- the last ten books you read, new or used....where did they come from?Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-36808361132373245572011-04-03T15:48:02.158-07:002011-04-03T15:48:02.158-07:00Let me ask RDC and H.Bruce and Broofa where they b...Let me ask RDC and H.Bruce and Broofa where they bought their last ten new books before they got e-readers?<br /><br />I guessing it wasn't from an independent bookstore...Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-65880505054100899412011-04-03T13:42:01.931-07:002011-04-03T13:42:01.931-07:00There's a really deep hostility toward e-books...There's a really deep hostility toward e-books -- and maybe toward those who own them -- on the part of some "book book" people. Viz. the comment by Tina Davis at the conclusion of today's Bulletin story: "I have no interest in reading a book on an electronic device." I could almost SEE the sneer on her face as she said the last two words.<br /><br />Like George Will saying "word processor."H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-12795967937080154152011-04-03T12:50:36.637-07:002011-04-03T12:50:36.637-07:00Duncan,
Can one say wishfull thinking? Or maybe, ...Duncan,<br /><br />Can one say wishfull thinking? Or maybe, at best, trying to convince yourself that physical books will remain more than a nitch business.<br /><br />The fact that you have used book readers that are walking away from their credits should be raising very big red flags. It is occuring must faster then I expected and I was an early adopter long before Amazon ever thought about getting into the business.<br /><br />If you are a heavy reader, then once you try e-books, it is very very difficult to go back to paper. E-bboks are simple too convenient. Especially if you do as I do and use your smart phone.<br /><br />I just wish I could find someplace to get some value for the 2000 or so paper books I am now getting rid off. Most likely a donation to the local library.RDChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13033979029490801023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-73830537854375296132011-04-03T10:14:41.143-07:002011-04-03T10:14:41.143-07:00Used books are already pretty cheap. With credit,...Used books are already pretty cheap. With credit, your average paperback is only 1.50 to 2.00. Trade paperbacks 3.00 to 4.00; Hardcovers 6.00 to 8.00.<br /><br />That's why I think new bookstores will have to transition into new and used (or add candy, like Strand's in N.Y. or whatever...)Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-73018916708831758652011-04-03T09:46:26.800-07:002011-04-03T09:46:26.800-07:00"It's super easy to download a movie nowa..."It's super easy to download a movie nowadays, and relatively cheap, but some of us -- hopefully enough of us -- want the big screen experience."<br /><br />Your movie-book analogy is a good one. We go to the theater to see movie-movies -- the ones that can really only be appreciated on a big screen (generally big spectacle-type movies -- for example, "Avatar"). I think as long as movies like that continue to be made, people will keep going to theaters to see them. And as long as publishers keep publishing books that are worth keeping on one's shelves, people will keep buying them. But the read-it-once-and-forget-it books will probably be replaced by e-books. And that won't be a bad thing. IMO.<br /><br />(But movie tickets HAVE gotten too damn expensive. By the time you buy popcorn and sodas you've blown through 30 bucks.)H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-33979520125940808992011-04-03T09:28:25.902-07:002011-04-03T09:28:25.902-07:00Personally, I think cliff and cave writing is much...Personally, I think cliff and cave writing is much more personal. You really want to say something when you're willing to mix your own paints, climb a cliff, and express yourself.<br /><br />We've been going downhill ever since.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-67407712424842481992011-04-03T09:26:29.508-07:002011-04-03T09:26:29.508-07:00Then again, you sort of confirm my statement by sa...Then again, you sort of confirm my statement by saying what paper books you want to buy.<br /><br />Some would find it "silly" that you don't just download that,too.<br /><br />I think my Movie -- Book analogy is better. It's super easy to download a movie nowadays, and relatively cheap, but some of us -- hopefully enough of us -- want the big screen experience.<br /><br />Where that threshold is for each individual reader will decide the fate of books.<br /><br />I think there are enough of us who find paper books more pleasurable -- and others who will come back to us, and who want libraries, and all, that books and bookstores will survive.<br /><br />Of course, I stay diversified in any event, because nothing is certain.Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-57749410807614806092011-04-03T09:11:46.247-07:002011-04-03T09:11:46.247-07:00"E-books are like microwave dinners -- cheap ..."E-books are like microwave dinners -- cheap and convenient and tasteless."<br /><br />Cheap (relatively) and convenient, yes. But why "tasteless"? The words are the same as in the "book book" version. Is it the paper and the glue and the binding that give a book flavor, or is it the words?<br /><br />I'm currently reading "Middlemarch" on my Nook. I first read it many years ago in hardcover book form. I can't honestly say that as a literary experience, reading it on the Nook is any different than reading it as a book book.<br /><br />Your comments remind me of something George Will wrote back in the early 1980s, when the computer was starting to replace the typewriter as the favored tool of writers. Will sneered at writers who used "word processors," declaring: "The product of a word processor is to writing as processed cheese is to cheese."<br /><br />That sounds silly today. (To many of us it sounded silly then.) Of course it's the end product that counts -- the words -- not the medium used to produce or deliver the words. I think few would argue that all writers should go back to using typewriters (or maybe quill pens) and someday the argument over e-books vs. book books will seem just as absurd.<br /><br />I will continue to buy book books when that format seems most appropriate and/or desirable. For instance, the other day I bought a battlefield atlas of the Civil War because (a) I want to keep it permanently as a reference, and (b) an e-book couldn't adequately reproduce the many maps and diagrams it contains. For content of a simpler and more transient nature, such as popular fiction, the e-book is ideal.H. Bruce Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14613347512240617956noreply@blogger.com