(no subject)

[hannibalv]

Copied from a comment I posted in someone else's journal, reposted here to foster discussion:

OK, no one has ever been able to adequtely explain this to me:

What's so good about independent bookstores?

I'm serious. When I go a-buying books, I pretty much know what I want when I walk through the door. I sure don't want some well-meaning do-gooder trying to foist his or her recommendations upon me. I walk in grab what I want and maybe a couple-three extra things I might be interested in, find a sitting place, sort through what I've grabbed, and, usually, make my purchases and am gone. Add to this the fact that many independent bookstores don't have the slection I'm looking for, the whole experience just becomes a neckpain. Hell, Amazon may be the best thing for me--I can get exactly what I want, and I don't have to see people.

Have it at, indie defenders.

Comments

[cursedcassandra.livejournal.com]

Hanni,
For those of us who aren't misanthropes, Indie Bookstores are great places to get recommendations from the staff (try going into Borders asking for lighthearted Southern gothic mystery fiction in paperback), to meet people, and to enjoy an atmosphere that isn't replicated in every suburb across America.
As for selection, I find a better selection in the local independents than I've ever encountered in any Borders/Barnes and Noble.
*shrugs*

die corp. die

[(Anonymous)]

I like supporting non-corporate-type businesses. It supports the ideal American way. The mom and pop businesses are slowly getting consumed by these monsters and the monsters are dictating what we should be buying and in what quantity and color. Many times (and not all) these small businesses provide consumers with alternative choices and add to a diverse consumer nation.

My other personality tells me that they usually don't have stuff I can trust to buy. I am so used to buying name brand stuff that I find that I am willing to spend more on names I recognize than those I don't. (and those may or may not be just as good, but probably aren't. heh)But that's a bit off the subject. I think my point has been stated.
-dew drop