Adam: How was your day?
Laura: Slow. Sigh. Bookstores are struggling everywhere. Darn internet. I only sold one book this whole afternoon. One!
Adam: What book?
Laura: Internet for dummies.
The interwebs have opened up vast storehouses of infotainment. Cornell’s Making of America and Home Economics libraries could provide me with a lifetime of reading material.
I feel for the small business owner! And, especially for the book sellers! I do NOT like to read my books on a computer, but, like Doc Toon, I go to used book sales at the library s. It is a crime for a book to be thrown away!
I noticed some book stores started offering other things just to stay afloat in this new economy. Most of them put in cafes and coffee bars. Some even resorted to selling toys, clothing, and other things that can be tied into some of the books they were selling. Anything for them to at least break even in order to stay open.
I have an iPad, and have read a few books using the “Kindle” feature. However, I much prefer good old fashioned paper (preferably hard cover) books!.I know I am a dying breed in today’s “internet savvy” world; but it is what I am, and after these many years, I am not planning on changing…
Related to today’s comic, a few months ago, I wrote to the local newspaper in response to another writers editorial comments. Here is what I wrote:“Barnes & Noble Closing.A recent letter from Rosemount resident, (name withheld) was well written and made a strong case for retaining this important store in the community. She pointed out “many people regularly go there to study, write, or work” and “this is one place you can come to relax. Parents bring their children here for story time. Teens study together. Friends catch up over a cup of coffee.”.All of these are valid concerns; unfortunately, they do not touch on the real reason this store, and others like it are closing. Studying, writing, working, relaxing, etc. do not pay the bills. This is a bookstore, and the sale of books, magazines, and other related items pays the rent, the taxes, the salaries, and a myriad of other expenses that go into maintaining this business, or any business for that matter..If folks really want to keep this store alive and thriving, they need to buy the products they sell. If they go to the internet and buy their printed materials, it does little if anything to help a local business survive! If it is a small business, think before you drive to the giant “box store” to save 25 cents on a 10 dollar purchase! I spent most of my adult life in a retail small business, and did everything I could to be competitive; but it wasn’t easy. You do need to keep your customers spending their money at your place of business instead of going elsewhere. In no way am I suggesting (name withheld) does not support this business, and I certainly hope she and her friends do. We just need more like her to do the same.”
Say What Now‽ Premium Member almost 10 years ago
I’ll Google that one.
Boots at the Boar Premium Member almost 10 years ago
The interwebs have opened up vast storehouses of infotainment. Cornell’s Making of America and Home Economics libraries could provide me with a lifetime of reading material.
Chrisdiaz801 almost 10 years ago
Sting indeed, Mrs.Newman.
MontanaLady almost 10 years ago
Good Morning, Adam Fans,
I feel for the small business owner! And, especially for the book sellers! I do NOT like to read my books on a computer, but, like Doc Toon, I go to used book sales at the library s. It is a crime for a book to be thrown away!
Comic Minister Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Sorry to hear that Laura.
QuietStorm27 almost 10 years ago
I bought a new book from a bookstore recently but I’ll admit that I utilize the library for most books or shop online.
Nicole ♫ ⊱✿ ◕‿◕✿⊰♫ Premium Member almost 10 years ago
I noticed some book stores started offering other things just to stay afloat in this new economy. Most of them put in cafes and coffee bars. Some even resorted to selling toys, clothing, and other things that can be tied into some of the books they were selling. Anything for them to at least break even in order to stay open.
neverenoughgold almost 10 years ago
I have an iPad, and have read a few books using the “Kindle” feature. However, I much prefer good old fashioned paper (preferably hard cover) books!.I know I am a dying breed in today’s “internet savvy” world; but it is what I am, and after these many years, I am not planning on changing…
neverenoughgold almost 10 years ago
Related to today’s comic, a few months ago, I wrote to the local newspaper in response to another writers editorial comments. Here is what I wrote:“Barnes & Noble Closing.A recent letter from Rosemount resident, (name withheld) was well written and made a strong case for retaining this important store in the community. She pointed out “many people regularly go there to study, write, or work” and “this is one place you can come to relax. Parents bring their children here for story time. Teens study together. Friends catch up over a cup of coffee.”.All of these are valid concerns; unfortunately, they do not touch on the real reason this store, and others like it are closing. Studying, writing, working, relaxing, etc. do not pay the bills. This is a bookstore, and the sale of books, magazines, and other related items pays the rent, the taxes, the salaries, and a myriad of other expenses that go into maintaining this business, or any business for that matter..If folks really want to keep this store alive and thriving, they need to buy the products they sell. If they go to the internet and buy their printed materials, it does little if anything to help a local business survive! If it is a small business, think before you drive to the giant “box store” to save 25 cents on a 10 dollar purchase! I spent most of my adult life in a retail small business, and did everything I could to be competitive; but it wasn’t easy. You do need to keep your customers spending their money at your place of business instead of going elsewhere. In no way am I suggesting (name withheld) does not support this business, and I certainly hope she and her friends do. We just need more like her to do the same.”
Chrisdiaz801 almost 10 years ago
Sting in, Mrs.Newman.