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| This article from The Authors Guild, though long, is quite informative about the future of books and bookstores. It's a little scary to think that one company can have so much power. I already feel that my reading is somewhat limited by what Amazon suggests that I read. If it weren't for all you wonderful people here at RP, I might not know that any other books existed but those promoted by Amazon. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon, Innovation, and the Rewards of the Free Market
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Like most book lovers, I really enjoy going to a store like Barnes & Noble to see what's new and to pick and thumb through the books. It is an experience that is lacking, obviously, in online shopping. The frustration and the conflict of loyalties begin when I request a specific book and frequently B&N has to order it...and at a price that frankly is not competitive. Online book sellers offer a wide variety of book prices , a feature which appeals to those who do not have infinite resources for these purchases. Additionally, these book sellers are also able to offer out of print books which are not in a Barnes & Noble inventory. If most people are being honest, I believe they would admit that cost is the driving factor and B&N type venues simply cannot compete. These brick and mortar book stores need to figure out a way to stay viable in a rapidly changing and expanding cybermarket. |
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| I do hope that brick and mortar bookstores continue to survive. I take great pleasure in browsing a room full of books and making fortuitous discoveries. Amazons' suggestion feature is an attempt to replicate this. Not the same for me, but also quite good in its own way. Yes Amazon is a powerful threat to the brick and mortar store, but it is not the only one. Chains themselves have swallowed up many small independent stores. Then in turn chains themselves have succumbed. Ebooks are a threat, too. I have noticed that some smaller bookstores as well as B&N are offering ebooks on site. Amazon has been a blessing as well as a threat. It has widened my horizons more than it has dictated choice. It is due to online availability that I can find any book I want that is for sale pretty much anywhere in the world. In my ideal universe, both ways of buying books will continue to exist side by side. I also want to see ebooks and print books both continue to be easily available. In time we'll know how it all turned out. I don't know that I could call it at this point. Rosefolly |
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