Comments for Kent's Rants

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by John

John — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:51:10 +0000

I’m assuming that the big faceless corporation(s) for whom books are simply another commodity and each of us is simply a revenue source….does not include the Book Publishing Industry?

I thought so!

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by kt ford

kt ford — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:13:00 +0000

) Kudu’s for removing links to Amazon
..as a voracious reader and
purchaser of books..only from
independent bookstores..I salute you!!
I am an emergent literacy advocate by
profession and vocation

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Karen Hall

Karen Hall — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:20:59 +0000

I own a small independent book store in Boone, North Carolina. I am currently reading and hand-selling “Ordinary Grace.” Congratulations on it, and thanks for writing a book that I love recommending! Thanks also for sticking up for local book stores!

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Sue Roegge

Sue Roegge — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:08:08 +0000

This means so much to me today especially. You may have heard of the school that burned last night in Roberts. A restauranteur in Hudson who has a huge outreach on facebook started a book drive this morning. People asked him if they could order Amazon and I just wanted to scream “use your bookstore” ! We are one block away from the restaurant.

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Sue Roegge

Sue Roegge — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:05:45 +0000

Kent, I am amazed, absolutely amazed at your willingness to remove links. My hope has always been just for the IndieBound logo to be first on the list!
I’ve never said anything to authors we work with when they post about kindle download sales etc because I know that ultimately the authors are trying to sell their books. The fact that you’ll take this next step that brett mentioned….wow.
How many times have I said thank you to you recently? consider this time #billion and one

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:30:03 +0000

You’re absolutely right. If this is what I believe, I should walk the walk. To that end, I’ve asked my web person to remove the purchase links for Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million. The links I’ll retain and will add to are those that are serviced by independent bookstores. In our struggle together, every little bit helps.

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Brett

Brett — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:07:33 +0000

On behalf of independent booksellers everywhere, thank you!
But if you really want to put your money where your “shop local” mouth is, remove the links to Amazon and other online giants from this site.

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Mike O

Mike O — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:21:25 +0000

Steve, you make valid points. That’s why most independent bookstores *do* offer hard books and e-books. You can shop online at many (most?) independent bookstores. You can download e-books, and buy e-readers.

I have a saying – if it’s a book, you can get it at Reading Frenzy (shameless plug). I may have to order it (like you would from Amazon!), but if it’s a book, you can get it from me. Or Chapter 2 Books in Hudson. Or any one of a number of independents. And that includes e-books.

As Ann Patchett so eloquently said on Stephen Colbert last year “come and do a signing at my store. Your friends will be here. We’ll have music. You’ll have a great time. And then next week grab your Sharpee and a box cutter and go sign books at Amazon. You tell me which one you like better.

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Sue Roegge

Sue Roegge — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:09:53 +0000

Steve F:

Independent bookstores are about more than Hardcovers. independent bookstores offer e readers and e downloads through Kobo. Kobo’s downloads are universal to Kindles and Nooks etc.

We also offer e reader covers, along with other gift items, cards for snail mail, journals, local art, toys and puzzles, posters, t shirts, bookplates

paperbacks…….. children’s books to give as gifts at baby showers, books for grandchildren, wedding planners, travel guides, used books, pocket guides to wine, gardening books, so many things , one very important category: books for reluctant readers. Every day we get parents looking for books for kids in late gradeschool years to high school who aren’t into reading. We can sell them Captain underpants if that’s all they think the child will read. We can also inspire the child standing with them to try the Hobbit. We also have non fiction, ultimate survival guides and adventure books that usually do the trick, graphic novels.

We have parents with toddlers who are excited to watch their toddler toddle over to the chunky books on the low shelves.

It wasn’t clear whether you self describe as an advocate for e readers or libraries and bookstores. If you meant you are an advocate for e readers, open your heart and mind and reread what Kent said. If you meant you are an advocate for bookstores and libraries…..well….thanks? I guess? but do me a favor, don’t advocate anymore because you suck at it.

Comment on Together, We Can Save the Independent Bookstores by Maryelizabeth

Maryelizabeth — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:45:23 +0000

Thanks for the thoughtful words, Kent — a nice complement to James Patterson’s ad.

Quick reminder to readers / posters … one can appreciate and purchase ebooks without supporting Spamazon. Nooks, Kobos, and other ebook readers and apps are out there and help support a healthy and diverse publishing industry. Many indie booksellers also have an on-line presence and ebook options.