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Whirled Views 12.5
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Good morning!
Today’s movie quote: “You always want to invest in things people can’t do without. Water and cemeteries… pretty safe bets.”
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Schizo
Anlir, If you want to know why Barnes & Noble is removing chairs from their stores, see Night Train’s posts in the Steve Martin thread from yesterday. This is not speculation on my part - I read in the business section of the newspaper - that this is their exact reason.
Mr. Brooks?
Re our discussion of Christmas songs yesterday, I heard a local on the radio this morning who has a CD out with sons such as Crabs For Christmas, Christmas on the Stoop, The Aluminum Christmas Tree, and Baltimore Jingle Bells (”Oh, what fun we’re havin’ hon”).
You’d probably have to be from Balmer to appreciate this CD.
How could Barnes and Noble remove their lovely seating areas?! They’ll drive us all to Amazon. Are they kicking Starbucks out too?
As long as Books-a-Million keeps the Thomas the Train display, I’ll still be able to shop for books.
The Graduate? He didn’t say anything about plastics, though.
I’ve long thought about naming a series of turnings “Redemption”.
For a classic example of a recent “Oops” see the last six photos in my gallery starting with “Instant Lampshade”. They are in reverse order:
http://www.turnwood.net/Photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=112
There were several things yesterday that I wanted to comment on but came in too late. As far as homosexuality: Have any of you had a gay relative or friend? My lesbian friend refers to herself as Chloe’s “fairy” godmother. She also has the attitude her parents know and she pays her taxes; no one elses business. My stepbrother and his partner are pretty low key as well except for when B has a couple of drinks and starts wanting J to wait on him hand and foot. Also B was on Broadway for a while and won’t let you forget it. Funny, last Christmas while they were home B sang to my Pentacostal grandmother who is 90 and has her good days and bad days. She was having a bad day and when B sang to her it calmed her immediately.
My ex-husband had a cousin who grew up in the church and remained very active. His wife and children found out about his “secret life” when he had to come home and tell them he had full blown AIDS. Can you imagine having to have your children tested for such a thing because you bent to society’s pressure not to be true to yourself? He died several years ago.
As far as Christmas songs: My all time favorite has to be Silent Night. I cry every time. I also cannot make it through Little Drummer Boy with dry eyes. It makes my heart hurt to think of the little boy who has no gift to bring.
I got a paycheck yesterday which is about as much as I can say about my new job. I was hired as the Internet Sales Coordinator. The General Manager has loaded up my plate with a lot of extra reports and stuff to do. I told my immediate boss, Truth In Advertising: I do not have an administrative personality. Load me up with reports, “office tasks”, etc I am miserable. You hired me to get sales leads in here and that is where I make my spiff money. He promised in January he was moving me to sales, but in the week I have been there the GM hired his brother in law to be the next sales person. Nepotism at it’s best. The receptionist is the time sheet Nazi. She wants to know where you are at all times. I have pretty much been a responsible adult, getting myself to work and doing my job for going on 20 yrs now. I don’t need a mother riding my case. Other than that, did I mention that I got paid? I keep reminding myself, I am here for the money, I am here for the money. I am here for the money. I am here for the money.
Also a married man asked me when I was going to take him out for a drink. My reply was to laugh and tell him I couldn’t afford to buy my own self a drink let alone him. Good luck with that.
Any suggestions from anyone on how to handle unwanted advances? I am not young and cute anymore so I can’t rely on playing stupid like it just went over my head that they made a pass at me?
I would appreciate prayers for my mother who has surgery on her shoulder today. She has had a lot of pain from a torn ligament for quite some time (years?), and they finally diagnosed it last month with an MRI. Unfortunately my father is out of town (because of his health needs) and cannot be there, so the caretaking falls to my brothers and their wives.
Make it Man. Absolutely.
Mommy I would love to hear the Bawla mer Christmas songs.
The new WorldMagBlog: an observation
It seems that since WMB has gotten its new suit of duds, many newsworthy stories have simply gone undiscussed.
I’m sorry, I don’t have a list. All I can say is, I’ve had “this feeling” several times — the very feeling I have now that the story of the apparent conflict between the latest National Intelligence Estimate and the WW III rhetoric that has been coming out of the White House is 3 days old, and WMB hasn’t said “who” or “boo” about it.
My impression is that, while we’re seeing plenty of threads on:
- the Christian v. secularist cultural clash
- somewhat chatty or gossipy threads about various celebs and notables
- and even lots of “lighter side” topics …
… WMB seems to be missing the boat on some major news lately.
Of which the reports of the latest NIE are but one example.
(Incidentally, I’ve done some preliminary searches of World on the Web, just in case this story has been covered elsewhere. It hasn’t.)
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed this as well?
Frank,
Back when we were surveyed about the new web site, the changes to the print mag, etc. it seemed like the consensus was that we got our breaking news elsewhere and looked here for commentary, editorials, discussions, and so on. There aren’t many places to discuss Christianity versus culture, especially with a broad mix of people.
Have you emailed Lynn directly about your concerns?
My view is that we’re guests. If you’re not pleased to the T about what’s covered, there’s still plenty of room on the web for a site you design, run, and manage.
I’m glad you have a warning now that you have to log in before posting, whenever this is required. Some time ago, I made a long post (for me) and it went into the digital garbage pit.
Make it Man. I will pray for your mom.
Does anyone else worry about momoffour? Haven’t seem Mumsee lately either.
Random Name: Are you getting some rain? If you get too much, send us some, as much as possible.
Stick with it Kim, but keep looking also. It’s bad when you wake up each morning hating to go in. I did that about a year. No fun. I prayed that you would get a job. Do you want me to back off now?
Mommy: In the DC area there used to be (still may be) a radio personality, Ed Walker, who had another radio persona, “Balmer Bennie”. He would play “Crabs for Christmas”. In fact, I think he was the one who made the record, but I could be wrong. Ed was/is blind, BTW.
About a week ago, we had a thread about things in our lives. I mentioned under “Seen a person die” that I had come upon a mother who ran over her son. This reminded me on another of my NEVER rules.
Never stand directly in front or behind a car you are directing.
I was reminded of this when I saw a guy at Jiffy Lube doing that. You would think they would train these guys.
I’m glad we have a thread without a topic.
This is day 3 of the announcement for nominations for the First Annual “Wabby” Awards here on WorldMag.
What’s a “Wabby” you ask? Why it’s a 24-K *digital* Golden Carrot given out for Excellence in Blogging.
Most of the “Wabby” Awards will be selected by the “Society of Wascally Wabbits”. However, we’ve decided to have a couple of “people’s choice” awards, that you will get to vote on:
Best Blogger - Christian
Nominees should be someone who sets a good example of the Christian faith and a WorldMag regular who upholds the standards of good conduct on here.
Best Blogger - Non-Christian
Nominees should be someone who represents the non-Christian minority well on here and a WorldMag regular who upholds the standards of good conduct on here.
Nominations for both categories are now being accepted. I will repeat this on each day’s “Whirled Views” blog for the next two weeks (except for the weekends). You may also submit your nominations directly to me via my e-mail at: [email protected]. You may nominate up to 3 people in each category, but please do so only one time.
After the two weeks are over, the top 3 nominees in each category will be presented to you for final voting over a week’s period.
The final results, along with the winners in the other categories (coming from the Society of Wascally Wabbits) will be announced in early January at the First Annual “Wabby” Awards” Ceremony on here.
The other categories for a Golden Wabby will remain secret until the Awards ceremony, so as to not unduly influence judges.
Let the nominations continue!
Frank, if you believe something should be discussed, bring it up.
I, personally, am extremely skeptical of “joint communiques” by any group, especially in the intelligence community. (I used to work for one of these, BTW) What they do is issue a statement that is taken for policy, but for which no one is responsible. Neither CIA, nor DIA, nor, NSA, nor FBI nor NIMA said it. It was consensus. If I received one of these, I would conclude that none of them knew what they were talking about, but had to issue a statement. This was their best guess. I suspect a lot of political calculations entered into this also.
“Just the facts, mister. Just the facts.”
The facts aren’t there.
Saw these two back to back headlines and found them amusing. Any connection?
“YEEEOUCH! WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO 15.2 LB BABY!”
“WORLD’S LARGEST ASIAN ELEPHANT MISSING”
Maybe the elephant isn’t missing afer all.
Mommy,
My local B&N removed some of the chairs, not all of them. They got a new store manager about 2 months ago, and she’s made some changes that I don’t think are very customer friendly.
First, she ditched all of the group seating, which was usually 6 or 8 chairs in a square, with a coffee table in the middle. It was very nice and people liked it. She has them all lined up military style now and she took away the coffee tables. It makes you feel like your sitting at the DMV waiting for your license. A lot of people have said something about it, but she basically says it’s her store and she’ll run it however she wants.
Then she moved bookshelves right into the middle of the aisles, where people walk. I asked an employee about it and he said she did it because she wants people to physically run into them, in hopes they will stop and buy something. People with strollers or wheelchairs will find it maddening.
Now she’s started removing chairs completely. Again I asked an employee and she said that the manager thinks that fewer chairs will force people to come in, buy something, and leave. In effect, she thinks it will increase customer turnover, which will increase sales. I noticed the Barnes & Noble in Baton Rouge did this also. There are very few chairs in the store anymore.
I don’t know if this is her first job or what, but I know the regular and faithful customers are none too happy about it. Word is that a new Borders is coming, which is very customer friendly and has lots of seating. We may decamp to there.
Chas,
I have been here and commenting with my usual nonstop chattering. I must have been talking so much I blended into the ads.
Sorry Mumsee, I usually notice your posts. Somewhere else, they talked about nominating Father Time for Time’s man of the year. Father Time has made a mess of me. Maybe that’s it.
Metanoia, my mom has always claimed that she was roughly 15 pounds when she was born. Of course, it was an “at home” birth and she was not delivered C-Section. She says that everyone said she was born “black and blue” as well.
I haven’t seen any documentation, so I don’t know how accurate she is. The most amazing thing of all, though, is my grandmother have several children after my mom!
Kim,
I DON’T want this to be another gay thread. But for the record, a married man doesn’t get AIDS, and possibly give it to his family, because he “bent to society’s pressure not to be true to [him]self.” He gets AIDS because he violates his marriage vows and sins against God. Deciding not to marry and just living in homosexual sin might have been better from his family’s perspective, but it would not have been “being true to himself.”
Kim, we don’t make the rules. God does. And we break them at our own peril, and often at great cost to those we love.
Thanks all for your prayers for my Mom.
Chas,
I’ve been wondering where PentaMom went, as well as PBJParent…
Anlir, Based on what I read in the paper, your B&N manager is not acting unilaterally - she’s following company orders.
Cheryl, That phrase (”because he bent to society’s pressure not to be true to [him]self.”) bothered me the exact same way. I almost responded to it, but you did a better job than I would have.
Chas, According to the web site - “Twenty years ago David DeBoy’s hit single, “Crabs for Christmas” descended on an unsuspecting Baltimore. More than 10,000 records (remember those vinyl singles?) were sold in four weeks. The catchy chorus, the genuine Bawlamerese accent and the strange plot line of a grown man asking Santa to deliver Crabs for Christmas has continued to delight audiences and radio listeners for two decades.”
I don’t remember Ed Walker, but that doesn’t especially mean anything.
Musing wins! Mr. Brooks is correct. Please enjoy your fizzy Coke…
***
\_/
Cameron (12): Back when we were surveyed about the new web site, the changes to the print mag, etc. it seemed like the consensus was that we got our breaking news elsewhere and looked here for commentary, editorials, discussions, and so on.
Frank: Perhaps I missed that discussion. But I don’t see the two as mutually exclusive. I know that WMB isn’t a news site. But we used to have commentary, editorials and discussions about breaking news — as well as the culture war and plenty of “fluff-bubble” stuff as well. Again, it’s my perception that the former has dwindled waaaay down; the Culture Wars discussions are still here, and the “fluff-bubble” stuff has held steady or even increased.
Cameron (12): Have you emailed Lynn directly about your concerns?
Frank: Nope. I figgered I could catch her attention here, as well as toss out my perceptions and compare notes with other bloggers.
Cameron (12): My view is that we’re guests …
Frank: … and I feel the same way …
Cameron (12): If you’re not pleased to the T about what’s covered, there’s still plenty of room on the web for a site you design, run, and manage.
Frank: … but we have also been told by Lynn et al. that we are what makes WMB a somewhat unique place, and that we are why WMB exists. I don’t think you meant it in a snide manner, but you’re remarks sounds like “If you don’t like it here, go find/make your own game.”
I know that’s an option. But another is to share my perceptions and desires with WMB staff and my fellow WMBloggers, and see if my feedback generates any adjustments. I do have a couple of weblogs myself, but I can assure you that the three people who read them do not constitute anywhere near as broad and varied a crowd as you all! (And besides, if every one of us took our balls and went home, we’d be blogging to ourselves, wouldn’t we?)
I think that Lynn and the rest are plenty open to hearing our observations on how things are done here. Weblogs are — by definition, I think — fluid creatures that are open to suggestions re. modification and adjustment. I’m just doing my part.
“Squeaking, that I may be greased,” so to speak.
BTW, I certainly don’t expect to be “pleased to a T.”
If I did, I would be blogging only to myself and my three readers.
I posted this on the “Scepter” thread and realized it might fit better here. Sorry!
“I would like someone to simply post the Apostolic Creed to see if we can have an intelligent discussion as to what it is that is offensive. Is it what Christians believe, or how Christians communicate what they are supposed to believe?
I would venture to think that most of the reaction from our non-Christian friends is aimed at the messenger and not the message. Most of us Christian would say that there certainly have been enough misguided, angry, uninformed and even heretical “christians” that have spoiled our witness to the world. But that can be said about any message’s messengers.
If I am right, then what is it about the message WOW non-christians would choose to reject and why?
While components of our creed crop up in conversation on the blog, the totality of it should be put it in context and might make for an interesting discussion and debate.
Take it apart phrase by phrase, but discuss it in context and let’s see what comes up.
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth . . .”
Who would want crabs for Christmas?
Oh…you mean the edible kind. I see.
Does anyone remember the thread with the world famous violinist (?) who played anonymously in a public place to see how many people would stop and listen and/or acknowledge the music?
If so, please help me find that again if it’s available?!
Thanks!
B&N’s corporate leadership is making a smart business move if it does anything to keep people from sitting in their store for two hours to read a book (even if it’s about a great comedian like Steve Martin) so he or she can avoid making a purchase.
Mommy, Ed Walker was a DC DJ, been around a long time. He teamed up with Willard Scott on WRC in the 1960’s. (Scott was some network weather man, but I never saw him because I never turn my TV on in the AM.)
VS: I remember the thread, but I expect it’s out in the eather where all the digits go when someone hits “delete”.
VS,
Are you looking for something that was said in the thread specifically, or for info about the event it discussed? If the latter, there’s plenty of places to find it on the internet.
#21: He gets AIDS because he violates his marriage vows and sins against God.
No, he gets AIDS from unprotected sex with an infected man or woman.
VS,
Joshua Bell?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html
Frank In Phoenix,
I assume that you don’t get why the intelligence report said that Iran gave up its Atomic Bomb project in 2003 while Bush was talking about WW3 with Iran right before the intelligence report was released
It’s pretty simple which is why it probably flew over the heads of lefties and wasn’t necessary for WMB to discuss it.
First off, Bush saw the intelligence report last Wednesday which finally confirmed that his recent WW3 talk was right on the money as usual.
Most of us remember that in 2003 President Bush (read USA) put heavy unilateral sanctions on Iran while invading their neighbor Iraq and disposing of a vile and despicable Arab and Muslim Genocidal Oil Despot.
Next thing you know Qaddafi of Libya gave up nukes as fast he possibly could in public, and it looks like Iran did exactly the same thing in private. Bush now realizes for sure, since this report confirms it, that his Stick and Stick Policy of Sanctions and Invasion works wonders on Insane Islamic Terrorists and that more of the same will provide America the security and prosperity it deserves - just like tax cuts do.
By putting even stronger sanctions on Iran (say by banning gasoline imports by the Iranian Mullahs and Jay Lo Porn videos for Persian men) and promising military action against Iran (or say by actually invading Syria - another Iranian neighbor)the next thing you know Iran will be acting like Mother Teresa and giving us oil for free - out of their newly found Muslim compassion that they had in them all along.
No sense letting them insane Mullahs enrich uranium either - the hardest part of making a Nuke - do you? - Or, are you as naive as President Clinton was when N. Korea told him “trust us, we won’t make nukes because you socialists are darn near Commies like us and have bought us off with your appeasing money, oil and food”. They then of course made nukes anyway gaining the 10 years they needed to do it while President Clinton didn’t even bother to “Trust but Verify” as President Reagan taught all presidents that would follow him.
Glad I could clear this seemingly difficult problem up for you socialists. Let me know if you want to talk about those pesky ‘Wonder Bush Tax Cuts’ you lefties are so confused and easily brainwashed about. My pleasure.
Frank in Phoenix,
I know that Lynn welcomes suggestions, whether on here or via e-mail. I’ve sent a ton of suggestions. Sometimes they’ve been adopted. Also, I send in suggestions of stories that I’ve read in magazines, newspapers or other websites that WorldMag might be interested in covering.
*****
Kim,
It sounds like your new job is going a little rough. Hang in there and it will likely get better. I think all new jobs are overwhelming at first. And once you actually start work you find out that there is more to the job than they told you. Sometimes one must remember that a job is a way to pay bills and make it through life. Very few of us are lucky enough to marry someone who has such a well paying job that we can live off of it.
Oh, and I know about “Time sheet Nazi’s”. They can make your life miserable. I’m somewhat fortunate in that I am a salaried employee, but it took a long time to get there. But I do know what it’s like to clock in/clock out. Most of my jobs I’ve had to do that.
*****
In regards to reading books in B&N - I agree that one should purchase a book before reading it. I think it’s unfair to the author to read a book in a store without buying it. I buy books from a variety of places, including a used bookstore, on-line (Amazon), and local bookstores (including B&N). Then I take the book with me to B&N and sit and read.
I can’t even remember the musician’s name - don’t know how to begin to look.
Bless you Mumsee - I hadn’t refreshed the thread when I made the post above, so I didn’t see your response. He’s the one!! Thanks!
VS,
You’ve got your answer now - but that’s a story you can find without even knowing the musician’s name. I did a search using the keywords: world famous violinist rush hour - and the top four hits all dealt with that story.
Sad news in Omaha. A 19 year old shot several people at a mall, killing 7 then killing himself. When will it all end?
VS,
Due to my incredibly poor memory, I just typed in violinist subway and got it.
Peter L,
I think we both know when it will end, though not the day or the hour.
I think this was predicted in the book of Revelation. It’s a recording of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys rapping. Listen at your own risk.
http://snipurl.com/1utli
LOL! No thank you, NT
“WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The birth rate for teenagers increased in 2006 in the United States for the first time since 1991, while childbearing among unmarried women surged to the highest level on record, health officials said on Wednesday.”
for more:
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0561785120071205
Alright, NT. Like a Night Train Wreck, I had to look. I do not enjoy rap music, and that is even worse than rap music. My poor ears!!!
Now I’m mad at you too!
This is pretty entertaining. It’s two good friends who agreed not to communicate for one year, except via video blogs. In this one he rants about the secularization of Christmas. I thought some here would enjoy it. I’ve heard some of the same thoughts discussed, but not so humorously
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpP8uD7PDo0
I learned today that Republican Presidential Candidate Alan Keyes’ daughter is a lesbian. Dick Cheney’s daughter is too. Since many here believe sexual orientation is simply a matter of choice, what did these two men do wrong in raising their daughters that would make them not like men?
Frank,
While not trying to be snide, that’s exactly the sentiment I meant to express. A lot of people work in front of and behind the scenes to make this a great place. No on line (filter?) group is perfect, but this is by far the best I’ve found.
Anlir has made a suggestion more politely than I.
You say you agree we’re guests. Extending the metaphor, Lynn is our gracious hostess. I would choose not to make suggestions to my hostess in public, but rather in private.
As Random would say, though he was not the first: Your mileage may vary.
Hamachitwo: Maybe the men didn’t do anything. Maybe someone else did.
Kim: no one seemed to give you advice regarding advances, but have you ever tried a long stare? Or bluntly say “keep your comments to yourself, you’re out of line.” Is there an HR department you could complain to? I used to just tell them off politely, but firmly.
This blog was where I found out about the atheist tree in Chester Cty, PA, so that was interesting to know. I understand, though, how Frank feels, but I would also concur with the suggestion that he shoot an e-mail to Lynn or start up a topic on this thread with a post and ask for opinions.
Maybe, NJL. Maybe not. We’ll never know. We just know that under their authoritarian world view, two young women decided to publicly become lesbians. Or they were born that way and Keyes and Cheney had nothing at all to do with it. I suspect the latter.
In regards to reading books in B&N - I agree that one should purchase a book before reading it. I think it’s unfair to the author to read a book in a store without buying it.
So it’s wrong to borrow books and movies from the library?
I warned you Hamachi! It’s a disaster of biblical proportions.
Anlir, If you want to know why Barnes & Noble is removing chairs from their stores, see Night Train’s posts in the Steve Martin thread from yesterday. This is not speculation on my part - I read in the business section of the newspaper - that this is their exact reason.
That’s funny. I’ve searched several online news sources and I can’t find anything about this. What paper did you read this in?
Night Train, the library has bought books to be loaned out. And I’d guess the average library copy brings multiple sales to an author–I at least have bought many books after reading them first at the library.
I’d think removing chairs will hurt sales in the long run, though. The one I could never understand is how coffee and foodstuffs made it into bookstores. I deliberately don’t own a coffee table because of the risk of a guest “mixing” reading matter and a beverage.
But chairs in bookstores? I have never read a book cover to cover in a bookstore (except a kids’ picture book–I want to read every word before buying a picture book), but I do want to sit down and look through my stack and decide which books to buy.
A few months ago, for instance, I was “researching” what was on the market for girls of the age of books I’m writing. I wanted to see what publisher is doing what, and how current books read. So I went to a bookstore and grabbed one book from each of the series, plus some non-series titles, and went and sat down and looked through them. I bought three or four, because I was able to comfortably spend time looking at them and seeing which were worth taking home. At home, I don’t usually stand to look through a book; in the bookstore I’d rather spend some time sitting, once I have a stack to look through. And as a person who has been known a couple of times to buy 200 or so books in a single year, I’m the kind of buyer that bookstores should try to keep. As it is, I buy more books online than in bookstores these days.
Night Train, the library has bought books to be loaned out.
But that doesn’t address Anlir’s complaint that reading a book without paying for it is unfair to the author. If I don’t pay for a book I read, what’s the difference if I read it at the bookstore, or at home borrowed from the L?
And I’d guess the average library copy brings multiple sales to an author–I at least have bought many books after reading them first at the library.
But a book read in the bookstore won’t bring multiple sales to the author in the future? Why is is that library books read lead to future sales but books read at the store don’t?
I’d think removing chairs will hurt sales in the long run, though.
I think you’re probably right.
The one I could never understand is how coffee and foodstuffs made it into bookstores. I deliberately don’t own a coffee table because of the risk of a guest “mixing” reading matter and a beverage.
Speaking of which, while I read the book, I purchased a $5 frappucino. Which probably cost the store fifty cents to make and serve. So the store got some money out of me.
But chairs in bookstores? I have never read a book cover to cover in a bookstore (except a kids’ picture book–I want to read every word before buying a picture book), but I do want to sit down and look through my stack and decide which books to buy.
Why do you think the chairs are IN the bookstores? They’re to encourage people to sit and read. Most people don’t read the whole book, but most people can’t read a 206 page book in 2 hours. Can I help it I’m a fast reader? And you’ve just said you think it’s fine to read part of a book in a bookstore to see if you like it. So how much of it is it OK to read before you’re ripping off the author if you end up not buying it?
A few months ago, for instance, I was “researching” what was on the market for girls of the age of books I’m writing. I wanted to see what publisher is doing what, and how current books read. So I went to a bookstore and grabbed one book from each of the series, plus some non-series titles, and went and sat down and looked through them. I bought three or four, because I was able to comfortably spend time looking at them and seeing which were worth taking home. At home, I don’t usually stand to look through a book; in the bookstore I’d rather spend some time sitting, once I have a stack to look through. And as a person who has been known a couple of times to buy 200 or so books in a single year, I’m the kind of buyer that bookstores should try to keep.
I also buy a lot of books from the B&N every year. Probably one every two weeks. And there’s a real good chance I’ll buy the Steve Martin book here shortly. I don’t just like to read a book once. I like owning books, and rereading them. And if B&N decides that they don’t want people like me, one of their best customers, sitting down to read at the store, fine. I’ll take by biz to Books-a-Million, or Amazon.
Now, do you really think that everyone’s really that upset about me reading a book at the store? Or are they just looking for a reason to attack me, the guy everybody loves to hate?
Llama -
Your arrogance reeks. Go play in traffic.
Oh, and do you recall how Lynn recently reminded another WMBloggger that just because someone’s a liberal, it doesn’t make them a troll?
Well, the same thing applies here, Clyde. Just because I tend to be critical or distrusting of Bush and Co., it doesn’t make me a lefty or a socialist.
I’d excuse that kind of weak tea from a newbie. But you’ve been around here long enough to know what I’m about.
I hear I-17 is nice for Llama polo this time of night …
Reading an entire book in a bookstore does not constitute theft of intellectual property.
Stealing a book from the bookstore does.
The major difference between a library and a bookstore is that the books in the library have been paid for.
When you read a book in the store without it being paid for, you are depriving the author of their just compensation for their work, not to mention the store and the publisher of their income. Would you go into Wal-Mart, open up a new cd player, use it, and put it back on the shelf?
It’s the same reason I don’t accept or download copies of cd’s or videos that I haven’t paid for. I think it’s unfair to deny the creator of their fair compensation.
I realize a lot of people do these things. But if everyone did it, the entire system would collapse and we would all be the poorer for it.
Authors, publishers, musicians, and artists are due just compensation for their works. It’s the right thing to do.
The major difference between a library and a bookstore is that the books in the library have been paid for.
They’re paid for once. Adn then they’re loaned out hundreds and hundreds of times, depriving the author of the proceeds from hundreds of sales, according to your theory.
Besides, I paid five bucks a pop back in the early 80s to see two horrible Steve Martin movies, The Man With Two Brains and The Lonely Guy. That’s 15 or 20 bucks in todays’ money.
So Steve owes me one. And I’m pretty sure he’s not going to have to move in with his parents because I didn’t buy his book.
And when everyone here turns in their library cards, I’ll quit reading at bookstores. Until you do, get off my back.
I would think that the problem with reading a book in a bookstore is less a matter of the author receiving compensation for his work, and more an issue for the owner of the bookstore who finds a used copy on his hands that can no longer be sold as new.
I think I generally have pretty clean hands, and am careful in how I handle a book, but I often find that even without a bookmark, I can find my place in a book by where it opens to, or by slight discoloration on the edges of pages. And the binding never looks quite the same as before I read it (especially in paperbacks, but sometimes also in hardcovers - though I hardly ever buy those).
You asked “So how much of it is it OK to read?” I would say little enough that the book will still look brand new. If I pick up a book at a bookstore that appears used, I will be happy to buy it but not at full price.
Night Train,
I didn’t attack your reading the whole book; I simply addressed the question of the difference between reading a library copy and reading a bookstore copy. And BTW, the “reading part of a book” and not buying it means reading it to see if I want to buy it, not reading it instead of buying it–reading a few pages.
Another difference between reading a bookstore copy and a library copy is that when two or three people read the library copy, that’s OK. When two or three people read a bookstore copy, it is now a “used book.” I have loaned out paperbacks and had people comment, “Oh, I didn’t know it was your new copy,” and I’ve told them, “It’s not–I’ve read that copy at least six times.” But the reality is that very few people read a paperback without leaving it the worse for wear, and enough readings of a hardcover will show, also. Too many books in bookstores look “thumbed through,” and a lot of people–me included–try hard to avoid buying a new book that looks the least little bit worn or imperfect.
No worries, Cheryl. I’m quite the bibliophile, and I read books in stores very carefully. And I read the display copy, and when I was done, you’d never have any idea a person had touched the book. Do I make a habit of reading entire books in bookstores? No. I can’t remember ever reading another book in its entirety while at the store. I had a couple hours to kill and I headed for my favorite place, where I spend lots of money, and wound up reading a breezy little book in two hours. Again, when everyone here turns in their library card, I’ll send Steve 25 bucks. And until they do, they can all get off my back.
And if Steve calls and wonders why I read his book without paying for it, you know what I’ll say?
WELL EXCUUUUUUUUSE ME!!!
Frank:“Just because I tend to be critical or distrusting of Bush and Co., it doesn’t make me a lefty or a socialist.”
Hamachi: Oh, but it does for most around here. I saw Ed/Qwerty labeled as a liberal yesterday, although he voted for Bush in 00 and 04. It’s not you, Frank. I consider myself a left moderate, and see you as a right moderate, but around here we are all called leftist socialists if we don’t fall in line. Interesting.
Also the library copy is bound differently than the regular copy on bookstore shelves. It has to stand up to more use and abuse and typically cost more than the bookstore copy.
Have you ever had to replace/pay for a library book? OUCH!! Usually twice the price you would pay at a book store.
Frank - re # 57 - LOL!
Don’t stand too close, VS. You might catch the liberal socialist cooties.
#13 Chas
Random Name: Are you getting some rain? If you get too much, send us some, as much as possible.
Way too much. I’ve been wandering around for days muttering “Katrina Light” to myself.
Anlir, If you want to know why Barnes & Noble is removing chairs from their stores, see Night Train’s posts in the Steve Martin thread from yesterday. This is not speculation on my part - I read in the business section of the newspaper - that this is their exact reason.
Actually, that’s the exact opposite of the truth. Here are the facts.
http://snipurl.com/1uw6b
Completely contrary to the claims above, Barnes & Noble isn’t removing chairs, precisely because people who sit and read, like me, buy more books.
But who cares about the facts?