Re: Re: COOL and Amazon

I was recently listening to an interview on NPR about the impact of Mega
Chain Bookstores. According to the guest (sorry I can't remember who it was):
 While there is ample evidence that many small, local bookstores have gone
out of business, there also appears to be evidence that the overall
consumption of books and visits to bookstores has increased during the period
of growth of these mega chains.  The guest was asserting that these mega
chain bookstores have helped to expand the entire book-buying market because
their stores have the convenience, environment, selection, and marketing that
can engage people that perhaps otherwise may have not gone to bookstores as
frequently or at all.  To the degree that this is true, perhaps these mega
bookstores are also taking market share away from activities such as watching
TV.  If they are actually helping to inspire and engage more people to have a
love of reading, then this is a very desirable social outcome.

I love little bookstores, especially used bookstores, but at the same time, I
also get excited when I enter a Barnes and Noble or Borders.  I feel like I
could spend hours there.  Also, while some small, local bookstores have great
service, many do not.  My experience of customer service in small, bookstores
has been all over the place, from excellent to outright rudeness.

I think the same variation holds true with respect to giving to the
community:  some give and some don't.  Many can't afford to.  The mega chains
have such high visibility (and volume) that they may be more compelled to
give.  They also need to give just to counter the effects of the anti-mega
chain sentiments.  On the whole, I wouldn't be surprised if they give out a
higher percentage of profit than the smaller stores.

As for Amazon.com, it would not occur to me to buy from them, unless I'm
specifically trying to get a book that isn't available locally, whether in a
mega chain or a small local store.  However, if I am searching for a book
that isn't available locally, I am glad that Amazon.com makes it convenient. 
And if they are supporting COOL, then I'm even more inclined to support them.

John Sarvey