Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Used book stores? Yay or Nay?

So, this is a question that has been on my mind for a little while, and I’ve finally decided to ask ya’lls opinion on it.  I sometimes visit our used bookstores, few though they may be around here.  Every time I go into one, I always think about how I would feel about them if I were an author.  Don’t get me wrong, I know that the author has received money for those books already, but it just seems like it’s stealing.  I hate that at least some of that money doesn’t go to the author. Of course, I understand that the purpose of the used bookstore is for it to make money, and they should. If there is any business making money right now, I support it.  I also understand that there really isn’t a way to monitor used bookstores, so what they have is what they have. 

But, for most of us, a used bookstore is an easy way for us to still get books without spending a fortune.  Because lets face it, sometimes a book at  $7.99 is a lot of money, especially if you’re unsure about the author and not sure how you’re going to like it.  So, at least if you buy paperback you have the option of getting a little bit of your money back at the bookstore.  I love my Kindle, but I still love the feel of a real book too.  Not only that, but sometimes a used bookstore is great for finding old books that may not be available to purchase anymore.  So, what is your take on a used a bookstore? Do you support it? Do you hate it? Thoughts anyone?

11 comments:

  1. I love used book stores. I always find good books you can't find places. I think it's an author's benefit for a book to be resold. If someone is not going to re-read a book all it does is sit and gather dust, get packed away or get tossed. Being in a used book store gives the author another chance to attract someone who wouldn't necessarily purchase the book the first time. I have authors that I bought new books from that I would have never gotten their books if I hadn't found a used book deal to try them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is true Denise. I've found authors that I've loved from buying at a used bookstore that I probably never would've found otherwise. I always look at the pros and cons of things, so I just hate that they're not getting money for something that they've created. You're right, plus there's really no need for a book to sit on a shelf if there's no hope of it ever being ready again.

      Delete
  2. i love used book stores for me its a chance to try a new author at a small price i have found a few of my auto buys that way so i look at it the same as when authors put a book up for free on the kindle store in hopes you become addicted to their work , course im not an author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know Jennifer, I totally didn't even think about the whole free book on Amazon thing. That's a good point. :)

      Delete
  3. I discovered one of my favorite authors at a used book store. After the $1.00 read, I had to buy all her stuff and brand new since I couldn't find the books anywhere else. You make a good point about authors not getting paid, and Jennifer addresses that well. I'm a new author who plans to use the Kindle free days at least once. We'll see how I feel about all this after that. New GFC follower here from Goodreads. This is me, robgirlbooks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for commenting Robyn. You'll have to keep us posted on your thoughts after you do the Kindle free days.

      I just followed your blog. Good luck with your book! :)

      Delete
  4. Hi saw your message on book blogs.New follower.Here's my blog: perrytheplatypus1102-3daydreamer3.blogspot.com

    Thanks in advance! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just followed you. Thanks for the comment! :)

      Delete
    2. When i was a teen I got so many romance books ( with cover ripped off which i hated) at the discount stores. Plus the library had a small selection of romance books. Ie Garwood, Woodiwiss, Lindsey, Devereaux. Not a bad selection :-)

      Delete
  5. I love used book stores. I buy many books from them due to my very tight budget. But I buy a lot of ebooks for the same reason. When I have extra money I buy from a traditional store as well. I agree with the person who said that any way that an author gets readers is a good thing. A used book grows readership. My two cents anyway!

    btw, love your banner and blog! Look forward to reading more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I always want people to put their two cents in. Thanks for following! :)

      Delete