This LATime spiece brings out my capitalist side. It is actually a sterling feature and well written offering a good analysis of the ills of independent book stores. But, and it is a big but, it is defeatist, un-knowingly nostalgic for better times and forgiving of Independent Bookstores’ failings.
The closing paragraphs offer little hope and even less comfort to the trade. What os even worse they offer scant promise to innovators or new entrants:
He’s full of plans for improving the Booksmith’s website, tying the store more firmly to the Haight-Ashbury community, doing more events — making it both inescapable and irresistible for those who live in the neighborhood.
Frank, who owns the Booksmith building, is helping out the new team by offering a below-market rent. He couldn’t think offhand of a store anywhere in the country that has successfully reinvented itself and moved to a secure financial footing, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
“Someone needs to take bookstores to another level,” Frank said. “Because this level sure isn’t working.”
Either you are in business to make money or you are in business for the wrong reason.
That is a simple rule and one to follow closely in publishing and book selling. Making money allows you to do the things we dream of doing, losing money secures only pain and suffering. It is time for independents to stop complaining, they are starting to remind me of Farmers*. There are huge changes ongoing in publishing but no company has a right to survive, no retailer a right to profit. The sooner the sense of entitlement gets forgotten the sooner independents will begin to work their way into profit and relevance once more.
Enjoying the snow: it’s not nearly as nice as for these guys though
Eoin
*I love farmers for their food and effort and I will happily pay premium for quality but I hate the way Farmers campaign and complain on an almost constant basis about their industry and how they deserve extra support for their businesses!
