Major Retailers Closing

mewbie_2

MrDT wrote: »

I read the first paragraph as the usual mewbie tongue in cheek joke post, but the second paragraph suggests that you're actually being serious?

A cross I have made for myself. Maybe I should have two log ins - one of them for serious stuff.

Serious bit...
"Sod the independents, if you want more choice buy online"

Maybe true for vacuous pop music, moronic computer games, and Heat magazine sales. But a wander through a real music shop, or a real bookshop opens the eyes to a whole world of stuff - far removed from the very few choices available on aisle 3 in Tesco. Online sales don't really encourage the accidental browsing that finding yourself by accident in say the politics section of a real bookshop can.

I think in a world of large chains, little choice, big brother and loss of freedoms there is a need for independent, and even slightly anarchic retailers in our society.

This is only my opinion, it's not supposed to be a joke, but you can take it as one if you like. As long as you thank it of course.

MrDT

mewbie wrote: »

Maybe true for vacuous pop music, moronic computer games, and Heat magazine sales. But a wander through a real music shop, or a real bookshop opens the eyes to a whole world of stuff - far removed from the very few choices available on aisle 3 in Tesco. Online sales don't really encourage the accidental browsing that finding yourself by accident in say the politics section of a real bookshop can.

I see what you're getting at, but I think the world of online personal networks bebo, youtube, myface and the like are kinda making the local indie music shop irrelevant these days. I don't believe that the majority of kids actually listen to the chart topping plastic pop rubbish they are force fed. Don't think they ever have or will. I know I never did. They will track down the good stuff online, better than spending whole afternoons flicking through 45s and nipping to the listening booths now and then like I had to!

Real bookshops, fair enough, I only ever buy books that I'm looking for specifically. A topic will pique my interest, say building a kitcar, or the truth behind the bible or something, and I will seek out a book on the subject. Maybe we shop differently. I'm rarely swayed by what I see in a shop, don't really buy on impulse.

mewbie_2

MrDT wrote: »

Maybe we shop differently. I'm rarely swayed by what I see in a shop, don't really buy on impulse.

No, we shop the same. I never go shopping if I can help it. From memory though, browsing a bookshop opened my young eyes to a whole world of alternative thinking, and helped shape my thoughts for the rest of my life. If the choice is chains only or the internet then I believe that is restrictive in a slightly Orwellian way.

So I am arguing for Independents, while not actually being a shopper. Hypocrite with heart in the right place I hope. Or maybe just a hypocrite.

opaque

Oh yes it's obviously a loss leader but the sheer amount of money the supermarkets must have collectively lost over the 2? weeks the deals were on. Especially as Mamma Mia was the largest selling dvd this year, most of which in those 2 weeks I guess!

Sapphire

MrDT wrote: »

Sod the independents, if you want more choice buy online, a book, dvd or cd does not need to be picked up and examined in real life land

Disagree. Bookshops fulfill an essential function in allowing people to make choices about what to buy, which you can only do if you can handle the books. This is especially the case when it comes to books by authors who are unknown to you and illustrated books. You need to be able to physically browse books, which you cannot do online.

Online sources are, however, useful for secondhand, out-of-print books, which you may not be able to get in a bookshop.

It is much easier to buy DVDs and CDs online, since the chances are that you know what you want.

SingleSue

I buy my books from a variety of places...but I rarely buy new anymore as the prices are just a little too expensive for the rate I get through them.

I buy from second hand bookshops, charity shops, bootsales, Amazon, Abebooks and Ebay.

As with most things, I have a limit of what I would pay...£2 usually being my limit.

neverdespairgirl

What sort of stuff do you enjoy, Sue?

SingleSue

Oh a whole range really but my main interests are in medical thrillers, legal thrillers, crime thrillers (notice a common feature here), detective thrillers, policital thrillers/dramas (fictional).

Also autobiographies for interesting characters...

I am currently collecting the Sue Grafton collection of books but like to also read the likes of Jeffrey Archer, Jonathon Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, Jesse Kellerman, James Patterson, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffrey Deaver, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter and Harlen Corben.

Edit Also John Grisham...knew there was one I had forgotten.

neverdespairgirl

All fiction, apart from the autobiographies?

SingleSue

Mainly yes, I do like some 20th century history usually the 2nd world war and the concentration camps...it was something which I got heavily interested in for a history project in my 3rd year high school. It was supposed to be 5000 words, mine ended up being 15,000.

I do also read about (to do with my studies) computer programmes plus I read through all the revision books that James has for his GCSE's (this is one of the reason he calls me a boff).

I also subscribe to monthly crime stories magazines...all real crimes as forensics and crime interest me greatly.

The fiction I do read is very much based in reality though with processes which are current, fantasy just doesn't do it for me...it has to be on a realistic basis which expands my knowledge base.