Turning a Page for the Economy

I've blogged about this before, but I think it's worth examining again. We're inundated right now with  stories about the death of publishing, the demise of the book, and the woes of the author. Print publishing is suffering, and no amount of DRM (digital-rights management, for the happily uninitiated) can bring us back to the Good Old Days. (Forgive me if I'm less than nostalgic for those Good Old Days; I was busy not experiencing them while following my spouse's career path. They might have been fantastic; I just missed them entirely.)

But every time I read another one of these stories, I wonder if other readers are out there, as I am, actually purchasing books. I've also said many times that while I wouldn't encourage anyone to spend as I do, I do spend a significant amount on books: downloads for my Kindle, hardcover books I can't wait to read, audiobooks for Mr. Bethanne, and any number of books for the Mini Mavens (yes, we use the library, too. We read a lot!). Every "reader" I talk to will say "Oh, I'm waiting for that at the library. Oh, I want to borrow that from you when you're done. Oh, when I can get that in paperback, I'll read it."

These are tough economic times, but no one I know is in true straits. We've all cut back, but we all still go to the movies, go out to dinner, buy music, buy clothing, and have cable. I also don't think that my friends, colleagues, and family members who don't buy books are deliberately trying to cheat the publishing industry.

No, I believe that we undervalue books. We think that books are readily available, that books are easily transferrable, and that books will always be around.

Think again.

If things keep going as they are, pretty soon people with Kindles and other e-readers will have titles at our fingertips and the ability to transfer those titles to other e-reader owners -- and we'll have fewer hard-copy books to lend out to you. 

Another thing I've said before (on Twitter) is that I don't believe hard-copy books and e-books are weapons of mutually assured destruction. There should be room for both on the market. Some books are never going to work well on e-readers, while others should only be read on e-readers. 

What would happen if everyone who could bought a book this week? I know there's a program or a campaign out there somewhere advocating this. What if we all gave up a latte or three and used that money to buy a trade paperback? Or gave up one dinner out or a couple of lunches and bought a hardcover? The coffee shops and restaurants would not tumble into the sea -- but it just might give beleaguered booksellers and publishers and authors a shot in the arm. 

Forget Jean Chatzky -- don't save that latte money. Just spend it somewhere else. After all, once you've consumed that caffeine, it's gone. But once you buy a book, you can keep it in your library -- or heck, send it on over. I'll lend you mine if you lend me yours!

Tell me: Which book or books would you run out and buy today? Maybe we can start a sort of Booksavers Club...

Comments

[Rebecca]

When I read all the stories about people not buying books anymore I find myself perplexed and at odds over what that means. I for one buy books weekly, it's almost a mandatory box in my monthly budget. I also have two daughters that since they were tiny have always known that I don't buy them random toys or wish things, but books, books they can have as many as they want, whenever they want them. Finish a book, off to the bookstore we go for another sort of deal.
One thing I've wondered and find myself concerned about is chain stores like Hastings and their buy back programs. It's one thing to donate books to a salvation army and they sell them....it's a whole different issue when someone buys a book the day it comes out, reads it, then sells it back to Hastings for a couple of dollars. Then the book buyer that comes in to get that title has the option of buying at retail a brand new book, or the used book 5 dollars less. I can't imagine the publisher or author gets any money in this transaction. That has to hurt the econonmy of books. (but I don't know for sure)

[Famin]

I've cut back on buying books lately, but not necessarily for a lack of money. I have no space to put them! My family is concerned that the floor of the room will collapse from the weight of all my books. So, I don't buy as many books for myself anymore. But I do buy plenty of books for other people!

[Joanne]

There are many things I don't buy often (or at all), but books is definitely not one of them. The demise of Olsson's has reduced my book buying somewhat, but I've turned to Powell's (just have to wait a bit to get my hands on them). I'd happily give up all kinds of food and other entertainments to be able to keep buying books!

As for what I'd run out and buy today if I believed I wasn't going to be able to get books any more...hmmm...I'd probably make sure I owned a copy of each and every Newbery winner (I know our collection has a few gaps). I keep a running list of books I want to read, so I'd peruse that list and prioritize as my budget required. But I (and my family) would all keep reading!

[MavenLady]

Thanks for these terrific comments; I'm definitely preaching to the choir, here...

[TM]

This made me think about how often I actually do buy books and the survey shows -- a lot! Well, at least 5 a month. Many of them for the children who are advancing readers and need fresh material.
We also go to the library at least once every 3 or 4 weeks for their programs and to see if there are titles they like that they may want to own.
I'm very big on trading and lending books, but like @Famin, have so many that the shelves are sagging.
And though I don't have a Kindle now, I could see adopting the technology for easy access to new books. I like books for the stories, the intellectual stimulation, the escape and am happy to consume them in whatever way is most convenient. As long as that method is sand proof :)

[Bethany B.]

I'm hesitant about responding to this... I think there's a lot of truth in what you say: people do undervalue books.

But also I have to say that I know readers bordering the edge of "true straits." They haven't stopped reading, but the library is suddenly very important. And in general, they've got less free time to read because they're doing those things they can no longer pay someone else to do for them (i.e. car repairs, homemade meals instead of prepackaged ones, mending/painting old items instead of buying new ones, etc.). Books, to me, are much more than a luxury, but they're still not on quite the same level as groceries, medical bills, and mortgages.

[MavenLady]

Bethany B., you have a very good point. I was addressing my rant more to people who are still purchasing luxuries like CDs, DVDs, Wii games, and movie tickets -- not at those who are trying to figure out which things to cut so that the necessities of life (health insurance, food, shelter) can be paid for in a timely manner.

[S. Krishna]

I've actually started buying books more since this whole publishing crisis began - just trying to do my part to help!

[Laura Solop]

Choir member. Your post really hit's home with me. “I don't believe hard-copy books and e-books are weapons of mutually assured destruction.” –Amen.

I have pondered how to develop an initiative to keep our books and their publishers alive. If you find an advocacy program, I’d love to be made aware. Thanks for using your voice to help keep this top-of-mind.

PS: Your book reviews are what enticed me to visit your blog. Great work.

[Jake Olvido]

People seem to undervalue books because most think that buying books especially in these trying times, is quite expensive, a luxury, and that book-reading is a time consuming activity that they'd rather do somethin else. More than buying books, there is a real need presently to let consumers realize the value of books and book reading for that matter--and the demand will just follow. If only hardcovers and paperbacks were like pieces of art which appreciate over time, the entire situation would be different! Anyway, starting a Booklovers' or Booksharers' Club might re-kindle (no pun intended) readers' interest for hardcovers and paperbacks... a sort of a balancing act for the e-book sharing trend.

[Daisy]

I must be old school - I still buy books and newspapers and magazines. But here's the caveat: I trade my books through paperbackswap.com. In a reversal of logic, perhaps, I can rationalize buying new books instead of going to the secondhand bookstore. I know I'll be trading these for other titles, so I'm willing to spend up front for good new literature.
Crazy, yes, but I'm a reader. It's crazy in a good way.