The fate of bookstores

[*Deidre*]

Or are there bookstores (plural) left? Borders has closed, and the only 'big box' store left (I think?) is Barnes & Noble. With all the new available reading gadgets on the market, ie: the nook, kindle, etc...what do you think will happen to bookstores, as we know? Do you think they'll eventually close their doors, and online services like amazon and such will be the only games in town?

I still enjoy walking through a book store, large or small, with a warm beverage in hand, smelling the aroma of new books.

Sincerely,
An extremely happy (yet, nostalgic) Kindle Owner

I'm pretty sure Books-A-Million still exists, and they don't have anything like the Nook. I even know some local bookstores that have found their niche and are doing alright.

This is a good point, I wonder if this will open up a new avenue for smaller bookstores to find their place. The big box stores might vanish, but the charming little boutique type book shoppes might emerge (or maintain if they haven't closed already), in their place. Not everyone is sold on technology. I happen to really like my kindle, as it can be used for other things, which is nice. I also like some of the book features it has but I do miss ''holding'' a book, sometimes.

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Chapters is still around and kicking around this parts.

Books I have to admit causes more environmental harm than good. Digital is the way to go. Although I still prefer to collect my favourites as hardcover books, when it comes to reading new books or textbooks I get digital copies. But there is truly no substitute for reading a book as an actual book, which makes me feel kinda sad because they're always more expensive than digital copies and I can't afford them.

I still have old classics, in hard cover. I think to myself if there were a fire, I'd probably grab them first before any other prized possessions. lol Books can come to mean something to us. I think you make a hard to ignore point however, about the environment. Very true!

It's when public libraries go all digital that I will truly cry.

I love books...my vision problems make them even more treasured. A bright ass screen is no treat. I guess paper is an anachronism, but you never forget your first love.

Oh, and Playboy centerfolds.

I didn't know Playboy was still in business. Shows you what I know. You might be surprised with the kindle, it is very user friendly, and there is a dimming component, and a way to adjust the background to go easier on the eyes...if you ever choose to buy one. They're actually pretty cool.

Chapters is becoming more digitally-inclined, but at least those comic books are still there, even though the last time I bought a manga was 3 years ago and western comics (marvel) 4.

The internet is more and more taking over the role of each paperback.

I forgot all about comic books. Some things shouldn't be digital.

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Vanishing breed.

Im the same way but I don't think we're going to win this one. Books will always be available, but you'll have to order from Amazon. I read a newspaper every day, and they're in trouble too.

Newspapers have tv newscasts to contend with, think that is their main competition, than people being able to read them online. In general, news publications like local papers, and NY Times, etc are suffering also because they have turned into editorials, not solid news sources. (objectively speaking) When I read articles online even, I have to question the credibility, is the pub siding with a particular political party, etc etc etc

Hard to find solid news sources I trust these days.