Re: OT: Books
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: OT: Books
- From: "* I* J* <j*@ix.netcom.com>
- Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 16:56:42 -0700 (MST)
Henryanner@aol.com wrote:
>
> Now, the databases of both Amazon and B&N are full of garbage. There is stuff
> there that isn't available, hasn't been available, and won't be available
> except through a specialist out-of -print search at megabucks. Amazon is more
> current than B&N. But both are full of stuff that will not be delivered if
> you order it. I know this. Orders are taken and that information apparently
> becomes part of the database and people see it and so forth and so on it
> goes. There is very little database cleanup going on that I can see. Multiple
> or superceded editions are listed when only one is available, prices are not
> corrected or updated----which is why, I suspect, that people are getting the
> Cambridge species book at the price that was announced pre-publication not
> the post- publication adjustment------ and there is stuff there that hasn't
> been around for years.
Certainly it is true that there are some elements of any database that
are incorrect. However, I can tell you that in my experience with
Amazon, they have been very good at knowing what they have available
immediately and what may take longer. To the case in point, the
Grosvenor book. When I ordered it the quoted delivery was 2-3 weeks. In
checking just a few minutes ago, I noticed that it has been changed to
"Not available yet." I imagine they are having a problem getting it from
the distributor. I can't speculate on the causes, or what the
motivations of the author/publisher/distributor might be, but they are
updating at least this element of their database.
The several other times I have ordered books from them they have been
fast, courteous, had what they said in stock, and given me excellent
service.
Just another voice.
John | "There be dragons here"
| Annotation used by ancient cartographers
| to indicate the edge of the known world.
John Jones, jijones@ix.netcom.com
Fremont CA, USDA zone 8/9 (coastal, bay)
Max high 95F/35C, Min Low 28F/-2C average 10 days each
Heavy clay base for my raised beds.
