Re: OT: Books
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: OT: Books
- From: M* H* <M*@worldnet.att.net>
- Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 16:57:42 -0700 (MST)
Henryanner@aol.com wrote:
>[snip]
> 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.
[snip]
> I do most sincerely hope that B&N and Amazon, both of whom I also deal
> with occasionally, can manage to get this book for all those who are
> interested. But I would not bet anything precious on it. Discount and
> great customer service do not inevitably go hand in hand.
>
> Anner Whitehead, Richmond, VA
Anner, I think this is a valuable posting at this time of year when
people on the List might be hoping to order (& receive!!!) books for
Christmas giving or getting. You may have just lowered the frustration
levels of all sorts of folks.
The whole book producing & selling industry is a peculiar one, as your
letter noted -- some of the methods of handling merchandise are
unbelievably strange. Some years ago, my son & daughter both worked for
an independent book retailer of note in Denver (The Tattered Cover) --
my daughter was a dept. head & buyer & my son was the whole Return Dept.
Their tales from work were fascinating to me because at the same period
I myself was a retail buyer for a huge store ala' Wal-Mart. The
difficulties I had in finding & actually obtaining the right mdse. at
the right time for prime selling were often a snap compared to their
hassles in the wonderful world of publishing.
Anyway, I truly hope those who've ordered the new Iris books receive
same in timely fashion -- but it's just as well to be aware of the
potential hold-ups, especially at discounted prices.
Marte in the mtns Zone 4/Sunset 1 Colorado
