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[Writing] More Shoes Dropping
Jan. 31st, 2011 12:11 pmInteresting reading from Joshua Bilmes (head of the publishing agency JABberwocky) about the slow and sad demise of Borders bookstores. Short version--it's vital to pay attention to your finances.
I haven't minded going to Borders in the past, but it always seemed that there was never one close by to me. Back when I was in Massachusetts, the closest one was (is?) across the border in Keene NH, but I figured, why go there when I could go to Toadstool Books in the center of town, which has a fun selection and a great atmosphere? Down in NJ, I'd go to the B&N on the corner of 202 and 10 rather than out to the Borders in Rockaway (nice and big as it was) or the one near the Eisenhower Parkway (which was a PITA to get to if you were heading east). Even out here in SF, we've got B&Ns galore and a lot of great indie shops...I think the last time I went to the Borders in Union Square was at least a few years ago.
Still...I've always felt more comfortable in a B&N...they've always felt homier, cleaner, and a little more on the ball. Borders always felt a little too flashy and mall-like to me. Not to mention, like JB states, that they seem to completely fail at being ahead of (or even on, for that matter) the curve.
I haven't minded going to Borders in the past, but it always seemed that there was never one close by to me. Back when I was in Massachusetts, the closest one was (is?) across the border in Keene NH, but I figured, why go there when I could go to Toadstool Books in the center of town, which has a fun selection and a great atmosphere? Down in NJ, I'd go to the B&N on the corner of 202 and 10 rather than out to the Borders in Rockaway (nice and big as it was) or the one near the Eisenhower Parkway (which was a PITA to get to if you were heading east). Even out here in SF, we've got B&Ns galore and a lot of great indie shops...I think the last time I went to the Borders in Union Square was at least a few years ago.
Still...I've always felt more comfortable in a B&N...they've always felt homier, cleaner, and a little more on the ball. Borders always felt a little too flashy and mall-like to me. Not to mention, like JB states, that they seem to completely fail at being ahead of (or even on, for that matter) the curve.
