Regnad Kcin,

Thanks for the info...I thought the "free shipping" was too good to be true.

Free shipping with minimum order is the oldest gimmick in the book, but it works, eh?

I am way behind the times.

I've never been in favor of large corporations gobbling up competitors, and being allowed to then 'run the table.' It actually stifles competition.You're seeing it in books, but I've seen it in other industries----most recently the mortgage lending industry, where large banking conglomerates suffer losses and drag the entire country down--or must receive assistance to contain the meltdown.

I understand what you are saying, but from recent experience, I would say not be afraid. The publishing industry is changing. Instead of printing lots of books that may or may not sell, many authors are going to companies that will print on demand. That saves money for everyone!

While I might browse for books at B&N or Borders, I routinely buy at Amazon.com. Always less expensive, easy to do and free shipping.

And, I also buy electric razors, video camera, digital camera, stereo system amongst many other products from Amazon. Great deals.

And, their gift certificate is always well received.

The only downside is that, on Saturday nights at least, B&N and Borders are crammed with cute single women on the prowl, with wandering eyes. No such luck on Amazon where it's a sexless and solitary experience.

Ok, first of all, Borders sells Seattle's Best coffee and B & N sells Starbucks... what's so confusing?

And Seattle's Best Coffee and Starbucks are the same company, to ease the confusion.

There are always options. One of them is Amazon.com who is now one of the largest book purveyors on the planet. Then there is WalMart whop specializes in watered down selections. I am certian that if it were possible, they would be the first to sell The Bible for Dummies! With their customer base, it would sell like hotcakes!

Then there is the free library systems which manage to bring in popular as well as excellent works.

The small bookstores are not dead. They are simply few and far between. My cousin used to own one of the best of them - a little shop called "The March Hare." But, Borders opened a superstore a mile away and her business dwindled to nothing.

I guess in the end, people without literate tastes buy more books than those who would rather read some obscure writer with talent than one of the best sellers. I am eclectic. I read across a wide spectrum and often find that I have to go to a college library to find some of the kinds of works I enjoy. A real bibliophile is not afraid to travel to get a great read.

I miss Leary's in Philly - a great used book emporium with five floors of every possible taste in the world. They tore down the building it was in to build ... a parking lot.