Observations
Is it just me, or is it easier to write when you're upset about something?
Or am I justifying my paucity of posts by saying, in general, I'm a happy person?
OK, now that I have that out of the way, here's today's rant: Borders Books is going downhill, and picking up speed on the way. At least in terms of its brick and mortar stores, and at least from what I saw at its Flint location the other day.
Borders is a Michigan institution, and, for a period of time, was my favorite store. I could spend a good couple of hours there. On Saturday, however, I had a hard time filling up 30 minutes. I went only because I was in the neighborhood, and discovered in the time I was there that there is little reason for me to go back.
I searched the magazine rack for a particular poker magazine. Not there. I searched for any poker magazine. Not there. I looked for other magazines I like to read, Esquire, The New Yorker, and another magazine someone I respect has said is worth reading, The Atlantic. Not there, not there, not there. It was jaw dropping. I looked at some computer magazines, and saw one of interest that detailed the best apps for the iPhone/iTouch. I was ready to buy, and then noticed the price tag - $20! Another jaw-dropper.
Next I ventured into the heart of the store and saw a new album by Ray LaMontagne on an endcap. My interest was piqued. Wondered if I could listen to it and headed back to the music area. Noticed the area had been reduced in size by more than half. Understandable given the trend to on-line music purchasing. There were several small signs saying you could listen to music at special 'listening stations', but I couldn't locate any of these stations. Caught an employee coming off his break and asked him if it was possible to listen to this album. Maybe, he said, taking the album from my hands and walking me over to a computer screen. He typed it in, and expressed surprise that the album was even in the store. "Nope," he eventually said, this wasn't one of the few albums available to preview. "But if it's any help, it is selling well!"
I asked him what was up with the magazines. He told me they get different publications on a rotating basis, and they get what they're given. WTF?
In the end, I enjoy being able to buy product online. I just never thought it would come at such a cost.
Or am I justifying my paucity of posts by saying, in general, I'm a happy person?
OK, now that I have that out of the way, here's today's rant: Borders Books is going downhill, and picking up speed on the way. At least in terms of its brick and mortar stores, and at least from what I saw at its Flint location the other day.
Borders is a Michigan institution, and, for a period of time, was my favorite store. I could spend a good couple of hours there. On Saturday, however, I had a hard time filling up 30 minutes. I went only because I was in the neighborhood, and discovered in the time I was there that there is little reason for me to go back.
I searched the magazine rack for a particular poker magazine. Not there. I searched for any poker magazine. Not there. I looked for other magazines I like to read, Esquire, The New Yorker, and another magazine someone I respect has said is worth reading, The Atlantic. Not there, not there, not there. It was jaw dropping. I looked at some computer magazines, and saw one of interest that detailed the best apps for the iPhone/iTouch. I was ready to buy, and then noticed the price tag - $20! Another jaw-dropper.
Next I ventured into the heart of the store and saw a new album by Ray LaMontagne on an endcap. My interest was piqued. Wondered if I could listen to it and headed back to the music area. Noticed the area had been reduced in size by more than half. Understandable given the trend to on-line music purchasing. There were several small signs saying you could listen to music at special 'listening stations', but I couldn't locate any of these stations. Caught an employee coming off his break and asked him if it was possible to listen to this album. Maybe, he said, taking the album from my hands and walking me over to a computer screen. He typed it in, and expressed surprise that the album was even in the store. "Nope," he eventually said, this wasn't one of the few albums available to preview. "But if it's any help, it is selling well!"
I asked him what was up with the magazines. He told me they get different publications on a rotating basis, and they get what they're given. WTF?
In the end, I enjoy being able to buy product online. I just never thought it would come at such a cost.