Death of the bookshop

I prefer books and maps to the electronic versions, and I don't consider myself a luddite at all, just being practical. (Nice collection of OS walking maps building up, I can spread one of these out on the living room floor and plan what I want to do).

I agree, browsing for books - and many other things for that matter - is getting more and more difficult, and feel I am being forced to buy off the internet due to lack of stuff in shops - a classic case, have out tried to buy a tourer over the last few years by simply visiting bike shops to see the products in the flesh? Or compare tyres, bike luggae etc. to see what they actually feel like? I'm fed up with buying stuff, finding it isn't suitable after all, and having to send it back.

Back to books - I used to work in Birmingham town centre, and spent many a happy lunch hour browsing books shops, especially second hand ones, and of course the central library. But now for used books I have to rely on charity shops,  stalls in local fetes etc (and the odd trip to Ironbridge or hay-on-wye!) I buy fiction used (lots since I retired) and half the fun is going around with a list of things to get - or it was,  when there were lots of used bookshops around each with lotsof books in on all sorts of subjects.

Non-fiction - where I want a specific book or books on a specific subject - often means giving up and using the internet. But I can't pick up a book on he internet, leaf through it and think - "maybe this isn't what I'm looking for after all".

Local library - mine closed down years ago, in favour of  a nice showpiece building which has proved so expensive it can't afford books! (I live in Birmingham)

Oops I've ranted again

I prefer reading paper books. I only use my ebook app while travelling. I always buy atleast 2-3 books every month. 

I shop at Amazon for my books as i use a KIndle and have in excess of 250 books on it now. There is no way i could store that many books at home and the Kindle is a blessing for me.

Price wise a brand new paperback is nigh on the same price as a Kindle download of the same book.

But more importantly i can get older books easily, such as very early forgotten realms books whereas they dont print them anymore.

My three biggest passions are reading, cycling and listening to music. These retail sectors all have a long tradition of independent shops and have been hit hard by supermarkets and the online retail boom. It will be our own fault if our town centres turn into wastelands and you have to wait days for your online purchases to arrive or pay extra for next day delivery.

For readers and music lovers online shopping certainly has it's advantages with a much greater range on offer. Price and convenience is a big factor too especially when Christmas shopping on a budget, however I am trying to have an Amazon free Christmas this year.

I don't think it is all doom and gloom though. I live in Cheltenham where there are plenty of independent shops and a new book shop has opened this year and the small town in Dorset where my parents live has at least 4 book shops.

Interestingly, in France there is a law, which ensures a minimum price for books. This means online retailers and supermarkets cannot undercut smaller shops on price. 

You're not being a luddite - the internet has caused bricks and mortar retailers to adapt.

There are other smaller online retailers though - I personally don't shop at Amazon due to their flagrant tax dodging.