Update Announcements by Craig Stark #137, 31 August 2009

Many thanks for the feedback regarding the issues surrounding the recent Alibris-BetterWorldBooks partnering. Since 100% of it came down on the I-don't-like this side, we're going to publish the most detailed letter-to-the-editor next week and give Karin Bergsagel the opportunity to respond to it.

Today, our recently-launched Bookselling in the 21st Century series resumes with an account of my recent experiences purchasing textbooks for my son's college classes. Quite an adventure, I'd say, and it represented a sort of microcosm of what ain't working in present-day bookselling - and, in turn, suggested what needs to be fixed if we intend to sell books successfully in the coming years. (If you missed Part I, click here.)

Next up is a book repair how-to. Would repairing a warped board in under a minute appeal to you? If so, read on.

Finally, click here for ongoing BookThink specials., and potential advertisers take note: The Dow is creeping closer and closer to that 10,000 mark, which will close the window on our 50% off advertising sale.