One half of Barnes & Noble's ass has no idea what the other half is doing. I worked for them for many years and the home office guidance always felt as if it was plucked out of a hat. Their mentality for years was to consolidate efforts on selling everything but books. The focus was on toys and games and gift crap. They boast about having broad access to anything in print, but they rarely supported any local efforts to affect sales.
Having said that, they've also handed the reigns over to a fixer of sorts, who is known for turning businesses around. The same guy rescued Waterstones in Britain. Five years ago they had a massive culling of long-term staff who were soaking up too much of the shrinking profit. I was in that culling, and so I'm not certain what they're up to now. But as for their adopting a policy of supporting indie pubs, I wouldn't hold my breath.
I used to work for Books-A-Million (I was a lowly customer service drone at one of their locations) and everything you said is spot on. I'm going to talk to a couple of indie bookstores here in Birmingham, Al. and see what's what. I'd really like to get you both here for a signing!!
I'm so sorry about your friend. Please accept my condolences.
Brian, deeply sorry to hear about your good friend and Navy brother Lee. Glad that you are now in a better space to deal with death than with JF; as you know, i know it is never easy having lost many loved ones myself. And like you when i was younger i didn't handle it well either, but you learn, i guess it's part of the acceptance of your own mortality, and just like taxes you can fight and scream, but nothing will change the fact you have to pay taxes, nor can anyone change the fact that we're all on a one way trip ticket. I hope you get some important time with your friend and some memories to last the rest of your life. And I know having Mary's love and support will help you greatly.
Love to you and yours brother. I hope you and your friends find reasons to smile and your passing friend is welcomed to whatever lies next in peace and serenity. (Sorry, a little sappy today.) Good luck with all else, you are a machine.
Thanks for another intriguing newsletter. Since you brought up gettng your learn on, any suggestions for podcasts, newsletters (besides yours and your new paid subscription newsletter! Which is helpful), or people to follow to learn more of the current business side of all this? I have a tiny Indy pub I’m trying to grow and really need to learn in all directions.
One half of Barnes & Noble's ass has no idea what the other half is doing. I worked for them for many years and the home office guidance always felt as if it was plucked out of a hat. Their mentality for years was to consolidate efforts on selling everything but books. The focus was on toys and games and gift crap. They boast about having broad access to anything in print, but they rarely supported any local efforts to affect sales.
Having said that, they've also handed the reigns over to a fixer of sorts, who is known for turning businesses around. The same guy rescued Waterstones in Britain. Five years ago they had a massive culling of long-term staff who were soaking up too much of the shrinking profit. I was in that culling, and so I'm not certain what they're up to now. But as for their adopting a policy of supporting indie pubs, I wouldn't hold my breath.
I'm really sorry about your buddy.
I used to work for Books-A-Million (I was a lowly customer service drone at one of their locations) and everything you said is spot on. I'm going to talk to a couple of indie bookstores here in Birmingham, Al. and see what's what. I'd really like to get you both here for a signing!!
I'm so sorry about your friend. Please accept my condolences.
Sorry to hear about Miller, Brian. Cancer sucks and you've been in close proximity to more than your share.
Brian, deeply sorry to hear about your good friend and Navy brother Lee. Glad that you are now in a better space to deal with death than with JF; as you know, i know it is never easy having lost many loved ones myself. And like you when i was younger i didn't handle it well either, but you learn, i guess it's part of the acceptance of your own mortality, and just like taxes you can fight and scream, but nothing will change the fact you have to pay taxes, nor can anyone change the fact that we're all on a one way trip ticket. I hope you get some important time with your friend and some memories to last the rest of your life. And I know having Mary's love and support will help you greatly.
Love to you and yours brother. I hope you and your friends find reasons to smile and your passing friend is welcomed to whatever lies next in peace and serenity. (Sorry, a little sappy today.) Good luck with all else, you are a machine.
I was lucky enough to listen to Aron talk at length about marketing to local authors a few months ago. Invaluable information
Thanks for another intriguing newsletter. Since you brought up gettng your learn on, any suggestions for podcasts, newsletters (besides yours and your new paid subscription newsletter! Which is helpful), or people to follow to learn more of the current business side of all this? I have a tiny Indy pub I’m trying to grow and really need to learn in all directions.